I apologize for all the Western Kingbird posts of late but I shoot what’s available to me and recently that’s largely been kingbirds.
For the past few days a mated pair of them has been trying to decide on a nesting site and as of yesterday that decision has been made. The female (only the female builds the nest) has been busily hauling in nesting material while the male spends much of his time on a nearby perch, guarding against other birds and potential threats as she does so. Her work ethic is admirable. I timed her yesterday and sometimes it takes her as little as 20 seconds per twig-hauling trip. The male seems to approve…
1/3200, f/6.3, ISO 640, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM, canvas added for composition, not baited, set up or called in
This is the male as he left his sentry perch, calling as he did so. Sometimes he’d be gone for a short while but he nearly always returned to the same sagebrush perch which is only about 10′ from the nest. Only the female incubates eggs or broods nestlings so this guy will be living the life of Riley until the eggs hatch when he’ll begin helping to feed the chicks.
Due to the flight posture, partially open bill, light, clean background and natural setting this is one of my favorite kingbird flight shots.
Ron
Love this.
Patty is of course right about your shot ‘having it all’. Much like the male of this pair. I hope and trust he does double duty when the chick feeding duties begin.
I think he’ll begin to do his share when the right time comes, EC. It’s interesting how the roles of the sexes develop in different species, isn’t it?
SPOT ON!! Great shot!!
I have to admit when my subjects are sitting, my pictures are OK, but when the subject is moving, man, I’m having a very tough time keeping the camera on its eye! This just shows me and any other photographer out there what a superb photographer you are!
Love looking forward to your images!
Dick, And I have to admit that I often don’t even attempt to keep my focusing spot on the birds eye in flight. Unless it’s a large, slow-flying bird I find it almost impossible to do.
The saving grace is the fact that with good wing position (wings up or wings down) as long as you lock focus SOMEWHERE on the bird it’s likely to all be sharp. If the wings are horizontal and you lock focus onto the end of the wing closest to you the body of the bird will likely be soft but you haven’t lost much anyway because of the (generally) undesirable wing position.
Thank you for the very kind words.
Thank you Ron, I will try and remember this lesson.
What a beauty!!! Its got it all. White outline of tail, catch light in the eye, perfect background, hint of silver sage,wonderful wing position, each feather defined, the touch of yellow on the rump, and a great, determined expression!!!
I also like the things you mention, Patty. Thank you.
I also like the obvious fact that this bird has been eating ice cream and drinking milk. I like them, too….
😀 !!
Fabulous flight shot Ron!
Charlotte
Thank you, Charlotte.
Just beautiful!
Thanks, Susan.