The best laid plans of mice and men and bird photographers…
1/6400, 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
Five days ago in the mountains I didn’t take many photos of this Cedar Waxwing while ‘he’ was perched because I wasn’t terribly fond of the setting and especially because I didn’t like the shadows on the bird. But I figured that if he took off in the direction he was facing, and if I could keep him in frame and in focus, he’d no longer have shadows on him so I had a very good chance of getting some nice takeoff and flight shots.
I figured wrong.
1/5000, 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
What I didn’t realize is that the source of the shadows was foliage out of frame to the right and a little in front of the bird so when he took off the shadows only got worse.
1/6400, 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
And even though I was lucky enough to keep him in frame and sharp in the next shot in the burst some of the shadows remained. They were particularly disappointing because he was calling in all three photos and this last one caught him in a dramatic flight posture that has lots of appeal for me.
But I’m posting these photos anyway because I think takeoffs are always interesting when photographed reasonably well, shadows or no shadows.
Ron
I am late to the party, but (just for a change) loving the post and the comments.
Not only does Mother Nature bat last she is unbeaten.
“Not only does Mother Nature bat last she is unbeaten”
And I suspect she always will be.
I hope she is. Some of us cheat when we try and vanquish her.
Loving today’s comments almost as much as your photographs. š I’m team “any waxwing shot is a good one.” They are such beautiful birds — and I agree with Judy — to me, their feathers look airbrushed.
I must love suffering because I am a life-long Cubs fan and while I was in grad school, drove up from Champaign-Urbana for many day games. Couldn’t then and still can’t bring myself to want to take advantage of those heinous lights in Wrigley field. (Dad was a White Sox fan — he used to ditch school and sneak into old Comiskey to watch them — so I had to be contrary. š) I’m also an Angels fan, so I’m used to teams snatching defeat from the jaws of victory — especially in August. š¤£
“their feathers look airbrushed”
Marty, it’s a well known maxim among experienced bird photographers that it’s hard to get much detail in the plumage of waxwings for that very reason. Their feathers are so fine they look smooth so the details usually brought out by fine shadows in their plumage simply don’t show up in photos.
If you’re a Cubs fan, suffering pretty much comes with the territory.
Heās a shadowy figure, all right! And as was pointed out, a rarity in the photos you post so those shadows seem to jump out at us. So many things to look at, including another āshadow birdā flying up from the Waxwingās belly toward the left wing in that second shot, where I now see the reddish spot at the base of the wing that Judy noted. Fascinating photos of a lovely creature, in or out of shadow!
I’m glad you like it, Chris – because of the shadows or despite them!
As Alison says āthe stories that those shadows tellā. I see another bird, perhaps a Magpie, in the shadow on the wing in the second photo. Iām also drawn to the similarity of claws and twigs. The last photo has him lamenting āIām outta here, this bush is a bust for berries.ā
Lyle, now I see the shadow-bird on his wing but I didn’t until you pointed it out. And you’re right about the claws and twigs.
The third photo is really beautiful.
When birding, one often has to ID a bird more in the shadows than any of your photos.
Thanks, Pam. That’s true.
Shadows or not, it’s a stunning bird. And I’m still singing “When I’m Gone”! Guess I need to buy a pair of plastic cups. š
“And Iām still singing āWhen Iām Goneā”
That made me smile, Diane. It’s a catchy tune isn’t it. And I thought the video was well done.
Yes, shadows often come from a source that you don’t even readily see. Good take-off and in-flight photos nevertheless.
I’ve been a big baseball fan now for 73 years so I really like Judy’s “Mother Nature bats last.” That is outstanding. Wonder if she created that?
Curios to ask – is this Waxwing alone or part of a group? When they come to our neighborhoods once a year they come as a large group.
Everett, this waxwing was alone.
I’ve been a baseball fan ever since I was a catcher in Little League and Babe Ruth. I didn’t watch many games after I became an adult but lately I’ve been following some baseball pages on Facebook and I’m becoming hooked again. I have a good friend who is a life-long Cub’s fan and the poor guy suffers endlessly over their perpetual struggles.
Ron,
The shadows just add intrigue and mystery.
Name the bird James Bond!
Stephen
Well, I guess that’s one solution… š
I also enjoyed seeing shadows and now understand why they rarely appear on photos of birds. Cedar Waxwings are such beautiful birds and some of the individual feathers spectacular! Thank you!
Mary, annoying shadows are just one of the many potential pitfalls of bird photography. Some of them are aren’t an issue but many others are definitely a detraction.
I understand your frustration with the shadows, especially in the otherwise awesome third picture. However, the shadows in the second picture are complex enough that I think they add a lot of interest to the picture.
An interesting way to look at it. Thanks, Phil.
Shadows or not these are still beautiful shots. I especially like the last one in flight!
I like that one best too. Thanks, Woody.
Iām glad you posted these photos, too! I know you are a purist when it comes to bird photography, and that dedication to excellence, eye-lights, and clarity, make them the masterful portraits that they are.
Just keep in mind that some of your readers take pleasure in the story that those shadows tellā¦ It mustāve been mighty early in the morning for that Cedarwaxwing to have the shadow I have a twig band its belly. It tells its own story of your dedication through these years degrees today with your avian compatriotsā¦ And that is also a story I feel privileged to learn from.
Thank you, Alison. It was actually what I’d call mid-morning but the foliage casting the shadows was slightly above the bird.
“Mother Nature Bats Last” š They can be a challenge to get a clear shot of without twigs/shadows interfering. Still neat photos – I luv Waxwings! š Feathers lay so smooth they almost appear painted on. š Appears he may have an injury at the base of his wing or “just how the feathers work” in that area?
No rain yet tho humidity is up.
Loved your quote, Judy!
I wondered if he’s still a young bird. Those axillary (armpit) feathers are often the last ones to fill in on young birds.