Just an odd little idiosyncrasy about photographing birds.
As a general rule there’s an inverse correlation between bird size and wing stroke speed – the smaller the bird the faster the speed of the wing beats. Camera burst rates vary but I’ve found that the wing speed of many moderately sized birds (some corvids and raptors for example) matches that of the burst rate of my two Canon 7D’s (8 frames per sec). This phenomenon can produce multiple sequential images with almost exact poses in flight and that can be either good or bad.
1/4000, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM, not baited, set up or called in
This Black-billed Magpie had just taken off from the bush its nest was in so as usual I fired off a quick burst. Note the flight posture and compare it to…
1/4000, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM, not baited, set up or called in
the next image in the burst. The flight postures aren’t identical but they’re pretty darned close. There are times when I’ll get 4-5 sequential shots with almost the same flight pose. That can be good news if I like the wing position but if the wings are horizontal I’ll often delete the entire batch.
My new Canon 7D Mark II has a burst rate (with a fast memory card) of 10 frames per second so I’m anticipating getting the same effect with somewhat smaller birds, say perhaps the size of mockingbirds.
We’ll see if that’s what happens.
Ron
Note: In the last few weeks I’ve received many inquiries asking if Farmington Bay will be killing carp this year (they didn’t do it last year because of health issues with Bald Eagles). John Neill, Avian Biologist for the Great Salt Lake Ecosystem Program reported on Ubird this morning that it will occur. Here’s the direct quote:
“Yes there will be a rotenone treatment done prior to Bald Eagle Day, which is Saturday, February 14.”
I suspect, as in previous years, that it will be done significantly before the 14th but I don’t know that for sure.
Lovely! I haven’t seen one of these since I was a kid. Beautiful bird, and lovely photo. One day, maybe I’ll have a chance to see one again.
The carp kill. I understand why because of the nuisance of the carp, but is that bad for the eagles? I’m thinking it must be but am not sure. Love the magpie shots.
Arwen, no, it’s not bad for eagles unless some of them are sick like they were last year. Then they don’t kill the carp for fear that eagles in concentrated numbers will allow the illness to spread among them more easily.
Thanks! Being from Louisiana, I remember when they introduced carp to try to take care of the duckweed. Talk about a bad idea!
Just glorious. So like our magpies in shape, so unlike them in plumage.
EC, Once again your comment inspired me to research what your Australian magpies look like. It must be something to have those birds dive-bombing you.
Oh it is. And the clattering of the beak just adds to the experience…
Gorgeous shots! It’s amazing how similar they are.
Thanks, Susan.
Love this elegant bird…especially love the graceful upturned arc of the left wing, detail, intensity of the first shot…BEAUTIFUL!!!
Thanks very much, Patty.
Interesting and gorgeous shots Ron! Will look forward to seeing what you do with smaller birds.
Charlotte
Thank you, Charlotte.
I have been a “NIkonian” all my life but I must confess it is hard to keep on going like that after seeing your beautiful photos.
10 frames per second and a 100-400mm zoom that works with a teleconverter… I begin to wonder if I made the right choice !!!
I can’t wait to see the next “chapter”…
Jorge, For Canon and Nikon it’s a game of catch up and fall behind. My advice is – be patient. Eventually each brand catches and passes the other in certain areas and the issues of changing brands, both practical and financial, are huge. Thank you.