Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Visiting the Creek: Canada Geese

With daylight savings time and the lengthening days I am finally able to work in some evening outdoor time before the sun sinks below the horizon. This afternoon the sun broke through the clouds that have been obscuring the sky for days and the thermometer climbed to 50F. I decided after dinner to check the local creek for geese and whatever else that may tickle my photographic fancy.

As my wife climbed into the truck I checked the focus distance setting on the 100-400 lens, set the ISO to 400 and the F-stop to 6.3 and thought I was ready to go. Arriving at a creek crossing we hopped out to walk and I put the camera to my eye pressing the shutter button halfway…….and nothing! The camera did not focus or set the shutter speed, instead in the bottom of the viewfinder was a flashing no cf. I had not replaced the CF card after my last download. Having only taken the camera and leaving the camera bag (full of CF cards) at home there was no option but to return home. With the trip only being one mile it was no big deal. So much for being the one preaching “always be prepared”!





After securing a card I headed to another crossing and here my luck improved. A pair of geese feeding a short distance down the creek allowed me to approach quite closely while keeping their heads held low in an attempt to remain unnoticed.


Once I began approaching directly they raised their heads watching me intently until I was forced to look down while taking my next step. The geese seized the moment when I broke eye contact to depart.

As the geese took to the air I was able to get off three shots, posted here are the first and second images. By the third shot I was off-focus but what the heck two out of three ain’t bad :)




18 comments:

Anonymous said...

You have been getting some really fantastic shots of waterfowl and other birds. The waterfowl that I photograph are more used to being around people, but I am usually behind something quietly waiting. Someone suggested feeding them to get them to come close, but I don't like to make them change their behavior...I usually get to the other side of the pond before the camera tells me that it needs new batteries...sigh..

Leedra said...

Went out this morning with my macro, just to see what I could find right around the front flowerbed. Find a ladybug, after 2 shots the batteries were dead. Naturally by the time I went back inside and changed the battery the ladybug was gone.

Like both of the photos you posted.

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Leedra said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Leedra said...

Oops, hit it twice, deleted the 2nd one.

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EG CameraGirl said...

I'm enjoying the lighter evenings too. I love having a bit of light after supper to explore with my camera.

Great shots of the goose trying to get away!

Brad Myers said...

It is a great time of year to be out capturing birds, the longer days and warmer weather always makes me feel reborn.

I have a case I keep my memory cards in but even if I do not take that bag my camera strap has two little pouches on that each carry a memory card, just an idea.

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Salty: What nice take-off shots you got.

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

Not bad?I'd say they are fantastic.It is good to hear that others forget important stuff now and then.LOL
Blessings,Ruth

lv2scpbk said...

Wonderful action shots.

Chris said...

Very nice shots... You know there are groups of them in Paris which stay all the time now. I saw them there and was quite disappointed and happy in the same time to ba able to see them...

Unknown said...

I'm always shooting photos at work, or on my commute home. When it comes to a big trip, having everything in place and ready is critical ... but when you're only a drive away, ... or can get it next time, it's not so much a big deal.

Montanagirl said...

Great shots! We were out for a drive today and saw thousands of Honkers in the stubble fields in our area. They're into full-bore migration right through here.

Meggie said...

For as many times as I see Canada geese, they remain one of my favorite critters to watch and photograpg. Nice shots, Salty!

photowannabe said...

Love the way the geese are dancing across the water. Great motion.

Tom said...

Two out of 3 is excellent Salty... I visited the bird feeders I help to keep stocked this week again and was rewarded with the best day I had there. The birds were there in numbers and the males are now looking very good in their breeding feathers. I will be doing bird posts for at least a week now.. ha!.

Anonymous said...

Excellent take off shots Salty. The light is perfect and the beauty shines through.

Kahshe Cottager said...

The last photo is just stunning! I notice that the geese are beginning to pair off now and claiming nesting sites. It must be spring!

Ivar Østtun said...

I like these photos whrer the birds are flying or try to. Love to see them use their wings. Great shots