Canada Goose just before lifting off – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f8, 1/800, ISO 320, Nikkor 500mm VR, natural light
Yesterday morning at my local pond I took a series of images of a Canada Goose lifting off plus more photos of the Canada x Snow Goose hybrid I found there. It was bitter cold and although I was dressed for it my hands still got numb after a bit. There is still some open water at the pond but that means walking around the pond to get to where it is open and to where the birds are. There were several hundred Canada Geese on the pond and some had already taken off to graze on the grasses nearby.
I watched this goose and realized it was getting ready to take off so I focused on it and got ready…
Canada Goose getting a running start – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f8, 1/800, ISO 320, Nikkor 500mm VR, natural light
As the goose started running on the water…
Canada Goose taking off from a pond – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f8, 1/800, ISO 320, Nikkor 500mm VR, natural light
Calling as it flapped its wings and used its webbed feet to propel it forward…
Canada Goose running on water – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f8, 1/800, ISO 320, Nikkor 500mm VR, natural light
Splashing water and gaining speed…
Canada Goose morning lift off – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f8, 1/800, ISO 320, Nikkor 500mm VR, natural light
The goose lifted off with water still dripping from its feet…
Canada Goose after taking off – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f8, 1/800, ISO 320, Nikkor 500mm VR, natural light
And took flight to head out to feed. They may be common, they might be considered plain but I think Canada Geese are marvelous.
Canada x Snow Goose hybrid on a clear winter morning – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f9, 1/640, ISO 320, Nikkor 500mm VR, natural light
I was also able to take more images of the Canada X Snow Goose hybrid in beautiful morning light as it floated on the open water of the pond.
Canada x Snow Goose hybrid in morning light – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f9, 1/500, ISO 320, Nikkor 500mm VR, natural light
I had hoped it would stick around so that I could take more photos of it and it has. The bright morning light lit up the white head of the hybrid.
Canada x Snow Goose hybrid winter 2016 – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f9, 1/640, ISO 320, Nikkor 500mm VR, natural light
It is a beautiful hybrid goose. Who knows, maybe more unusual geese or ducks will show up at the pond before winter is over.
Happy Winter Solstice!
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Canada Geese photos plus facts and information about this species.
Happy Winter’s Solstice to you.
I am so impressed with that take-off series. Your work, and the Canada Goose’s energy.
I’m glad the hybrid goose has stuck around so you could take more photos & post them. It really is a beautiful goose.
I wonder how long that bird will stay around…and what its offspring would look like….
Truly beautiful images, Mia.