The abrupt transition from running on ice to running on water must have been a challenge for such a huge bird.
1/4000, f/8, ISO 800, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM, not baited, set up or called in
Early yesterday morning at Bear River MBR I could tell by their behavior that a small group of Tundra Swans was about to take off to the south. I got the lead swan in my viewfinder just before ‘he’ began running across the ice in an effort to get his massive 14 lb. body airborne.
I was quite close to him so even without my teleconverter attached I was lucky to avoid clipping any body parts. When I saw my images at home I was even more surprised to learn that I have lots of shots of him taking off that turned out unusually well given the situation.
In this photo, one of my favorites of the series, he’d just run out of ice so he was running on water. I love running poses like this one, especially when the bird is really striding out with its legs and we can see at least some of the water splashes made by the running feet.
The transition from hard, slippery ice to water must have been a bit of a challenge for him because of the difference in their physical properties requiring somewhat different technique to get the best traction possible.
But he seemed to take it all… in stride, literally.
Ron
love the picture. always amazing to see their runninging/flying.
Love it!!
Thanks, Stevphen.
The set of the wings really adds to the”gotta go gotta go” sense for me. Love!
Thanks, Arwen.
Beautiful, I wish we had them year round.
I’ll join you in that wish, April. Wouldn’t it be fun if they raised their kids around here!
Those are some big clompers on such an elegant bird, obviously swans make good use of them in instances like this and as they glide so gracefully on the water. The things we normally wouldn’t see or think about except for your photos and narrative bringing them to light (and life)… 🦢
“Those are some big clompers on such an elegant bird”
That’s quite a dichotomy isn’t it, Chris. And the near-contradiction is difficult to ignore with the black legs and feet on a big ol’ white bird.
One of the things I love most about your photos, Ron, is the detail you give us of the feet – from killer talons to the tiniest hair-width wires of a little songbird. This one definitely reminds me of my 5th grade teacher, stern Miss Regensberg, in her terrible clompy “old-lady” black shoes. Though this beauty would probably be a star on a modern fashion runway! Gorgeous!
Your comment about bird feet and Miss Regensberg made me smile, Carolyn.
Great capture Ron! Love the lighting! His wings look spectacular spread out.
Thank you, Kathleen.
This image is better than reading the Sunday morning funnies.
The stereotypical image of a Swan as beautiful and elegant is upended in this photo. More like comical and determined. Hellbent to get airborne with all systems engaged: neck outstretched, wings aflutter and feet pumping like pistons.
“Hellbent to get airborne”
That says it all, Lyle. Quite a feat for such a heavy bird.
What a beautiful tundra! All that copper from head to chest is stunning! Excellent timing for another stunning photo!
To top it off, that catch light! You taught me that having that catch light makes all the difference. Now I try with all my photos to find that little glow.
Shane, light in the eye brings the bird (or any animal) to life. Delighted that you realize what a positive difference it makes.
Great shot Ron love those feet trying to grab some traction. They have visited us here for about the last ten years and I always look forward to their arrival.
Thanks, Everett.
Beautiful! 🙂 The detail on the swan and water, & the lighting come together to make a great shot! 🙂 It would be a challenge trying to get airborne in those conditions! Sounds like it had “been there, done that”. 😉
“Sounds like it had “been there, done that”
Probably, Judy. Given the conditions on the refuge this winter it most likely wasn’t his first time running from ice to water. Or vice versa.
Beautiful photo, Ron! The swan looks like a very large, very white Road-Runner! Every detail is in focus. And as always, your commentary brings your experience into our homes. (Love the fun pun) How I wish I could tag along on one of your photo forays.
Thanks, Melanie. I wasn’t sure how that “pun” would be received but it worked for me.