Grab shots are often a waste of pixels but sometimes I get one that amuses me.
1/8000, f/6.3, ISO 640, Canon R5, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
These are grab shots (my excuse for the excessive shutter speed) of a female Great-tailed Grackle taken at a local pond two days ago while I was talking to a friend. She landed close to me on a snow mound covering dead vegetation from last year, walked down the mound and then started to traverse the reeds.
I just saw her and raised my lens and fired while I was still talking to my friend. There was a male grackle nearby and I believe his presence was influencing her behavior.
I think her raised right foot and hunkered-down posture make it look like she’s trying to sneak up on something. But in reality she was just preparing to step over the raised and curled stem directly in front of her.
1/8000, f/6.3, ISO 640, Canon R5, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
Which she accomplished and then went on her way.
I realize that a lot of folks don’t like grackles but I enjoy having them around. Especially this time of year when their gushing hormones are getting the better of them and making them act (and sound) more than a little silly.
Ron
She’s pretty intense, that’s for sure! I think she’s channeling her “inner cat.” 😹🐾 And if these are your “grab shots,” I’m doomed in the picture-taking department.
Thanks, Marty. Less than a minute after these shots were taken, while I was still talking to my friend, I took some more grab shots of another species, this time in flight. I like them well enough that I’m thinking of posting a couple of them tomorrow.
It was a grab shot kinda day.
Big smiles. And thanks.
Thanks, EC.
I like them, I think their walk is like a runway model stride, especially when they stand erect with their head held high. I have some fun shots I took down south but I have not processed them yet. I hate processing and I am feeling over whelmed by the sheer numbers between the Montana trip and trip down south. My temp job has ended and I can’t garden yet so maybe I can get through them this next week.
Thanks, April. Good luck with all your processing. The only thing worse is not having any photos you like to process.
There is something humorously cartoonish and delightful about that first photo that just makes me smile. The contrast with the snow in the back really makes it pop.
This is one of those kind of photos that could prompt a caption contest. Then it hit me. Did somebody mention Niagara Falls? “Slowly I turned…”.
Thanks, Michael. I think the background snow really makes her raised foot stand out.
A Velociraptor on the prowl;
Wonderful arresting photo.
“A Velociraptor on the prowl.”
I see what you mean, Kent.
Neat grab shots Ron. With your skills and the R5 even grab shots can be excellent. We have two shopping centers with super markets etc near two of our lakes and throughout the center there are Long-tailed Grackles everywhere. They are so common that I often hesitate to take photos when I am out, but then remembering what interesting birds they are I do take some shots. Especially with the females you are pretty much guaranteed getting the catch-eye as your photos clearly show.
Thank you, Everett. I like photographing both sexes of grackles. Their behaviors can be really interesting.
Has me chuckling – even tho I don’t enjoy Grackles in the yard that’s fun!
Good. Thanks, Judy.
I loved that first shot, and immediately I “heard” the Pink Panther theme in
my head…..that brilliant focused eye and lowered head really signals a
pounce-to-come!
“immediately I “heard” the Pink Panther theme in my head”
Dang, I wish I’d thought of that, Kris.
The R5 gets some of the credit for the sharply focused eye.
Absolutely impossible not to anthropomorphize with those looks. It’s the gracklian equivalent of Mrs.Hyde and Dr. Jeckyll, in that order.
Grab shots they may be but keepers for sure,
“Gracklian” – you’re the epitome of a creative wordsmith, Lyle.
LOL “I Spy!”
“GoodDaY” & Thank you for sharing. Gave me my morning SmiLe.
Take care,
CJ
“LOL “I Spy!””
Now that brought back some memories, of when I used to like Bill Cosby. Thanks, CJ.