This is one of the very few times I’ve ever been able to get three or more Western Grebe chicks and both of their parents in the same photo and get them all sharp. The whole fam damily.
1/500, f/18, 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
It’s an older photo taken on August 23, 2015 at Bear River MBR. There’s actually a fourth chick directly behind the neck of the smaller adult female at left but that youngster is mostly hidden in her feathers and by her neck. This is a large family for the species. Western Grebes only rarely have more than four chicks and in my experience they usually have only two or three.
Since it was so unusual for me to get a family portrait like this I didn’t want to blow the opportunity by not having enough depth of field to get them all sharp. I was pretty close to these birds so getting enough DOF was a challenge so I took the time to play around with my aperture settings. This shot was taken at f/18 which is highly unusual for me. My strategy worked (they’re all sharp) but I missed some potentially very good photos while I was fiddling around with my camera settings. Bird photography is often a matter of tradeoffs.
I haven’t posted this shot before for three reasons – the phragmites reflections in the water are busy, there’s no catch light in the eye of the two rear chicks and I just barely clipped the cute little butt of the trailing chick in the water.
But last night I decided I was being just a little too picky about those three nits, especially for a shot like this one, so I’m going for the gusto and posting it anyway. As Judy suggested in her comment below maybe I’m mellowing a little…
Ron
That is a splendid family photo!
SUPERB SHOT RON
This is such a sweet shot. I noticed number 4 right away. 🙂
👍👏👏👍
Standards and goalpost do keep us moving but shouldn’t obscure the view so I am very glad you decided to share this shot. Endearing and inspirational and I’ll take that anytime. Babies, yeah. Grebes, oh, yeah. And given the colour contrast of the background and subject, not distracting/busy enough to bother me – it’s all about that beautiful gold. Glad you got this family portrait.
Thanks very much, Granny Pat.
I really *like* that Impressionist-like background and the reflections of phrags and Grebes in the water. What a lovely family portrait, although I’m not so sure (nitpick here) I buy that a 4th chick is in there somewhere. 😉
On an entirely different note, but given your love of Roughies and Red-tails, I thought you’d be very interested in this bit of news from Teton Raptor Center today about their fall migration count in Montana’s Big Belt Mtns: “The most unique species tagged this season was a hybrid Rough-legged Hawk/Red-tailed Hawk! This bird has characteristics of both a Rough-legged Hawk and a Red-tailed Hawk and was confirmed as a hybrid by experts. Due to being such a unique bird, the hybrid was also fitted with a GPS transmitter to track its movements.” Pretty incredible—who knows how much hybridization is going on out there that we may never know about?!
Chris, I read about that hybrid hawk. I saw someone say it’s only the second roughie/red-tail cross that’s been documented. The raptor folks are all atwitter about it and I don’t blame them.
“All atwitter…” 😂
I’m pretty sure it’s a word and spell check didn’t correct it so I just went with it… 🙂
Where is Captain NitPicker? And who is this interloper who posted on his blog?
Smiling here – and agreeing with those who have already (I slept in) said that the business of the background emphasises the family serenity.
“Where is Captain NitPicker?”
That made me chuckle straight off, EC!
I like the “new” Ron. 😉 This is a fabulous shot for sure. I especially like the contrast between the “busy” phrag reflections and the tranquil family outing. This shot is both a metaphor and a goal for me who wishes I could remain more calm amidst the chaos of the world.
“I like the “new” Ron”
We’ll see how permanent the new Ron really is, Marty…
I also wish I could take your metaphor more to heart for me personally.
Very nice! Yes it is a trade off, in order to get sharpness with more depth you also get more background clutter.
Good point, April.
It’s almost like you inserted the Grebes into an impressionist painting. A charming family portrait.
It’s also nice to see what they’re up to when they go inland from where I am.
Thanks, Lyle. From what you said it sounds like they don’t breed in your area…
A new more mellow Ron. Great shot. Have always loved shots of the Grebs traveling along with their young families. I’ve always been challenged by depth of field. Thanks for sharing this one.
Thanks, Everett. DOF challenges all of us shooting with long lenses.
Exquisite composition. I love this photo.
Tank you.
Take Care,
Kaye
Thank you, Kaye.
Those chicks are so cute! The busy background highlights the adults – especially their eyes. Didn’t even notice the background at first because I was so taken with the family. Thanks for posting Ron. 🙂
I agree, Kathleen. That family is so winsome it’s a little easier to not be bothered by the busy reflections in the water.
I agree with Kris. The phrags are a little busy, but are simply background to the startling colors and shape of the birds. I love these birds. Well done!
Thank you, Kathryn.
Depth of field is a challenge for sure. Well done!
It sure was. Thank you, Bruce.
Actually, I loved the busy phrag pattern– it’s a good foil for the vertical simplicity
of the white columns of the birds’ necks and the reflections of those necks,
not to mention the velvet downiness of the chicks–the whole image is
a perfect combo of busy pattern and elegant simplicity !
Interesting point about the busy setting, Kris. I’ve still gotta convince myself but it’s a natural setting so that helps.
Neat! Glad you’re mellowing a bit on the “nits”…. 😉 This captures the family well – “different”, beautiful birds with some wonderful adaptations. 🙂 The red eyes and red dots on the foreheads of the young REALLY attack my attention, as does the “head dress”, not to mention the riding on the back of the adults….. 🙂
“Glad you’re mellowing a bit on the “nits””
Judy, you may not be the only one who feels that way. I have mixed emotions about it but I do like this shot, despite its flaws.
A challenge as to where to draw the line and under what circumstances… 😉 “Situational” for sure…..
The shot’s a beaut! Love it!
Thank you, Terri.