EARLY SPRING CAPERCAILLIE

Heavy snow I

Nikon D5, Nikkor 400 2,8, f/3,5, 1/640, ISO 2200

As photographer the Pandemic Life has been a bit difficult for me ... as I miss Africa, I miss tropical snakes, Spanish raptors & my good friends in Finland. It`s not always so easy to create new, interesting projects locally where I live ... but I have been so incredibly lucky to get to know this local capercaillie. He really saved my "photographic winter." This bird is a bit crazy as his hormones are going bananas with him. I have paid him many visits through February & March 2021, I`ve had him in low backlight, soft whiteout winter days, deep cold, rain, light snow and super heavy snow. Sometimes he was simply not at home. I have been careful not to disturb him or push him too much through short visits & keeping my distance with the the use of longer lenses ... but still I've had to "run for my life" a couple of times to get away from his sharp beak & powerful wing knockles ! I've tasted them, I know what they feel like.

I have a great feeling for this bird. Hope he makes it through the summer & autumn and that he stays away from people ... in general !!  

Heavy snow II

Nikon D5, Nikkor 400 2,8, f/3,5, 1/640, ISO 1800

Heavy snow III

Nikon D5, Nikkor 400 2,8, f/3,5, 1/640, ISO 2200

Heavy snow IV

Nikon D5, Nikkor 400 2,8, f/3,5, 1/640, ISO 1800

Heavy snow V

Nikon D5, Nikkor 400 2,8, f/3,5, 1/640, ISO 1800

Morning backlight I

Nikon D5, Nikkor 400 2,8, f/2,8, 1/1600, ISO 280

Morning backlight II. The blue is snow in deep shadow

Nikon D5, Nikkor 400 2,8, f/2,8, 1/1600, ISO 320

Morning backlight III ...  on a very cold day

Nikon D5, Nikkor 400 2,8, f/3,5, 1/1600, ISO 1250

Morning backlight IV

Nikon D5, Nikkor 400 2,8, f/3,5, 1/1600, ISO 800

Morning backlight V ... with snow in deep shadow

Nikon D5, Nikkor 400 2,8, f/2,8, 1/1600, ISO 320

Feeding on pine needles mid winter I

Nikon D5, Nikkor 400 2,8, f/3,5, 1/800, ISO 1100

Feeding on pine needles mid winter II

Nikon D5, Nikkor 400 2,8, f/3,5, 1/800, ISO 1100

Feeding on pine needles mid winter III

Nikon D5, Nikkor 400 2,8, f/3,5, 1/640, ISO 2500

Nikon D5, Nikkor 400 2,8, f/3,2, 1/640, ISO 200

Whiteout I

Nikon D5, Nikkor 400 2,8, f/3,2, 1/640, ISO 560

Whiteout II

Nikon D5, Nikkor 400 2,8, f/3,5, 1/1600, ISO 1400

Attack position !!

Nikon D5, Nikkor 400 2,8, f/3,2, 1/500, ISO 640