A species I’ve had very little luck with this year but yesterday morning my track record with them ticked up a little higher.
1/5000, f/5.6, 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
While waiting for at least one of the kingfishers to show up (didn’t happen) several Western Tanagers made an appearance in a nearby tree. This male stayed long enough for a few photos and I chose to post this one because I like the somewhat inquisitive pose. He appears to be going out of breeding plumage but he’ll always have some of that distinctive red on his face.
Typical of me I was set up for a takeoff shot but the odds of getting one I liked were against me. I much prefer takeoff and flight shots where the bird is moving laterally to me (to my right or left) but I realized that those two vertical twigs on either side of the bird were likely to prevent that from happening. The tanager was far more likely to turn on his perch and take off away from me (another butt shot) or take off coming at me.
1/4000, f/5.6, 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
He chose the latter.
It’s different but I still like the photo. I was lucky enough to get light on his face and in his eye, his head is acceptably sharp and I like his trailing black legs and feet well-centered between the vertical twigs. I’ll admit to some surprise that his wingtips aren’t sharper at this shutter speed – it doesn’t appear to be a depth of field issue.
This immature tanager was in the tree at the same time as the male and is likely his offspring. I almost didn’t include this photo because that shadow on the tail aggravates me to no end but I figured I should document the presence of the youngster. At times this young bird was begging for food but I didn’t see it in time to get any photos of the begging behavior.
This bird photographer needs better eyes.
Ron
Wonderful Series Ron!
Ron,
I especially like the almost parallel and somewhat diagonal wing and limb position in the second picture. Nice appeal to me at least.
Stephen
I see what you mean. Thanks, Stephen.
Cute “baby” — looks like Baby might still have some of its fuzz. 😍 The takeoff shot is my favorite! Bernoulli in the house! The curve of the wings’ leading edges, the angles of the primaries and the tail rudder — this bird is going to get lift! Physics aside, I love the cocked head and the outstretched toes as well as the beautiful look at those long wings. Birds are just so stinkin’ cool (and thanks to you, I really notice it!)!!!
“Birds are just so stinkin’ cool”
They sure are, Marty. And tomorrow I’m planning on posting a short series, taken this morning, that should reinforce that notion.
I don’t think I’ve seen a Western Tanager stay still long enough to aim a camera at. Well done, especially the takeoff. Wings may not be sharp but that’s a good view of the legs and feet.
Thanks, Lyle. I’m actually OK with the soft wingtips, but I know that head-on takeoff and flight shots don’t appeal much to some viewers.
I’m fortunate enough to have a few of these beauties drop by to spend some time in my backyard fountain now and again (one took a leisurely bath here just yesterday, in fact) — but have never seen wings outstretched for a takeoff like that! Wonderful images, Ron, thanks for sharing.
I’m jealous, Chris. I’ve never seen one in my yard and I’m confident I never will.
Superb photographs, Ron!
The Western Tanager has been on my bucket list for a long time but it seems my bucket has now rusted out. Thank you for posting this handsome bird.
“Old eyes.” We shall not speak of it further.
Western Tanagers are pretty special to me too, Wally. I think the male in particular is beautiful but I can count on one hand the number of good opportunities I’ve had with them, with digits left over.
I like the curved wing look in the tanager aiming for the camera, not a usual angle.
Thank you, April.
Oh MY! BEAUTY meter pegged! I’m pretty sure I’ve never seen any of the tanagers in the wild before, so this is a major treat–even the image of the kiddo! The takeoff image is just spectacular (despite your nits)! And I agree–he’s most assuredly checking you out. Birds are generally very curious about us two-legged critters. We’re funny looking 😉
I love this time of year when the kiddos are coming out and learning how to be who they are! That said, I’ve had about half a dozen kiddos who ran out of energy and needed a nap attack on the ground in the shade. So far, nobody has needed rescuing–just a nice place for a nap.
Yeah, these old eyes are problematic. Added to the fact that we started off with substandard vision that operates slowly and these old eyes just dance on my very last nerve! I can only imagine how annoying they are to you.
Judy’s right! I love the mechanics of flight. What an outrageous thing birds do!!
“I can only imagine how annoying they are to you”
Laura, it’s so damn frustrating when another photographer can see the bird and I hear their shutter firing away and I look in the direction their lens is pointing and I STILL can’t see the bird until it takes off.
That’s exactly what happened with this youngster when it was begging.
All are marvelous! I love tanagers!!!
Thanks, Nicky.
That 747 approach is fabulous! Good thing it wasn’t a 747!
Indeed!
Fun! 🙂 Flight shot IS interesting with the wings a bit blurred. Like the way they “cup” to grab air and their length/color contrast to the body of the bird…. “Old Eyes” are an issue with some things…….. 😉
Thanks, Judy. I’m afraid my old eyes are becoming an issue with a lot of things.