For about the last two years I have been regularly feeding the large flock of Rooks and Jackdaws that use the fields surrounding my office. The feeding site is on the edge of my work car park and so about 100 metres from the office front door. The birds have become very accustomed to both me and the free hand outs which means that they quickly appear when their free lunch appears.
We both benefit from the arrangement as the birds get their diet supplemented and I get an opportunity to break up the office day with a lunch hour of photography which is very therapeutic to relieve the stresses of the morning's work.
Regular readers (that's both of you ;)) will know that I have a great fondness for all the crow family and despite their apparent sinister and destructive reputation it is difficult not to be impressed by the subtle beauty of their metallic sheen, 'intelligence' and social interactions.
As you can imagine the numerous lunch hour sessions over the last two years have provided me with many memorable sights and a good selection of photos. I have mainly concentrated my efforts on taking flight photos.
More recently my attention has been grabbed by the interactions and displays of pecking order as the birds feed.
When faced with multiple birds it always a tricky task to get both birds sharp, well lit and in interesting poses but persistence eventually produces results.
Jousting on the fence...
...and 'dancing' in the air.
I have really enjoyed the lunch hour sessions so far this year. The short time available in a lunch break certainly concentrates the mind on trying to achieve particular types of photographs. I will continue with the corvids for a couple more weeks before my attention will shift to another lunch hour species.
Posts
14 comments:
Excellent set Richard. Although Rooks are a favourite bird for me I do have to say, I like the middle Jackdaw image
superb shots! I especially appreciate the iridescence of purple among the blackness of the feather.... well done to capture that play of light!
Richard, wonderful shots!
All that action for a few seeds!
Absolutely gorgeous photos!
Beautiful shots of some amazing birds- I love studying our American Crows. They are so vocal and active, I am always trying to figure out what they are up to.
Fun, fun, fun and so exceptional. these are splendid!!!
Fantastic shots!!! Salut!!!
Francesc, http://balapertotarreu.blogspot.com
What an awesome way to relieve stress and enjoy your lunch break. Your ventures have certainly paid off, for each of these is exceptional quality in colour, sharpness and personalities captured. I adore these swell birds too and you are fortunate to have quality time with them. Keep on enjoying and sharing~
Wow Rich... what drama you captured there! Wonderful colour and action - you must have been delighted :-D
Your shots are gorgeous! I love the dance in the air!
Love those Rook shots. They remind me of some of the wonderful Ennion watercolours of purple/blue toned Rooks interacting - they're an often overlooked species, but they're spectacular when you look closely.
Excellent photos!
Many thanks for the replies. I think rooks are a much overlooked and under-rated species to photograph. It certainly more fun photographing them than sitting back in front of a monitor eating a sandwich!
Cheers
Rich
The last image looks like two rooks dancing. Beautiful.
Post a Comment