Once again, it paid off to know a little about bird behavior.
1/5000, 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 in the Wasatch Mountains I was attempting to photograph other birds when this male? Yellow Warbler, that had been buried in a bush, came out and landed on the periphery of the same bush. He wasn’t particularly close so I was hoping against hope for flight shots, knowing full well that my chances were slim to none because warblers are so doggone fast.
1/5000, f/5.6, ISO 800, Canon R5, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
But this warbler gave me a cue of imminent takeoff – he roused. Rousing doesn’t always mean birds are about to take off but it’s a reliable enough cue to fire off a quick, short burst and hope you get lucky.
1/5000, f/5.6, ISO 800, Canon R5, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
So that’s what I did and I actually got lucky. The bird pushed off and…
1/5000, f/5.6, ISO 800, Canon R5, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
took flight. My luck continued when I…
1/5000, f/5.6, ISO 800, Canon R5, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
managed to keep him in frame for a second flight shot. This one isn’t quite as sharp as the previous photo but I think it’s ‘sharp enough’, whatever that is.
I always consider it a victory of sorts when I get decent flight shots of warblers. Getting a relatively clean background is a bonus.
Ron
Beautiful series. I love the last one.
Thanks, April. I enjoyed our long gabfest today.
I imagine that knowing (through long and sometimes bitter experience and research) always pays dividends. And what rich dividends these are. Thank you.
EC. it doesn’t always pay dividends in the photo but it does often enough to make it worthwhile. Thanks.
Really nice photos, and a great photography tip – Thank you!
Outstanding Ron. You got it perfectly. That 3rd photo looks like an Olympic swimmer poised and ready for the start gun. All 5 photos are perfect. Excellent camera and photographer at their best.
Much appreciated, Everett. I see what you mean about that third photo.
What a treat! I’m in awe of your expertise and timing.
Don’t forget to include a little luck in that list, Kathryn. 🙂
Just want to add my compliments to your well-deserved achievement – well done!
Thank you, Burrdoo.
That is definitely a difficult task. Well done!
Thanks, Bruce. Sorry, I didn’t see your comment until just now.
Excellent! The 3rd & 4th shots are exceptional to me!
Glad you like them, Kathleen. Thanks.
WOW! Beautiful series! 🙂 They ARE fast for sure and don’t tend to stay put for long unless, of course, they are collecting spider webs from our picture window. 😉 We have several this year.
“they are collecting spider webs from our picture window.”
Now that’s something I’d like to see, Judy. And photograph.
Took awhile to figure out what they were doing a few years back! 🙂
What a nice series…..I especially like #4 for the detailed look at
the sectional arrangement of wing feathers……I hope to see a
yellow warbler in real life before I kick the bucket; that’s my idea
of golden treasure!
Thanks, Kris. I’m not seeing (or hearing) as many Yellow Warblers as I usually do this time of year. I hope that isn’t a sign of something ominous.
The third photo is wonderful! I did not know, or appreciate bird takeoffs and landings before discovering your posts. I have learned so much and am grateful for your teachings. While animal behavior and photography has always interested me, you have provided so much insight, and such beauty I Thank You! Still learning at 68, Better late than never.
“…warblers are so doggone fast.”
That’s a fact! Even with your skills, equipment, and the bit of luck you seem to have, I still cannot imagine how you manage to get some of these shots. Those last 3 are just amazing. Well done.
Something about that third one. In the launch mode. Has a real feeling of time suspension.
Thank you, Michael. I’m glad you appreciate that third photo. I very nearly didn’t include it but now I’m glad I did.