Hawk Eyelids... Who knew?

[terrib]

For me, becoming a better photographer isn't just about learning how to operate the camera, but also very much about studying your subjects. I like that in preparing for the taking and reviewing the results, I am prompted to research and learn more about my subjects. Sometimes it is information that is useful in finding wildlife or in being able to anticipate what they will do so I can get that interesting behavioral shot. Other times, it's just fun facts or interesting trivia.

I believe that this is a juvenile Red-tailed Hawk. I found him/her in the same general area on several different days that I visited the Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR. He was more tolerant of my presence than any other hawk I have encountered. He is apparently blind in his right eye. Reviewing the photos prompted me to research on the eyes of hawks and I've included some of what I learned with the photos.

#1 These first two shots show the right eye which is almost completely black.


#2 This is an extreme crop.


#3 Many birds have a nictitating membrane (third eyelid) that moves from the side. It's usually transparent/translucent giving protection and lubrication while still allowing sight. This shot shows that membrane partially covering the left eye. It also shows the regular eyelid closed over the right eye.


#4 A better shot of the closed eyelid which raises from the bottom of the eye.


#5 Just what I think is a nice full shot of the bird. As far as composition, I prefer the angle of this shot and #4 where I moved to provide a little separation between the bird and the large limb on the left.

[Mike Buckley]

Great set and informative narrative!

[John 2]

I've learned something Terri. Raptors are so dependent on their eyesight that you have to wonder if the bird will struggle if food gets scarce. Nice set and very interesting.

[Shadowman]

Very nice series.

[Dave Humphries]

Hi Terri,

An interesting series and commentary.

I did wonder whether the 'almost totally black' eye in #1 was just that the iris was fully open because the full eyelid had been shut immediately before #1 was taken - and the eye/brain was compensating by 'opening up' for the low light?

However, you observed it for longer and perhaps know this not to be the case.
I assume it is also unusual to see the main eyelid closed.

BR, Dave

[bnnrcn]

Very nice series

[terrib]

Thanks everyone for the kind comments.

Dave, I took a lot of shots of this bird on two different days and didn't get one shot with a "normal" open right eye. I've actually never seen a hawk with its eye(s) closed before and I think it very unusual that in the majority of shots, the one eyelid was closed completely. In all my reading, though, and all my photographic evidence I didn't come to any conclusion as to whether it was an injury or some other reason.

John, I wondered the same thing. The bird looked healthy and was acting/flying normally but it's hard to tell with all the feathers fluffed up in the cold. You'll notice in #2 that there is evidence of recent feeding under it's beak. Hopefully, he's learned to compensate or it's an injury that will heal.

[IzzieK]

Very interesting narrative, Terri...and all good shots. I lingered more on #1 because of its pose and didn't read your narrative until later...story telling at its best.

[deetheturk]

Wonderful captures Terri, thanks for sharing

[JohnRostron]

Nice series and narrative. I would guess that the bird would feed well, given ample resources, but might suffer as it became scarce, especially if it had to compete directly with other hawks.

[HaseebM]

Very captivating!

[chauncey]

Terri, the bad eye aside...those are stellar shots!

[terrib]

Thanks all for your time and comments!

[vaez]

An interesting series and commentary.