I rarely succeed with this type of shot but yesterday was an exception.
It seems like I’m always trying to get takeoff and flight shots of small songbirds (which is one of several reasons I default to high shutter speeds) but I seldom succeed. Too many things can and do go wrong but the main cause of failure is the incredible takeoff speed of small birds.
For me in those situations “air shots” are the rule rather than the exception.
1/4000, f/6.3, ISO 800, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
But yesterday morning in the Wasatch Mountains I had some success with this little Song Sparrow. I got “him” completely in frame without cutting off any body parts, his takeoff direction allowed a good look at his face and eye, the background is relatively clean, there’s good light on the entire bird, I had enough shutter speed to get him “sharp enough” and I even have a catch light in his eye.
During the drive home I speculated about my success rate with songbird takeoff shots and estimated that I make the attempt about 150 times for every photo I get that I would categorize as a success. I might prefer a different wing position than this but I’m still quite pleased with the photo.
When it comes to takeoff shots, size matters. Takeoff shots of larger birds like most raptors and shorebirds are a walk in the park compared to songbirds.
And the smaller they are the faster they take off so if you’re a glutton for punishment try it with tiny kinglets.
Good luck with that!
Ron
Nice catch! Just about all of my small-bird takeoff shots have been accidental and crummy. Same for my attempts to capture hover-gleaning.
Wowsers. Small birds often make lightening seem slow and predictable. You definitely nailed this one. And my anthromorphic self wonders whether the other sparrows are giving him heaps for his failure.
EC, this guy was all by his lonesome. It was very slow for all kinds of birds yesterday morning.
An LBG here becomes a subject of fascination. Thanks.
Good. Thanks, Lyle.
I love this shot. Sparrows are so fast and small. I have had some good success with Savannah Sparrows. This morning, I had an encounter with a couple of Northern Parula’s. I got a take off shot but I must admit it was purely accidental timing and what felt like a little serendipity. Either way, it was a fantastic experience with such a tiny little bird. They could literally fit in a shot glass. I am most amazed with your consistency of phenomenal shots. Thanks always for sharing Ron!!
Suzy, take your “accidental timing” and “serendipity” and run with them I sure do.
Nice capture, they are hard! Knowing the bird behavior helps, some dive down for cover close to the ground, others away from you (butt shot) but more horizontal, and then there are the vertical leapers who’s wings I always cut off!
Unpredictable little cusses aren’t they, April!
A beautiful photo.
Thanks, Bill.
The contrast between the sharp “fuselage” and the softness in the wings highlights the incredible speed of that takeoff. I feel like the sharp takeoff shrub and those soft bits of vegetation behind the bird echo that point.
Your reflexes are pretty darn sharp, sir. By the time I’d press the button, the sparrow would be back in its nest, asleep! 😉
Thanks Marty but it’s much more than just reflexes in this situation. Knowing behaviors and anticipation play a part too. But one of the biggest players is plain old dumb luck!
Way back in the beginning when I was first discovering the wonderfulness of birds, the little ones always flummoxed me because of their speed of movement. That was the primary reason I started focusing on raptors. I could actually SEE them and then I fell in love! But the little ones make my heart sing with joy, too. Thank you for your patience and persistence and for allowing me the joy of seeing these little miracles!
Again, YOU ROCK!!
Thanks very much, Laura.
Are you really getting old? This is a fantastic shot Ron.
Congratulations.
I’m not just getting old, Jorge. I AM old!
Thank you.
This glows! Thanks again and again!! I don’t write each time but your pictures always brighten my day,
Good to know. Thank you, Mary.
HA! GOTCHA little song sparrow! 🙂 Getting them anywhere for a clear shot is a challenge let alone taking off! Well done, Ron! 🙂 Wonderful shot….. 🙂
“HA! GOTCHA little song sparrow”
Judy, that was pretty much my reaction when I looked at the photo on my camera screen in the field.
Beautiful capture! I know what you mean about Kinglets I tried photographing some recently out my back window. Had a real good time with them but not many successes!
Kinglets are tough subjects no matter what type of shot you’re after. Thanks, Joanne.
Ron, you are right on regarding catching songbird takeoffs versus hawks, eagles, etc. That is a super photo. One good thing for songbirds is that they are taking off every few seconds especially in the spring as opposed to an eagle who might keep you waiting for an hour or more.
Good point, Everett. Typically we get more chances with flitty songbirds.
Congratulations! The tack sharpness of the close wing and head is amazing. The soft “back” wing sets the head off well. And the catchlight seals the deal.
Thanks, Nancy. Yes, catch lights make a big positive difference.