Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Sharp-tailed Grouse Dancing

I recently went back to a community pasture I had previously visited last year to photograph the courtship and stand-offs between Sharp-tailed Grouse.
I took a few photos on Monday , and I will post more from the set later.
Here is my favourite from the day :

( Click to see full size version )

19 comments:

holdingmoments said...

Awesome capture Nick.
You must be very pleased with that one. Class.

FAB said...

Well captured Nick. What interesting facial expressions they have.

Chris said...

Ohhhhhhhhhhh Nick,
This is a wonderful shot, gorgeous and the resizing is so perfect. I loooooooove it. Impressive, you really captured well their attitude!!! Just wonderful!!

Nick S said...

Thanks guys. I spent probably an hour laying on my front for that and as you know, the 40d and lens is not a light camera :-)
I still cannot justify dragging along a tripod. I find them very restricting.

2sweetnsaxy said...

Amazing shot. I can see why you like it so much. :-)

Jotter Jan said...

Fantastic capture!! I also want to congratulate you on your wonderful article and photo's in Birds and Blooms...kudos Nick!!!!If anyone here hasn't seen it yet I suggest you go out and get the May copy now!

Nick S said...

Thankyou :-) I'm glad you enjoyed the article !

Unknown said...

The full size version is stunning Nick. The eye level perspective makes this image extra special.

The Birdlady said...

WOW!!!

Peggy said...

Holy cow! Well worth the click! The colors you cannot see without clicking is fantastic!

Nick S said...

Thanking you :-)

Andor Marton said...

Wow, what a fantastic photo. I agree with Thomas (T and S) the eye level perspective makes it really special. Your patience paid off.

Shelley said...

This is wonderful to see - I also liked the level you got of this shot!!

Nick S said...

Thanks to both of you. It made an aching arm, well worth it.

Kelly said...

Wow...incredible...an amazing shot...your time was well spent!! It must have been an amazing experience...

Nick S said...

Thanks Kelly, I'm my own worst critic and this is not the shot I wanted, but is the best of the bunch :-)
They were not dancing nearly as much as last year actually.
It could possibly be that I got there a few days later than intended.

Matt Latham said...

Stunning Nick, great blog too.

Nick S said...

Thankyou Matt !

Tina said...

Amazing pictures, Nick. You do have great timing!!