Like the chicken who crossed the road, I have no idea.
And this bird complicated my decision about buying a new camera.
The first nine photos below are sequential shots in a burst, with no skips. The elapsed time was 9/10ths of a second.
Yesterday morning I just happened to look at this male Common Goldeneye through my viewfinder for a moment, even though he was far away. He was sitting lazily on the water and so small in the frame I took my eye away from my camera to look for other birds. Almost immediately after I looked away he started racing across the water in my general direction so I instinctively got him in my viewfinder again. This is the first shot I got.
No, his feet aren’t deformed. He’s just closed the webs so they don’t increase air resistance.
At first I thought he was taking off from the pond but he wasn’t. As evidenced by the water splashes he ran across the water to build up speed, just enough speed to barely become airborne, and then he…
stopped running and flew so low over the water that…
his feet were only millimeters above the surface but they never…
actually touched it.
These first five photos are very similar because the timing of my shutter and his wingbeats were synchronized so his wing position in each shot was nearly the same.
But then he began to put on the brakes so this wing position is different and…
his flared tail began to drag in the water.
His feet hit the water and he water skied to a…
complete stop, eventually.
I have more sharp shots of him coming to a stop but in those photos he’d turned his head to an angle that doesn’t allow us to see his eye. Very soon after he came to a stop he resumed doing nothing, as if he as in a competition for the honor of being the laziest bird on the pond.
I have no idea why he ran across the pond. He didn’t take off and he wasn’t chasing another duck. The other question is… why didn’t he just swim to his intended destination? His starting point and ending point were little more than 50′ apart so he could have swam that distance quickly with much less effort and ‘wasted’ energy.
I know, it’s a meaningless question. Trying to figure out motivations of birds is very often an exercise in frustration but I think about stuff like that.
Whatever his motivation he seemed pretty proud of himself as he performed a celebratory? wing flap soon after reaching his new destination on the water.
It was considerate of him to conduct his performance at an angle to the sun that revealed some of the green iridescence in his head. I like seeing that color, which often isn’t visible.
Another thing, different but related. I’m in the throes of trying to decide if I should invest in a new camera to replace my seven year old Canon 7D Mark II. But I was pretty impressed by how well my ‘ancient’ 7DII locked onto this goldeneye and followed him as he headed almost directly toward me at high speed. I never lost focus on him, not once.
The camera I’m considering, the mirrorless Canon R5, would be almost a $5K investment if you include all the supporting gear I’d need. So a tough decision becomes even more difficult when my relic 7DII performs this well.
I’ve gotta get off that damn fence and make a decision so thoughts from readers, especially those who may own the R5, would be welcomed.
Ron
Late to this party but the male Goldeneye may have been enjoying interacting with his beautiful water mirror reflection. We had a farm drake that absolutely checked himself out in any reflecting surfaces…
Wonderful shots Ron, especially the last two with all that personality! Great exposure too and you even got that prismatic eye sharp; bravo! I’m sure you’ll be killing it with that R5 in no time. Have fun!
Why? Different strokes for different blokes. Great series.
As for the new camera: You earned the $$, you saved the $$, you lived within your means, it seems, and now, as someone else mentioned, it should be your turn to exuberantly run across the water if you want! You may have noticed that not one of us is getting any younger, so go for it!
“it should be your turn to exuberantly run across the water if you want”
Good way to put it, Nanci. Stay tuned…
Change is good or usually for the better. I think (from my experience in camera sales) that the worst part is the paying for it. Once you buy it, seldom are there regrets. It will take some getting used to but your comfort level with your current camera will make that an easier transition. It’s good for us humans to try new things. There is no doubt you will use it. Consider yourself the Goldeneye. It’s fun to stretch your wings a little.
“Consider yourself the Goldeneye. It’s fun to stretch your wings a little.”
Good idea, Lisa. Maybe that would take some of the sting out of the hit to my savings account.
If it works don’t fix it!!!! I also have a 7D II Canon Camera and wonder about a change. The cost is stoping me.
I know what you mean, Len. The cost is more than significant.
Those photos of the Goldeneye are superb! #4 and #5 are my favorites. I think that duck just had a spring bounce in his step!
My friends who shoot Canon and have the R5 say it is a game changer and they were excellent photographers to begin with. When a professional photographer is impressed with a new camera, then I suspect it has something extra going for it. Personally, I have been waiting for a Nikon equivalent and I think the new Z9 is it. I ordered one for my 75th, hope it arrives before the year is out.
Not that it is any of my business, but – ahem – any thoughts on the eye surgery? New camera and new eyes could make your world a happy new place …
Nancy, yeah I think about it often but haven’t done it yet. Thanks for the reminder.
Great study series. Nature really has this flying thing down. Even such a short mission has so many intricate manipulations involving all the parts of the body.
Re a new camera. Just don’t know. Is it really worth the expense if what you are producing is so good, and if you still have more to understand and explore with this one?
