Greater Prairie Chicken Fight

[Doug Brown]

The courtship ritual of the Greater Prairie Chicken is a most amazing sight! They gather on a lek before the sun comes up and start booming (find an audio recording on the internet to see what it sounds like). The males pair off, face one another, and go into full combat mode; this typically involves chasing one another and getting into leaping battles. Producing a keeper frame where all the elements come together is very challenging; the right light angle, a great action pose, eye contact from both birds, getting both birds in your plane of focus, and avoiding obstacles that block the action are the keys to a sweet image. I got lucky with this shot! Have a great weekend everyone! I'm headed to British Columbia with my wife to photograph nesting Common Loons!

Nikon D5, 600mm, f/5, 1/3200, ISO 800, manual exposure, hand held from car

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

What a spectacular action shot Doug. It takes a photographer with your experience and skill to nail this, which you have done perfectly.
Have a great weekend! Get loony!
TFS

[annmpacheco]

What a pleasure to view Doug, you captured all the elements you needed for this fine behavioral shot. I really like the wing positions and the open beak of the grouse running off. well done and hope you get those loons!

[Tim Foltz]

Nice Shot Doug, great light, nice details and colors. I might be tempted to clone some of the OOF grasses in the foreground out.

-Tim

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Doug, excellent timing capturing perfect action. Sweet that both are in the same focus plain.

Enjoy your trip.

[gail bisson]

Great frame for all the reasons you discuss in your intro!
Might bump into you In BC as I am headed that way as well.
Gail

[John Mack]

Too cool. Great action portrayed here. Love the pose on the upper bird. Light looks nice as well.

[Doug Brown]

Great frame for all the reasons you discuss in your intro!
Might bump into you In BC as I am headed that way as well.
Gail

Looking forward to finally meeting you!