Two large geese peered at me over the long grass on the clifftop. At first I thought they were protecting young, then the male tugged at feathers on the female’s back and I knew I was a few weeks early to see their offspring.
Cape Barren Goose – (Cereopsis novaehollandiae)
Canon 5D Mark III, 100-400mm L IS USM, 1/2000, f/5.6, ISO 1600, focal length 400mm
Luckily my camera was in my hands and I took four shots of a liaison that lasted two seconds. I like the delicate patterning on the feathers of Cape Barren Geese. I also like the sky space behind the female’s neck in the image above, and the gentle curve of the male’s neck; they seem to highlight an intimacy that suits birds that choose a lifelong partner.
Cape Barren Goose – (Cereopsis novaehollandiae)
Canon 5D Mark III, 100-400mm L IS USM, 1/2000, f/5.6, ISO 1600, focal length 400mm
Their expressions in both shots make me smile. There is some general information on the plight of these birds in the post Cape Barren Goslings.
Cape Barren Goose – (Cereopsis novaehollandiae)
Canon 5D Mark III, 100-400mm L IS USM, 1/640, f/7.1, ISO 400, focal length 400mm
Next week I’ll share the results of a similar mating with images of some seriously cute goslings.
Happy birding, Kim
~ Thank you for your visit and comments.
~ If you’d like to receive a weekly email informing you that lirralirra has been updated please add your email address to the ‘subscribe’ box above right
