And no, the “curtain call” reference isn’t for reasons of modesty…
This past spring I photographed this Western Meadowlark bathing in a puddle on Antelope Island after a rain and soon after I posted a few photos of its performance. But I have so many images of this behavior that are sharp and interesting I thought some more of them deserved to see the light of day. So this post will be the bird’s curtain call.
I didn’t see the bird near the puddle as I approached in my pickup so I scared it off but it didn’t go far and I thought it might return so I simply waited for it to do so. It was intent on bathing and sure enough it hopped back into the middle of the puddle. Here the meadowlark is checking me out before…
making multiple frenzied attempts to get each and every feather wet.
It kept a suspicious eye on me even in the midst of its contortions except when…
its head was in a position where it was impossible.
I thought this unusually shaped column of water brought up by its beak was interesting.
In several of these shots we see double catch lights in the eye – something that isn’t unusual when there’s water in front of the bird and the sun is behind me. The top one is a direct reflection of the sun while the smaller catch light at bottom is a reflection of the sun off the water.
The action was fast and furious – even at 1/4000 sec I didn’t have quite enough shutter speed to get the end of the wing sharp (though some of the softness there may be a depth of field issue).
At the end of the bath the meadowlark turned its back on me as if to provide it some semblance of modesty. And then it left the puddle.
Sorry about the late post this morning – more damned “technical issues”. It’s been a “hair-pulling” morning, even for this old bald guy…
Ron
Note: Specs for these images were: 1/2500-4000, f/7.1, ISO 640, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + Canon EF 1.4 III Extender
Wonderful photos, Ron. Thanks so much for sending them. I can still remember hearing a meadowlark for the first time in the South Dakota Badlands. They have since become a favorite bird of mine. Elizabeth
They do revel in their bath don’t they?
A lovely series, which started my day with a smile. Thank you.
Sigh on the technical front. Hiss and spit even.
I think they enjoy their bath as much as I enjoy my shower, EC.
Fun series. I’m curious on the one where the wing is soft, why that would be a depth of field issue, since the tail is sharp and is further away from the camera than the wing is. Does depth of field become an issue when something is closer than the camera is set for, as well as when it’s further away? I don’t think I phrased the question well, but your mentioning depth of field as an issue left me a little confused.
Susan, Yes, depth of field applies in both directions. That’s why things in front of the subject are soft, particularly when using telephoto lenses which by definition have very narrow depths of field.
How often does one see these kind of shots? These are a wonderful series of bird behavior photographs. Many thanks for sharing!
All of us in one way or another who work with present day technology know how frustrating it can be.
Hope you can resolve your technical problems.
“How often does one see these kind of shots?”
Most images of bathing birds I see were taken while they were in a back yard bird bath or water feature. I’ll take a mud puddle any old day…
Some of my most interesting and close times with wild birds was when they were bathing. I am surprised more photographers don’t take bathing shots I the field.
A wonderful series! We have a large plastic plant saucer ( balanced on the upturned roots of a large tree stump) that we keep filled with water. Many of “our” birds drink and bathe in it. It’s fun to see a small flock of sparrows taking a communal bath, water flying everywhere. Either I have sparrows in my bathroom, or my husband takes a bath in the sink. After he’s been in there, there’s water everywhere…..!
I wonder what underwing deodorant they use??? Fun to see birds taking a dust bath, too….
That story about your husband in the bathroom made me smile, Patty – my first one of the day and for me my day is almost half over already…
There’s something so Zen about watching a bird bathe. That and watching them preen are among my absolute favorite activities in life and I’m blessed to be able to do it frequently. And again, OH WOW! (insert superlatives here)
GADS but I love birds…and can’t wait until I can hear meadowlarks again. What a beautiful song/sight. Magical.
You’re a lucky lady, Laura. Thank you.
You’re right. I’m truly blessed and privileged. I truly KNOW that.
Really wonderful behavioral shots Ron! Thanks for sharing!
Charlotte
Thank you, Charlotte.
Beautiful shots, Ron! 🙂 The birds do seem to have a wonderful time bathing even if they are a mess for a bit. I have a fountain in my pond(more a bubbler)that the robins just adore in the summer! 🙂 Technology is great – when it works………..:(
“Technology is great – when it works”
Yes, it is, Judy, but that last part is a significant caveat!
Absolutely worth waiting for ! You and the enthusiastically bathing meadowlark gave me the first good laugh of the day…..thanks, guys !
I hope you continue to have good laughs for the entire day, Kris. I know I could use some…
Wonderful photos. I’m so glad you shared these, Ron! And good luck with the technical issues. 🙂
Thanks, Alison. At least some of the technical issues continue. They’re a PITA!
Certainly worthy of a curtain call…outstanding photos all Ron. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you, Zaphir. Congratulations on finally getting nice shots of those harriers you’ve been after. I saw your images on Facebook.