Yesterday morning a twist of fate resulted in one of my most unusual Black-billed Magpie photos.
Before dawn we were socked in with heavy clouds and the forecast called for more of the same. On days like that I never go shooting – the last thing I need is more mediocre to simply awful photos taken in poor light. But yesterday I made an exception because I wanted to test my new camera’s autofocus and high ISO performance in very low light.
But a half hour after I got to Antelope Island the clouds miraculously parted and I had good light for the next two hours, even though it appeared to be socked in nearly everywhere else (including the south half of the island which I avoided).
1/5000, f/6.3, ISO 800, Canon R5, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
Not long after the clouds broke I watched as this Black-billed Magpie brought a stick to its nest deep inside this bush and then came out to the top of the bush before taking off. Before the leaves come out these nest bushes are never attractive settings for my photos but there’s always the possibility of interesting takeoff and flight shots so I often make the effort just to see if I’ll get lucky.
1/4000, f/6.3, ISO 800, Canon R5, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
In the initial takeoff shot the magpie had its nictitating membrane closed, which in this species stands out like the proverbial sore thumb.
1/5000, f/6.3, ISO 800, Canon R5, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
It had taken off into a moderate headwind from the north which allowed the bird to flare and rise quickly from the nest bush as it began to turn to its right. The resulting flight posture put the magpie at a good angle to the sun to begin to reveal some of the flashy iridescence that we typically don’t see in this species.
But it was the last photo in the series that I consider to be the ‘money shot’.
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1/5000, f/6.3, ISO 800, Canon R5, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
This is the most iridescence that has ever been revealed in any my magpie photos. Magpies only have iridescence in their dorsal blacks, excluding their head, neck and nape which have no iridescence, so in this photo I pretty much captured all iridescence that was possible (unless the tail had been flared). Because I had no more room in the frame on the right I don’t have an ideal composition but for a photo like this I can live with it. I could easily add canvas on that side if I choose to.
You typically need direct light to reveal iridescence in all its glory so if it had stayed cloudy, or if I’d stayed home as a result of the poopy forecast like I normally would, a photo like this would still be only a pipe dream.
Testing my new camera’s low light performance will have to wait for another day. And another atypical decision on my part.
Ron
Wonderful series, thanks for sharing!
Charlotte Norton
YUP!
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Beautiful pictures!!! Iâm glad you didnât let the gray day stop you!
Me too.
Next time, remember to ask it to preen its tail feathers. Lovely series.
Steven, personally I like that ratty tail.
SUPERLATIVE. Luck was definitely being a lady.
Thanks, EC. Occasionally she is but not often enough for me.
I’m embarrassed for you. As in an embarrassment of riches. Maggie, who ever she was, would, I’m sure, be over the moon to see her namesake displayed so beautifully. I know I am.
That’s a kind of embarrassment I’ll take any day, Lyle. Thank you.
Very nice. I will be out there today. I am taking my parents and a friend of theirs who is also one of your followers. He is a long time Antelope Island camper and Island advocate. It probably won’t be a photo day but a fun day with company.
April, I went out there again this morning. But I left the island soon after 10:30 so you probably weren’t there yet. I hope you have fun!
Simply glorious!
Thanks, Kathleen.
I’m in with Arwen on stunning. That last one is really special. Had the tail flared it would belong in the Dudley Hall of Fame. From my one and only experience in Taos with Magpies I know for sure that if you want take off shots they will give you lots of opportunities.
Your mention of the light and iridescence is so true. Last week I was taking a photo of an Anna’s Hummingbird and as he turned his head toward me looking directly into the sun his neck and head became a blaze of iridescent colors.
Everett, given what he was doing in flight I’m actually a little surprised his tail wasn’t flared in that shot.
Love the last shot. Looks like heâs in a shiny suit with starched white collar and cuffs. Here where I live our claim to fame is the yellow billed magpie.
I’ve yet to see a yellow-billed, Catherine. Maybe I did when I was a kid living in CA but if so I don’t remember it.
I am in love with that last image! When I went to Canada in 2019 I was obsessed with trying to get a decent shot of a Magpie (with little success). I would be out with my camera stalking Magpies much to the chagrin of the locals who consider these birds to be “trash birds”. Your last image reveal’s just how lovely this species is.
So glad the R5 is working out for you! If it goes on sale, I might consider it.
RenĂ©, there are tradeoffs with going mirrorless but at this point I’m very glad I made them.
I woke this morning thinking how beautiful was the iridescent Tree swallow I saw the other day. And then seeing your post of this beautiful iridescent Magpieđ Guess itâs my word of the dayâïž
There are worse words of the day, Diana…
You may be getting a new “magpie hat!” đ I can definitely see the last shot on your fireplace wall.
I find myself drawn to the second shot with the nictitating membrane showing (and why doesn’t WordPress like the word, nictitating?). That white eye looks eerily cool and there’s something about the curve of the primaries and the leading edge of that right wing that I really like.
Marty, my WordPress likes “nictitating” but I have it trained.
A new magpie hat? Maybe…
The money shot looks like Archaeopteryx.
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Like Kris, I like the second-to-last shot a lot also. Something about those little curled feet melts my old cold heart.
I have doubts about your heart being cold, Frances.
Spectacular, Ron! Simply spectacular! Thanks for brightening an overcast, rainy morning.
Glad to contribute some brightness to your day, Diane.
WOW! Magnificent shot ratty tail and all. đ I’ve never really noticed the iridenscense on the tail but then I’m not usually in a position or inclinded to “study” that. đ Day worked out after all even if not for the intended purpose.
Thanks, Judy. I actually like that ratty tail. I think it gives him… character đ
Wow. That last one is truly stunning. Iâm going to have to get on my big screen monitor (52â) to really love on this one. You may think itâs fate, but I say itâs your talent and knowledge that grants us this opportunity to see such a glorious image, professor.
Wow, when you buy a big screen you don’t skimp, Arwen. And thanks for the very kind words.
Lol it was a tv a friend passed along as they couldnât take it with them. Very helpful for my work!
I really admire the SECOND -to -last shot—even though the iridescence
isn’t quite as pronounced as in the last, I admire the composition ( the
weeds at the base add a nice element as do the extended legs and feet ) and the markings of the bird are the ultimate in crisp and strong,,, What a beauty !
Kris, I prefer the composition on that third shot too.
That is a real nice image! The iridescence is perfect.
Thanks, Bruce.
Iâm in awe! Gorgeous photo Ron, and I learned something new about the species! Thanks!
I’m glad that you picked up a new tidbit of knowledge, Kellie.
You really captured the glory of this bird. Thanks!
Thanks, Mandy.
Holy cow, what a gorgeous shot!!! This one has âaward winnerâ all over it. Iâm glad you are having so much fun with your new gear.
Sheila, the fun is mixed with frustration but I’m finally beginning to have more of the former than the latter.
I forget, who was it that was made in the image of god?
That last shot is a work of art. Beauty is all around if we know where and how to look. Thank you.
Glad you like it, Porcupine. Thanks.
I have to say, that last shot takes my breath away. What a beautiful bird! We sure don’t get those in Ohio.
Thanks, Connie.
Wow!. Great shot Ron. Sure glad you didn’t stay home.
Me too, Sterling.
That really is a gorgeous shot. Well done, you and your new camera!
Thanks very much, Cathy.