With the Canon R5 I’m getting significantly more grab shots of birds in flight than I used to. The R5 is the quirkiest camera I’ve ever owned so I cuss it often, but overall it’s been a good move for me. Just when I’m about ready to throw the damn thing in the drink, it saves my bacon. Sweet redemption.
1/6400, f/5.6, ISO 500, Canon R5, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
Five days ago at Bear River MBR I was waiting for this Clark’s Grebe to do something interesting (it never happened) when out of the corner of my eye I spotted a White-faced Ibis that was close but flying mostly away from me. As I was about to look back at the grebe, the ibis made a quick turn and began flying in my direction.
I suspected the ibis was about to land on the same pond the grebe was on so I made a snap decision to try for some grab shots of the ibis in flight. With my previous camera, the Canon 7D Mark II, I wouldn’t have even tried in this situation but with the R5 I knew I had a chance.
1/6400, f/5.6, ISO 500, Canon R5, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
I got quite a few shots of the ibis on ‘his’ approach but with the phrags so close in the background behind him, many of them weren’t quite sharp enough. This one was one of the sharpest.
I don’t get many ibis flight shots I like because they’re so dark I typically don’t get much detail in their plumage. And the higher the sun is in the sky, the worse results I get.
1/5000, f/5.6, ISO 500, Canon R5, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
But when this bird banked and turned just prior to landing on the pond it put morning sun on most of his ventral feathers and provided me with this shot that I like. I got several more similar to this one that were sharp enough but by then he was looking more to his right and away from me.
Lots of folks who only see this species on their wintering grounds wonder where the “white-faced” part of their name comes from because when they’re not in breeding plumage their white face disappears. This bird, in breeding plumage, displays the namesake white face remarkably well.
Ron
The colors really popped on the Ibis with the angle of the sunlight. Cool
Three great shots; the last one is spectacular. If you ever throw that R5 away, please throw it in my direction. I won’t hold my breath – you two make a superb combo.
Super series Ron!
Thanks, Charlotte.
I’m with EC that the Clark’s Grebe is pretty wonderful, just doing nothing.
I see “ibis” and think Egyptian mummies. Even though a different kind, these photos hint at why they were so special. They are weird-looking, but somehow very compelling. Glad your camera cooperated!
“I see “ibis” and think Egyptian mummies.”
That’s a strange coincidence, Carolyn because so do I.
Back in the early 80’s when I was working for the Utah Museum of Natural History the Egyptian government gifted an ibis mummy to the museum. It was a very big deal (made all the news) and I’ve never forgotten it.
Your Clark’s Grebe might not have been doing anything ‘interesting’ but that reflection shot is gorgeous.
And that side lit Ibis? Wow..
Glad you like them both, EC. Thanks.
You should get paid by Canon, Ron! Fantastic series!
Ha, they’ve never offered Diane. Besides, I badmouth them sometimes too.
Like Michael I really like bird reflective photos. I once made a Shutterfly photo book of them. You and that R5 are really good at those grab shots. If I wasn’t so damn old I would buy one and drive up there to SLC and get you to teach me how to use it. 🙂 🙂
I get that “damn old” part, Everett. Between the ages of 5 and 60 I never, ever took a nap unless I was sick, and even then I rarely did. Now if I don’t get at least one nap in during the day, I’m worthless. Two naps and I’m good to go… 🙂
Just love the grebe photo. Never get enough of the glassy water reflective shots.
Those White-faced Ibis shots are remarkable. That last one is a real keeper.
Have seen a White-faced Ibis only once in the wild. Was during a road trip. Spotted the bird just on the Arizona side of the Colorado River in a plowed field. Tried like hell to get a decent shot. They were all terrible. Still was pretty excited about getting a life bird.
Michael, if you’re ever in Utah you should plan a trip to Bear River MBR. There are many thousands of them at the refuge, and elsewhere, during the spring and summer.
Thanks for the tip Ron.
I’ve never seen an Ibis in real life– and what an ELEGANT creature it is ! There’s something so perfect about its overall proportions and
the grace of the trailing legs and very long feet……I’m very glad for you that your R5 is giving you the confidence to GO FOR IT !
Kris, I don’t have “confidence” in the R5 all the time, not by a long shot, but with it I have a reasonable chance of success far more often than I’ve ever had with any other camera.
Beautiful! Glad you were able to capture the rich color of it’s ventral side…… 🙂 Had a few in the vicinity many years ago – took awhile to figure out what the hell they were! 😉
Often seems to be “chicken or feathers” with the 5 tho I sure like the results you get most of the time…..
Thanks, Judy. In flight they can easily be confused with cormorants unless you know what to look for.
Your “chicken or feathers” made me smile.
Well, golly Ronnie, he’s just gorgeous!!
Glad you think so, Sue. I agree.