vicksart Loc: Novato, CA -earthquake country

I have one pond I visit occasionally to see what might be hanging around. As I was driving to the location, this fellow, a juvenile tundra swan (I think), caught my eye and I had to make a couple of U turns to get to a place for a capture. I'm sure I made plenty of mistakes with the shots like forgetting to turn off the car and using the open window for stability while the car vibrated under the camera. The focus wasn't as sharp as I hoped to get. This was early afternoon with strong light and I probably could have/should have reduced the ISO.

I was hoping to see more companions for this bird and was sorry it appeared so alone.

These were taken with a Canon 60D, Canon 100-400L, f/7.1, 400 ISO, 1/1,250, Aperture priority, spot metering and focus.

Decision Time


Finally in the water


Swimming along

rlaugh Loc: Michigan & Florida

I shoot a Canon 60D also,and really like it...persistance is really a must in photography,and you have it....good for you!!

birdpix Loc: South East Pennsylvania

Hi Vicki! You are getting better and better at finding the birds, too! You had a tough, backlit situation which you handled well. Spot metering was just the thing, here. Yup, turn off the car, the vibrations do not help you!

You could have reduced the ISO but 400 is not that high and that lens is not that fast so I think it didn't hurt you at all.

vicksart Loc: Novato, CA -earthquake country

Persistence and LUCK! Thanks for taking a look and taking time to comment Bob. I appreciate the kind words, too.

vicksart Loc: Novato, CA -earthquake country

Thanks so much.

Sometimes it's impossible (or impractical) to get to a spot where the light is at the right angle. I may try to revisit the area later in the day when the light is coming in from the right. I was facing south late morning for these shots.

I really appreciate and value your advice Ed. Feel free to tell me my shots should go in the trash if they're terrible. That can be helpful, too, although I must say I'm getting a little quicker with the delete button. :-)