Interpreting behaviors to get the shot.
1/6400, f/6.3, ISO 640, Canon R5, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
As readers know, I’m always game for takeoff and flight shots so yesterday morning on Antelope Island I instantly switched into that mode when this Western Meadowlark gave me a hint that ‘he’ might be about to launch. He’d been singing in a more typical, almost horizontal posture and facing to my right when he suddenly stood up tall in the saddle and looked with great interest at something in the opposite direction.
So I gave him a lot more room in the frame in that direction and hoped for the best.
1/6400, f/6.3, ISO 640, Canon R5, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
Sure enough, about two seconds later he was off in the general direction he’d been looking. I got three flight shots but I like this one best because of the sweeping arc of his combined wings and the position of his feet and legs relative to each other. The background isn’t my favorite because it’s mostly homogenous and not very interesting but at least there’s a faint hint of color from the far-off mountains at lower right.
I’m always interested in seeing those splashes of yellow on the leading edges of their wings. I’ve been aware of them in meadowlarks for years but for some reason they always surprise me a little when I see them when their wings are wide open in flight. When meadowlarks are perched, with their wings folded against their body, they just look like part of the yellow breast (as is apparent in photo #1).
Ron
NIce flight shot. How are the gnats?
I didn’t notice any gnats at all.
I noticed the feet right off. Definitely makes the shot for me because it gives him “superhero” vibes.
Looks like the kids definitely took their toll on his plumage this season. Scruffy bird or not, it’s a great shot!
I definitely think kids were part of the equation, Marty. That same morning I saw a recently fledged meadowlark on top if a gravel pile.
Well executed!
Thanks, Bruce.
You might get two comments from me – in which case feel free to delete.
I love the drama of the second shot. I am also ashamed to say that I probably wouldn’t have noticed the hint of yellow on his wings without your text. I did notice his molty state. Learning all the time.
None of us notice everything, EC. We’re a team around here!
Nope, only got one comment.
Never seen an in-flight Western Meadowlark photo before. They are quick and like to stay close to the bush. Thanks for the peek!
Thanks, Michael.
I was thinking he looked a tad molt-y in that take-off shot … but no matter, we’ve all had our bad-hair days and we don’t live in the elements like this guy does! Great photos, love those postures.
I think he is, Chris – just a bit.
You caught him in such a dramatic pose in the takeoff shot. He must have been trained for the stage. Seems like actors always fly across the stage with one leg bent like that. Swashbuckler-style. Off to save the damsel in distress.
I guess he’s a drama king, Lyle!
Looks like an eagle taking off. Great shot Ron. Love Western Meadowlarks and am disappointed that I have not seen many here this spring and early summer. Your pointing out of the yellow on the edge of their wings is interesting and not sure if I ever observed that.
Everett, I didn’t notice the yellow on the wings for a long time either. But when you’re processing images you tend to finally see details like that.
Beautiful! The body position is great including one leg tucked and the other still is push off position. I’ve never noticed the bit of yellow on the wing edge but then I main see them on reflecters on the road – not exactly prime viewing! 😉 Appears to be some damage to the right primaries close to the body or is that just the angle of the shot?
“or is that just the angle of the shot?”
Judy, I think he’s molting. Some of his right secondaries appear to be missing and to me his entire plumage looks just a little rough around the edges.