Darwin Day Canada Goose

Gallery: AvianPosted February 12, 2011145 views14 comments

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)

Place: Gilbert Water Ranch, AZ
Date: January 28, 2011
Equipment: Nikon D200, Nikkor AF-S 300/2.8 & TC20E (2x), G1325, RRS BH-55, Sidekick
Exposure: Aperture priority matrix metered, ISO 400, 1/500th @ f/11, -2/3rd ev compensation
Raw, PS CS3 on Mac G4, full frame

Today marks the 202nd anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin, and many of us who base our lives on Science instead of Superstition think of this as an appropriate time to reflect on a great scientist. What better way to celebrate the mind that put together all the facts and came up with On the Evolution of Species than to note this anniversary with a post in the Avian Gallery at NPN.

No, this isn’t one of “Darwin’s Finches” from the Galapagos – I’ve never had the opportunity to see them and doubt I ever will get there. But every species has its own place in Darwin’s Tree of Life, so it really doesn’t matter.

Honest critiques requested; all comments appreciated.

Comments

14 comments

Comment posted by Barbara Graham on February 12, 2011 at 11:20 AM

Richard, beautiful pose, light, detail, colors.

Registered on July 27, 2010, 1310 Posts, 5035 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Dudley on February 12, 2011 at 11:23 AM

A fine image to celebrate the life and contributions of a brilliant man who enlightened humanity so very much Rich. I just love the rich colors here and the interesting pose and light. IQ is superb.

Registered on March 30, 2007, 437 Posts, 10915 Comments

Comment posted by Monica Siri on February 12, 2011 at 11:42 AM

Richard,
beautiful celebrating image with great light and pose of the bird.

Registered on September 20, 2009, 132 Posts, 3764 Comments

Comment posted by Brian Gatlin on February 12, 2011 at 11:47 AM

beautiful image, Rich--love the light, colors and details.

For me, Canada Goose is an apt choice for the tribute, as in its own way it illustrates diverging species. Only recently was Cackling Goose recognized as a distinct species from the very similar Canada Goose. Birds are a perfect place to find all the transitional forms of populations on their way to becoming (or not becoming) distinct species. This continuum of transitional forms and populations is the tangible refutation of those who claim their absence (just as Darwin recognized in his finches). So, here's to a great scientist.

Registered on March 21, 2009, 202 Posts, 4187 Comments

Comment posted by Michael Lotito on February 12, 2011 at 11:55 AM

One of the best canada geese shots I have even seen!

Registered on June 26, 2009, 181 Posts, 1558 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Bielefeld on February 12, 2011 at 12:00 PM

Nice post Rich. Love the tribute to a great scientist. A man, not a head of his time, but right on time IMO. Nice goose too. Great colors and pose.

Registered on December 6, 2008, 360 Posts, 7132 Comments

Comment posted by Rob Graham on February 12, 2011 at 12:11 PM

Beautiful light, Richard, I love the ripples. I'd be tempted to have a little less room in front and a little more behind, but being full frame there obviously isn't any more canvas in back.

Registered on August 22, 2006, 842 Posts, 2824 Comments

Comment posted by KC Choo on February 12, 2011 at 6:08 PM

Excellent detailing!

Registered on November 15, 2004, 519 Posts, 8278 Comments

Comment posted by Simon Bennett on February 12, 2011 at 7:00 PM

Excellent image and sentiments.

Registered on February 4, 2007, 350 Posts, 4614 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on February 13, 2011 at 3:08 AM

Well photographed Richard. I like the close crop and the golden colors are beautiful. I think Darwin might be onto something.

Registered on January 28, 2005, 879 Posts, 12098 Comments

Comment posted by Rob Drummond on February 13, 2011 at 5:13 AM

Well said Richard and you've done him proud with a beaitiful study in exceptional light

cheers
Rob

Registered on November 8, 2003, 617 Posts, 8267 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on February 13, 2011 at 8:15 PM

Sweet pose, Richard. The craned neck and eye contact make this one for me.

Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments

Comment posted by Dan Walters on February 13, 2011 at 10:03 PM

Great light and color. Like the reflection of the waves on the goose.

Registered on October 30, 2005, 405 Posts, 3693 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Hackley on February 15, 2011 at 1:25 PM

Wonderful pose and lighting to this, good to see a different perspective on this goose, well done.

Registered on September 17, 2009, 302 Posts, 5535 Comments