LAST TANGO? or SPRINGING TO LIFE? (For Talking Pictures)

While we Canadians enjoy our winters, by March we are greatly anticipating spring, along with a wildlife who have hung onto survival throughout adverse prolonged conditions

In late March 2014, with snow still on the ground, but with noticeable warming breezes in the air, I was in the woods to photograph cardinals whose intense colours brighten the gloomy days of winter. Focusing on a pair, my attention was captured by the female doing what my wife immediately labeled as a "last tango". It seemed that the beautiful, subtly-coloured female was not only kicking the behind of a winter which had outstayed its welcome, but also attempting to seduce the nearby male through what I chose to call "the dance of the seven veils". Spring after all, is for lovers. But wait, aren't "cardinals" supposed to be celibate?
Anyone with experience of bird photography knows the timidity and constant motion of cardinals. Good technique, the right equipment, loads of patience and warm boots are essential to winning photos.
Captured by a Nikon D800E, with a 200-400 mm f4 lens and a Nikon 1.7 converter. The camera and lens rested on a JOBO gimbal head, stabilized with a Groofwin Pod (Leonard Lee Rue Enterprises).

Bernard Carriere
635 St. Felix Street
Cornwall, ON K6H 5B5
613-932-0438