There was a break in the gray clouds yesterday before noon, so I drove down to my local pond. While I was there, I photographed this Canada Goose on the wing.

Calling Canada Goose in flight, Salt Lake County, UtahCalling Canada Goose in flight – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f7.1, 1/3200, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

During the winter, because of the low angle of the sun in the Northern Hemisphere, I can photograph almost all day long without harsh, contrasty light.

The light isn’t always perfect, but I am not striving towards unrealistic perfection when I photograph birds.

I’m out there with the birds because I feel at home with them, even in the depth of winter. I’m out with the birds because I enjoy them.

I felt so much better after being outside with the birds, even though I wasn’t there long.

There was a fresh layer of snow on the ground, the temperature was in the mid-20s, and I had birds in front of me and sunshine. It doesn’t take much for me to feel happy.

Canada Goose on the wing over a pond, Salt Lake County, UtahCanada Goose on the wing over a pond – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f7.1, 1/3200, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

This Canada Goose and its presumed mate started honking like crazy just before they lifted off from the surface of the pond. Their behavior gave me time to make sure my camera settings were good to photograph these large geese in flight in front of the soft blue winter sky.

I’m always thrilled to have Canada Geese in my viewfinder, and photographing them in flight simply increases my delight.

There are times when my local pond seems to be a goose paradise, with a hundred or more of these large waterfowl on or near the pond. When a large flock of the geese lifts off, honking and calling, it is music to my ears. I can’t imagine my life without these geese.

Life is good. Birds make it joyful.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Canada Geese photos plus facts and information about this species.