Saturday, May 10, 2008

Red-Breasted Merganser



As any regular visitor to Country Captures knows, I have been having a great time this spring photo-hunting waterfowl. I have become particularly focused on capturing wildlife action photos. I consider this photograph of a Red-Breasted Merganser to be among my top shots of the spring.

I have carried a keen interest in wildlife since my boyhood days and it has not dimmed one bit as the years pass. Early on my interest centered on hunting and fishing as this was the only way I knew to interact with these interesting creatures. As I matured my interest in wildlife drew me into the field of wildlife conservation where I served as a Pa. Deputy Wildlife Conservation Officer for twenty three years.

Hunting presents a set of challenges that the hunter must overcome to become successful. The challenges begin with locating suitable habitat and locating the query to the end game of firing a well placed shot to bring the hunt to a successful conclusion.

I do continue to hunt for the table a little each year but now the camera has replaced the deadly weapons for the vast majority of my wildlife interaction. I find the challenges of wildlife photography are even more difficult than that of conventional hunting. Photography negates a few of the challenges that face the hunter as there are no set hunting seasons or bag limits to contend with. Also we can photograph where animals are to some degree acclimated to people; areas such as National Parks and nature reserves.

The photographer faces additional challenges such as amount of light, lighting angles, subject positioning, motion, and suitable backgrounds to mention a few.

I find a close encounter with wildlife that results in a successful image capture every bit as exhilarating and satisfying as any encounter in my younger years and much more so than bagging any animal does today.
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17 comments:

Mom Knows Everything said...

What an amazing action shot! That's gorgeous!

Willard said...

That one is hard to beat, Bro! An excellent shot!

ratmammy said...

What a great action photo!

Sharon said...

What a wonderful action shot! I always enjoy your photos!

Juliana said...

wow...fantastic shot

Mine in here Thanks

Anonymous said...

what a perfect timing for shot :D

Will you visit mine Thanks

Carletta said...

Stunning shot - I'm amazed at the crispness of the photo when he seems to be moving so quickly - great job!

Jules said...

Love it. It really sets the atmosphere just right.

Jane Hards Photography said...

Marvelous image. Love a goos action bird shot, they are so hard to capture.

Tom said...

Hi Salty
I agree with you on this it is a great shot and captures the moment well.
I also enjoyed your writing and found it of great interest.

lv2scpbk said...

Wonderful action shot.

DeeMom said...

Beautiful shot of the Merganser

Lilli & Nevada said...

That is a great shot in flight

i beati said...

outstanding - feel as though I'm there

Misty DawnS said...

This is a FANTASTIC action shot of a gorgeous bird! I LOVE this - I've really been enjoying your waterfowl photos. I've been focusing on birds too lately, but the only waterfowl I got a photo of was some Wood Ducks - and then I realized I had forgotten to put the memory stick in my camera. Luckily, I have your beautiful photos to come and look at :-)

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Salty: Outstanding shot as usual, you have a way of timing those shots pefectly.

Gretchen said...

Awesome shot!