'Round and 'Round You Go

"Elusive"
1/50 sec at f/4.5 ISO 400

My workplace is located off a busy, divided highway. My wife and I were leaving last night, and heading north, when she spotted a hawk sitting atop a small tree in the median. So, at the next available crossing, we paused momentarily to get the camera ready and then U-turned southbound. Traffic was uncharacteristically sparse at that moment, so I slowed down and went to the left shoulder to get my shot at him. I no sooner pulled up in to what I thought would be a great spot when Mr. Hawk took off. Doh!

It was nearing dusk, but I wanted another shot at him. I am going southbound and at the next opportunity I do a U-turn and head northward again hoping to find him still somewhere in the median. Sure enough, there he is a few hundred yards down from the first place we spotted him. This time I would shoot from the right shoulder. I got into position, rattled off a few frames, however now his back is to me. As I creep ahead for a better angle, doesn't he take flight again. I am not done yet!

I now drive up to that same place I made my first turn around and head south again. I find him. I "try" to shoot, he flies. Doh! He's not getting the best of me! I U-turn one more time. I find him. I shoot, he flies! Okay, by this time I should realize he's not going to cooperate, but I have one more U-turn left in me. I find him. I shoot, he flies.

I give up. I'm dizzy. I've been out-smarted by an accipiter cooperii! Score one for the hawk. I go home to review my pics. Not one usable one out of 72 frames taken. What you see above is the best of the worst. You win some, you lose some.