A simple image but the light on the grebe and the dark, moody setting appeal to me.
1/4000, f/6.3, ISO 800, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
This shot was taken at Farmington Bay a little less than two months ago. As you can see from my shutter speed and ISO I was set up for action but the bird had other ideas. I happened to catch the grebe at the moment it was moving into the shadows on the water that were cast by the surrounding phragmites but there was still light on the side of the bird and I liked the effect.
Pied-billed Grebes are such small and typically inconspicuous birds that they’re often largely ignored by birders and photographers but over the years they’ve been one of my preferred subjects.
For those interested: We arrived home yesterday from our annual spring shake-down cruise with the camping trailer. We visited the far-west desert including extremely remote Fish Springs NWR, traveling several hundred miles of dirt/gravel roads as we did so. We saw some country that we love including incredible vistas, wild horses and some interesting sites of western historical significance. And Fish Springs, that jewel in the desert, is always worth the trip just to experience it. But I must say it was a somewhat disappointing trip on two fronts:
- Birds were rare and good photographs of them even rarer. We were just too early for most spring migrants and those birds we did see seldom experience people or vehicles and were almost impossible to approach. We had a couple of chances with Golden Eagles that could have been spectacular but something always went wrong (nothing new there with that nemesis species of mine…)
- I also had a significant problem with the electrical system of my trailer toward the end of the trip. We limped home and it’s scheduled to go into the shop later this week.
I guess I should look at the bright side – the shake-down cruise served its function and I was able to find the problem prior to an extended, longer-distance trip (Montana for example) where such an electrical issue could have been semi-disastrous.
It will take me a day or two to shake my disappointment though…
Ron
Beautiful lighting! How are you liking the 7D mark II? I’m thinking of upgrading from my 7D.
I love the Mark II, Scott! I’d highly recommend that you make the jump, it’s worth it for a variety of reasons.
That’s one curvy, cuddly-looking bird! Love what the light does to the duck and the patterns of the water…
Great shot!
Charlotte
The setting also very much appeals to me, too. That is one cute little bird.
Thanks, Susan.
Sigh. Better luck next trip. And the ones after that.
Love the grebe. And the water it decorates…
Thank you, EC.
Beautiful light. Sorry about the electrical problem.
Thanks, Dave. Me too…
This reminds me of being at home on the bayou. There’s a certain time in the morning when it’s all greys and golds and greens. Lovely. Thanks for that memory.
“Home on the bayou” has a nice ring to it, Arwen.
This is so beautiful! I love the moody quality. When I feel disappointed, I try to remind myself that everyday I go out looking for birds is a good day.
That’s usually my therapy too, Susan. I planned on going out this morning (we were supposed to have good light) but the clouds came in early. Thank you.
Wow, Ron!! I LOVE the lighting on both the Grebe and the water. So glad you shared it.
Thank you, Jo Ann.