I pride myself on my ability to predict bird behaviors but as they say, pride goeth before a fall.
1/4000, f/6.3, ISO 1600, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
A few days ago I spent some time with a variety of birds perched on a wild rose, including this Sage Thrasher. ‘He’ allowed me many photos while he was facing toward my left and my little mind was whirling because I wanted a takeoff shot with him leaving the perch in that exact direction. I hoped he wouldn’t turn on the perch and face toward my right before taking off because the branch and rose hips on the right would likely be in front of the bird.
But he split the difference and turned to face me before he took off so I was prepared for a head-on flight shot or one taking off to my left. I ignored the possibility that he might take off to my right just because I didn’t want him to. That was a mistake.
1/4000, f/6.3, ISO 1600, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
In an instant he used one wing to help him twist even further to my right and take off in that direction. Largely because of the asymmetrical posture I really like this photo but…
1/4000, f/6.3, ISO 1600, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
I butchered the bird at takeoff because I didn’t leave enough room in that direction.
I wish I’d thought more carefully about what takeoff in this direction might look like and left enough room in the frame over there for the thrasher. If I hadn’t clipped the bird and if I’d been lucky enough to catch the wings open I think I might have loved a shot with the branch and rose hips in front of the bird – the rose hips could have added a colorful, interesting and somewhat unique dimension to the image that I hadn’t even considered.
Next time I hope to think it through better and maybe I’ll get lucky. After all I do get lucky once in a while.
Ron
Note: Once again I was blown away by the speed, agility and athletic ability of a small bird. Notice where his right foot is in the second and third photos. In the 1/10th of a second between those two shots he moved that foot from one place on the narrow perch to another on the other side of an obstructing twig in order to use the foot to push off. And he did it during an explosive takeoff without even looking where he was placing the foot.
How do they do that!
As they say, close counts in horseshoes and slow dancing. 😉 The second shot totally makes up for the clipped beak at takeoff. What a flourish!
Close counts in bird photography too, Marty! Thank you.
That second photo looks like he’s swinging his cape around as a flourish before making his exit. Your story really enhances the sequence.
Ha, you’re right, Lyle. Thanks.
Had an old Marine Corps buddy who would often say that, ” Close only counts in Horseshoes and Hand Grenades” 🙂
Everett
🙂
Love that second shot. Awed by the third. And envious of their flexibility (and flight). If I don’t watch where I am going face plants happen.
I find it a salutory lesson just how often I am outwitted by ‘bird brains’.
Thanks, EC. My flexibility is leaving me fast these days.
Your comments made me laugh! Love the photo of the bird with one wing out. I can almost see his mind calculating just what it will take to mess up your plans!
He was a devious little devil, Melanie!
I’m glad you put up the image with the cut-off beak. It makes me feel better when I can’t seem to get the movement of a take-off in focus. But, I’m slowly, ever so slowly getting there.
Absolutely love the first image – Oh is that ever fantastic!
I’ll trade my through and through chocolate covered donut for your chocolate covered white cake – then we both will be happy and won’t starve!! VBG!
I can make you “feel better” any time you like, Dick. I have plenty of examples… 🙂
I love the gorgeous light in these! The bird is beautiful to see despite the missed take off!
Thank you, Joanne.
Placing the foot without even looking is something I envy. I always have to watch where I put my feet when I’m walking, as it makes the difference between staying upright and falling. I really like that second photo – it’s definitely unusual to catch a bird in that position. And I think it’s good that you are able to anticipate takeoff directions as well as you do. If birds were totally predictable you’d be happy with your shots, but you might also get bored with photography. We need challenges to keep us interested.
You make an excellent point about being bored, Susan. Which is why one of my mantras is “If bird photography were easy everyone could do it well”.
Pretty amazing how agile they are!
For sure.
That was really close Ron – you almost made it. I have been fooled many times when I anticipated the fly-off to be one way and the bird went the opposite. Nice photos though.
Everett Sanborn
Prescott Arizona
Well… you know what “close” counts in, Everett.
He may have faked you out, but that second photo is really neat looking. It looks almost as if he were wearing a cape as he spun around…I really like it. Also, and I know this is kind of personal but, is it a solid chocolate or chocolate covered donut..? Thanks again Ron.
Chocolate through and through, Steve. Occasionally I’ve had the nasty surprise of getting a chocolate covered donut with white cake in the middle. When that happens I want to throw the damn thing away but I’m usually starving so I lower my standards and choke it down…
Those rose hips really do add to the photos! Every aspect is really good…bird color, background color, twigs and hips. Love the eyes too…there is something about thrasher eyes. That was an extremely fast maneuver to swing that leg over the twig, set it and launch. Quick little birdie! Next time….
“there is something about thrasher eyes”
I agree, Kathy. They transform a typical “LBJ” into a distinctive bird IMO. Fingers crossed for next time…
Still agreat series Ron,of a beautiful bird.
Charlotte
Thank you, Charlotte.
WOW! They certainly are FAST! 🙂 To be able to “wheel around” in an instant is amazing! I love the 2nd photo with the one extended wing showing – would almost think it had lost it’s balance if you didn’t know “the rest of the story”…:)
I love that posture too, Judy. Somewhere I have a photo of a juvenile Burrowing Owl in the same pose. I don’t get it very often.
Lovely photos, Ron
Thanks, Elizabeth.