I rarely succeed with Common Goldeneyes in flight but I’m happy with this image from yesterday.
1/5000, 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
I spotted this adult male at the last second as he came in to land on a local pond late yesterday afternoon so he was already slightly past me at my first click. This species is a fast flyer so it’s difficult to establish sharp focus and maintain it, especially when they’re flying parallel to the photographer as this bird was. I was able to get several sharp shots but this was my favorite of the bunch.
Normally I prefer birds in flight to not be slightly past me like this but I’ve decided I like the shot partly because of several things this angle provides that we wouldn’t see as well if I’d been in front of or directly to the side of the duck. They include a better look at the widely fanned tail and both wings. I was also happy to see that I captured that green iridescence on his head which because of the light angle I’d likely have missed if I’d been in front of the bird (the sun was low and over my right shoulder). Unless the light’s at the right angle the heads of the adult males often appear to be deep black and they lack that green iridescent sheen.
Sometimes I wish static photos could better illustrate the actual speed of birds in flight. These ducks are really fast which requires a fast wing beat at times, especially when they’re taking off or increasing their airspeed. Their speedy wings make a distinctive whistling sound that is easily heard from some distance which is why duck hunters often refer to Common Goldeneyes as “whistlers”.
I’ve always thought the flashy color patterns of the adult males were somehow enhanced by their equally flashy wing-whistle.
Ron
Tack sharp flight shot! Makes me miss my old second home in NE Illinois (until I look at the thermometer!).
I like the way his orange foot outlines that spread tail as he’s landing.
A new perspective for a new year!!! I love seeing the bird from a different angle than usual — especially when that angle includes a gorgeous fanned tail and the dorsal feather patterns on his outstretched wings. So much to like about this shot!
I’ve grown to like that angle, and this shot, quite a lot too, Marty. Thank you.
Great catch! Really like the feather detail here, especially the tail. I mostly get them swimming or I hear them. The green head is so much like a Mallards…that iridescence changes so much. Sometimes black and sometimes you just look in awe at the brightness.
Kathy, I think that flared tail is what I like best about the image, though there are other things I enjoy too. Thanks.
Ron, there are so many positive points about this photo. It is beautiful. I especially like the green iridescence on the head.
Your link to Montana temperature extremes is quite amazing. I grew up in Minnesota where it gets cold in the Winter, but not as Montana, apparently.
Thank you, Ron
It does get cold up there, Alice. We once saw -53 on the farm when I was a young kid. At least that’s what my dad told me. I was too young to really remember it.
I don’t think I have ever seen that beautiful irridescence before (and have only ever seen the aptly named goldeneye in photos). Lovely to learn something more about yet more feathered enchantment I will not see. Thanks Ron.
Sometimes there’s much more green iridescence in their heads than this, EC. Almost the entire head can appear green. Thank you.
Stunning bird. You got great angles on him. 🙂
I think that angle worked out nicely too, Arwen. Thanks.
Wow! Beautiful shot Ron….I like the green iridescence also which is hard to capture. Nice way to start the year…Thank you
Thank you, Steve.
Such a beauty ❗️ I’ve never seen one in flight so this is a treat.
Being newer to your blog, I’m looking forward to a full year of your pictures, stories and learning something new 😁
Happy New Year ❗️
I don’t see many flight photos of them, Diana. It’s tough to get quality photos of them in flight. I hope you’re enjoying your visits here.
First time seeing this bird, thanks for sharing. At first I thought the term existed only as a title to the Bond movie.
That’s one of the Bond films I didn’t see, Elmer.
Really impressed that you were able to nail all the features you point out in one photo. It’s a very common (no pun intended) bird here in winter, but I’ve never noticed their fanned tail (yay for static photo). Gotta say the “iridescence” of the water is beautiful, also.
“yay for static photo”
That’s a good point, Lyle. I actually think photos have many advantages that video doesn’t have but there are a few…
Good Morning Ron, I love that picture. AS an old duck hunter you brought back good old memories.
Good. Glad to hear it, Len.
Beautiful duck and a beautiful photo Ron. I have rarely seen them in flight. That are not a very flighty duck. I have taken many photos of them swimming and diving, but not flying. When other ducks will fly off due to my presence the Goldeneyes seem to be oblivious to me being there. I still remember my surprise and wonder at seeing one for the first time at our Goldwater Lake many years ago. I was amazed at how colorful they looked and what a beautiful picture as they swam through the changing colors of the lake. When I got home I had to get out the Sibley’s to see what they were. Great photo for day two of 2019.
Everett Sanborn, Prescott AZ
They seem almost opposite of that here, Everett. They’re probably the shyest duck on the pond and they’ll either swim far away if anyone or anything comes near or fly off.
Fabulous flight shot Ron!
Charlotte
Thanks, Charlotte.
Beautiful! 😉 The angle certainly does capture the bird’s tail, wing color pattern, and the lovely iridescence of his head! 🙂 His head position almost makes it look like he has a “helmet” on……… Chinook is on!
Thanks, Judy. I remember some extremely drastic temp changes when those chinooks hit Cut Bank.
Here’s some fun stuff about extreme temperature changes in Montana for anyone interested. Some of them involve chinooks and many are so extreme they’re almost hard to believe.
http://montanakids.com/facts_and_figures/climate/Temperature_Extremes.htm
Such a beautiful bird. Thanks so much for your daily photos.
Thank you, Sarah.