I was so happy to find my big feathered friends back in their normal spot! I’ve watched this group grow from 2 to 9 over the years! I know they lost one of them to a predator 2 years ago. (probably a Wolf or Cougar) I found the carcass or what was left of it. They spend their summers up in the Yukon and their winter’s in Tofino! Like a lot of people these days.
Placid!
Yes, indeed. :) Glorious photos.
thank you Lynette,they are a interesting study!
Marvelous shots!
thank you Anne!
I would so enjoy seeing the Trumpeters, thanks for sharing.
they are a sight to behold Jane!
I’d like to get one of those garden ornamental Swans (plastic) and cut the bottom out to fit a small radio controlled boat. Than cut a small window under the neck for a camera! I bet they’d smack the strange Swan but it would be interesting to get up close!
Those pictures excited me, too. So glad they are back!
I’m always so excited to find they are home when I pay a visit!
Truly magnificent creatures. Their trumpeting call must be amazing to hear in person. Your first photo in this series was a delight to take in. I wasn’t sure if I was seeing one bird in different stages of take off or 4 different birds sequencing their take off. Whatever the case, these large birds have such grace.
When I’m camping out there and they start to call to each other and wake me up. I tell them to be quiet!
That first picture is natural. I never alter my shots. Only fake photographers need to do that.
Oh dear. I was in no way challenging you on the authenticity of your photo; although as I reread my comment I can completely see my error in communication. I do apologize for not being clearer. I was more amazed at what your camera captured in the moment. I truly felt like I was standing their watching in real time thus my ill formed comment of 1 bird over time or four birds. The synchronization of birds has always fascinated me. I grew up on a migratory path along the east coast. The spring and fall were unforgettable as the air and fields came alive with water fowl. My younger brother and I loved when our father would pack us into the truck take us to a nearby wildlife reserve where we could watch the large flocks of snow geese, tundra swans and Canadian geese ascend and descend on the lake as one unit. The sound was beyond words and their synchronization mesmerizing. I only know you through your photos and commentary. What I’ve seen and read has shown me that you have the highest regard and respect for nature and take pride in capturing the moments unfolding before you. By sharing them you invite us the viewer to take part in that experience as well. I would have been very surprised and sadly disappointed if you did alter as that wouldn’t hold true to what you value- the bay, its beauty, and the wildlife that call it home.
Sorry Beth that I made you think that. It sounds like your father had a love for Nature! Seeing all those birds must of been impressive!
Very happy you enjoy my shots!
I love your photos! The Trumpeters bring back memories. I spent my teens living above a lake in the Skagit, Washington. Spring was wonderful. The Trumpters would spend days in the Skagit Valley feeding and then fly right over us at dusk. They spent the night on a reservoir above our place. It was wonderful to stand below them as they flew over. whoosh…whoosh…
I can still feel the air moving and hear their wings. Thanks for the memorie!
Thank you Geri that’s very nice of you to say! Will send you a picture.
Happy for you that your Trumpeter friends are back!
me too……just as long as they don’t go making noise while I’m trying to sleep!
A beautiful series of photos, Wayne. It’s been a while now since I have seen a swan, since we don’t go much of anywhere right now except for supplies.
will have to send a few Swans with supplies!
I can hear them singing…
and I do too right around 3am! I tellum to knock it off!
These are stunning pictures of these graceful birds. I like how they appear to be synchronized. I think if I saw them this close, I might be awestruck and forget to put the camera to my face to take a picture.
I love the photos! The third one is my favorite, that looks like a very difficult edit!
the one with all black in behind? Why would you think that it was difficult? I only cropped it. Tracking was tricky.
Oh! I thought that you removed the background manually in edits!
No,that is the actual background. I’m old school. I do not manipulate my shots. What you see is exactly what I saw.
I use only “Manual” when I shoot. So this background was dark in behind the Swans. I like doing that as It makes it appear 3D like,but in this case It was just shear fluke that the Swans flew in this direction which had a large shadow in behind.
Thank you for commenting!
That’s super cool! I have done photos with black backgrounds but cannot take it right from the camera, I normally remove the background in photoshop and it normally takes a few hours. Love the photos!
If you expose for the subject ( and your subject is white) the background automatically will go very dark!
I do not know how to use that photoshop stuff,….besides no need.
Thank you so much! I didn’t know that you could get it to go completely dark with only exposure! I do find myself editing photos that don’t need to be edited and although editing helps photos I should just leave some photos alone.
most times with photography ….less is more. A skilled eye can always detect a false photo.
What a glory to have the trumpeters return! With the weather changing, we are not always assured that a migration may repeat itself, and then when they arrive it is such a blessing and relief. Your photos here, Wayne, are breath-taking. I’m always thrilled to see a big bird like this take off, so I really like the first two photos. And the two in the night with the white/black contrast and reflection on the water is also exquisite.
I always chuckle that the Bears tag team with the Trumpeters! It’s so nice to see them even If they are not happy to see me.
Wow! These are magnificent creatures. You are lucky to catch such beautiful photos. Thank you, Wayne.
yes I am Jennie and thank you for saying!
You’re welcome, Wayne!
So beautiful, wonderful shots Wayne. :)
We have flocks of them here on our lake too … I love that they need a decent runway to get going. :D
Beautiful!
I love these pictures, Wayne. We have loerie birds here, they eat fruit and they have been eating our plums. I don’t mind as there are far to many for us.
sharing is how we will survive!
Wow…so amazing…what a gift. Hope you’re well Wayne ~ smiles hedy 🙋♀️☺️
I’m sending one right away with your Christmas present Hedy!