Canada Geese Honking Match

This pair of Canada Geese looked to me like they were having a “honking match” when I photographed them in 2018 at a local pond during the winter. They weren’t though.

Close up Canada Geese honking match – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

There are always stories behind my photos; sometimes the images speak for themselves, and at other times, a little context helps to accurately convey the story.

In this case, it might appear as if I were too close to the geese and that they were upset with my presence.

That wasn’t what was happening at all.

First, I was sitting in a vehicle using it as a mobile blind.

Second, this pair of Canada Geese swam close to me, I didn’t approach them.

Third, this photo was taken at a time when the geese were heading into breeding season and they were pairing up. These birds get rather territorial and aggressive with other geese during that time.

And last, this pair of geese were actually honking at another Canada Goose that had approached them.

At that time, I had been focused on other birds in my viewfinder which narrows my field of view. Because of that, I didn’t notice this pair of geese until they got so close all I could do was take close up portrait images from inside the mobile blind.

In hindsight, I wish that I had had a few seconds to change my depth of field so I could have had both geese sharply in focus. I didn’t, yet I still enjoy viewing this photo.

In fact, this up-close photo of the Canada Geese honking tickles my sense of humor, and I like to laugh.

Life is good.

Mia

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