I don’t often keep an image where the wings of a songbird in flight are in a horizontal position. It’s a flight posture that generally doesn’t appeal to me as much as when the wings are in the up or down position and I believe many folks have the same preference. Flashy wings held vertically (either up or down) are usually more dramatic and visually interesting.
And then there’s the problem with depth of field. Wings held vertically are largely in the same focal plane as the body of the bird so if the body of the bird is sharp, so are the wings (if you have enough shutter speed). Wings, especially the tips, don’t always have to be tack sharp because motion blur of the tips is almost expected with a bird in flight but when they’re held horizontally one of them often appears as a soft, blobby mess in front of the bird and that doesn’t tickle the fancy of many viewers of the image.
But occasionally I get an image with the wings in the horizontal position and actually like it.
1/4000, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM, not baited, set up or called in
This Western Kingbird photo is one of those images (taken 3 weeks ago on Antelope Island). Even though the sexes of the species are similar I know this bird to be the male for behavioral reasons. He had just taken off from his favorite perch near the nest that was being constructed by his mate and I caught him with his wings held horizontally. The right wing in that position even hides most of the interesting ventral yellows so going by my typical formula this image would most likely be deleted.
But I like the shot anyway, for a variety of reasons:
- even in this position there’s good light and detail on the top of the right wing so I still find it visually interesting.
- except for the distal third of that wing most of it is sharp and the rest of it is sharp enough
- I got a nice head turn with eye contact, catch light and good light on the face
- I like the curl of the wingtips in front of the head
- the bits of the sagebrush perch at the bottom of the frame make sense because this bird has obviously just taken off
- the white outer edge of the outer tail feathers is unique to this kingbird species. Many folks think those entire feathers are white (if they’re aware of them at all) but in this image it’s clear that it’s only the outer edge that is white. I like seeing that so clearly.
I’ve said before that I tend to be a creature of habit and “flexibility” is far from my middle name but I’m glad that in this case at least I didn’t let a “knee jerk” response to the image dictate its demise to the delete bin.
Ron
This photo has a great energy for me. The movement in that image really speaks to me.
soooo well done!
It’s a wonderful shot Ron!
Charlotte
How I love the education I receive here. The education coated in feathered beauty and magic. Thank you Ron. And thank you to all your knowledgeable and/or funny commentators too.
I love that you feel educated when you visit here, EC. And you’re right, those who regularly comment here are a special bunch of folks.
It’s always amazing to me how flexible the tips of those outer primaries are during flight…and that they can take that constant flexing without breaking…this is so beautifully demonstrated in this image…they feel so stiff in one’s hands……
Good point, Patty. That always impresses me too.
You can also easily picture how the following downward and back wing stroke will thrust the bird forward (and possibly upward)…so many of your photos illustrate, so clearly, some aspect of bird life…and behavior…perfect teaching tools….
Birds must push/pull themselves against the density of the air….
I am SOOO glad you didn’t delete this image!!! I love the crispness of the detail, the expression, the puffy “cheeks” and throat, the feet and wings perfectly aligned, and that little round head! These birds are so darned cute!!!
Patty, your detailed description of some of the features of this bird reminded me of something I often notice in my images of the species.
Some of their feathers, particularly on or near the head, seem to have a different texture than that of most birds. It’s difficult to describe but it almost reminds me of very fine steel wool. More than once I’ve even cropped very tightly on a small area of those feathers to see if that impression remains. It does. But I can’t explain it…
So lovely. I’m glad you didn’t delete it. I love these little birds!
Thank you, Sharon. I love them too and look forward to their return every spring.
Such a lovely capture, Ron & I’m SO glad it didn’t hit the trash. I’m so in awe of your photography skills & your love of birds so that I can enjoy all your awesome photos of birds I never see – especially this close up!! Your blog today was especially educational. I need to get off my duff & sign up for a photography class so I can understand better how I can manipulate my camera for better photos. I’m embarrassed to say that I take the easy way out & use my auto setting on my Nikon D80 instead of using the manual features. Seeing & reading your daily blog is getting me motivated to challenge myself.
Jo Ann, Bird photography done well isn’t easy but if you challenge yourself and work at it the rewards will come. And as you obviously realize, getting to know the abilities of your camera are a huge part of it. The learning process can be a steep one but dang it’s fun when you begin to progress and get some shots that you really like. I wish you luck!
The thing that struck me most about this image is the curves at the ends of the wings. If you know the ventral yellows are there you can see them. And I like the way the white edge of the tail feather shows. I still remember when I was trying to identify an Eastern Kingbird for the first time – the white band across the end of the tail was the identifying marker for me. It’s kind of nice when birds have unique identifiers that help them stand out from the crowds.
“It’s kind of nice when birds have unique identifiers that help them stand out from the crowds.”
I couldn’t agree more, Susan. I’m not as strong as I should be with bird ID and throw my less than perfect eyesight into the mix and I need all the help I can get.