A bison, many birds, a stormy sky in the background and even an element of novelty – all are reasons this image appeals to me.
1/1250, f/7.1 ISO 800, Canon 7D Mark 2, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM, not baited, set up or called in
Against my better judgment and usual practice of avoiding Antelope Island on Saturdays, this morning I decided to break a personal tradition and visit the island despite the weekend crowds. The light looked promising at first but most of the morning was socked in with clouds. And then everything came together for just a few minutes.
Light peeked out from behind the clouds and spotlighted a group of bison on a hill with dark, threatening clouds in the background (the sky was darker than it appears here). Flocks of European Starlings were buzzing around the bison, alternately landing on them and on the ground all around. I presume the starlings were feeding on insects that infest the bison and on seeds on the ground. The starling flocks were in several amorphous murmurations that flowed through the air from one bison group to another. It was fascinating to watch, especially in that lighting and with that dark background.
I have many photos similar to this one but I chose to post this image largely for the novelty provided by the bird flying in front and just above the bison’s eye. At first glance it looks like that bird is banking vertically with its right wing down and its left wing up but closer inspection reveals that the left “wing” is really the bison’s horn. The illusion is likely a little bit of weirdness that appeals to me more than it does to others.
But that’s par for the course…
(And yes, I’m also a fan of Bev Doolittle and have one of her prints hanging in a bathroom).
Ron
Addendum: I’m posting this heavily cropped version of the same image in response to Patty Chadwick’s question, below.
Patty, I think you can see here that the left wing is in a horizontal position that makes it difficult to see in the larger version of the image.
I too like the shadows – a ghost of the starling. Also makes a strange shape of the nose…. lovely image.
who knew how beautiful a bison horn could be? Similar colors and related pattern to the starling wing.
It also looks like those master-crafted japanese swords that are made from several metals, using extreme heat and expert pounding to create a highly-valued sword…that looks like a bison horn.
wherever you go, there you are!
SUE
The bird and the horn look like a bow to me. I had to keep looking. 🙂
It’s all in the eye of the beholder, Stephanie.
And then the shadow of that bird on the bison’s throat too. It all looks oddly surreal! What fun! Thank you, Ron!
Mikal, I didn’t even notice that shadow until I worked up the second version of the image. You never know what you’ll find (or notice) when you do that.
These shots are very enjoyable. Does this behavior suggest that Starling are taking over for the Cowbird? Or do you see other birds benefiting from insects that are found on the Bison?
Whatever that case, these are great shots.
“Does this behavior suggest that Starling are taking over for the Cowbird?”.
I’m not sure, Dick. Likely it’s just the fact that our Cowbirds have left for the winter and these flocking starlings were taking advantage of an available food source. But knowing the track record of starlings, anything’s possible…
Weird is good. Many of my friends and relatives wear the tag with pride.
And I love the bison – and its friends. And the word mumuration. Thank you for braving the Saturday rush.
Add me to your list of weird friends, Elephant’s Child.
This image is very appealing. I love the horn/wing illusion.
I love this photo. I have always admired Bison. The birds give the photo an extra touch!
I think so too, Jean. Thank you.
I give up….where is the other wing???
absolutely cool … a perfectly fun and unique capture … love what the light was doing for you!!
Lois, I should have grabbed my other camera and taken some wider shots of the entire scene. With the dramatic lighting and the murmurations and bison they might have been pretty neat. Should’a, but didn’t…
How wonderful!
Charlotte
Thanks, Charlotte.
Quite lovely – to me, the spread wings, lit-up, somehow echoes the eye-light and create a dynamic energy. One more ‘favorite’ among my favorites of your photos. Thanks so much for posting it!
“One more ‘favorite’ among my favorites of your photos”
I appreciate that, Alison. Glad to hear that you share my occasional strange tastes…
DOD, remembering that I’m a rookie could you please tell me how to put my name on my photo’s as you do. What is that processed called when you put your copy right mark on the photos? Thanks, Ellen
Most folks call it a copyright watermark, Ellen.
Mine is actually a graphic that is very complex to create. The easiest way to do something similar, assuming you’re using Photoshop, is to use the Text Tool. Alt 0169 brings up the copyright symbol, then just type your name. Use the color picker to choose the color you want, then move it to the place you prefer.
Amazing Capture Ron !
Thank you, John.
That is an awesome photo! Thank you Ron.
I’m glad you like it, Debbie. Thanks.
Hi Ron,
I like it. Prior to reading your text, I thought the “novelty” was that it appears the bison has a bow in her hair. You have your weirdness, I have mine!
Cheers,
Dixk
Variety is good, Dick. Even in weirdnesses…