Lesser Prairie Chicken

Gallery: AvianPosted March 3, 2011267 views12 comments

This is an image from 2005. I decided to post it since it is not a bird I've seen posted here very often. This was taken out in the eastern plains of New Mexico. A small town (Milnesand) has an annual "Prairie Chicken Festival"..... Wow... What folks won't do to draw people in. This image was taken from a blind. There were 8 or 10 photographers (can't remember the exact number) that were allowed on the Lek early in the morning. We had to be in the blinds 1 hour before sunrise so we would not disturb the Prairie Chickens coming in for their displays on the Lek when the sun came up. We were not allowed to get out of the blinds until all of the birds were gone. I could hear them long before I could see anything. The males put on quite a display in their attempts to impress the ladies. The light here looks a bit harsh to me. Surprising since this image was taken at 6:50 AM.

Techs:
Canon 20D, 500mm f/4 with 1.4xTC
1/250 @ f/5.6
ISO 100

Larger version included

Comments

12 comments

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on March 4, 2011 at 12:38 AM

Looks great Keith. An actual "Prairie Chicken", non-birders tend to call all grouse Prairie Chickens it seems. So nice when you can drop the iso down to 100! Great low angle.

Registered on January 28, 2005, 879 Posts, 12098 Comments

Comment posted by Angela McCain on March 4, 2011 at 8:58 AM

Thanks for sharing this image. My first memory of being interested in birds was when I was about 5 and saw a drawing of this bird in my family's 1958 Encyclopedia. The bird pages eventually fell out altogether. I live near the Katy Prairie (Texas), where this chicken has greatly declined. I've been there several times, but have never seen one. Thanks again.

Registered on April 19, 2009, 367 Posts, 3589 Comments

Comment posted by Dan Walters on March 4, 2011 at 9:12 AM

Great light and I like the pose.

Registered on October 30, 2005, 405 Posts, 3693 Comments

Comment posted by KC Choo on March 4, 2011 at 10:52 AM

Great to get to a Lek and witness displays such as this - I still have to do it. I like this shot!

Registered on November 15, 2004, 519 Posts, 8278 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Teller on March 4, 2011 at 11:58 AM

Fine image. The comp, setting, colors and action work well together. The only thing that looks like it might be a tad bright is the yellow over the eyes of the bird. I April I am going to be in a blind on the Prairie Chicken drumming grounds at the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge in Nebraska. My first time to see Prairie Chickens. If I come home with images anywhere near as good as this I will be happy.

Registered on August 23, 2010, 1162 Posts, 6692 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Hackley on March 4, 2011 at 2:38 PM

Very interesting reading how they handled using the blind. I like how the morning light really brings out all the colors, wonderful timing getting this, excellent image, well done. The larger image was a pleasure to view.

Registered on September 17, 2009, 302 Posts, 5535 Comments

Comment posted by Jude Haase on March 4, 2011 at 10:04 PM

Sweet Shot!!

Registered on April 3, 2006, 236 Posts, 1657 Comments

Comment posted by Simon Bennett on March 5, 2011 at 4:44 PM

Great pose, nice light.

Registered on February 4, 2007, 350 Posts, 4614 Comments

Comment posted by Rob Drummond on March 5, 2011 at 11:50 PM

Nice one Keith - love the vibrancy of the early morning light

cheers
Rob

Registered on November 8, 2003, 617 Posts, 8267 Comments

Comment posted by May Haga on March 6, 2011 at 8:30 AM

Great image and what an exciting event for you to witness.
May

Registered on February 22, 2007, 714 Posts, 8470 Comments

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on May 11, 2011 at 5:54 AM

I think the warm color and early morning light is excellent Keith.
Like the environment, POV, & comp, great detail in that LP too..
Well done!

Registered on July 24, 2008, 1201 Posts, 10758 Comments

Comment posted by keith mitchell on May 17, 2011 at 2:56 AM

Keith i bet its a spectical seeing these very fine birds,great shot of it.

Keith.

Registered on July 12, 2008, 127 Posts, 1735 Comments