Adult Tundra Swan walking away – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/4000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Late last month I mentioned that I hadn’t yet gotten the Tundra Swan photos that I wanted to take. Yesterday at Bear River MBR I was delighted to remedy that situation. I came across four resting Tundra Swans on the snow covered ice close enough to the auto tour route to take frame filling images of them.
Tundra Swan on a bright February morning – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/4000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The snow white feathers of the Tundra Swans looked stunning in the bright, clear morning light.
Tundra Swan stink eye – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The four swans I photographed did not call while I had them in my viewfinder. I could hear other swans calling from a long way off as they made their way to their feeding grounds for the day.
Tundra Swan adult on an icy marsh – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I was delighted to take frame filling images of these large, white swans now because they will be on the wing soon to their breeding grounds in the far north.
Pair of Tundra Swans walking away – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Regretfully my appearance in my Jeep did make the Tundra Swans a bit nervous. Instead of taking flight they walked away from the road and out onto the ice.
Pair of Tundra Swans resting on snow covered ice – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The swans didn’t walk far before they plopped their large bodies down onto the ice to rest some more.
Adult Tundra Swan resting on snow covered ice – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I was relieved that some of the swans felt relaxed enough to rest some more despite my intrusion into their morning.
Wary adult Tundra Swan on ice – Nikon D500, f8, 1/2000, ISO 400, +0.3. EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
One of the Tundra Swans was still wary of me though and stood on the ice watching as I took photos. I can’t say that I blame the swans for being nervous about me and my vehicle.
Alert Tundra Swan pair – Nikon D500, f8, 1/2000, ISO 400, +0.3. EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I took over 500 photos of these four Tundra Swans yesterday and if I don’t take any more swan photos this winter I am more than satisfied. The time I spent with the swans in my viewfinder was very relaxing.
February Sandhill Cranes in the marsh at Bear River MBR – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Before I found the Tundra Swans I was surprised and delighted to find a pair of very early Sandhill Cranes standing on the auto tour loop road. Usually I don’t see these cranes until early March but there they were in plain sight. As the cranes lifted off from the road they called and I relished hearing them. I do hope the cranes won’t nest too early. We can still get some nasty, frigid weather between now and spring.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to view more of my Tundra Swans photos plus facts and information about this species.
Wonderful group of shots. Tundra swans are magnificent. Thanks Mia.
Regal..Sandhills too…
The Swans are so very beautiful especially against the backdrop of the snow.
The sparkling ice complements the downy swans perfectly.
Your Tundra swans are beautiful white exotica to me. Thank you.
We were bleassed to spend 3 years in Syracuse. BRMBF, Farmington, Antelope Island and Salt Creek were our regular bird circuits. I loved the swans and Sandhill Cranes. I began following your photos. I miss it so.
Thank you for sharing. These photos make me miss it even more, but being able to see it through your lens is wonderful.