Another twig for the nest, delivered via airmail.
1/3200, f/7.1, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
This is an older photo of a Black-billed Magpie with nesting material in its bill about to land on top of its nest in a greasewood on Antelope Island. I haven’t posted it in the past because the tip of the magpie’s tail is close enough to the left edge of the frame that I wasn’t sure if I liked the composition. But when I cropped and processed the image last night I thought it worked plenty well enough.
Some viewers may not be fond of the nearly horizontal wing position and if so I see your point. But because the magpies white primary feathers contrast so strongly with the blacks down below I actually like it.
But for me the highlight of the image is the tail. Magpie tails have two visually interesting features that are difficult to photograph because they’re usually not on display:
- In most situations magpie tails are long and straight. Only when the tail is flared do we see that distinctive kite-shape that is clearly evident in this photo and I find so attractive.
- Most of the plumage on magpie bodies is black but only the blacks of the wings and tail are structurally capable of displaying iridescence. Here I’ve captured the tail iridescence about as well as it can be captured.
Getting both the kite-shape and the iridescence of the tail in the same photo was a stroke of luck that seldom happens with me.
Ron
Your photography and subject matter are first rate. Thanks for posting all your beautiful images and commentary. Really enjoying it. Peace. Stay well.
Like it! Presently watching them build a nest across the road. Good teamwork.
Giggling over the airmail comment. My 4th grade teacher used to deliver a lot of stuff via “airmail.” He was a cool guy who ended up working in wildlife conservation.
Marvelous shot of the Magpie. I hadn’t really noticed the tail until you described it because I was so mesmerized by those primaries and that white belly. Glad you drew my attention backward.
Got to spend more than a little time with a relatively sticky Black Phoebe hanging out on the patio furniture yesterday. I was inside looking out the window. Finally got up to get my phone so I could try to get a shot to send to you, but “Pheebs” must have known my plans and took off.
Marty, I figured using “airmail” might really date me. But that most of my audience would understand… 🙂
We don’t have Black Phoebes around here but I’m starting to hear Say’s Phoebes on my birding trips (heard another one this morning). No photos yet though.
Lovely color, not easy to capture.
Thanks, April.
LOUD applause.
And awe. And wonder.
And gratitude.
After a truly frustrating morning with the PC, this post is heartbalm.
Thanks, EC. Sorry you’re having ‘puter problems again. I’ll bet it’s getting old…
Airmail! Loved this. I really like the wings on wings.
Thanks, Arwen. I wondered if “airmail” might be a generational thing… 🙂
Thank you SO much, Ron! I really, REALLY needed to see this beauty this morning to keep my mental health intact–well as intact as possible under the circumstances!
I agree with shoreacres. On a scale of 1 to 10, this is a firm 23 if not a 37!! Not only is the image of the magpie perfect (despite your nits…LOL!) in its beauty, but it also speaks to the reality that life persists. We are in the season of renewal and rebirth.
I’m keeping this image up on my screen today just to keep my head straight–well as straight as possible.
Laura, I think many of us are struggling with keeping our mental health intact these days. Delighted to know my magpie may help a little with your goal.
This image has a supernatural atmosphere about it. The timeless act of building a home, The spectacularly flared tail and iridescence; wing feathers edged in black and their display reminiscent of reptilian spines. Chimeric; mythical; image on a herald; a totem.
Lyle, your comment brought back fond memories of me teaching my zoology students about chimaeras – cartilaginous fish sometimes called “ghost sharks”. Evolutionarily they’re a strange group.
Wow! That one’s a keeper, Ron! Magpies are so gregarious and social- wish I lived in their range!
I enjoy them a lot, Diane – even though they’re so very frustrating when it comes to photography.
This is an exceptional shot, Ron. Your standards are exceedingly high and lead you to formulate potential criticism.
Thanks very much, Ricardo.
Love it, but I love all your Magpie photos. Wish we had them here. I keep forgetting to ask – how’s the Ford truck?
Thanks, Everett. The pickup’s doing fine. It’s six years old and I just turned 150K miles, the vast majority of them “bird miles”.
The wing position and “outline” of the white feathers REALLY shows up in this photo and, of course, the iridescence is always beautiful wherever it is on the magpie. I hadn’t really thought about how dramatic the wedge shape of the tail is! 🙂 Out wandering the yard yesterday I noticed the “little darlin’s” have a new nest to better view a bird feeder I moved last fall to discourage the white tail deer………. 😉
“the “little darlin’s” have a new nest to better view a bird feeder”
Love’m or hate’m it can’t be said that they’re dumb… 🙂
No, they certainly aren’t “dumb”………. 😉 It’s not quite high enough to end up being a GHO nest in a year or so……. the one redeeming thing about their nests in the yard here…….. 😉
Well, my judgment is that, on a scale of 1-10, this is about a 23. The white wing feathers stopped me cold; at first, I wasn’t sure they were part of the bird. And as you say, the iridescence and shape of the tail are wonderful. Even the feet are perfect. As for the placement, the “weight” of the image is so clearly in the center that I didn’t notice how near the edge the tail is until you mentioned it.
Thank you, Shoreacres. Not sure I’ve ever scored a 23 before… 🙂