Posted by Nick Mckeown on December 1, 2011 at 5:48 PM
Nikon D7000 300mm f4 + TC17e II ISO 500 1/100 at f8 tripod
This male black grouse was way up a birch tree munching shoots. I had seen several males in the trees almost daily on my work travels to Strathspey but either I had no camera, no time or the light was just too poor. However this day I did manage to stalk close enough to get this shot with my new 1.7 teleconverter which performed quite well. I knew the twigs were just too many so I waited until its head was pretty much framed by some of the twigs. Its a shame most of the rest of the body is obscured but they do seem to spend a lot of time feeding in twiggy birch trees at this time of year. All C + C warmly welcomed.
Nick.
Posted by David Sewell on December 2, 2011 at 12:30 PM
Interesting behavioural shot, I have never seen them do anything like this. Might be worth carrying the camera more often on your journeys to work!
David
Posted by Phil Ellard on December 3, 2011 at 3:21 AM
interesting shot, don't think this is anything other than a record but well worth getting to know them and as David says bringing your camera, for when a more photographic oppotunity arises. you are certainly lucky with oppotunities on your way to work
The bird is slightly too obscured for me, but interesting to see a black grouse in a tree. It makes a change from the usual 'grouse on a lek' image and a project that's worth pursuing.
Posted by Ian Mason on December 4, 2011 at 2:16 PM
I've seen them do this too, and always found the viewpoint impossible, so good attempt!
Posted by Matt Cole on December 5, 2011 at 6:29 AM
certainly an interesting shot but I would ideally prefer a slightly clearer view. Not easy, I realise!
Discussion
5 repliesThis male black grouse was way up a birch tree munching shoots. I had seen several males in the trees almost daily on my work travels to Strathspey but either I had no camera, no time or the light was just too poor. However this day I did manage to stalk close enough to get this shot with my new 1.7 teleconverter which performed quite well. I knew the twigs were just too many so I waited until its head was pretty much framed by some of the twigs. Its a shame most of the rest of the body is obscured but they do seem to spend a lot of time feeding in twiggy birch trees at this time of year. All C + C warmly welcomed.
Nick.
David
The bird is slightly too obscured for me, but interesting to see a black grouse in a tree. It makes a change from the usual 'grouse on a lek' image and a project that's worth pursuing.
Matt