It’s time to start looking for migrating Tundra Swans in northern Utah. But other swans need to keep an eye out for them too, for their own safety.
1/640, f/9, 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
Four years ago on a cloudy morning at Bear River MBR I was photographing small groups of Tundra Swans on the water when another swan in flight came in to land amongst one of the groups out of frame to the left. A swan in flight during the landing process is a lot like a massive projectile that’s more than a little out of control. At that point their air speed is slow enough that they’ve lost much of their maneuverability so other swans on the water know they need to fend for themselves. Getting whacked by one of their 14 lb. airborne companions with a wingspan of over 6′ is a very real and potentially dangerous possibility.
So when this swan on the water saw the other swan coming at ‘him’ from behind he ducked at precisely the right moment to avoid a collision with the back of his head. Both birds were completely nonchalant about it – not a feather was ruffled nor did I detect any excitement or aggression from either bird. It was as if it was a normal occurrence to be expected during their daily routine.
It isn’t a great shot, largely due to the poor light, but I thought the behavior was interesting and the timing of the photo was fortunate so I decided to share. I never posted this photo before because the butt of another swan was poking into the frame edge and I thought it distracted significantly from the behavior.
So for this version of the photo I got rid of that annoying rear end.
Ron
Note:
The news on my lens repair isn’t good. Late yesterday afternoon I heard back from Canon again. When they got into my lens they found an unexpected problem. Here’s what they said:
“***Update estimate*** Upon repair it was determined that the 4th group IS lens ass’y will need to be replaced in order to resolve issue. Original charged amount will be refunded back to you. Please respond to estimate. CPS discount applied.”
Replacing that lens assembly is also going to cost almost $400 more than their original estimate and I still don’t know when I’m going to get my lens back. I don’t even know for sure if they have the part in stock.
Shit happens but I don’t have to be happy about it.
I’ve always envisioned Tundra Swans as such elegant birds. Until now.😀
I guess we all have our awkward moments. Actually, I have them several times a day. Glad no one is there with a camera.
4th group IS lens assembly. Didn’t they have to replace that on the Hubbard telescope? No, I think that was the 3rd group.
“Didn’t they have to replace that on the Hubbard telescope?”
Ha, I wouldn’t be surprised, Lyle. Or something similar…
Ouch. The lens news has to be like finding out a 14-pound-out-of-control swan is aiming for your head. Glad you’re able to duck — nonchalantly, of course (although I do hear the floating swan grumbling a bit 😉 ).
Marty, I don’t know that I’m being all that nonchalant about it. This has been, and is going to be, a very long time without my lens. Too long.
You can blame me — I missed rehearsal last night because I wasn’t feeling so hot, so I wasn’t able to drive by Cannon and give them my “fix it cheap and fast” death glare.
Nope, won’t blame you. Your intentions were good…
I can relate to you on the cost of repairs. Took my car in this summer to get the airconditioner fixed and it was going to cost 400.00 When I got my car back was told I need another 400.00 for an electric part. So could not go any where much this summer.It was just too hot his summer and no air conditioning.
That must have been a bummer, Trudy. A hot bummer, all summer.
Smiles from me too. Not least at the ability to make the photobombing bird butt butt out. I admire the nonchalance of the ducking swan too. It reminds me of when himself lost control of his car on a very muddy dirt road and rammed it into a tree. The car was a right off, and the roof was level with his seat. He had a cut less than half an inch long on his little finger – I saw it coming and ducked he said.
Huge sigh at the news from Canon. Just the same it would have been more infuriating to receive it back again and discover that the problem wasn’t fixed.
EC, your last sentence is what I keep telling myself. At least they found what was wrong and they’re fixing it.
I hope.
I am crossing everything for you.
Incoming!!! LOL! That’s a lot of uncontrolled power. Thanks for adding ‘not a feather was ruffled…’ They are apparently used to each other unintentionally dive bombing into the water.
Good luck on the lens Ron.
Kathleen, they both took the event completely in stride, which surprised me just a little.
Sorry to hear about your lens. Makes me think of the beloved station wagon with 150,000 miles that drops its transmission.
Thanks, John. I guess I never owned that station wagon….
That’s a neat photo Ron. We get them here later in the season and I always look forward to seeing them. Sorry about the setback in the lens repair, but hope Cannon can quickly get it to you.
Glad you like it, Everett. I’ve already been without that lens for much too long.
First thing that came to mind was duck, duck, goose! Thanks for making me smile this morning. Sending positive thoughts for your lens repair.
Thank you, Diane.
NEAT photo – VBG! No, getting hit in the back of the head with 14 lbs. in motion wouldn’t be amusing!
DAMN on the lens – yes, and yes on shit happening but don’t have to be happy about it.. 🙁
Thanks on both counts, Judy.
A chuckle from me too! I wouldn’t want to be clipped by that big bird — especially when ‘she’ is wearing those big black boots!
I’m glad Canon is diligent in finding the real problem with your lens, but I’m sorry about the cost. 🙁
“those big black boots”
Good way to put it, Kathryn. That’s sure what they look like.
This story and shot got a surefire smile to start my morning. 😄😄
Good to know, Granny Pat. Maybe that’s why I finally decided to post this photo, for the smile that that it even got from me during these trying times.
Me too! 🙂
🙂