The Rest of the Falcon Story 10 images

DsrtVWDsrtVW Registered Users Posts: 1,991 Major grins
edited January 25, 2010 in Wildlife
This was my birthday present. Had 2 photo blind reservation this last week. I was able to shoot one day in the blind. Has been raining a bit in CA.
Shooting was on the slow side. Birds were scattered due to the rain and wind. Most birds were out in the fields feeding.
Some Black neck stilts had just flown by when I see this bird coming but cant quite ID it. It was blending well with the gray water. Then i see this
1 Incoming
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2 Then he lands on some logs in front of the blind. Have seen them in the trees before but never out over the water this low.
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3 Seems to wonder why that big eye is staring at him. Well there he goes.
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4 Nope he lands on another log.
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5 Then he starts walking down to the water.
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6 Stops looks at me some more.
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7 Then he goes in the water and starts drinking.
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8 Then he hides behind the log. guess he wanted privacy while bathing.
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9 Really gets into his bath
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10 Shaking the water off his head
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Then he finally flew off, 6 minutes and 138 frames later I could start to breath again.Still cannot believe it happened or that I could hold my breath that long, but glad it did.
Could not ask for more for my 50th birthday, a priceless gift he was. Well I guess it was a he.:rofl
Chris K. NANPA Member
http://kadvantage.smugmug.com/

Comments

  • rainbowrainbow Registered Users Posts: 2,765 Major grins
    edited January 24, 2010
    :bday

    You made the most of your gift! Thanks for sharing it with us.
  • DsrtVWDsrtVW Registered Users Posts: 1,991 Major grins
    edited January 24, 2010
    Thank you very much Rainbow
    Chris K. NANPA Member
    http://kadvantage.smugmug.com/
  • bfjrbfjr Registered Users Posts: 10,980 Major grins
    edited January 25, 2010
    Man were the BirthDay Gods, smilin on you :wow

    I only have gotten a couple quick fly bys but you got a visit and bath the only thing
    missing is well the food shot :eat rolleyes1.gif

    Also I should add that you kept your cool (didn't do the eyes in the headlight routine) and
    brought back some great captures.

    Happy Birthday, Man (The Big 50) it gets easier from here on thumb.gif
  • Mark EdellMark Edell Registered Users Posts: 672 Major grins
    edited January 25, 2010
    A wonderful set. What a good looking bird!
  • DsrtVWDsrtVW Registered Users Posts: 1,991 Major grins
    edited January 25, 2010
    Thanks Ben and Mark,
    I have noticed in the shots that his right wing is always in a lower position than the left. Maybe he is an old bird like me not quite in alignment. Or previous injuries or strains. Though nothing showed while flying that I could tell.
    Chris K. NANPA Member
    http://kadvantage.smugmug.com/
  • raptorcaptorraptorcaptor Registered Users Posts: 3,968 Major grins
    edited January 25, 2010
    Excellent set! clap.gif

    PS. Happy birthday!
    Glenn

    My website | NANPA Member
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