Western Meadowlarks are now singing by the gazillion from their elevated perches on Antelope Island so I’m getting some opportunities for take-off shots.
1/3200, f/7.1, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
Two days ago this singing meadowlark was partially hidden by twigs so I set up for launch and rolled the dice. Lots of things have to go right for pleasing take-off shots, including the following:
- direction of flight – butt shots or head-on shots are generally not preferred
- good wing position
- pleasing background
- nictitating membrane not closed
- good light on the bird
- eye contact with light in the eye (catch light)
- the fast-moving bird must be sharp
Add to that intimidating list (for the photographer) the fact that take-off is usually so fast that the bird has very often already partially or completely left the frame before the shutter clicks. Fast reflexes (and luck) play a big part in any success one may have.
1/3200, f/7.1, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
This time I quite liked the results of the first image after launch. It ticked off all of the qualifiers on the previous list plus I got an interesting look at those long, curled toes and claws trailing behind the right wing. The tips of two flight feathers on the right wing are obscured by the rabbitbrush but for me that’s a very minor imperfection.
1/3200, f/7.1, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +1.4 tc, canvas added for composition, not baited, set up or called in
I even enjoyed this final image in the sequence because of how the bird’s posture implies building flight speed.
It’s a little easier to get pleasing take-off shots of meadowlarks than it is with most other passerines because their stocky build and relatively large mass means actual lift-off is somewhat slower than it is in most smaller songbirds. I believe the following image (taken 3 days ago) helps to illustrate my point.
1/2500, f/7.1, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
Most sparrow-sized songbirds are so light that one flap of the wings makes them airborne, often without much or any extra push from their legs. But meadowlarks are heavy enough that they usually need all of the thrust from their legs they can get to overcome inertia and gain flight efficiently.
This meadowlark took off a millisecond after the shutter snapped. I enjoy the image because the foot, leg and body posture implies just how much leg-thrust is about to be contributed to the launch. The bird reminds me of a track sprint runner at the starter blocks.
Ron
PS – If you’re planning on visiting Antelope Island today to photograph birds you’re going to need even more luck than usual. The annual Buffalo Run (and yes, the bison in the banner photo in this link has actually pinned a person against the fence during a previous Buffalo Run) is scheduled for today so the island will be clogged with traffic and runners and I suspect that most of the birds and other wildlife will be hunkered down and avoiding accessible areas of the island.
As for me, I’m staying home…
Really like the next to last one. It reminds me of a Blackhawk helicopter for some reason. 😀
Wonderful take-off sequence.
Great sequence, Ron and iam taken by the brilliance of the bird’s colour.
Beautiful shots Ron. One of my favorite birds. I love the song they sing. I was out taking pictures of wild flowers yesterday. I kept hearing Meadow Larks, but never spotted one. Disappointed, but always another day!
Their song carries a very long ways, Jean, so I can imagine that you might hear them and not see them, especially if they were the more difficult to get close to Eastern Meadowlark (at least that’s my understanding, though I’ve never heard or seen the eastern variety).
I hope the buffalo have a very, very successful day.
And yes, staying home sounds like the only option.
Love the meadowlark shots. Those curling toes are incredible, and you are so right about the ‘starting block’ image. Thank you.
Thanks, EC. And I’m so glad I stayed home. One year during the Buffalo Run I didn’t. That was a big mistake!
Gorgeous meadowlarks , Ron ! And to paraphrase Edward Abbey—the trouble with buffalo pinning humans is that they don’t get enough of ’em !
Thanks, Kris. And I love Abbey quotes, paraphrased or not!
What Sensational shots Ron! Thanks for sharing!
Charlotte
Thank you, Charlotte.
Beautiful bird … and wonderful captures, Ron. Everything you describe as to difficulties in capturing take off shots I can vouch for. However. If anyone ever needs a couple of great butt shots, I’m yer gal. ; ))
“If anyone ever needs a couple of great butt shots, I’m yer gal. ; ))”
That brought a big smile, Lois, partly because it could be taken in more than one way. 🙂 Thank you.
Nice series…especially like the “5-4-3-2-1 , take off!” Look of the last. WE’re “celebrating” the first day of Spring with snow…at least it’s fluffy and light….I am so sick of the stuff!!!
Thanks, Patty. And I’ll bet you really ARE sick of snow. Sure wish it could all even out over the country so we could have had some of it during the winter. I’m afraid we’re going to be in a world of hurt this summer and fall.