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 American Coot on thin ice - Nikon D200, tripod mounted, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 320, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light Some images are simply too funny not to share. Even with those huge feet this American Coot (Fulica americana) couldn’t stay in top of the ice at a pond near where I live in Salt Lake County, Utah. Any wonderful captions come to mind? Mia More American Coot images           It is my belief that even birds that people consider too common, plain, drab, or boring can be photographed in ways that create visually compelling images, for instance when I am photographing American Coots I look for colors and patterns that will compliment or be in contrast to thier dark plumage, appealing settings, great action or an interesting pose. American Coots are the most widely distributed members of the Rail family in North America and are very abundant in habitats with open water. Some bird photographers pass up on photographing American Coots because they aren’t colorful and are common but if you have been following my blog for any length of time you know that if it has feathers and it is a bird, I’ll photograph it. These members of the Rail family have large, lobed greenish feet, red eyes, very dark bodies with ivory colored bills topped by a reddish shield. They are often in the presence of ducks and are at times they are mistakenly labled a “duck” by people not familiar with birds. Coots can make a lot of noise and while they are gregarious they will often chase each other around in displays of aggression which is great fun to watch and photograph.
American Coot (Fulica americana) small in the frame American Coots are difficult to expose correctly because of thier very darks bodies and thier very white bills, it can be a challenge to get details in the black without blowing out the whites in the bill. Paying attention to the angle of light and deciding whether to use negative or positive exposure compensation is critical when considering what settings to use when photographing these birds. I photographed the American Coot in the image above on a very chilly winter day at a pond near where I live. The shades of white in the water were caused by snow on the bank of the pond and the golden tones were from the colors of the dried cattails along the shore. I decided to compose this image with the American Coot small in the frame because I felt the water was dramatic and was as visually stimulating as the bird itself.
Earlier I mentioned that I look for great action when photographing American Coots, I feel that the action can convey not only a sense of movement but lends a bit of excitement too. When I photographed the bird in this image I had been concentrating on bird that were close to where I was sitting with my tripod in front of me when I heard the Coots making sounds that indicate a squabble might happen soon so I zoomed back and got prepared for some action. I saw one of the birds sneaking up on another and when the lead bird took off running across the top of the water I started tracking the bird that was doing the chasing and created a series of images of this Coot “walking on water”. Make that “running”. I didn’t even mind the out of focus Pied-billed Grebe in the frame because it was so out of focus and not intersecting with the main subject plus I also liked the feeling of depth the Pied-billed Grebe added to the image.
American Coot (Fulica americana) with tilted head I also mentioned that I look for interesting poses when photographing Coots and sometimes that includes the head angle of the subject. I know some pro photographers would “wish” that the bird’s head in the frame above was tilted a few degrees downward and to the left side of the frame to convey better direct eye contact between the subject and viewer but I sort of think that is splitting feathers and I simply do not feel that I “must” always have the subject looking directly at me. I can clearly see the eye here and because the bird is looking up I can imagine it was looking at something in the sky and for me that adds interest and doesn’t subtract from the overall appeal of the image.
American Coot (Fulica americana) in silky waters Some of the features I like most about the image above is the silkiness of the water, the profile view of the head of the bird and how the ripples in the water distorted the reflections of the snow and vegetation to create a wonderful contrast from the plain colored bird not only in the colors but in textures and swirly patterns.
American Coot (Fulica americana) standing on bronze colored ice and water This American Coot was standing on thin ice near the shoreline and just the mere weight of the bird pushed the ice slightly under the water, just enough that the stand of cattails was reflected on all of the water’s surface visible in this frame. Because the warm bronzy tones of the water are in contrast with the dark plumage of the bird the Coot stands out very well from the setting. Even “Plain Jane” birds can sparkle in the right light, setting or pose. Don’t you agree? Mia More American Coot images 
Limpkin close up Limpkins (Aramus guarauna) are related to cranes and rails although their appearance is more like herons and egrets. They are found in southeastern North America in freshwater habitats that can support apple snails, the main diet of Limpkins. Their range is being reduced by development and water level manipulation which directly impacts apple snails and by introduced species. Recent attempts at wetlands restoration in the Everglades and the Upper St Johns River Marsh may offer hope for this curious chocolate colored bird with long legs and a curved bill. They often hide in amongst the vegetation of marshes and wooded swamps but can also be found in freshwater canals and ditches. Quite often I would know that Limpkins were present even before I saw them because of their distinctive calls, it is a sound you do not forget once you have heard the eerie quality of their call. There is a sound clip here.
Limpkin with Apple Snail The photo above shows a Limpkin I saw and photographed as it caught and ate this huge apple snail. This bird took the snail to the shoreline and used its curved bill to remove the snail from its shell. Limpkins also feed on mussels, insects, spiders and other snail species besides the apple snails. Their nests consist of vegetation placed on the ground or in trees and they produce 1-3 broods a season. They may not be as beautifully colored as a Roseate Spoonbill or as common as Sandhill Cranes in Florida but to me they are interesting and appealing birds. Mia More Limpkin images  Sandhill Cranes courting on the shore of the Great Salt Lake Spring releases: If you have gotten bored with watching the same old movies during the cold days of winter be sure to look at these previews of the spring season. The starring role of the picture above belong to the tall, svelte Sandhill Cranes (Grus canadensis). They love to dance, are flashy in appearance, they make sure that you know they are around with their exuberant voices and the camera loves them. They love to travel in the spring and fall and really rack up the frequent flyer miles. During the winter they fly south like some of the wealthy “snowbirds” where they put on shows for large audiences and the paparazzi. They never disappoint whether they are in the wilds of southern North America or when performing for smaller audiences of the north. Have I mentioned the camera loves them? Rumor has it that they will soon be making their first 2011 appearances in Utah. American Avocets yearly sequel Having spent the cold months gowned in white American Avocets (Recurvirostra americana) develop a lovely delicate apricot blush prior to their first spring sequel. They have enchanting curves, long willowy legs which combined with their graceful ballet style movements makes them show stoppers. Although they prefer to perform on the shores of inland lakes and marshes during the summer they do occasionally like to stroll and play in the shallow water. They prefer to perform during daylight hours when the natural light shows them at their best and by nature they are not “night owls”.
