An early April morning in Pennsylvania's backcountry and an Eastern Wild Turkey Gobbler is in full strut, while a Gray Squirrel watches the action from the vantage point of a nearby tree.
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| Eastern Wild Turkey Gobbler: Note how tail is fanned out and extended wingtips |
This was an exciting encounter, but unfortunately the bird never posed exactly as I wanted for the camera. We would become bored with wildlife photography were it not for the challenge of trying to capture that perfect moment. In an encounter like this the perfect moment is happening a lot of the time, but the problem is to have that happen where one is in a position to capture it. These birds are elusive and one cannot get out of the blind and move to a better position when they are present, although I have seen some acclimated birds in Cades Cove in The Smokies that would permit this.
Observing and photographing Gray Squirrels often helps to relieve the tedium of waiting for a gobbler to arrive,
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| Gray Squirrel Surveys The Countryside |
Whether one sees a lot of wildlife or not, being in the great outdoors on a beautiful spring morning, is time well spent!
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Originally posted at
Pennsylvania Wildlife Photographer by Willard Hill
Holy Crap Willard, absolutely fantastic pictures. I mean both of those pictures are about as perfect as perfect can be. I bow to you!
ReplyDeleteThat Gobbler looks pretty good to me.Ah the joys of waiting for that ah-ha moment.
ReplyDeleteI think you did capture a perfect moment. I ended up with the back side of my turkey this week.
ReplyDeletehttp://beyondmygarden.blogspot.com/2011/04/trespassing.html
Wonderful shots Willard!
ReplyDeleteLast week a lone hen showed up to feed under my bird feeder. This week the gobbler arrived as well. I've been trying to get a good shot but he's staying just inside the back woods. I'm hoping the hen will somehow lure him closer. :)
It is quite an exciting scene to watch and never boring for me. I'm just glad to be witness to the dance.
I haven't been here in awhile I hope all is well with you.
Carletta's Captures
Excellent captures..well done Sir.
ReplyDeleteGood stuff Bro!
ReplyDeleteNow I know what you have been up to while I've been out chasing ducks :)
The turkey shot is amazing! I never think of a turkey as being a beautiful bird, but this one certainly is.
ReplyDeleteWhat georgous shots Willard, that tom just leaps from the screen!
ReplyDeleteWow! How the beautiful site you have created. These pictures are amazing. Trying to capture the perfect moment in camera in not easy. You have been sufficient knowledge about photography, then it is simple for you. Thanks a lot...
ReplyDeleteWildlife Photography
great photos and message--love that gobbler
ReplyDeleteThat turkey is magnificent! I love the detail in the feathers.
ReplyDeleteThe doe below and this turkey and squirrel are really nice shots. I.have a similar problem with flowers. Nothing seems right. I also have a problem waiting on birds or squirrels to get in a position that is different in some way that makes the photos more interesting.
ReplyDeleteomg that is amazing! your talents are never ending with that camera!
ReplyDeleteLove the squirrel- but that turkey is just outstanding!
ReplyDeleteThis is the first photo I've ever seen that makes the turkey look beautiful and majestic.
ReplyDelete