I often see groups of harriers off in the distance but it’s rare for me to be close enough to photograph two different birds in such a short time span. And this time one of them was an adult male – the elusive “gray ghost”.
1/4000, f/8, ISO 1000, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM +1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
I encountered the male five days ago along the Antelope Island causeway as I headed home from the island after a frustrating and mostly birdless morning. I was only able to get a blue sky background with him but I did catch him banking in the wind with good light and eye contact. My shutter speed and ISO were unnecessarily high but when he dropped below the horizon the darker mud flats dropped my SS so I didn’t dare fiddle much with my settings.
I wasn’t quite as close as I’d prefer to be with this lens but given that caveat I thought the images turned out reasonably well.
1/4000, f/8, ISO 1000, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM +1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
I found his flight posture in the next frame to be quite interesting because I don’t believe I’ve ever captured this much downward wing extension from a Northern Harrier in flight. To my eye the left wing almost looks to be artificially stretched, as if we’re looking at the bird in one of those distorting carnival mirrors or through a software distortion filter on a computer. Combined with the head position I find the image amusing.
1/2500, f/8, ISO 1000, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM +1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
Less than five minutes later I photographed an even more cooperative harrier along the causeway. This bird (an adult female I believe) and the previous male actually performed some sky dancing for a few moments – a sure sign of (early) spring.
I rarely (as in almost never) get this much detail on the white rump patch of a Northern Harrier so for me it’s a treat to see those individual feathers for a change. That patch is notoriously difficult to expose properly and usually it’s a struggle just to keep the whites from blowing out, much less get any detail in them (compare this image to the first two shots of the male).
I find it ironic that I was able to see this detail in an image taken with my older 100-400mm zoom lens rather than one taken with my new and expensive state-of-the art 500mm prime lens (which is still in the shop – my 8 year old zoom has never needed to be worked on).
Ron
I chuckled as soon as I saw the middle pic. The bottom one is beautiful, with the detail. Hope you get your 500 back soon and the new zoom works out for you.
Haven’t been commenting recently but have been taking quick peeks at your photos all along — these these harrier shots, though, require me to gush, they are so wonderful! I love the big, bright eye captured in the first image, but that long, dropped wing and full-face “glare” of the second are just amazing! And I do appreciate the fine detail of the white “rump” feathers of the last image, but for me, the Gray Ghost is the real sight to behold. Thanks, Ron! Hope tomorrow brings you (good) news of your lens.
Thanks, Chris. Loved your descriptions of the images and why you liked what you did.
Back to the birds. Her neck looks SO much bulkier than his. His shape looks long and drawn out in the wings and neck and much narrower in the white rump area than hers. Do you think this is standard sexual dimorphism in the species?
No, I don’t, Pam. The males are smaller than the females but their overall shape seems similar to me though it can temporarily appear different due to stretching, angle etc.
I am a CPS member and I have to give huge credit to Canon for their repair service. I was having difficulties (caused by impact) with my telephoto lens and contacted them late morning, last week. They requested I send the camera body as well, so they can be sure to evaluate and repair the correct piece. They immediately emailed two prepaid, FedEx, next day delivery return labels. In 20 minutes the packages were picked up! They also sent me a brand new Canon EOS 1DX camera body and a brand new Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x lens to use while they had mine. They arrived here FedEx at 9:00 A.M. the following morning. All this happened in less than 24 hours! Very impressive, to say the least! Equipment was back 4 days later, even though it was a weekend and a national holiday. I have always received similar service with Canon and would highly recommend the CPS program.
I’ve learned my lesson, Everet. I’ve already decided that I’ll be joining CPS pronto. Thank you very much for describing how well it worked for you. I suspect that what you said will be of interest to others too. Which level of CPS do you have?
Stunning images. I had a HEAP of difficulty getting to your blog this morning. I am so glad I perservered.
I will wish my favourite curse of painful hemmorhoids on the canon boffins if they don’t extract their digits soon.
The blog went down for about an hour this afternoon (your Australian morning), EC. I hate those damned “hiccups”.
I checked on the lens again this afternoon. Still nothing new…
I see the second picture and Joe Pesci comes to mind. The bird looks as if to say, “You lookin’ at me?” Great pictures!
Love your sign in moniker, Lisa. Reminds me of the good old days at Highland High. Thanks for stopping by.
Yep, this was a Joe Pesci kind’a bird!
Harriers are my fav raptor and am lucky enough to have some live near my home. But these shots are spectacular! Amazing and wonderful.
Loved the look in his eye especially! Thank you!
Yes, you are lucky to have these birds near where you live, Alx. I wish I didn’t have to drive so far for them.
Hi! Oh what beautiful shots! Great job on details! I love the eye contact and white feathers! You are so talented! Keep up the Fab work! Have a great day
Thanks very much, Hummingbird Lover.
The second shot of the male is my favorite. He seems to be aware of the camera. 😀
I think that’s the moment that he noticed the sound of my shutter, Arwen.
Three great shots of a magnificent bird…I used to do silverwork and keep coming back to the first image…can’t help thinking what a beautiful pendant that image would make.
He’d look good in silver, wouldn’t he, Patty?
Wow! What gorgeous shots! I think the male is showing off for you in the second photo. And love the feather detail in the last one. It doesn’t make sense that it would take so long for Canon to get your lens back to you – it’s just wrong. I’m glad you have the zoom lens and that it is turning out to take some excellent photos that you might not otherwise get. Hope Canon gets its act together soon.
I hope so too, Susan. I’m having serious withdrawal symptoms…
Great shots Ron. Really enjoy your captures of all your raptors! Our Gray Ghost seems to be a lighter gray then yours and is always flying some distance away! I would need an 800-1000 lens to even get close. I envy your ability to get these images from your vehicle!
Dick, in my experience the color of the males changes as they mature. Thank you.
What Sensational shots Ron, thanks for sharing!
Charlotte
Thank you, Charlotte.
Ron, beautiful images. I hope to see these next month when I visit your area. Sorry to hear about the delay of your lens. I can guess that those who are CPS members are jumping ahead of you in the line and delaying yours. Good luck. Rich
“I can guess that those who are CPS members are jumping ahead of you in the line and delaying yours.”
I’ve been thinking the same thing, Richard. It’s also possible that they’re waiting for parts. Or just inefficient. Or teaching me a lesson for complaining about the “service”. Or all of the above.
It sure would be nice to be able to find out what’s going on…
All I can say is “AweSome!” Again… thank you for sharing with us, who follow your “inspiring work.”
Thanks very much, CJ.
I wish I could say the same thing about my Nikon 80-400 zoom. I have had it for 13 months and it is in the shop for the second time for mechanical issues. The first time the zoom was binding and now the lens is loose and rattles at full extension. I shipped it to Nikon over 2 weeks ago and have yet to hear from the repair center. UPS delivered it to Nikon 12 days ago and no word yet that it has made it to the repair shop. Can’t wait to get into a battle with them over warranty coverage. Too bad there aren’t other options for repairs.
Sorry to hear that Joe… what Little I have had to use Nikon Repair Service they have always been quick to deal with. Good Luck.
It’s frustrating isn’t it, Joe? Mine has been in the shop for 13 days and all I can get out of Canon is “it’s still on the bench”. I’ve learned my lesson and will now likely join CPS (Canon Professional Services) to get a guaranteed 3 day turnaround (among other benefits). They’ve said that mine is still under warranty so at least I’m thankful for that.
Good luck with your lens!