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East Idaho Greater Sage Grouse

Discussion

9 replies
Posted by Rohn B. McKee on April 23, 2010 at 3:13 PM
East Idaho Greater Sage Grouse
I realize this photo is purely documentary. Not worthy of the Avian gallery. However, the story is interesting and worthy. This male was one of 10 males displaying on this Lek. This one male did all the breeding of the females. None of the other males, all morning, had any females approach them for breeding. I understand that the females choose the breeding male. The female in this image is posturing for her turn. The whole event was an amazing thing to watch. 7D, 500 f/4, very early in the morning so i had to push the ISO to 3200, f/8
Posted by Morris McClung on April 23, 2010 at 5:02 PM
I think you are completely wrong. I think this is very worthy of the avian gallery. I think it is a superb image. Maybe crop some off of the bottom and right side, but this is a winner! Love the posturing of both.
Posted by Jeremy Kessler on April 23, 2010 at 5:28 PM
Agree with Morris, with a bit of crop this will be a fantastic image. (it already is)

How are you liking the 7D?
Posted by Dave Showalter` on April 23, 2010 at 6:01 PM
It's an outstanding image with the great texture of the birds together. I know first hand how hard it is to get two animals in focus with a big lens. Crop it a bit and proudly post in Avian! :toast:

Oh, and BTW: One male does all of the mating, except what goes on in the sage - some of the other guys do some funny business out of sight. The one that does the work is called the master cock. Seriously.
Posted by Rod Chandler on April 23, 2010 at 7:46 PM
Ron, I agree with the comments of others. I would be interested in how you went about getting close enough to capture the birds. Did you shoot from a blind? Did you set up before daylight and wait for them to come in? I am hoping to try for these birds next spring and would appreciate any tips.
Posted by John Mumaw on April 23, 2010 at 7:59 PM
Don't know how rare this is to be photographed, but this is an amazing image!
Not sure if it's ever so slightly oversharpened or JPEG compression is doing a number on the feathers but regardless, this is definitely worthy of posting just about anywhere you please.
Congratulations on a wonderful capture!! :toast:
Posted by Nick Moore on April 24, 2010 at 9:30 AM
This is a great image, definitely worthy of the Avian gallery!. Really nice details and pose!.
Posted by Don George on April 24, 2010 at 11:00 AM
Nice capture Robin. Good DOF on the birds.
Posted by Paul Wegemann on April 24, 2010 at 2:32 PM
This is a a great image, and I really like the story that goes with it.
Posted by Dan Walters on April 25, 2010 at 4:57 PM
Like how you got both of them together. The soft light really brings out the details in the birds.