On this morning as I was leaving Antelope Island after a morning of shooting I was, as always, watching for a Prairie Falcon along the causeway. Occasionally I’ve been lucky with that strategy but it doesn’t happen very often. One advantage I had is the fact that if there was one there it would likely be perched on the rocks next to the Great Salt Lake. With that dark blue background, the bright whites on the breast of the falcon are often easy to spot. And that’s exactly what happened.
1/4000, f/6.3, ISO 500, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light, not baited, set up or called in
This falcon had likely been hunting ducks along the causeway (unsuccessfully, based on the non-bulging crop, though it does have blood on the bill) and was taking a rest. The bird was cooperative and gave me 6 minutes while it was perched on this rock. I was able to get many shots of it that I liked.
But then I had a dilemma. Many of you know how much I like take-off shots. I was way too tight on the bird to avoid clipping body parts when it lifted off. When I took off my tc I was still too tight. I could back up and get further away from the bird but starting my engine might spook the bird when I wasn’t ready to take the shot.
I had to make a quick decision and chose to stay put and get what I could when it launched.
1/3200, f/8, ISO 500, 500 f/4, natural light, not baited, set up or called in
This time I chose correctly. As larger falcons are prone to do, this bird raised its wings for several seconds prior to takeoff and even gave me some very nice poses with eye contact. I also like the slightly open bill with hints of blood at the tip.
1/3200, f/8, ISO 500, 500 f/4, natural light, not baited, set up or called in
But just prior to take-off I’ll admit that my heart sank a little because I knew I was too close to get the entire bird in the frame with its wings up.
1/3200, f/8, ISO 500, 500 f/4, natural light, not baited, set up or called in
And that’s exactly what happened.
My only consolation was the fact that it took off slightly away from me and I didn’t get any eye contact anyway. If I had to choose I’d much prefer to get the images with the slightly raised wings while still perched (up close with good detail) over take-off shots without eye contact.
Occasionally I guess right in these situations…
Ron
Note: I’ve posted shots of this bird before but those presented here are new.
I third CHarlotte and had a chuckle at Wally – in agreement with all. Bloody fantastic photos, Ron!!! AS USUAL!! Us viewers have high expectations and you exceed them always…
The rich blue background adds so much to the overall image!
Even with clipped wings, I love that final shot. Straight legs and britches on display. And I would echo Charlotte – I suspect that you are often way too hard on yourself. Is there a perfect photo? Probably not – but you come very, very close with the images you display. So close that the gap is infinitesimal
Thanks very much, Elephant’s Child. I love how you love “bird britches” – you’ve made me more cognizant of them with your many references to them in the past.
I love the last picture, despite the wing being cut off. I think the detail in the feathers on the underside of the wing is so beautiful.
Great shots, I especially love the last one where his legs are stretched out behind him and he’s completely off the ground.
That’s quite the straight-legged stretch, isn’t it Cindy?
Pardon me if I just sit back a do a lot of heavy sighing while enjoying a magnificent raptor displayed by an expert photographer.
I’ll send criticism next Tuesday. Right.
Ron, simply superb. Thank you for sharing.
I’m delighted that you enjoyed the images so much, Wally.
Great series of shots. Your work is masterful.
So please forgive the obvious question, asked for not knowing the layout where you were photographing. If you didn’t want to start your vehicle’s motor for fear of startling the Falcon, why didn’t you just get out of it and walk away from it, putting more distance between the bird and your lens? Was there no where to walk, perhaps?
Nothing to forgive with your question, Terry. I didn’t get out of the truck to get further away from the bird because if I had it would have vamoosed the second I opened the door. I have absolutely no doubt about that. Most birds are much less fearful of vehicles than they are a person on foot. That’s why I usually shoot from my pickup.
Great shots Ron!! Reminds me of my lifer Prairie Falcon when we (my family) camped across the country. I wasn’t as close as you with this one, but it was a thrill for all of us at the time.
Love the Alula feather on the last image.
I’m glad you noticed the alula, Dick. A neat adaptation!
Beautiful sequence Ron. I guess we are our own worst critic, though I would be dancing a jig if I had taken these photos !
Believe me, John – I was exquisitely happy to get the shots of this falcon.
Love seeing the leading edge of the wing so clearly. Falcons and Hawks have so much control of thier feathers, its always intersting to see such sharp images of the “tightness” they use to make flight. Its such a simple thing they do, flexing those small feathers, its always enjoyable when you put a series of images together demonstrating it. 🙂
~Tim
You’re exactly right about those feathers, Tim. I’ve often wondered about the tiny muscles that must control them.
I’ve never seen a Prairie Falcon in real life. I pine for the experience and I frequently look at your Prairie Falcon images on your site. These images give me a tantalizing preview of what I hope someday to see in the wild. So, so fine … thank you.
I hope you see your Prairie Falcon soon, Sharon. Up close too. They’re magnificent raptors.
Very nice!
Thanks, Steve.
Just amazing shots Ron. You,re way to critical of your shots! Are you an perfectionist in all facets of your life? ;.)
I’m certainly not, Charlotte. You should see what a mess my “shooting truck” is most of the time…
Well, that’s good to hear!
Charlotte