23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Wildlife
Solitude in White — The Watchful Hawk

A lone hawk perches on a web of bare branches, suspended against an almost pure white sky. The simplicity of the composition amplifies its quiet power — no distractions, no clutter, just the stark geometry of nature and the poised stillness of the bird. Every line and curve contributes to a sense of solitude and balance, evoking both fragility and strength. The photograph captures a moment of silent vigilance, where time seems to hold its breath, and the hawk becomes both observer and symbol of clarity amid emptiness.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 09.2025
Date Uploaded: 10.2025
Photo Location: United Kingdom
Camera: ILCE-7RM4
Copyright: © Irina Petrova Adamatzky