Flight
San Francisco, CA, March 2007 [Click to embiggen]
By now, my propensity to shoot pictures of birds is well-known (please see here, here, here, here, here and here.) I do so for a number of reasons:
- They're everywhere, so it's always easy to get some bird photography practice.
- They're pretty magical, what with their ability to fly and all.
- They force you to focus your photographic efforts more intensely than virtually any other subject. Make the call, shoot fast, adjust and shoot again...you have little time to waste, and that's a thrill in itself.
Your turn: What is it about birds that prompts you to look?
Check out Corpus Christi, Texas. Bird photographer's paradise.
ReplyDeleteThe wonder of flight makes me look. It really stinks sometimes that my feet are planted firmly on the ground. :)
ReplyDeleteEver since a bird pooped on my shoulder while I was at the beach, I commonly look at them while I'm at the beach, so to avoid a repeat occurance - LOL
ReplyDeleteI also look because they just seem so calm, floating around on air currents!
Take this bird: Looks like he's missing feathers on one wing area. I imagine different scenarios he may have gotten himself into where his feathers were torn out. Otherwise he looks in good shape. He has a shrewd look in his eye, which indicates to me he knows how to fend for himself. He's also looking at your camera and doesn't look frightened by it, so he's also a big ham, lol!
ReplyDeleteI think that the light colors on the center of the bird that darken gradually toward the tips of the wings are quite dramatic. And then again the beautiful blue water draws me in too as I have always been drawn toward aquatics...
ReplyDeleteWatching to see if they are looking at me! It's a connection, I think. :)
ReplyDeleteThis pic is great- he's looking out of the corner of his eye back at you, a little smirk perhaps?
ReplyDeleteI always look to see if they're on the attack. . . especially if I'm with Tippi Hedren.
ReplyDeleteI love the gracefulness of birds. Particularly the large birds of prey...they sail through the wind, wings expanded, gliding silently.
ReplyDeleteOh, by the way - my sister has approved your "adoption" into our family - you can be our brother, she said! (see birthday wish comments at my blog!)
I think birds are interesting to watch if only because they are able to fly. Wouldn't it be great to be able to fly? I assume it would feel very liberating.
ReplyDeleteIt's a lovely photo of a bird in flight. I think flying birds are challenging subjects. Great job!
ReplyDeleteI like macaus because of their vivid colors but I only see them in zoos and not in the wild.
birds in flight give movement to the picture--however, your first sentence about "shooting birds" got me thinking of you in an orange vest and a shotgun
ReplyDeleteYour photo is amazing!
ReplyDeleteI live in the city, so I don't tend to see interesting birds about. But I remember when I was hiking in Griffith Park, we saw this eagle just floating. It was beautiful to watch
That is a great shot - I can see why you keep going back to look at it!
ReplyDeleteI love all animals, including birds. My garden is always full of them as I have four bird feeders so I can always watch them.
the grace with which they swoop down on their food..its incredible.......staying close to sea has made me appreciate gulls and pelicans like never before.....nice shot, carmi .
ReplyDeleteTheir grace, speed, colors, feathers, shapes and the way they swoop around is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThat is a a cool picture. I was playing w. my new camera yesterday. I was taking pictures of some seagulls and, you are right, you have be quick, quick, quick. I am so happy w. a few of my shots. I will be posting them soon.
ReplyDeleteAnd, as I watched the birds riding on the wind gusts today, I was jealous. It looked like so much fun. Way better than the day I had.
There's something that seems free about a bird, ya know?
ReplyDeleteAs for the whole Jewish thing, I'm Eastern European and Ashkenazic, too. But I couldn't resist the pun on Sfar's name!
China?!? I wish I was going with you. We have an adopted Chinese Granddaughter. We have several Chinese friends here in The Big City. Love 'em. Your fear is probably unfounded. Have a great time.
ReplyDeleteBirds. A brilliant red Cardinal will stop my in my tracks every time. Hawks are mezmerizing, too.
i can never catch a bird in flight lol
ReplyDeleteI spent half my time in Cedar Key this past February shooting birds. Of course they had so many kinds, pelicans, and terns, and herons etc. I think part of why I like it is the challenge of trying to shoot a moving target and do it justice. Nice shot!
ReplyDeleteMichele sent me back, Carmi. Three more until what?
ReplyDeleteseagulls do tend to poop on people a lot though.....
ReplyDeletegood pic though :) as usual!
Their elegance... I love birds, love how light and etherial they are, yet how hardy and resilient at the same time.
ReplyDeleteGreat photo - amazing how you can get such a razor sharp focus on something in flight!
Another beautiful shot, Carmi.
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