The air is alive

The autumn air is alive with action and sound. I haven't developed an affinity for Canada geese and rarely photograph them but I couldn't resist this group as it lifted off.  

Fire and Snow Geese

My trip to Squaw Creek NWR in Missouri was short but unique.  I arrived Thursday afternoon and found a controlled burn in progress.  The birds were quiet but otherwise unaffected.  Cinders were falling from the air as I was torn between watching the fire and the birds.  The blue sky and 62 degree temperature were a welcome relief to our Minnesota March.

Lost Goose

A recent stop in Monticello was overwhelming with hundreds of birds milling about waiting to be fed.  How can a bird be isolated in this mass of movement and sound?  How can the  movement and chaos surrounding a subject be shown?

Several titles were considered for this image.  Is the goose lost, lonely, alone,  or wandering through the crowd?  Perhaps it symbolizes a photographer observing the world.   Is it a country boy in the city?  Sunday morning ruminations.

Technical:  3 stop ND filter to allow slow shutter speed (1/10 second), 100-400 mm lens zoomed in during the exposure.  Cropped to move subject off center.

Patience

I like the balance produced by the upper left goose.  Waiting for beaks to get in alignment required some patience.  Nature photography is about patience.  We are always waiting for the wind to stop, waiting for the clouds to move, waiting for sunrise, waiting for the heads to turn; the list goes on and on.  Patience, patience, patience.

Flight in B & W

One of the goals I have is taking shots that I have not seen before.  This can be frustrating at times with common subjects.  Canada geese are everywhere and to tell the truth I don't find them visually interesting.  Nonetheless, if it is in the viewfinder I'll shoot it.

Hanging Out

Most of the time geese are non stop feeding or hanging out in town avoiding hunters.  This is a scene from Grettum Flowage earlier this week, just as safe for them but more photogenic for me.