Canada Goose coming in for a landing – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 400, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Before I get started on the bird in my post today I’d like to give a short weather report because there is actually snow on the ground here this morning! It is still dark and I can’t tell just how much of the white stuff is on the ground and it is still snowing. It is past the middle of February now and I think this is only the fourth time there has been a measurable snow, meaning more than a skiff, this winter where I live. Every bit of snow in the high country helps though at this point because we are far below average snow pack this winter. It does mean that I will have to scrape that white stuff off of my Jeep but it is worth it to see the snow.
Okay, now for my post…
Birds in general tend to look graceful when they are in flight but there are times I think they can look downright goofy too and those occurrences often happen when the birds are either taking off or landing. Canada Geese can look a little goofy when they are landing because they frequently use their wings, tails and even their feet as brakes to slow themselves down right before they land. Sometimes when I am photographing the geese while they are coming in to land on the water it almost seems like they are parachuting in instead of flying.
Last month I took 40 frames of this single Canada Goose flying into the local pond hoping to get a landing pose like this one and I was able to take 15 sharp images of it putting the brakes on. I liked this photo the best because of the out of focus clouds, tree top and the distant mountains in the background.
Birds fascinate me.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Canada Geese photos plus facts and information about this species.
I’m so glad you captured this. Birds tend to look regal and poised, but you captured goofy well!!
Lovely colors. As far a goofy I think pelicans take the prize.
Beautiful shot, Mia! Canada Geese are a very attractive bird in my opinion, just upsets me to have them take over the Osprey nests but usually the Osprey don’t have to wait too long for their nests. We had about 10″ of the white stuff here in the Kootenays (South Eastern British Columbia) & today we have blue sky & a wee bit chilly.
Nice, Mia
Wow,what a fantastic shot!
This is beautiful! You are right about the look…parachuting describes it perfectly. I love the geese and we have the token ones over-winter here in WI. Glad you are getting the necessary snow. Freezing rain in our forecast for the next two days…I’ll take the snow!
Super shot! I enjoy Canada Geese and am fortunate to live near a park where they like to hang out.
As far as scraping goes, I’ll take snow over midges any day. 🙂