Michael, the question you ask is the one I’ve been asking myself. But I’ve been asking that question of myself for over two years now so that tells me something…
Ron, I upgraded to the R5 with the 100-500 zoom lens and often use the 1.4 extender. I am very happy with the results. Prior to this I was using a Canon 5DMark IV with a 100-600 Sigma Contemporary lens.
Thanks for that feedback, Jeffrey. Encouraging…
The first six or seven shots are graceful with the wings, and comical with the feet. The last two I think he’s recovering his pride. Nice that you caught the irridescence; it can come and go so quickly.
I did not know birds with webbed feet could scrunch them together.
I’m with Granny Pat on renting an R5. Full sensor? Electronic view finder?🤔 Borrowlenses.com quotes one for 5 days for under $200 body only. Not sure if they have an adaptor.
Lyle, the electronic viewfinder has been my biggest hurdle about making this jump. But I’ve spent some time with an R5 in my hands and I think I can get used to it.
I’m gonna guess Mr. Goldeneye did that just because he could—a sudden urge to break out of the humdrum of his day and see what he can do with that burst of energy. I’m glad you pointed out his webbed feet were closed to reduce air resistance, otherwise I’d have been quite concerned. He’s a handsome duck, for sure, and this is a great series.
As to your other question … no thoughts on specific camera gear, but at some point ya just gotta pull the trigger if you’re ever to have peace. Why I finally bought a plug-in hybrid a month ago (after more than a few years of dilly-dallying) — while I’m still young enough to get some serious use out of it! 😎
Chris, I’ve been “dilly-dallying’ on this decision for about two years also. I think it’s time…
Ron,
Seems I’m the only one bothered by your not posting the f stop and shutter speed. I admire your being able to keep the bird in focus that long.
Sorry, Nancy. I ran out of time this morning.
I have had an R5 for about a year after having a Nikon D500. I think the ability to keep focus on birds in flight, particularly, with the eye detection feature is a big improvement. I don’t like the electronic viewfinder, although it doesn’t seem to bother most people.
John, I know I’ll have to get used to the electronic viewfinder but I played with an R5 for about an hour and I think (hope) I can adapt to it..
Duck zoomies! 🙂 What a fun series. He definitely seems pleased as Punch in the last two shots. Looks like he’s trying to get the audience to join in on the cheering — I’ll gladly comply.
Glad you enjoyed it, Marty. Thanks.
I really like the series. Sometimes I think they are showing off just like teenage boys. Just trying to catch a girls eye.
I am saving up for similar gear at $200-400 a check in a seasonal part time job, it is going to take some time. Are you thinking of keeping the EF lenses with adapter or going all RF? I will go RF with a telephoto but use a adapter with all my other lenses.
April, my plan is to stick with my EF lenses and use an adapter. I love the lenses I have and the new ones of similar quality are crazy expensive.
Do it before yours has problems. I am waiting for a replacement that isn’t a mirrorless. They are scarcer than hen’s teeth. My shutter sticks on my d5100 (I checked and past the life expectency for clicks) so only works about every 10 shots. Hope the d5600 gets here before the wildflowers start blooming.
Jo, I hope it arrives soon!
A big investment indeed. Is there somewhere you can rent one or borrow one for a week or two? And what is the reason for getting g rid of the old one anyway? Just thoughts before jumping off.
Granny Pat, Yes I can rent one but I don’t think I will. Today I spent an hour or so playing with an R5 and I like what I see.
I have two friends that switched from Canon 7D Mark II, and 5D Mark IV to the R5 with the 100-500mm lens and the 800mm lens. They both love their new rigs. However, (and you probably already know this) the C-fast cards that is recommended for that rig are $200.00 each. The battery for the camera is expensive as well. My friends said the investment is more like $10,000 if you get both lenses, adaptors etc…with the camera body. I have also been told that the electronic viewfinder takes a bit to get used to. I have a 7D Mark II, and I will use it until it blows up.
René, I don’t plan on buying any of the new lenses anytime soon. I’m perfectly happy with the ones I have and the adapter works well with them.
Ron, I think the canon is a great choice. They’ve finally conquered what they were lacking. I don’t have one but I would choose the canon now if I were purchasing a DSLR.
Good to know. Thanks, Brett.
I think that handsome Goldeneye was just full of sunshine and vinegar– first
sunny day in a couple of weeks–Spring is coming, and he can feel it !
Went for a run out of sheer ebullience…… Long time since I’ve done that,
but I can remember the urge !
I can remember the urge too, Kris. But just barely…
Ron- I was a Canon shooter with the same gear you have for 20 years. Canon fell behind and about 4 years ago I switched to Sony mirrorless and never looked back. Some of my friends hung in there and now are shooting the R5 which is a great camera. Less noise, 20 FPS and 50 MP with the ability to crop and still have plenty of pixels. Like Nike says “just do it”. Also, what you see in the view finder with mirrorless is what you get without having to review in a DSLR and then make changes to your settings. Trust me, you will love it!
I hope you’re right about me loving it, Bob. After investing that much cash.it would be a disaster if I was disappointed in it.
