Prepare for Liftoff

Today’s post features a group of Trumpeter Swans as they begin their liftoff into flight. These beautiful birds are so much fun to watch as they prepare to lift off.  They will do a number of “head bows”, while honking in their trumpet-like call. When ready to go, most (if not all) of the group will be head bowing and trumpeting … making it quite noisy. Then, one swan will begin running across the water, followed by the rest of the group. While flapping their wings and gaining speed, once they are able, they gracefully lift into the air and begin their flight pattern.  So cool to watch!

Here is one group and a sequence of them taking to the air:

Trumpeter Swans

Trumpeter Swans

Trumpeter Swans

Trumpeter Swans

During this trip, I also took a few videos of the swans.  I need to edit all the footage and hopefully will have some to share soon!

Photographic Equipment Used:

  • Canon 7D body
  • Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 IS lens
  • Handheld, with IS “On”
  • ISO 400
  • Aperture 5.6
  • Shutter 1/2000 sec.

 

 

Posted in Bird Photography, Nature Photography, Travel Photography
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .
Permalink bookmark.
Follow comments: RSS feed for this post.
Trackbacks are closed, but you can post a comment.