Wind can be an issue when photographing birds in flight but at times it can also be your friend.
1/1600, f/7.1, ISO 500, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, canvas added for composition, not baited, set up or called in
On this day at Farmington Bay there was a stiff breeze blowing over the water from the south so when it hit a steep bank on the shore it provided uplift that this bird decided to take advantage of. Often when raptors are kiting in the wind they seem to me to be having fun and this harrier was no exception. The background is the cloud shrouded and snow covered Wasatch Mountains so there were dramatic changes in the backdrop as the bird changed relative position to me.
1/1250, f/7.1, ISO 500, 500 f/4, not baited, set up or called in
The harrier had blood on its belly and feet that is evident in some of the images. It would move down the shoreline far out of range and then eventually come back and do it again. I spent about 45 minutes trying to get decent shots in tricky light and I liked the way a few of them turned out even though the snow and clouds in the background could be pretty bright.
1/1000, f/7.1, ISO 500, 500 f/4, not baited, set up or called in
This isn’t generally considered to be an ideal wing position but I include the shot to demonstrate the classic kiting posture and to give a little better sense of the mountains in the background. At times when they’re kiting they’re actually stationary in the air which gives the photographer a relatively easy subject in flight.
Because of the wind all the bird had to do to quickly veer off is lift one wing which gave me a better opportunity to get light on the ventral surface. However this type of shot is difficult to get because with the wind blowing this hard the bird shoots out of frame like a rocket.
Sometimes I cuss the wind but then there’s those situations when it plays to the advantage of the bird photographer.
Ron
This is one beautiful lady. I think my favorite is the first one. I like the background and the angle that shows the beautiful feather patterns. We get occasional northern Harriers in this area, and I’m always happy when I get to see them. Photos like these, almost as much as the ones of the males, make it clear why you would be so stuck on these birds… 🙂
Great shots Ron another question for your methodology. when you bought your new lens what was your thought in not going to the 600 instead of the 500 you did get?
Uncle Bird, 600mm would be too long for me much of the time (and too heavy and much too expensive). As it is I remove my teleconverter quite often with the 500. Lenses are always compromises and for me the 500 is the best choice.
Amazing shots, Ron.
Breathtaking!! I am stunned by the beauty. Thank you!!
Just perfection in photography…and of course, your comments are always so interesting!
If Dick Harlow did decide to carve a harrier (or any other raptor) it would be a beauty. I base this on his amazing carvings of water fowl….Gorgeous!!! So life like you expected them to fly or paddle away.
Oh my, these shots are fantastic!! If I didn’t have enough to do I’d be making a pattern of this hawk and put it into a carving. Beautiful bird, much appreciate you sharing these.
Good – I know you like an image when you think of using it as a model for one of your carvings. Thank you, Dick.
If I could soar like that I would eat voles. Long term vegetarianism thrown away for a pair of wings. Everyone has their price – and you seem to have identified mine.
Amazing sequence. Thank you. (Sometimes I think I should develop a short-cut key so I can just put that up on all of your posts.)
I think I’d make that trade-off too, Elephant’s Child. In fact I KNOW I would – in a heartbeat.
YUK!!! There’s got to be a better way….
If I’m really good to birds, could I please have wings in my next life? Please, please, please?
YOU WANT TOVEAT???VOLES?????????
I often have that same wish when I’m watching them fly, Mikal.
Another beautiful series along with interesting comments…found third image particularly interesting because of unusual wing view…all four really capture the intensity of the hunt….wonderful work, as usual…
I like that shot too, Patty – but more for the background. Thank you.
Wow! sensational shots Ron!
Charlotte
I’m glad you like them, Charlotte. Thanks.