Straight On

Gallery: AvianPosted March 19, 20181,455 views7 comments

I was out on the beach just hoping to capture something worthwhile, when I came across this male Long-tailed Grackle that had just secured his prize for the morning. After strutting around the rocks showing off to all around, he took off right at me. They're not very attractive birds to many I know, but I've come to love their antics.

Potrero Bay, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

D500
500mm f/4
1/3200s @ f/6.3
ISO 900
-1/3 EV
Handheld

Comments

7 comments

Comment posted by Steve Thompson on March 19, 2018 at 6:04 PM

I love this Chuck! I like Grackles too, they are a strange bird as you pointed out. Your focus point was right on the money. A little more room on top would nice if you had it. Very cool Shot!

Registered on August 7, 2014, 125 Posts, 2319 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on March 19, 2018 at 7:30 PM

Excellent job getting the focus with the Grackle coming right at you, Chuck. Nice composition.

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

Comment posted by Jake Alletson on March 20, 2018 at 12:43 AM

I certainly don't know the bird but this is a great shot with excellent sharpness where it counts.

Unfortunately there is a regrettable sub-title about litter in the environment and the threat to animals which might eat it or, at least, try to eat it.

Registered on May 3, 2016, 12 Posts, 163 Comments

Comment posted by Ed Williams on March 20, 2018 at 5:54 PM

...and the blue ribbon goes to Chuck Gangas for a wonderful shot of this grackle. Love the head on view and the backstory. Nice catch, for you and for the grackle.

Registered on December 28, 2010, 636 Posts, 3499 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Leggett on March 20, 2018 at 7:22 PM

Excellent job with focus, Chuck. Interesting behavior that reminds me of the Bowerbird. Good eye contact and nice catch.

Registered on July 21, 2004, 706 Posts, 3233 Comments

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on March 22, 2018 at 4:29 AM

I like grackles a lot - all of them except the noisy pair that nested in a palm outside my bedroom window. THEY had to be "encouraged" to leave..
Nice catch in acquiring focus on these fast guys!
Sandy

Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments

Comment posted by Nate Chappell on March 24, 2018 at 6:47 PM

That's pretty cool Chuck, nice job getting focus on him. devil

Registered on February 1, 2006, 1158 Posts, 19528 Comments