Second thoughts.
1/2000, f.6.3, ISO 640, Canon R5, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
This is an older photo of a Prairie Falcon with a Shoveler “she” had killed on the Great Salt Lake and then waited for it to drift ashore before claiming it. Her wings are partially raised because she was about to use them in an effort to drag the Shoveler over the rocks and further away from the water before enjoying her breakfast.
I’ve posted other photos of this falcon to my blog in the past but not this one because of the yellow rock in front of the falcon’s left foot. Because that rock is very nearly the same color as the falcon’s legs and feet, none of the other rocks are that color, it’s right in front of her foot, and it has an almost organic shape, it distracts the eye as the viewer tries to figure out what it is. Is it part of one of the birds, or not? And if it is, what is it?
But I like the photo (after all, it’s a wild Prairie Falcon with prey) and when I ran across it again last night I had second thoughts as I realized all I had to do was explain the rock to my viewers. Duh.
Problem solved. If it was a problem in the first place. As my readers know, sometimes I overanalyze my photos.
Ron
This individual really opened my eyes to how some birds can plan out a complex series of events. That was before all the current research on bird intelligence. Your photos were really ahead of that curve and I feel so privileged to have had them open my mind to a new understanding of what “bird brained” could mean.
Pam, you have a good memory to remember that series of photos so well from long ago. Thanks very much.
You often over analyse your photos. It is part of your persona as Captain Picky. Just the same I love that you changed your mind and allowed us to see this determined (and powerful) beauty.
As I sometimes say, EC – my middle name is “flexible”… 🙂
Ahhh hahahaha gasp hahahaa!!!!
Ron,
“Overanalyze” is an understatement. Your rejects would be my wall-hangers!
Best,
Stephen
Not a lot of them, Stephen. I can guarantee you that.
Very impressive that you caught her in flagrante delicto. I imagine the chances of seeing that today on the shores of GSL are much diminished.
The wings paralleling the waves first caught my attention. The rock looks to me lilke a humongous emerging nose.
She looks awfully grumpy, perhaps for being watched. Hope she’s gotten over it.
Lyle, if she was grumpy it was probably because the duck was rocking and rolling in the water so she knew she’d have to haul it across those big rocks before she could enjoy her meal. A Shoveler is a big load for a Prairie Falcon.
I think it is nice despite the rock but yes I get it. Lovely eye contact and overall a neat story about the bird and it’s duck. Besides birds have been few especially falcons. I think with the ongoing drought, shrinking GSL and limited prey last year it is nice to see a few in our area this year. I have seen a peregrine at both Farmington and BRMBR, out in the distance, and a prairie in Salt Creek area. Never close for photos.
April, I’ve seen a couple of Prairies and maybe one Peregrine this year, all from a distance, and that’s about it.
My eyes went right to the Prairie Falcon’s eye and wings and I doubt if I would have even noticed the rock if I had not read the description below. Excellent photo that I really like. Had a similar experience a few years back when a Prairie Falcon killed a Coot, but then lost it in a fight with a very bold female Harrier. There was no way the Harrier was going to let my presence force here to leave the Coot so I got some outstanding photos.
Everett, that harrier was bold indeed. And lucky.
Ron – I think I should have added that the Harrier was older and on her home territory that she thinks she owns – I believe the falcon was pretty young – I had never seen it before
Just love the way you allow us a visit into your artistic thought processes. It’s a great photo worth sharing. After all, how many people would ever get a glimpse of this moment? Very few. Yet you are entirely correct in how the eye gets drawn to that rock. Glad you published with explanation.
About two hours north of LA is a wild place called the Carrizo Plains. In the Fall migration it is a great place for birding. One time I got out of my car to take a look around at the horned larks flying around just above head level. Seconds later a prairie falcon came into my field of view and plucked one of the horned larks right out of the air and flew off. Remarkable.
Wow Michael, I’ve never seen a Prairie Falcon take down a songbird – only ducks a couple of times and from far away.
I paused looking at the rock initially tho quickly determined it wasn’t a duck foot…… 😉 I remember the previous photo and commentary – LOT of work for such a large capture and she sure doesn’t plan on parting with it.
Cooler(49) and less smoke this morning. A “tease” before triple digits tomorrow it seems and then a drastic drop – it’s North Central Montana after all…… 😉
Your last sentence says it all, Judy. My cousin Ken told me he’d seen snow on the farm every month of the year.