A golden goose running on golden pond.
1/4000, f/6.3, ISO 800, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
Two days ago I caught this Canada Goose taking off at a local pond. The sun was close to setting so it seemed like the entire world was lit up with warm golden light, including the goose and the water. The result was a mostly monochrome photo that may not have universal appeal but I think images like this can have a distinct charm. When I was first learning bird photography I was ambivalent at best about monochrome images but my mentor and eventual friend Richard Ditch taught me to appreciate them – one of many lessons I learned from Rich.
But it takes more than just a monochrome palette to make an interesting and appealing photo. I also like the wing position, the running feet, the water splash, eye contact with catch light and the sharpness of the goose. And I think the bluish pebbled texture of the foreground water adds an interesting dimension to the image, partly because it’s so different from the smoother-appearing water lacking the blue reflections in the upper background.
Yes, the Canada Goose is a common species and even a significant nuisance in many areas but in my book they’re magnificent birds. In the fall especially I like to stand in front of my living room picture window and watch and listen to flocks of them flying over my home as they fly to and from a nearby large pond. I live on a hill so they often skim so close over my house that if I open one of the small side windows I can hear the whoosh of their wings.
And the calls from squadrons of that many large, noisy birds in flight so low overhead actually give me… dare I say it?
Goose bumps.
Ron
Note: I’ll admit it. One of the reasons I stand at the window is to see if they poop on the glass (I can hear them coming so I have plenty of time to get there). It’s a very high window so it would be a pain in the butt to clean it off but I’ve been lucky because so far it’s never happened in going on thirty years. I’m surprised.
Maybe geese don’t poop in flight. I dunno but they sure poop everywhere else.
What a cool photo, Ron! I love the monochromatic element with the blue pebbles glistening! Perfect action shot, too. Such grace and magnificence! Love it!
Thanks very much, Wayne.
You need to frame this one!
Who knows. Maybe.
Truly artistic. I love color and always appreciate lots of it. This picture is beautiful and I feel anything that flies is magical. On the other question, yes they poop in flight. I live at the end of a golf course and have experienced it on more than one occasion, once when having new furniture delivered. They are still grand creatures.
I was hoping someone would confirm that behavior. Thanks for that, Betty.
I think this may be the most beautiful tske-off shot of a goose ever…love everything about it…especially the golden water
Thanks very much, Patty.
This one’s definitely a keeper! Gorgeous details, even within what you described as “monochrome” (and with which I beg to differ — there are lots of colors going on all up in there!). Add this one to the stack of “wall worthy” shots in your arsenal. 🙂
“I beg to differ”
That’s why I called it a “mostly monochrome photo”, Marty. There are a few other colors but all of them are at least tinted by the warm, golden light.
Yup, I’ll keep it. Thank you.
Absolutely glorious.
The light, the colours, the bird…
Thanks, EC.
This is one of my favorite photos of yours. The warm light and the hint of blue in the water are just so pretty plus I love the detail in the splash. Thanks for sharing!
I like it a lot too, Linda. Thank you.
Goose bumps! Love it! Wonderful golden light is hard to beat. Thanks for capturing all of the beautiful details on a much maligned subject.
Couldn’t resist the goose bumps, Diane. Besides, it’s true.
Spectacular shot of one of my least favorite birds! I think they’re taking over the country. >;))
Charlotte
Many would agree with you, Charlotte.
Another one for the Bird Photography Hall of Fame. I will be coming back this all day.
I hope you enjoy it many times, Lyle.
I love this shot! The water splashing up behind the goose’s feet in that exact moment is just beautiful. And the golden glow. I would put this one on my wall if I could. 🙂
I’d delighted that you like it that much, Kathleen.
Great photo Ron. Is that Henry Fonda and Katherine Hepburn’s Golden Pond? Got enough light to catch the eye, and love the colors and shadow, and the water kicked up by his or her takeoff. Beautiful.
Everett Sanborn, Prescott AZ
Not a chance, Everett. Their Golden Pond was somewhere in New England. Maine? Thanks.
Lovely photo in all aspects! ❤️ I especially like the detail of the wing feathers. Yes they are a common bird but their coloring offers such contrasts. And to catch them running across the water…what a delight. I find myself liking the ‘monochromatic’ photo much more than having a bevy of colors. To me the appeal of a near neutral textural background always makes the ‘star’ of your photo standout…and isn’t that the reason were spend hours looking for the perfect shot. (My humble opinion only.)
And I always appreciate your “humble opinion”, Kathy. Thanks.
I love the golden colors of this image. And the black and white of the head and neck add a bit of contrast. Perfect!
Justine, that black and white in the neck and head is the reason I said “mostly” monochrome. I agree with you about the contrast.
Simply gorgeous. Glorious golden glow. Geese are grand.
Thank you, Suzanne.
Stunning. I think it captures the essence of fall for me. From color to the subject bird, fall! Where I live, I get to hear them a lot. I’m also lucky enough to hear (and see) Sandhill Cranes.
Thanks, Arwen I envy you your cranes.
GORGEOUS! Love the monochrome with the warm light, the gooses position, eye contact, and the titch of blue. GREAT capture Ron…. 🙂 We get them low enough to hear their wings at times and, no, have never gotten shit on tho it’s always a concern….. 😉 They certainly are messy birds on the ground…. 🙁
“Titch” – haven’t heard that one in a while. I used to use that word fairly regularly but your comment reminded me that it had apparently dropped out of my lexicon. Thanks for the reminder, Judy.
Waterfowl poop every 15 minutes or so. They have no control function. I lived with a goose in an apartment for a while. Quite messy.
“I lived with a goose in an apartment for a while’
Wow, that must have been a real adventure, Arwen!
You can’t leave us hanging like that, Arwen. Details! 🙂
Please, pretty please.