Six photos of six species, all taken within the last month.
Occasionally I like to post a collection of recent bird photos that may not be worthy of standalone status on my blog but they’re still reasonably good photos and collectively they’re a fairly accurate representation of the species I’ve been photographing lately. These photos were taken at or near local ponds, Farmington Bay WMA and Bear River MBR.
1/4000, f/5.6, ISO 640, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
A Pied-billed Grebe beating up on a crayfish (crawdad if you prefer) before swallowing it.
1/5000, f/6.3, ISO 800, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
Canada Geese coming in to graze on a grassy field.
I’m not particularly fond of the boring plain sky background but I like the good separation of the birds and the placement of the geese in the frame. And the fact that all three are sharp – at the focal lengths I shoot at I have very little depth of field.
1/4000, f/5.6, ISO 500, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
A male Common Goldeneye threatening another male out of frame to the right.
Whenever a male Goldeneye strikes this pose, with his head and bill laying flat on the water, the photographer should be prepared for a sudden and explosive forward attack on another bird. In this instance it didn’t happen but in my experience it does almost half the time
1/5000, f/5.6, ISO 800, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
An American Coot chasing another coot that is out of frame to the right. The water splashes in front of the bird were made by the coot this one was chasing.
1/5000, f/6.3, ISO 800, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
A sidelit male American Kestrel actively hunting voles and other potential prey below him. This light angle makes it very difficult to get a catch light in the eye but in this shot I got one in his left eye.
1/4000, f/5.6, ISO 1000, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
An adult Bald Eagle about to land in a tree. The eagle passed behind the branches we see in front of ‘him’ and landed on another branch that’s out of frame to the left. The background is snow-covered mountains in shade.
I posted a different photo of this eagle a few weeks ago but this one is new to Feathered Photography.
Ron
Love the photos! Especially the beautiful American Kestrel. I think the light is perfectly moody!
Another exceptional birdpourri blog entry, Ron! Thank you so much! I’m glad you included the kestrel — those feisty falcons are always a treat. The graceful geese and eagle are also a delight. Coots always give me a giggle, especially when they’re all “fuss and feathers” about something. Not sure what the groundhog said, but spring is definitely on its way!
Thanks, Marty. You’re right about spring – it’s nice to see so many of the ducks already in breeding plumage this time of year, or getting there.
Teri’s so right, your photos are a welcome antidote to the news of the day … and, actually, that’s true most every day! Little one-footed kestrel is especially lovely.
Sorry, Terri.
Thank you, Chris.
A totally delicious and nourishing potpourri. Many thanks.
Thanks, EC.
I like them all Ron but the Kestrel is the keeper for me.
Good to know, Brad. Thanks.
All nice photos Ron. Love the Honkers and the Kestrel.
Thanks, Michael.
I imagine strolling through a gallery of these photos and lingering at each one. Time well spent.
I think this might be the first time you have posted a potpourri when all the species are also here in NW Washington. I’ve seen them all in the past month (sans the Kestrel), as well. No photos though, like you and Everett.
Lyle, Like you I don’t need to get photos to enjoy birds the birds I see. But the photographer in me squirms when I don’t.
I’m glad that your forays out into the cold are being rewarded with a variety
of subjects– I love the perfect spacing of the Canada geese, and I think
the Kestrel shot is gorgeous– there’s something special about his posture
and the downward turn of the head– graceful !
Kris, now I’m doubly glad I posted the kestrel photo. See my response to Stephanie below.
I like it when you do these collections, and especially love the photo of the Kestrel.
Good to know, Stephanie. Thanks. I almost didn’t post that kestrel photo because he’s so strongly sidelit.
Excellent photos and variety and especially to me because I took photos of all of them yesterday at our Goldwater Lake except for the Kestrel. At this particular lake I have only seen one kestrel there in 16 years.
Really like the landing eagle and wish I was better at in flights and landings. Yesterday there we had four immature eagles 2nd and 3rd years and one adult male.
“I have only seen one kestrel there in 16 years.”
Everett, I like how well you keep track of the birds you’ve seen, and where you’ve seen them. Nothing wrong with your memory.
As you know, photographing birds in flight, and doing it well, takes practice. Relentless practice.
Love your potpourri blogs Ron! And so appreciate your talent! Took a pic of a hawk and it’s nest on a saguaro cactus yesterday. The site was stunningly beautiful. My photo – meh. 😄
Site = sight
We all take “meh” photos, Kathleen. In those situations it’s best to remember and appreciate the experience – as you obviously do.
Refreshing photos this morning when news around the world is sad, thank you Ron!
Glad you like them, Terri. Thanks.
The many avian faces of nature going about their business! Nice! 🙂
Thanks, Judy.