Back in June of 2008 I still had many lessons to learn about photographing birds. This male Yellow-headed Blackbird was one of my more memorable teachers.
1/125, f/8, ISO 500, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc
Typically I’m shooting from my pickup so I have to pull up on the bird (hoping it doesn’t fly off), turn off the engine to avoid engine vibration, get my gear out the window, focus and shoot. But as soon as I saw this bird through the viewfinder I noticed that I had stopped in a position that put a cattail between me and the blackbird. I immediately realized that I should have pulled a few feet further forward (or stopped several feet earlier) to put the offending cattail to the side of the bird.
However, at this point doing so presented a problem – if I started the engine it would likely flush the bird. But knowing I didn’t really have a choice I started it anyway and moved several feet forward…
1/125, f/8, ISO 500, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc
and this time I got lucky because the bird was so intent on its displays for the ladies that it stuck. But I had missed the unobstructed pose I wanted most (the first shot) and it didn’t happen again.
This wasn’t the first time something similar had occurred to me but until this instance those were lessons I usually didn’t remember in the excitement of stalking a promising bird. But after the disappointment with this first shot I had truly learned my lesson. Now, when I’m pulling up on a bird there’s always two things going through my mind as I’m deciding where to stop and turn off my engine – Where will the light angle be best? Can I maneuver into a position that will avoid any obstructions in front of the bird?
Lesson learned…
Ron
A note to my readers: My computer needs a tune-up and must soon go into the shop for a few days. I have another computer that (due to potential software issues) I may or may not be able to use to publish blog posts during that time. So if I’m mostly off line for a while, that’s what’s happening. Wish me luck…
These are beautiful birds and wonderfully photographed. I’ve found red-winged blackbirds often stay in place when displaying even if being photographed by an unobtrusive someone standing on the ground, and they have something in common with their yellow-headed cousins in the looks department. The females and juveniles are beautiful too, in a subtle way. I would love to photograph from a vehicle – glory be, that would be fantastic. But it’s not possible here, where you have to walk around parks and preserves with your equipment. I bought an army mosquito headnet as camouflage. I think that would work quite well as birds often look down the tripod legs and up to the lens when they hear the shutter, apparently mistaking me for an inanimate object. I know that head net would serve me well, but I just can’t bring myself to use it considering the number of park goers always about. I’ve already had a homeowner challenge my presence in a township field. I can imagine the hubbub that would erupt if I were standing around in a headnet 🙂
great shots even with the poorer vantage point. But this one can only match his funny poses with his strained call-always gets me laughing.I am usually standing and take a step forward to get closer. Then another. Whoops!One step too many.When will I learn?
Most sensational yellow head shots I have ever seen. Thanks for sharing Ron!
Charlotte
I have yet to see a Yellow-headed Blackbird … so I’m still living through your shots on this one. 🙂 I love photographing from a car because of how animals tend to be undisturbed. I haven’t found too many places to do that up here, but am looking forward to the next time I’m in that position — so I can heed your sound advice here.
“I love photographing from a car because of how animals tend to be undisturbed.”
Exactly, Ingrid! Two advantages there – as you well know it’s never advisable to unduly disturb wildlife and the bonus for photographers is that we can get closer to them without doing so. Can’t tell you how many times I’ve photographed a bird up close in my pickup and when I was through the bird was still there so I backed up and went around it and left it in place.
Beautiful Blackbird. We don’t have this particular type in our area. I love both shots!
Thanks, Jean.
The detail in the blacks is just wonderful. Good luck with the computer.
Thank you, Sonja. The computer’s in the shop and I’m now trying to get everything up and running on the old one. More complicated than one might think when you’re blogging.
What a contortionist! And brilliant capture.
Good luck with your computer issues.
Thanks on both counts, Elephant’s Child.
It seems the lessons learned “the hard way” stick with me sooner. This was one of those! Thanks for the reminder, Ron. The other thing I have to check on around here when positioning the truck for the best shot is what’s in front of and beside me – such as some really deep mud or grass covering a two-foot deep creek!
Love that blackbird image!
I’d like to hear that story about the 2′ deep creek one day, Wally. Bet it’s a doozy.
About 6 years ago I was driving a small 2 wheel drive car and made the mistake of driving the Farmington dirt road looking for birds in about 6″ of fresh snow. Got stuck. Really stuck! This old farm boy who prides himself on never, EVER getting stuck had to be rescued by another photographer friend (Joe Ford). I was so embarrassed I bought a new 4wd pickup within a week or two. Been driving one ever since…
Love these photos, even the one with the offending cattail, for the bird’s position where he’s doing the splits. Best of luck with getting your computer back to working well. I’ll miss your posts while it’s gone because they always start my morning out right.
Susan, Hopefully I won’t miss doing any posts. Time will tell…
Very nice shots, and many thanks for the lesson, I will definitely keep light angle and avoid obstructions as key!
It took me too long to learn a few simple lessons like that, Dick.
Irregardless, what wonderful pictures of this guy–nice eyes!
Thank you, Carolyn.
There’s something about a dog watching a bug and a bird straddling two perches at the same time that always makes me laugh… Beabutiful bird…love the display. Good luck to you and all the rest if us with your computer issues…your luck is our luck, too.
You laugh at many of the same things I do, Patty. Thanks for the wish for luck.
Ron, your Photography and narrative truly shows how much time and care you take in creating and sharing your techniques ( and lessons learned). Thank you and good luck with your computer issues.
Thanks very much for the kind words, John.
What a great looking blackbird. The blackbirds we have in PA are all black and not really alll that ineresting looking. Your bird was quite a performer!!! The second shot put a big smile on my face. He just looking goofy trying to attract the girls!!
Hope your computer is up and running quickly.
Ellen
Ellen, this species has a corner on the market of “looking goofy” while displaying. They’re real characters.