In smoky, morning light.
1/3200, f/5.6, ISO 1000, Canon R5, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
Three days ago at Bear River MBR I got about a half dozen sharp shots of this White-faced Ibis as ‘he’ was about to land in the water very close to a small group of Black-necked Stilts. Most of my photos of him were more traditional than this one but I kept coming back to this shot because of the peekaboo pose.
If we couldn’t see most of his head tucked in there between his wings I wouldn’t like the image as much as I do but not only can we see it, there’s actually a catch light in his eye. So the photo has some mystery but when the viewer looks more closely, it’s resolved.
The incredibly warm light, which may or may not be a good thing, was caused by Idaho wildfire smoke in the early morning. Readers will remember the photo I posted two days ago of the sun rising over the mountains that turned the entire eastern sky a fiery red. This photo was taken only about a half hour after that so the light was still very warm.
It’s likely that this image will have limited appeal but I enjoy it as a change of pace.
Ron
PS – If you’re curious about how his landing turned out, the ibis did just fine but…
the stilts weren’t too happy about it. I suspect the ibis deliberately displaced the stilts.
Just have to say, don’t think I have ever seen a bird photo like that! What incredible timing! That is so unique, every time I look at it I see something different. And in addition to the positioning, the colors are very eye-catching, as others have mentioned. Great photo!
Much appreciated, Quentin.
The umbrella’d ibis is one of the coolest bird pics I have ever seen!
Thanks very much, Kent. I’m glad you like it.
well, it certainly appealed to me – terrific image!
Good. Thanks, Gary.
HOW I remember that light and the related air quality.
I love that shot though. And am smiling at it (and you are probably right) the deliberate displacement of the stilts.
“(and you are probably right) the deliberate displacement of the stilts.”
I’d pretty much bet on it. Thanks, EC.
I really like the first shot, the colors are lovely and the pose is fun with the face just visible under the wing.
Thanks, April. Those are most of the reasons I like it too.
Fabulous photo. Was not sure whether it was a flying umbrella or Mary Poppins. Just enough light to pick up some of the iridescence that the Ibis are known for. I think you are right about the Ibis landing, but I have often seen these two species calmly foraging together. The umbrella shot is a definite keeper.
“Mary Poppins” made me smile. Thanks, Everett.
The light and colors are fabulous. Unique shot!
Thank you, Jo.
Gorgeous. Really fun to see how those wings are working as brakes.
Thanks, Arwen. Air brakes.
That first photo is certainly “evocative”–first a jellyfish, then a scallop shell,
Umbrella/parachute…….but for me, the first image that popped into my head
was that of a “fan dancer” in the burlesque stage-performances from
a long time ago…….you and the ibis provided a lot of unintended entertainment for our tiny minds this morning !
Kris, my first thought when I saw the photo was how much the ibis looked like a Reddish Egret in their typical fishing pose. I’ve never seen a Reddish Egret but I’ve seen photos of them fishing.
My first impression was a jellyfish adrift in the ocean. Then the cap of a mushroom. You and your camera can do amazing things.
Lyle, I never know when I’m going to capture something a little… strange.
Luv it! 🙂 Beautiful capture……iridescent wing and peekaboo face plus the VERY warm light do it for me. 2nd photo of the landing is fun also…
Smoke yesterday and bad this morning too……. 🙁
Different from anything I’ve seen before. This is one of your (many) pictures where I have to take off my glasses and bring the phone close to my face and scrunch up everything and then say huh. Maybe TMI? Any way thank you Ron for the picture of the ibis pretending to be a scallop shell
Frances, that’s one of the several advantages of big screens over phones.
Thanks, Judy. We still have smoke too but it’s supposed to clear out tomorrow with RAIN coming in.
I absolutely love the first photo! It is as if the Ibis has its own umbrella, parasol or parachute as it floats in for a landing. The position pf the wings is perfect for a controlled landing. And so like most animals to displace someone already “at the table” rather than finding a seat of their own!
Melanie, I suppose he figured the stilts had already found the best foraging spot by trial and error. And he was bigger so…
“may have limited appeal”
I have been loving the Ibis and their very impressive iridescent colors. That catch light makes this photo really pop and I love it! (Juvy?) stilt didn’t look too happy at all.
“Juvy?”
Shane, I’m not smart enough to know for sure.
I like it. The few ruffled feathers on the back from vortices created by the the extreme wing angle, and the feet and bill pointing to the landing zone, gives the sense of movement and intent.
“The few ruffled feathers on the back from vortices created by the extreme wing angle”
Good eye, Michael. Thanks.