Bird photography isn’t easy and the resulting images are often missing an essential element (or two, or more…) but sometimes I like those shots anyway. Case in point:
1/2500, f/7.1, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +1.4tc, not baited, set up or called in
Yesterday morning I encountered this juvenile Red-tailed Hawk perched in a Russian Olive tree in a pasture near Farmington bay. I took some perched shots then removed my teleconverter and hoped for a good angle on possible take-off. If it happened it looked like it would be against a plain blue sky background but…
1/3200, f/7.1, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM, not baited, set up or called in
serendipitously a puffy white cloud had moved behind the bird just in time for launch. The result looks a little like an artificially added vignette but it isn’t. I should be happy that one thing went right (and I am) but I’d have preferred a head turn from the bird. Normally I wouldn’t post images without a better head turn and more light in the eye but I was so taken by the athletic posture of the take-off that I decided to make an exception.
1/3200, f/7.1, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM, not baited, set up or called in
Excuse me, I misspoke – two exceptions. This is the next frame in the burst and I like the contrast in poses between the two images. I was able to get 12 more sharp shots of this hawk (with nothing clipped) right after it took off but the darned bird didn’t alter the angle of its head one iota in any of them.
Next time maybe the bird will glance my way…
Ron
Ron, your title says it all: “power and grace”. What a magnificent bird and you really captured its beauty. I suspect the foliage is more “busy” than you’d prefer, but I like the contrast it provides. And nice work to schedule that bit of cloud to show up at just the right moment! 🙂
(Sorry to have been absent for a bit. Hopefully, back in the saddle now.)
Hi! You are one of two best to do great photo’s! You know who else is great,too?
Serendipity rides again. These are beautiful shots. I especially like the take-off shot: the well-placed cloud, the wing and tail positions, the great view of the britches, and the details of the feather patterns. I’m really glad you posted these photos.
Your shots are so incredible! I think you’re way to much of a perfectionist, but I also supposed this is why your shots are so stupendous. Guess I’ll just shut up and enjoy your exceptional talent!
Charlotte
He was showing you his best side. And what a side it is. Thanks Ron – so much grace and power in these shots.
Thank you, Elephant’s Child.
Re:Russian Olive…could they use control rather than complete removal? Do they plan to replace any that they remove with something they consider acceptable…for perching birds?
I’m afraid I don’t know the answers to your questions, Patty. I do know they usually (though not always) try to keep the island as natural as possible and I suspect there were never many trees there in the first place. There are several large stands of Russian Olive on the island (east side and Garr Ranch) where there has been no effort to remove or control them (that I’m aware of).
That bird is focused! I love the intensity and power in those shots. 😀
Thank you, Arwen.
I can not say IT enough… Thank YOU! For sharing your fabulous photos with us.
CJ
You’re very welcome, C Jolly. I appreciate the nice comment.
Ron, the second shot looks like ballet to me. Graceful purposeful movement. Thanks.
I had the same “ballet” thought about that image, Diana.
Wonderful shots! What kinds of trees could be substituted as native and non-invasive?
Alison, Scrub Oak, comes to mind. It’s on many of the hill and mountainsides in the area. But it would take a trained botanist/naturalist to know the best answer to that question. Besides, I suspect the island never had many trees in the first place so it’s mostly treeless naturally.
Beautiful sequence. What I like the most is the sense of power that come out of it. Great shots.
I don’t want to become an annoyance to you but I have a technical question. You said you removed the tc and yet ISO stood the same. Only speed changed. I don’t understand. Do you use Auto ISO?
My apologies.
Questions about photography or birds are never an annoyance here, Jorge. Feel free to ask them.
No, I never use auto ISO – that’s something I like to have control over. So my ISO never changes unless I deliberately change the setting.
Once again, you caught my two most favorite take off positions…what I call the “fling” and the “downward power” shots….wonderful!!! That Russian Olive sure is loaded with fruit! Although the birds love them, they are considered invasive here…is that true there, too?
Thanks, Patty. Yes, Russian Olives are considered invasive here too. Antelope Island State Park has started to remove some of them which I find disturbing in some ways (there are few trees on the island for perching birds) but I do understand their motivation.