Belly Flop

This Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) decided to land very close to me as I was photographing ducks, geese and seagulls (2011). I have a 12 shot burst of this approach and landing.

The bird has just touched down on a soft patch of wet snow and sinks deeper and deeper into the snow. Note the angle of the body as inertia pushes the bird forward and the feet are trapped in the wet snow. The head is pushed lower and closer to the snow.

I don't know anything about goose physiognomy, but I think I can see the "Here I come" triumphant expression and honking changing to a panicky look - I am going in. The bird ended up doing a belly flop on the snow. It did walk away without apparent harm.

The unfortunate dark brown band is snow mixed with dirt.

Canon 7D, Sigma 150-500 at 403 mm, ISO 400, 1/1600 sec at f/8, handheld, full width of capture with slice of snow removed at the top, PP in LR4.

All C & C are much appreciated. Thanks.