I have 4 friends that are good photographers for wildlife and they love it.
Another fun photo series, Ron! I love this little Goldeneye especially when he is coming in for a landing with his webbed feed spread so he can ski to a soft stop. Having watched waterfowl paddle with purpose, I personally think that it is easier for them to fly from point to point. Water density offers so much resistance that lifting one’s wings and flying over the water seems easier and quicker. When I watch my little domestic mallard with her 2 wild mallard beaus I feel sorry that she is unable to fly more than 3 feet while they effortlessly take off leaving her to plow through the water. She truly struggles to catch up. The R5 sounds like quite an investment. I would be overwhelmed by the new technology which is probably child’s play for you. Can’t wait to hear your decision.
“I would be overwhelmed by the new technology which is probably child’s play for you.”
Nope, I’ll be overwhelmed too Melanie. Hell, I’m still a little intimidated by the complexity of my old camera – especially AF settings.
Just a thought, maybe Mr. was just fidgety, feeling like he needed to use his muscles in a different way, wanted a good stretch.
Could be, Cheryl. One person compared it to a fidgety cat that races into another room and then immediately goes back into a near-coma.
Just when we “think” we “know”……… 😛 Wonderful series, Ron. 🙂 No answers on the camera tho seems mirrorless is the trend. Guessing it’s lighter so “balance” issues between camera and lens could take some getting used to tho not hand holding…….
Judy, I’m more concerned about it being too small for my hands than I am that it might be too light. The battery pack should help with that though.
Fitting your hands IS important – know “smaller” is not always better when it comes to cameras!
Nice shots of the goldeneye coming at you, which can be difficult for some AF systems. Many photographers that I know have made the switch to mirrorless because of the improved AF. I always ask if they had a problem with the AF in their previous camera, and they all say no. Same for me-no issues with my ability to grab and hold focus. I won’t be making the change anytime soon. Cost, battery drain, and shutter delay are still things I worry about with the mirrorless.
Bernie, I worry about exactly those same three things. I’ll be purchasing the battery pack so now I’m a little less concerned about battery drain but the other two still have me wondering.
I’ve been dealing with the same upgrade delimma for the past few months. All my friends have upgraded to the R5 and they have nothing but good things to say about the R5. The ones that have also upgraded to the 100-500 RF lens also are in love with the combo.
I also continue to love the results of my 7DmkII’s with my “baby” 100-400 lens. Every time that I see a sequence that’s out of focus, I want to blame the 7DmkII, but I know that it’s the photographer behind the shutter button that’s really the problem and that problem is not going to go away just because I have a fancy R5 in my hands, sigh.
I loved the tack-sharp sequence you shared today…wonderful shots!
You make a good point, Rick. Separating operator error (or lack of skill) from gear deficiencies is very often a fine line that’s difficult to discern.
First, very nice golden eye shots!
Second, my wife and I have used the Canon 7D MII ever since it came out, and we have loved it. It remains (in our minds) the best camera for bird photography – until now. We have just bought R5’s, and we love them. They are complicated and take time to learn; several Youtube videos helped us out. Post-processing to reduce graininess is necessary – we use Topaz Studio 2. An RF to EF adapter will let you use your existing lenses. Other than that, we are very pleased with the results.
Richard, I’ve loved the 7DII so much I have two of them.
I’m a little surprised you’re having issues with noise with the R5. The reports I’ve seen claim the R5 handles noise very well.
Beautiful series Ron. When I saw your lead in of course the first thing I thought of was – why did the chicken etc.
I think though the answer for Mr. Goldeneye is that he saw you, recognized you, and thought he would give you a special treat.
Remarkable how they can run over water like that. Great post.
“he saw you, recognized you, and thought he would give you a special treat.”
Ha, fat chance of that Everett! If he’d noticed me he’d have given me only butt shots. At least that’s the usual scenario with me… 🙂
What a stud drake! That green really shines through in the sunlight and shows him off well.
I’ve been at the pond taking photos with my PowerShot, mostly the golden eye. They turn out good, but nothing like these. Time for an upgrade on my end!
Sidenote: I noticed a fully ploomed ruddy and some handsome ringnecks at the park this week! Stubborn ruddy wouldn’t lift his head!
Yeah, there was a couple of Ruddy’s down there yesterday but like the Redheads they wouldn’t cooperate. I didn’t notice any Ringnecks but I wasn’t looking around very carefully.
The R5 is amazing. I don’t regret selling my 7D2. The autofocus is crazy good.
Good to know, Steve. The AF of that camera is one if its biggest draws for me.
I purchased the R5 after having an older 7D and have been quite pleased with it. My camera and lens combo weren’t providing me with the results i felt I should have so I just went for it. It is a giant rabbit hole as after the camera body you will want a new lens or two and it gets expensive. I think it was worth it, I just need to get my but out in the field more now!
Geoff, at this point at least my intention is to use the R5 with my current 500 f/4, a lens I love. I know that means using an adapter but all the reports I’ve seen say that combination works extremely well.