Yesterday morning I found this Willet perched on one of the Tintic Quartzite boulders so common on the northern part of Antelope Island.
1/3200, f/7.1, ISO 500, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light
I’m generally not particularly fond of these rocks as perches because of their brightness but this bird partially made up for its choice of perch by giving me a little action…
1/3200, f/7.1, ISO 500, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light
when it decided to take off. It took one step…
1/3200, f/7.1, ISO 500, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light
and then raised those flashy wings for take-off. For this post I thought I’d show you what happens to me more often than not in these situations – I screw up the most crucial shots.
Here I clipped a wing.
1/3200, f/7.1, ISO 500, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light
And this last image isn’t quite as sharp as the others. Bird photography ain’t easy…
The Willets are still active on the higher slopes of the island but it won’t be long until they’re spending most of their time along the shoreline and causeway.
Ron
Ron, I think the Tintic Quartzite works so beautifully with the Willet’s colors here! Absolutely *love* these images. (btw, I’m glad you identified the various rocks because I wouldn’t know, but appreciate learning.)
Very good shots Ron. I really enjoy your behavior shots, the action, the mood, the expression, the intensity and sharpness of your images are wonderful to observe. Many thanks!!
All birds in flight are amazing, but for me it is that down stroke which encapsulates the sheer effort needed. I love this capture – and those wings. Thank you.
Hi Ron,
Thanks for the fabulous shots of these birds. I love the bokeh on these shots! Really sets the bird off to see very well..
Thanks, Bill. We get some interesting backgrounds on Antelope Island.
And yet the last photo is easily my favorite. ‘In Flight’ trumps many other considerations. Beyond that, this particular ‘down’ wing position is the loveliest of all action bird poses.
I tend to agree with you about that particular flight posture, Terry – particularly with long-beaked species.
Wonderful! thanks so much for rising above the Terrible behavior of that horrid woman who seems totally deceitful and sharing your talent with all those who love seeing it!
Charlotte NOrton
Thank you, Charlotte. I’m hoping that’s all behind us now. Time will tell.
Looks like I have some catching up to do! Been away from the blogging world for a bit …
Thanks the only willets I have seen look the same color as rocks I have never,until now, seen the marvelous wing flash.
Now that you showed it I can see the edge of black in the folded wings.
Wonder full
Thanks, Diana.
Thanks for another set of great photos..especially love the feather pattern detail on the wings. As these pics demonstrate, a bird doesn’t have to be showy to be beautiful These guys must blend into their surroundings perfectly. They almost look like stones with beaks, legs and eyes.
Patty, They can be very hard to see among the rocks unless they’re high enough to be outlined by the sky. But when they raise those wings they sure stand out.