I photograph Horned Larks often on Antelope Island and elsewhere but their propensity for perching on low rocks has been an issue for me. On the island those rocks are predominantly Tintic Quartzite which is very light-colored (almost white) and is an extremely bright and often unattractive perch. And I simply get tired of perches that look almost the same.
But occasionally I’ve been able to photograph them on perches that have more appeal for me.
1/3200, f/7.1, ISO 400, Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
Last month I found this male on a gnarly old sagebrush branch. He didn’t give me much variety in pose or behavior but he allowed a close approach in pretty good light for long enough to snap off a couple of shots.
1/4000, f/6.3, ISO 640, Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
Then a week ago I encountered another male singing from a dried moth mullein stem. I do see them on perches like this occasionally but I think their height makes the birds feel more vulnerable than they do on much lower rocks so they tend to fly off more quickly as I approach. At least that’s my working theory…
This is another species I don’t post often because they’re so common. More attitude adjustment needed on my part.
Ron
Note: I’m on an extended camping/photo trip to Montana and internet access is intermittent at best so I won’t be able to respond to comments that may be posted (though I do get the comment emails on my phone when I have a signal and I enjoy reading them).
Common? Not in my neck of the woods.
Love those miniature horns, the colours, the pose.
Thank you. As always.
Glad you’re working on your attitude adjustment with Horned Larks. They are common for you, but for me they’re a bird I’m not sure I’ll ever see except on your blog. I love the feet pose on the second shot. It reminds me of those awful (to me) poses that photographers like, where they have people resting their chin on a couple of fingers. Except with this bird it is very attractive.
You took wonderful advantage of the Horned Larks when they eventually perched on a more “artistic” spot! Just for you! What a beautiful bird!
Your “common” Horned Lark caused a near-riot this winter when one showed up on a nearby beach. Fist fights broke out between birders and photographers and they beat each other over the head with long lenses and spotting scopes. And you simply walk out the door and have them land on your shoulder. Life isn’t fair, Mr. Dudley. 🙂
The horns on the singer are so well defined. That’s a great shot.
Great, beautiful shots, Ron! Love how background colors are echoed by the birds’….the detail is so perfect, I can even see the tiny feathers that surround the eye! Please don’t forget that what may be “common” to you, is not “common” to many of the rest of us. I NEVER get to see these beautiful little beauties , except through your postings…
I think my eyes must have seen the color coordination you mentioned, but I didn’t become conscious of it until I read your comment. Your artist’s eye is making me more conscious of what I’m seeing. Thank you!
Absolutely sensational shots Ron! Thanks for sharing!
Charlotte