I delete most of my cormorant flight shots because they’re almost invariably underexposed but I do like this one from last week at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge
1/3200, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +1.4 tc, canvas added for composition, not baited, set up or called in
The early morning sun angle put good light on much of the bird (though there’s not much detail near the tail) and I like the wing position. I’m not much of a fan of plain blue sky backgrounds for flight shots and on this morning I was resigned to such an outcome in any flight shots I might get because the sky was virtually cloudless. But just as I snapped the shutter this bird passed by one of the few small clouds to be found anywhere and there was even a tinge of pink provided by the color of the rising sun. Normally I prefer my birds a little larger in the frame but this composition works for me because I like the clouds in the background.
A simple shot that wasn’t so simple (for me) to get.
Ron
Beautiful shot. I find the eye color of cormorants fascinating. This one has the same turquoise/green eyes that the Cape Cormorants we saw in Namibia have. Very unexpected.
I have never seen this type of bird in flight. Only on the ground…Wonderful shot!
I love the way Ellie Baby words things..Ex.. “….choreography of the skies….”..WelL said, once again!!!
Yes, she does have a way with words, doesn’t she?
I do love the glimpses you give us of the choreography of the skies. So much grace, so much beauty, so much power…
Thank you, Elephant’s Child.
I especially like this shot because although I see a lot of these birds, they fly so darned fast I can’t really focus on them. This shot allows me to really get a clear fix on their flight position…no wonder they look like arrows released from a strong bow! Real stop action…thanks!
“Real stop action”
A shutter speed of 1/3200 sec tends to do just that, Patty – especially with larger birds. Thank you.
Love this!!!!!
Thank you, Ellen.
This is such a beautiful shot. I’ve never taken a decent flight shot of a cormorant–and I love these birds. They seem to emphasize the link between birds and avian dinosaurs. Congratulations and thanks!
“They seem to emphasize the link between birds and avian dinosaurs.”
I agree, Sharon. And I’d add the Great Blue Heron to that short list.
I’ve been linked to your site for only a few weeks but looking at the photo postings is now a much anticipated part of my day. Without images like these it can be tough to convince the general public that there’s much more to be seen and valued in the natural world than meets the casual eye. It’s an inspiring show you are putting on. Keep ’em comin’!
James, When I received this post email on my phone I was out in the field in a beautiful, new (to me) canyon enjoying the “natural world” that you mentioned. The timing and content of your comment (along with my lovely location) made my day. Thanks for that!
Remarkable color and light around the eye! I guess the blue sky has its benefits. 🙂
“I guess the blue sky has its benefits.”
Yes, it certainly does, Alison. But it’s nice to occasionally get the blue and the clouds where I want them in the image. Thank you.
Great shot Ron!
Charlotte
Thanks, Charlotte.
It’s a pretty shot. I do like the colors in this.
I do too, Stephanie. Thank you.