Delicacy and grace personified.
1/3200, f/5.6, ISO 800, Canon R5, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
Two days ago at Bear River MBR I thought I had no chance in hell to lock onto this Black-necked Stilt as “she” was flying in to land in the shallow water. I figured she was coming in way too fast and erratically and the cluttered background was too close to her for my focus point to lock on to her and keep her locked. But readers know that I’m a fan of Wayne Gretzky‘s philosophy – “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” – so I instinctively tried anyway.
I was thoroughly amazed when I got six consecutive sharp shots of her just before she landed. I like all six of them but this one might be my favorite. I really like her landing posture, I caught her positioned perfectly between the two green emergent plants in the foreground and my exposure on her whites and blacks worked out well in the soft (smoky) morning light.
Truth be told, the Canon R5 deserves more of the credit for getting that many sharp shots of her in flight than the photographer does.
The background is unattractive but I think the bird trumps the background, in part because she looks so delicate, dainty and graceful in the soft light.
Ron
She is simply gorgeous. I am currently reading the autobiographer of a Chinese dancer and she pulls off the elegance and style required much, much easier than he ever could.
“She is simply gorgeous.”
I think she is too, EC – in contrast to that background.
A really wonderful photograph.
Those long legs seem as if they would be a hindrance to making a graceful landing. The stilts pull it off without a hitch.
Wally, I’ve often wondered if their long legs sometimes get in their way. But apparently they manage them just fine.
Very nice, I like the pickle weed.
Thanks, April.
The ballerina analogy is perfect – and her delicate tail is her pale pink tulle tutu. So pretty! And the framing greenery is perfect, too.
Glad you were following Wayne Gretzky’s philosophy.
Thanks, Carolyn. I like the way her tail is tilted.
Based on this photo, one has to think that ballet was originally inspired by the Stilt or other gangly but elegant birds.
Gangly but elegant is a good way to put it, Lyle.
Really cute photo of a juvenile, who does remind me of a ballerina.
Me too, Pam. Thanks.
I keep thinking about her beauty. Thanks for the inspiration.
Nice shot Ron. As you say, the Stilt’s colors definitely trump the background. I was really not even aware of the background till your mention of it. I really like these guys and gals and look forward every year to their arrival.
9-11 memory greetings to all your followers. Just like the Kennedy assassination, a day on which you will never forget where you were.
“Where were you when the world stopped turning.” Alan Jackson
Thanks, Everett. I was in my classroom at Highland High School. It was a very long day.
I like it! 🙂 Beautiful capture of her tippy toeing down with nice detail of her legs/body/wing tail – a “keeper” for sure IMO…. 🙂
Spotted Towhees and House Wrens have joined the increasing number of Goldfinches at the feeders and pond. VERY unusal post labor day collection for us!
Thanks, Judy. I’m especially envious of your towhees.
She reminds me of the ballerinas in “Swan Lake” with long, thin arms and legs
extended and “bowing” gracefully……..
Now that you mention it, you’re right Kris.