A photo I like a lot.
1/3200, f/8, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM, not baited, set up or called in
This is a female Western Kingbird leaving her nest bush after delivering nesting material to her nest on Antelope Island in June of 2014. In this species the sexes are alike but I know this is the female because males don’t take part in nest construction. Her mate was standing guard nearby, which is the typical role of the male.
This may be my personal favorite Western Kingbird photo, for a long list of reasons including its technical quality, entirely natural setting and degree of difficulty. The layered background with the blues of the Great Salt Lake, tan mud flats and early summer greenery add a very special touch, at least for me.
I posted this photo back in 2014 but I’m posting it again because it’s been so long, because I like it so much and because it was already processed. The setup of my new computer has had some serious and ongoing hiccups and all the peripheral disruption makes accessing my photo files cumbersome to say the least.
Don’t be surprised if I post a few more older photos before I have all the kinks worked out.
Ron
What a great photo! You have so many “exiting the nest” photos! I love seeing these.
Love it that you can see the downward tip of the beak!
Yup, her upper mandible has a bit of a terminal hook.
I love Kingbirds and this is a wonderful photo. Occasionally a Western will drop into my yard, but a few days ago there were FIVE Cassin’s perched on the telephone line by my house, chatting very noisily!
I missed yesterday’s (beautiful) Pintail and new computer announcement … wow! That’s a whole lotta tech goin’ on at one time — but I’m sure it will be worth it once you’re squared away a bit more, though certainly not pain- or aggravation-free. Good luck to you, kind sir!
I sure hope it’s worth it, Chris. I knew it wasn’t going to be any fun but I’ve run into more issues than I expected.
Photographs of this quality and subject material never age. Outstanding!
I’m glad you like it, Wally. Thanks.
We need all we can get right now to remind us of the good things in the world. This definitely helps. Thank you.
Yes we do. Thanks, Lyle.
Any stroll through your archives is a journey I’ll happily take, Ron! Bring on the golden oldies!
Diane, we may be strolling again soon. Thanks.
👏👏👏
👍
Thank you for reposting this lovely action photo of the Western Kingbird. I was not yet a follower back in 2014 so this beauty is a fresh treat for me. I hope the new computer settles down and cooperates soon so you can focus on your new camera. 🙂
I hope so too, Melanie. Thanks.
An absolutely beautiful photo Ron, in every aspect. I love all the soft colors.
Thanks, Mark
Really a dynamic frame–vertical sage filling the left side, wide open space
on the right really sets off her form and take-off posture– I like it a lot, too.
Thank you, Kris.
Luv it for all the reasons mentioned! 🙂 We mostly see them on power lines being territorial.
Hope the computer “groups it’s poop” in the near future. Were they not so expensive and necessary one would be temped to throw them against the wall at times! 😉
I hope so too, Judy. Right now its poop isn’t grouped…
That photo makes me happy.
Good!
I love this one too! Sage is a favorite!
Thanks!
Thank you, Mary.
Ron, you have the greatest collection of older photos. Bring them on. This is an exceptional photo. Like everything about it. When I first looked at the photo I thought Wow – Ron’s new camera is sure working well. Good luck with the all technical stuff.
Nope, not the new camera Everett. Not yet…
WOW! Excellent shot!
When you are done learning about your new camera this is one fan that would love to read your summary.
I wouldn’t be surprised if I post something about it at some point Dick. But I don’t know if I’ll ever be “done”…
Good idea to reward us with beauty while messing with the beast!
The beast is a relentless opponent, Terri. It never quits.
That right wing was worth coming back for.
Yeah, she was tipped at a great angle to give us a good look at that wing. Thanks, Granny Pat.
Fabulous photo, Ron!!!!
Thanks, Nancy.