Tuesday, September 30, 2008

End of September




These are a few shots from the end of a hunt at the end of September. It's not just the cheap camera; nothing I shoot does justice to the moment. There were sharper shots in this bunch, but these slightly blurred images somehow get closest.

There are much better months than September in terms of weather for hawking. September is hot, and the mosquitoes are legion. But I'm always saying and do believe it's my favorite part of the season. It's the transition from the long downtime and otherly occupation, back to something you'd think you wouldn't forget in only six months away.

At the beginning of September, the three of us (the Harris, the dog, and myself) are separate beings. By the end of the month, we're a team.

Good hawking, etc., to all!

12 comments:

Todd said...

Rina is looking good! Good luck to you in the upcoming season.

Matt Mullenix said...

Thanks Todd,

She is going bald on me (her racing-line father's genes kicking in) but she's working like a charm otherwise.

Henry Chappell said...

September is tough, but isn't it great to be out hunting? Thanks for the post. I always enjoy the dog and bird pics. Rina looks great. I let Maggs get a little heavy over the summer. Cate's puppy energy keeps her slim.

Matt Mullenix said...

You can't fatten Rina up. My wife tries and tries and tries...! :-)

But she does get more muscle on during the season.

Matt Mullenix said...

Rina, I mean. Not my wife.

Matt Mullenix said...

Not that my wife lacks muscle.

Ah, hell.

Henry Chappell said...

That's okay, Matt. I know exactly what you mean. I need to run Jane a little before opening day. I imagine I'll have to bump her a few times with the e-collar. She'll be a little wild after lying around all summer.

Matt Mullenix said...

Henry: Exactly! Mine's laying on the couch AS WE SPEAK.

Isaac said...

^^^Talking about the hawk or the wife now?? ;-)

Andrew Campbell said...

Awesome bird, Matt. And quite the hunting team. Would love to see the three of you in action in the future.

Happily, bird season opened on Wednesday here in southern NY. We're busy this weekend -- and happy to avoid opening weekend -- but we'll get our tag-team out mid next week.

Happy hunting.
A+M+M+J

Matt Mullenix said...

Isaac, both!

Andrew, thanks! You've got a good looking team yourself. Come on down. Not many upland birds here (and not much upland!), but we'll find something for you to hunt.

Merrylegs said...

Matt, we have Rina's littermate Elvis. He also has a bald backside. They look almost identical. Debra told us about Rina and how you've trained her. Very cool. Let me know if you'd like to see a picture of her brother. You can email me at danielle.arnt@gmail.com