![\"\"](\"https:\/\/featheredphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/tundra-swan-1234-ron-dudley.jpg\" "\\"tundra-swan-1234-ron-dudley\\"")
<\/p>\nIt’s time to start looking for migrating Tundra Swans in northern Utah. But other swans need to keep an eye out for them too, for their own safety.<\/p>\n
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1\/640, f\/9, ISO 800, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f\/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in<\/em><\/p>\n Four years ago on a cloudy morning at Bear River MBR I was photographing small groups of Tundra Swans on the water when another swan in flight came in to land amongst one of the groups out of frame to the left. A swan in flight during the landing process is a lot like a massive projectile that’s more than a little out of control. At that point their air speed is slow enough that they’ve lost much of their maneuverability so other swans on the water know they need to fend for themselves. Getting whacked by one of their 14 lb. airborne companions with a wingspan of over 6′ is a very real and potentially dangerous possibility.<\/p>\n So when this swan on the water saw the other swan coming at ‘him’ from behind he ducked at precisely the right moment to avoid a collision with the back of his head. Both birds were completely nonchalant about it – not a feather was ruffled nor did I detect any excitement or aggression from either bird. It was as if it was a normal occurrence to be expected during their daily routine.<\/p>\n It isn’t a great shot, largely due to the poor light, but I thought the behavior was interesting and the timing of the photo was fortunate so I decided to share. I never posted this photo before because the butt of another swan was poking into the frame edge and I thought it distracted significantly from the behavior.<\/p>\n So for this version of the photo I got rid of that annoying rear end.<\/p>\n Ron<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Note: <\/em><\/p>\n The news on my lens repair isn’t good. Late yesterday afternoon I heard back from Canon again. When they got into my lens they found an unexpected problem. Here’s what they said:<\/em><\/p>\n “***Update estimate*** Upon repair it was determined that the 4th group IS lens ass’y will need to be replaced in order to resolve issue. Original charged <\/span><\/em>amount will be refunded back to you. Please respond to estimate. CPS discount applied.”<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n Replacing that lens assembly is also going to cost almost $400 more than their original estimate and I still don’t know when I’m going to get my lens back. I don’t even know for sure if they have the part in stock.<\/em><\/p>\n