Lift Off

Gallery: AvianPosted December 3, 2009225 views8 comments

Well, after a couple of weeks of attempting to shoot action in available darkness, this evening meet with some success. The flock of Rio Grands (not Merriams) that have adopted us come off of roost about 7 AM and return to the trees around 5PM. Being near or under their flight path seems to be key. Getting lucky with the auto focus is as well.

Canon 20D 17-85 @ 17 1/200 f5.6 flash with Gary Fong diffuser

Thanks for looking
Comments always welcome
Neil

Comments

8 comments

Comment posted by Carrie O'Brien-Sib on December 3, 2009 at 7:48 AM

What a nice capture, Neil! Looks like patience prevailed!! I love it!

Registered on August 4, 2009, 149 Posts, 889 Comments

Comment posted by Nick Saunders on December 3, 2009 at 9:14 AM

What was the motivation for shooting the Turkey's in the dark Neil ? Just curious

Registered on February 6, 2008, 321 Posts, 3035 Comments

Comment posted by Larry Fischer on December 3, 2009 at 10:08 AM

You must have also been very well camoflaged. These guys can SEE!!!

Nice capture. The blurred wings gives a story line to the photo. Might even look neat with a crop of just the bird...

the fisch

Registered on July 28, 2008, 155 Posts, 874 Comments

Comment posted by Neil Rossmiller on December 3, 2009 at 12:15 PM

Hey Nick,
To get an in-flight shot of these guys was the motivation and the only guaranteed flight time is when they are going to roost in the evening or coming off of roost in the morning. Both very low light situations.
Thanks for looking!
Neil

Registered on October 30, 2009, 156 Posts, 749 Comments

Comment posted by Michael Twaddell on December 3, 2009 at 12:21 PM

Interesting photo, Neil. This puts a new meaning to "What a bunch of turkeys!"

Registered on August 16, 2007, 199 Posts, 2132 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Donato on December 3, 2009 at 4:59 PM

Like the sense of motion. Great shot.

Registered on January 27, 2009, 29 Posts, 247 Comments

Comment posted by Mia McPherson on December 3, 2009 at 8:15 PM

Wow Neil, I think this is the first night time flight turkey image I have ever seen. Very different!

Registered on June 25, 2007, 491 Posts, 12566 Comments

Comment posted by Nate Chappell on December 4, 2009 at 4:45 PM

Very interesting indeed, nice job thinking through this capture Neil, a little more room on top would be ideal I think. I also like the birds on the ground in the bg.

Registered on February 1, 2006, 1158 Posts, 19528 Comments