Dramatic Double-crested Cormorant Dark, dramatic and powerful with piercing eyes Double-crested Cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) take the center stage of lakes and ponds in early spring. Often cast in the role of a villain because of their intense gaze, their moody looks and the way they spread their wings like Dracula’s cape. Personally I find their actions extremely interesting and they strike some fascinating poses.
Young male Long-billed Curlew in flight The aerial performances of the Long-billed Curlews (Numenius americanus) spring time courtship displays start at sunrise in the open grasslands of Utah. Their whistling call is hauntingly beautiful and the flashes of cinnamon under their wings are eye catching. Our largest shorebird in North America, they are graceful and uniquely interesting. Their acts combine breathtaking acrobatic dives and fluid aerial movements at speeds that make the Cirque du Soleil pale in comparison. I’m anxiously awaiting the premier of the beauties this spring and they always get a “two thumbs up” from this audience member.
American White Pelican during lift off While large, ungainly and lumbering on land American White Pelicans (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) are very adept at synchronized swimming in large groups and their dinner matinees are great to see. They love to soar in the sky too by forming large circular groups whirling up towards the clouds on the thermals, higher and higher until they disappear from sight. Landings and take offs are exciting to see. Their black and white plumage makes them easy to spot from long distances and this wanna be paparazzi can not resist clicking the shutter button when they arrive in town.
Loggerhead Shrike Small but pugnacious Loggerhead Shrikes (Lanius ludovicianus) are quick to voice their displeasure if the audience is too close, I sure wouldn’t want them to chew my ear off. They are rough, tough and don’t care much about their appearance if the leftovers on their bills are any indication. Though their size is the equivalent of a welter-weight these shrikes show that they have the spirit of a much larger and stronger competitor and do not hesitate to get right in the face of anyone infringing on what they call their territory. They will get right into your face if you cross the line. They are; however, a delight to see in action and I wouldn’t want to miss many of their lofty performances. These are just a small selection of the cast and characters of the upcoming Spring Season in Utah, there will be many more of our fine feathered friends making apperances who will fascinate, delight, titilate and amuse us. Stay tuned for the best shows on earth, Nature Unleashed Mia Nothing that Hollywood produces is as exceptional as the show we are about to see!   7 comments  American Avocets, American White Pelicans, Double-crested Cormorants, Loggerhead Shrikes, Long-billed Curlews, Sandhill Cranes, Spring, Utah  american avocets, american white pelicans, Antelope Island State Park, bird photography, birding, birds, double-crested cormorant, Grus canadensis, Lanius ludovicianus, loggerhead shrikes, long-billed curlews, mia mcpherson, Numenius americanus, Pelecanus erythrorhynchos, Phalacrocorax auritus, Recurvirostra americana, salt lake county, Sandhill Cranes, spring previews, spring time, utah
Tricolored Heron (Egretta tricolor) with head tilt On the web there are many image critique forums, I am only active on one of the nature photography critique forums, though I have participated on a few since 2003. I believe that by receiving and giving critiques I can strengthen my skills in composition, technique and learn a great deal about the birds I love to photograph. I have seen some avian images posted on other forums that I found interesting and appealing but several people who critiqued the photos have talked about having the head angle 2 degrees this way or three degrees another. I’ve pondered those critiques and personally there are times when I think different head angles; even those that do not show the “perfect head turn” can be very compelling images. I thought I would post a few of my photos on the avian critique forum where I am a member where the head angle isn’t perfect but where I find that I like the images despite the lack of direct eye contact. The feed back I received was very positive, so I don’t believe I am alone with my thoughts about head angles. In the image above the Tricolored Heron (Egretta tricolor) turned its head towards the sky to eyeball an Osprey overhead and I feel that the head being turned upwards adds interest to the image. It can make the viewer wonder what the heron is looking at. You can see the eye but the bird is just going about its life and it was comfortable in my presence.
American Coot (Fulica americana) In this American Coot (Fulica americana) image the head angle might not be considered ideal, there is no direct eye contact or catchlight in the eye but I still feel that this is a compelling and interesting image because of the head angle and the bird’s pose and demeanor. I have more images of this coot where the head angle would be considered “better” but they do not have the same effect on me that this one does. In this image it is the head angle that draws me in and keeps my attention.
Snowy Egret (Egretta thula) gazing over stormy water In this photo the primary Snowy Egret (Egretta thula) is looking away, yet you can still see the eye. I believe the reason this image works for me is that it appears that the Snowy Egret is looking at the stormy water thus I don’t mind the head angle. For me this photo is as much about the setting as it is about the birds. I like the out of focus egret in the background, I feel it adds a tension that might not be there if that egret were absent. The critiques I received on all three of the images were overwhelmingly positive which I feel supports my thoughts that even without what some may consider “the perfect head angle” that we can create interesting and compelling avian images. Mia  Leave a comment American Coots, Critique Forums, Head Angles, Snowy Egrets, Tricolored Herons american coot, avian photographer, bird photography, birding, birds, coots, egrets, Egretta thula, egretta tricolor, florida, Fort De Soto County Park, Fulica americana, head angles, herons, mia mcpherson, snowy egrets, tricolored heron, utah |
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