Vaux's Swift


Posted by Mike Danzenbaker on Mon Sep 19, 2005 10:59 am

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Thought you might be getting tired of Euro swift shots, so here's one local (to me). I took this one before work one day last week.

While not an award-winner and not taken under ideal conditions, I'm pretty happy with this. It's been a perennial target of mine, and I've never seen a good photo of one anywhere, and I'm not sure one exists, despite the fact that this is a relatively common bird. If you're familiar with Chimney Swifts, this is in the same genus (Chaetura) but is about 20% smaller and is faster flying.

shoulderstocked 1D2, 500/4, f5.6, 1/2500th, ISO400
"Animal instinct is more amazing than human ingenuity."

Mike
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Last edited by Mike Danzenbaker on Mon Sep 19, 2005 12:21 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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by E.J. Peiker on Mon Sep 19, 2005 11:20 am
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Pretty cool bird and a great shot - its all in the head angle.
 

by Terence P. Brashear on Mon Sep 19, 2005 11:23 am
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Holy Cow Mike!!!

The chimney swifts around here are speeding bullets. Are you tracking and shooting or is it a matter of a large flock and hit or miss?

This and the others you have done are simply amazing.

Regards,

Terry
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by Brian E. Small on Mon Sep 19, 2005 11:32 am
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Another amazing shot Mike...................what lens did you use for this one?
 

by Rob Palmer on Mon Sep 19, 2005 11:55 am
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Another great shot. When is your book "Swift in Flight" coming out.
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by mrhughj on Mon Sep 19, 2005 12:05 pm
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Tought to do; but done to perfection, Mike!!

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by Mike Danzenbaker on Mon Sep 19, 2005 12:27 pm
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Terence P. Brashear wrote:Holy Cow Mike!!!

The chimney swifts around here are speeding bullets. Are you tracking and shooting or is it a matter of a large flock and hit or miss?

This and the others you have done are simply amazing.

Regards,

Terry
Thanks Terry - this was a swirling flock on migration. Mainly a matter of following them around and trying to situate myself right, then attempting to lock onto any close-flying individual and make an exposure before the bird zipped out of the frame. Pretty tiny keeper percentage :cry: .
Brian Small wrote:Another amazing shot Mike...................what lens did you use for this one?
Oops - specs added above.
"Animal instinct is more amazing than human ingenuity."

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by Van Hilliard on Mon Sep 19, 2005 12:48 pm
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A really tough bird. As E.J. said, it's in the head angle.

Frankly I don't know how you managed this. Great job.

Van
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by Fabs Forns on Mon Sep 19, 2005 5:11 pm
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Excellent!!!!!
 

by alibenn on Mon Sep 19, 2005 6:01 pm
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well Mike, for every rare Gull I get, you nail another Swift...Touche ( non French keyboard..apologies!!!)

This is excellent..
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by dhkaiser on Mon Sep 19, 2005 6:23 pm
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Mike, I have tried to shoot chimney swifts. I am impressed with your images!
Dan Kaiser


Last edited by dhkaiser on Mon Sep 19, 2005 7:35 pm, edited 1 time in total.
 

by Chris Kayler on Mon Sep 19, 2005 7:07 pm
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Stop showing off!! :x


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by Paul Fusco on Mon Sep 19, 2005 7:07 pm
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Looks like you've nailed the swift technique, Mike. Awesome stuff!

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by Mike Wilson on Tue Sep 20, 2005 12:13 am
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Please stop, these flight shots are killing me! Excellent work Mike.
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by Steve Metildi on Tue Sep 20, 2005 1:09 am
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Outstanding Mike--I located a swirling flock last year and I'm hoping they are back this year. These guys are really cool.

Steve
 

by Christopher Dodds on Tue Sep 20, 2005 9:16 am
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Another outstanding flight shot, Mike. :)
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by KK Hui on Tue Sep 20, 2005 7:16 pm
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:)
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by Brandon Holden on Tue Sep 20, 2005 9:58 pm
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I'm not sure how you managed to get one in the frame :wink: ,,, but an job well done indeed! I love it! :D


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