After a long time where they’ve been difficult to find on Antelope Island I’m finally beginning to see Chukars again. I still don’t have any recent great shots of them but at least there’s once again that possibility.
1/500, f/14, ISO 640, Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM, not baited, set up or called in
I photographed this probable mated pair on March 8 of last year as they perched on a rock and warmed in the morning sun (I’ve posted other images of these birds in the past but this one is new to my blog). Assuming they are male and female the larger male would be the bird on the right.
This is a challenging type of shot for me because with my gear it’s very difficult to get multiple birds sharp when one is in front of the other because I generally don’t have enough depth of field to do so. It helped to have removed my teleconverter but what really made the difference was my choice of aperture – f/14 in this case. Usually by the time I get my settings right one of the birds has left or turned away or the light has changed but this time both birds cooperated and things worked out.
I like the morning light, the background and the poses of both Chukars. True, there’s a couple of droppings on the perch that may not be pleasing to the eye for some. I could have cloned them out but chose not to.
Poop happens.
Ron
Poop happens! Had a coopers hawk posing in a tree in our backyard a few weeks ago. It ruffled its feathers and squatted a bit so thinking it was going to take off I fired off a burst. It didn’t take off and I got a nice sequence of poop happening. 🙂
Beautiful birds as always!
Poop on the fly, instead of the bird. Been there, done that, Jeff! Thank you.
As you know, I am always happy to see your images of the beagle boys. Love them.
Speaking of poop happening. Have you heard from Canon yet?
Thanks, EC. Talked to Canon this afternoon. My lens was still “on the bench”. Should find out something more tomorrow. Good news is that it’s still under warranty and they’re giving me free 1 day shipping on the return. Shipping isn’t cheap for that beast.
Even the most attractive of birds poop! That’s just part of the bird experience. This is a beautiful portrait, and I’m glad the birds cooperated for it.
Thank you, Susan. Getting two to cooperate was pretty unusual.
I’m with Bill on this one Ron, just gorgeous birds! I love these birds and the fact that you didn’t get burned by shallow DOF! Taking the time to make all those changes, you were lucky this pair was so cooperative! Whenever I’m out I’m on foot, and can’t carry much of a load, and never change my setup while standing in the Tucson desert, for fear of Az dust/dirt getting on the sensors, LOL. Very nice work!
Alan
Alan, I swap out my tc a lot and also sometimes use the 100-400 lens that has the push-pull zoom mechanism that is notorious for sucking in dust but over the years I’ve generally been lucky about getting dust on my sensor, even though I shoot in dusty conditions often.
Indeed, it does. What beautiful birds. I’m beginning to understand the depth and allurement of your hobby – something new or different ’round the bend. I certainly appreciate your work and your sharing.
Exactly, Bill!
Part (a big part) of the fun is that you just never know what awaits at the next turn. Usually it’s not a new species for me but it may be a new or interesting behavior, a spectacular pose or a beautiful setting. And even if I don’t get the shot, I wouldn’t trade the experience of being “out there” with birds and nature for anything.
And even when I’m not in the field I can look at my images on my screen or my prints on my walls and relive the entire experience.
I love what I do. I’m very lucky.