This image is from one of my favorite places to visit for bird photography, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico. Each winter thousands of sandhill cranes arrive to spend the winter feeding of the corn that is planted by the refuge. Up to 20,000 snow geese also arrive at the same time along with many other species such as American Kestrel, roadrunner, bald eagle, many varieties of ducks, even mountain bluebirds. Every morning shortly after sunrise thousands of snow geese take off all at the same time in a stunning display of white and black then the cranes begin to take off in small family groups all with a gorgeous sky . I will be going there on December 5 and then onto White Sands National Park for a few days. Canon 1DX MKII/ Canon 400 2.8 F4,5/1/800/ISO 320.
4 comments posted
Jerry Biddlecom
Very well done action shot with blurred background and soft colors that reveal the bird's natural location. The zig-zag lines of the legs and wings and the way the sandhill is really leaning into getting airborne makes this a great shot. Nice exposure and white balance, and you captured the eye perfectly. Well done! Posted: 12/10/2024 23:12:58
Cindy Marple
I missed you by a couple of days, was there earlier in the week! I'm sure you found that Bernardo was better this year in terms of # of birds. But the opportunity for the takeoff in water like this wasn't there.
This is a great pose and the background is very pleasing. Good amount of space on all sides for the action. Beautiful light as well.
To me the bird is slightly soft. Maybe just needs a bit of output sharpening for this image size.
This is a really beautiful shot. Posted: 12/11/2024 21:34:46
Adrian Binney
Bruce - a very dramatic image! It's very well captured with an interesting and your f4.5 delivered a narrow depth of field, whilst all the bird being sharp. Lovely. I agree that something has resulted in our view not being 100% sharp - either the file size/internet effect or a tad of sharpening desired. Posted: 12/13/2024 18:45:55
Steve Cole
Bruce ... YES a great action capture with good panning technique too. I love these birds for we have tens of thousands during the migration somewhat near my home (110 miles). Posted: 12/16/2024 19:14:06
