Pair of Canada Geese in flight – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 400, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm with 1.4x TC, natural light
This past winter I spent a lot of time photographing birds at local ponds, in fact I spent more time there than I have in any previous years since I moved to Utah and I really enjoyed it because it cut out long drives, there were plenty of birds, I could be back home warming up in just a few minutes and because it allowed me time to get to know the habits and behaviors of the birds that frequented the pond during the coldest part of the year.
There were plenty of Ring-billed and California Gulls, American Coots, Pied-billed Grebes, Double-crested Cormorants, various duck species, Belted Kingfishers, a single Snow Goose, Canada Geese and I even found a Canada x Snow Goose hybrid there.
Canada Geese aren’t every one’s favorite birds and have been considered “nuisance birds” because their droppings can be quite messy, they are loud and they can be aggressive at times but I love them just as they are. I enjoy watching them running as they take flight, as they court each other, as they feed and as they protect their young goslings. I love hearing them fly over and watching them in V-formations against the sky. Why? I guess I really don’t need to explain that because I love all birds, common or not, and I feel every species of bird is worth seeing in my viewfinder and photographing.
This pair of Canada Geese in flight had taken off and flew in front of a leafless willow when I photographed them close together while they were on the wing. After seeing the photo on my monitor at home I was quite pleased with the almost painterly background, how the wings of the two birds were in different positions and that both birds were sharp because they were in the same focal plane.
I also like that their wings form an X, as in X marks the sweet spot in this photo.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Canada Geese photos plus facts and information about this species.
Beautiful shot! I love the sounds and sight of hundreds of them flying to a nearby pond and then circling before they land.
BEAUTIFUL!!!
X does indeed mark the spot. These are birds we don’t see, so I am more than grateful for your photos.
One if my very favorite birds. lovely!!
Very lovely photo. I reminds me of a Christmas card.
Very cool shot! I’m rather fond of Canada geese and this is a fabulous image of them!
I agree with you Mia that all birds are special and yes, X does mark that sweet spot. Superb image!