Black-billed Magpies are difficult subjects but I enjoy the challenge of photographing them.
1/2000, f/7.1, ISO 800, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
This one was hanging out in a favorite perch on Antelope Island about three weeks ago. It tends to be a cluttered setting but this time it was at the top of the tree which gave me a chance of relatively unobstructed take-off shots but typical of many corvids in particular the bird chose to partially close its nictitating membrane at an inopportune moment.
1/2500, f/7.1, ISO 800, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
Two frames later I was able to get a shot I like better, especially because of the wing position and the iridescence.
This is a quick post because due to technical problems my blog has been down for the past day and a half and it just now came back up. Hopefully I’ll resume my normal posting schedule beginning tomorrow morning.
Technical issues, whatever their source, are truly a pain in the keister…
Ron
Wonderful shots Ron
Charlotte
Terrific detailed take-off capture really highlights the colors and beauty of these iridescent wings.
I’m looking at the way that long tail flexes during different moves and thinking about how that might compare with long Theropod dinosaur tails during different actions, especially now that there is evidence that dinos were feathered from early on, most likely to conserve body heat. Do any others have an opinion on this?
Interesting observation, Pam. I’ve seen (and photographed) magpie tails flex much more than this – it’s pretty impressive. Especially when that interesting tail shape is fanned out where you can see it better.
Perfect pictures of the perfect dismount, Ron.
“Dismount”. I like that application of the word for this context, Diannemarie. I’ll probably borrow it for future use. Thank you.
Very nice. They are pretty birds.
Thanks, Arwen.
Glad you are back on-line. Great shots of the Magpie take-off. I spent a lot of time trying to get a similar set of photos for an Eastern Phoebe last week, but the bird and I were not on the same wavelength concerning direction of take-off.
Those wave lengths are difficult to choreograph, aren’t they, Dave? Thank you.
I’m sorry you’re having technical problems again. These shots are both beautiful. I love the combination of glossiness and the softness of the feathers in the first one. I also love that you caught it in the process of take-off.
These problems were a different sort than the previous ones, Susan – this time it wasn’t hackers so theoretically it shouldn’t be an ongoing problem.
Wonderful pictures. A very handsome bird. There is a Yellow Billed Magpie in Santa Barbara area,(2 hour drive for us), and further north of Santa Barbara. Looks like another trip is in store. I read where the Yellow Billed Magpie is declining for several reasons. What a shame.
I’d love to see and photograph a yellow-billed, Jean. I’ve never seen one (unless it was when I was a kid and living in California and didn’t know what I was seeing…)
What a wonderful comeback sight! Magpies!!!
Delighted to have you back, Patty – you’ve been dearly missed around here. I know you’ve been frustrated with your access issues…
A triple treat here (do you get that icecream over there?). Patty back where she belongs, Ron’s blog back AND a magpie. Consider me smiling so broadly that my face hurts.
I remember ice cream like that, EC. I favored the chocolate portion. And yes, having Patty back is certainly a treat.
My favorite bird. It is so beautiful with shiny feathers and a fabulous wingspan. These two shots underscore your considerable talents – patience, photography and knowledge of all things birds. I’m very happy to see your offerings every day.
Thank you for the very kind words, Bill.
Nice shots Ron. Question: What do you base your speed setting, what you set your ISO or some other info? Thanks.
Dick, I shoot in aperture priority so once my exposure is right if I don’t have the SS I think I need for the situation I adjust my aperture or ISO or both.