It is so great when a majestic bird lands in a dead tree. The nice open view is so enjoyable.

The bright sunlight shining on the side of the Red Tailed Hawk creates such a cool look. The shadows on one side and the bright luminance on the opposite side. It even creates a shadow around the eye.

If you love birding and want to get good looks at raptors it could pay off to just stake out a dead tree with no branches to block the view. Wait and see if any birds come home to roost.

Photo details: Nikon D300S. Nikon 300mm lens. ISO 400. Shutter speed 1/1600 second. f/5.6.