Canada Goose close up, Salt Lake County, UtahCanada Goose close up – Nikon D500, f10, 1/400, ISO 320, -0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

I relish it when I have the opportunity to ethically take portraits of my subjects because they show all the fine details of the subject’s face and eyes. At a pond near where I live I am often able to take portraits of the birds that frequent the pond because they are used to people being around and the birds aren’t afraid to walk up and get close as long as I can sit still, sudden movements can stress them so I avoid moving around. I can also use a vehicle as a mobile blind at the pond which increases my chances of my subjects coming in close.

Three days ago when the sun broke through the clouds in the afternoon I went to the pond and was able to take several Canada Geese portraits with the blue water of the pond in the background.

Adult Canada Goose close up, Salt Lake County, UtahAdult Canada Goose close up – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/640, ISO 320, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

The geese were on the shore of the pond mixed in with resting ducks, coots and gulls with the late afternoon light on their faces and on the surface of the water.

I know many people think of Canada Geese as pests but I enjoy their appearance, their loud and raucous calls, watching them fly in v-formations and observing how they break those formations to land.

Canada Goose portrait with open bill, Salt Lake County, UtahCanada Goose portrait with open bill – Nikon D500, f10, 1/200, ISO 320, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

I couldn’t resist taking these Canada Geese portraits, I had the opportunity, the light was delightful and they were there.

But honestly, as many of you know, I can’t resist taking photos of birds any time, any where. My name is Mia and I am addicted to bird photography.

Life is good.

Mia

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