Occasionally illusions show up in my photos. This is one of them.
1/4000, f/6.3, ISO 800. Canon R5, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
This is a grab shot taken three days ago at Bear River MBR. The male Red-winged Blackbird took off even before I got my pickup completely stopped so this is the first shot I got of him. I have no photos of him while he was perched on the reeds at left. I like his flight posture, I got a good exposure on his blacks and I like the azure blue of the early morning sky reflected from the water in the background.
At first I couldn’t figure out where that red vertical line that appears to be on the right side of his lower neck came from, but I think its apparent location is an illusion. It’s actually part of the red epaulet of his right wing. Notice how the red of the epaulet of his left wing wraps around the front of that wing. I believe we’re seeing the edge of the same thing on his right wing.
At least that seems to be the most logical explanation.
Ron
And another wow morning. Thanks for the explanation. I love those dramatic colours.
Thanks, EC.
I got fished in by the same illusion. 😂 Glad to know it’s not just me. Love being able to see the little bit of gold along with the red epaulette on the left shoulder.
Marty, sometimes there’s more than just a “little bit” of that gold in their epaulet. I think the red and gold looks great with all that black.
Spectacular flight shot!
Thanks, Charlotte.
Nice shot, Ron! 🙂 Agree on the red stripe and I can see it’s not part of it’s neck.
Neon red sun this morning – UGH!
Oh-oh, that sounds like smoke. Hope I’m wrong…
You aren’t and it will be here for a few days………….. ;(
I think your explanation is logical. Beautiful photo in many ways. If you were new to birding you would probably describe this bird to someone saying that it also had a red stripe on the back of the neck.
We get large flocks of them here that are always fun to watch.
Thank you, Everett.
My first reaction-“I didn’t know this species had a red neck-ring, too ” and
then I read your commentary–your explanation has to be right– but it was
a fun mystery there for a second !
My first reaction as well😊
Kris, I’ll admit that it took me more than “a second” to figure out what was going on.
That undoubtedly is it.
I think so too, Michael.
This is a beautiful photo of a red-winged black bird, Ron. Amazing that you captured it while your truck was still moving. The illusion is striking. Your explanation makes perfect sense.
Melanie, my truck wasn’t moving much. I just had to remember not to stop completely because when I do the pickup “rocks back” for a moment, making it impossible to keep the bird in the frame.