Western Meadowlarks are good subjects for practicing take-off shots. The rule of thumb is the smaller the bird the faster the take-off, so songbirds are difficult subjects for this type of shot because of their small size and quickness. Meadowlarks are larger and slower than most other passerines so the photographer stands a reasonable chance of success at getting at least part of the bird in the frame when the shutter clicks. It can be quite discouraging to get shot after shot with no bird in the frame when photographing those tiny “greased lightning” songbirds. When it happens to me I call it “getting air”.
Each of these images was taken last month on Antelope Island.
1/3200, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, canvas added for composition, not baited, set up or called in
For me the major appeal of this image is the grasshopper in the beak. This is one of the few shots I’ve kept of a songbird taking off with obvious food in the bill. You’ll notice that the bird isn’t as sharp as it could be which I believe was caused when my autofocus locked on to the foliage at bottom rather than the meadowlark. This happens occasionally when I attempt to stay locked on the bird as it launches by using five active focus points (rather than using only one, prefocusing and hoping the bird takes off lateral to me).
1/3200, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
Even though this meadowlark has no food in the bill to add interest I prefer this image over the first one because of its superior image quality – almost the entire bird is sharp and I was close enough to get good detail. Take-offs are very difficult to photograph well and I like action images (and challenges) so I practice this type of shot at almost every opportunity.
Many bird photographers do the same but others simply give up in frustration and shoot static birds only.
Ron
Ha ha, yes, I have LOTS of air shots,or partial body shots but like the lesson here.If I could just find a meadowlark to practice with… the light is good in both, but close and crisp in second with slightly different angle.If I had done either , I would be very happy. I do understand that with more practice comes better results thus the expectations rise. Your comments on your own work have helped me shape my expectations of my own.Though no where close to your abilities, I am slowly learning and enjoying the journey.
I like them both – for different reasons. The food in the bill is the bonus in the first, and the incredible clarity in the second. And I would of course have kept both of them – with pride.
Not only do the small birds move with the speed of greased lightening, I have discovered they are about as predictable lightening as well, so I am even further impressed.
“I have discovered they are about as predictable lightening as well”
Exactly, Elephant’s Child. Predicting their behaviors (including direction of take-off) is both an art and a very inexact science.
I like the first shot better…it’s sharp enough to please the eye and I like the “fling” quality of the take-off…The second is nice and crisp, and the detail is great….both great shots….
Thank you, Patty.
I’m glad you keep practicing with song-bird takeoff shots, because I really love the detail of the wing feather patterns. I like the second image better, too, probably in part because the bird in the first image is a rather scruffy-looking bird. The second one has a much neater appearance in addition to sharper details.
You make a good point about the less than perfectly coiffed look of the first meadowlark, Susan.
The images are superb and I agree that the second is perhaps a bit more appealing for the reasons you stated. Your last sentence is accurate, except in my case. I continue to try to obtain take-off shots but just continue to be frustrated! (I’m a slow learner!)
Then that means you’re one of those who doesn’t give up easily, Wally – that’s one of the prerequisites for success in this endeavor!
Both are great pics of a very cool bird. Speaking of “getting air”, with a bit of imagination, that first one reminds me
of Michael Jordan leaping and the bird could “dunk” that grasshopper…….
I see what you mean, Bill – though I didn’t notice a basketball hoop next to that greasewood bush…
They are a pretty bird. I like the grasshopper one. 🙂
Lots of color (and sound) in meadowlarks, Arwen.
There’s something hugely appealing about the second image in particular – the angle and the sense of accessibility. I appreciate what you say about liking the challenge so you practice the action shots at every opportunity. You’re a great advertisement for deliberate practice!
Alison, If anything takes practice it’s bird photography.