It’ll come as no surprise to many of us that sex isn’t always a bed of roses. That sad fact also applies to birds.
Occasionally I go back to some of my oldest photos to see what might be lurking there that I’ve forgotten about. This behavioral sequence was taken at Farmington Bay WMA in late April of 2008 with my older Canon 40D so the file sizes aren’t very big. I’ve also cut off some wings and there’s out of focus vegetation in front of the birds but I thought the series was still interesting. And amusing.
1/2000, f/11, ISO 500, Canon 40D, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
As part of the breeding ritual and just prior to mating male American Avocets shake their bill in the water with increasing intensity which causes vigorous splashing just before he mounts the female.
1/1600, f/11, ISO 500, Canon 40D, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
Getting (and staying) on her back isn’t easy, especially with those incredibly long legs, so males often brace their bills against the head, neck or bill of the female…
1/1600, f/11, ISO 500, Canon 40D, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
in order to provide a third balance point. Even so it’s a daunting task to stay up there…
1/2000, f/11, ISO 500, Canon 40D, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
and sometimes things just don’t work out. This male’s left foot slid down her wet, slippery shoulder and he…
1/2000, f/11, ISO 500, Canon 40D, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
ended up in the drink and straddling her in a position…
1/2000, f/11, ISO 500, Canon 40D, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
that prevented completion of the act. Here the male in particular seems a little nonplussed. As a result both birds lost “the mood” so they went back to feeding and other activities.
But if I remember correctly this pair of love-birds eventually raised chicks so all was not lost. At least not permanently.
Ron
Great behavioral shots Ron!
Charlotte
Ron, the female looks bored, non nonplussed. Another example of how birds and humans are alike. Wonderful photos. Thanks so much
Though I’m a relatively new visitor to your site Ron, I know I will see remarkable, fine photography of intriguing and seldom-seen bird behavior here. This post is wonderful for all those reasons and certainly meets all my expectations. To think these rituals last for mere moments and that you were there and operated your gear to create such stunning photos is a wonderful coincidence. Thanks so much for sharing these!
Excellent series. You always seem to be in the right place at the right time. That takes commitment and your photos are stunning.
“You always seem to be in the right place at the right time”
Judy, I’ve often thought that I always seem to be in the right place at the WRONG time (or the wrong place at the right time) but today they both came together for me with a Peregrine Falcon. Doesn’t happen often but when it does it sure lights my fire.
Fantastic series once again, Ron! The first image is simple yet regal, but by the last image I was thinking about that old floor game we used to play called “Twister”. Thanks for making me laugh out loud!
I remember Twister, Diane. Never played it myself but I watched others doing it.
Yet ANOTHER example of why birds have a huge survival battle. Some of Mother Nature’s challenges are doozies.
Yes they are, EC. And I love the word “doozies” – reminds me of my dad.
Fantastic photos! I must say that how A. Avocets mate had never entered my mind – until now! Never mind clipped wings, etc, these are wonderful pictures. I love your narrative with your photos! Your blog is always immensely interesting.
Jane, I’m delighted that you liked them and even happier that you enjoy my narrative. That’s often as much work (for me) as getting the photos.
Yeah, sometimes that majestic thing just doesn’t work out! We all have our moments, which means again that we’re all more alike than different.
Lovely set of images (insert standing repetitive Oh WOW here)
Laura, while I was writing this post I’d actually wondered if you’d use the opportunity to point out yet another similarity between birds and humans! I couldn’t agree more.
Glad I didn’t disappoint 😀 It’s one of those things that’s just blatantly obvious to me and has been as long as I can remember.
Interesting, comical and delightful. Wonderful shots with the 40D, no need to apologize I think these are great.
I’m another who likes your behavior series. These shots bring back memories when I was in ND.
Dick, the 40D did a wonderful job for me for several years. Many of its images look great as long as I don’t try to print them too big.
I agree with Dave, you sometimes wonder how they ever survive.
Thanks
So do I, David.
Wonderful, educational sequence, Ron. 🙂 Nothing is easy it seems. 🙂
“Nothing is easy it seems.”
And maybe sex is at or near the top of the list, Judy!
Beautiful birds…interesting series…glad you decided to repost ….behavior series are always appreciated here….
Thanks, Patty. If my records are accurate I’ve never posted this series before, though I did post one of the shots.
Love these behavioral photos. They’re always so interesting and sometimes make me wonder how they ever accomplish the completion of the act at all.
Thanks, Dave. It does make one wonder, doesn’t it? Especially with those long legs.
What an image to start the day with! Thanks, Ron.
I hope it doesn’t prevent you from concentrating on your tasks of the day, Sally! 🙂