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March 21, 2008
Friday Feathers
Photographing birds in flight has long been an exercise that I continue to practice whenever I can. There aren't many feathered ones around simply because a lot of the northeastern birds are currently on vacation. ;-)
Birds that don't leave include gulls, and I've taken a number of decent photographs of them. When I have my 200-500mm lens pointed up toward the sky after spotting approaching birds, I later discover that it's not just another gull in my view. Sometimes it's a completely different type of bird, like this Red-Tailed Hawk.
A common hawk of open country and in cities, the Red-Tailed Hawk circles over open fields and roadsides searching for prey. It is a large hawk with an amazing variety of colors from bird to bird, from chocolate brown to nearly all white. It has a rusty red tail which is usually seen only from above.
Though I've managed to freeze the bird in flight, the quality of the overall image is not ideal. Practice, hopefully, makes perfect. :-)
Cindy
Comments
Magnificent!
Brain matter deposited by: The Gray Monk on March 21, 2008 8:46 AM
A bird of prey - my favourite! Buzzards are easy to capture as are kestrels.
Great picture, petal.
Brain matter deposited by: zed on March 21, 2008 12:14 PM
Wow!
Brain matter deposited by: Joost on March 21, 2008 6:03 PM
Pat - thanks!
Zoe - When it comes to bird photography, I wouldn't define it as easy; challenging, yes. Easy, no. :-)
Joost - :-)
Brain matter deposited by: Cindy on March 23, 2008 10:04 AM
What I like most about these two shots is how it's almost like the bird noticed you noticing him. "What? You're taking a photo of me? Do you realize this isn't my best side? Can't you wait for me to grab lunch and then we can talk about a proper session?"
Or maybe I'm reading too much into the photos.
You have much better luck than most people with birds in flight. Be proud.
Brain matter deposited by: Da Goddess on March 27, 2008 1:49 PM