Just quickly popped over to the Moors the other day to see what, if any of the Red Grouse were doing after the 'Glorious 12th'.
As Will knows, these guys are either with you or against you, meaning they are quietly confident and come close, or stay at least 12-15m+ away. This one was cooperative and using one of the man made hides, a shooting bunker I could get a good vantage point, however here the Grouse got spooked by another Grouse flying over and bolted a few meters. Yes, having more SS 1/2500 would have been good, but no chance of changing, however the super fast AF just locked on and at 12fps no problem, each frame pin sharp. The light also highlighted the gorgeous colouration of the plumage and so you can see how well these game birds are at concealment.
Normally shots are tight, not showing their lovely feet, so here you can get to see the white feet and long talons they have. The red eyebrow is hidden, but hints of red poking through the head plumage are visible on the hi res. Nice to shoot at a low ISO, super clean images and no need for any NR.
Thanks to those who posted or viewed on the last posting.
Steve
Subject: Red Grouse (Lagopus lagopus scotica)
Location: UK
Camera: Canon EOS-1D X MarkIII
Lens: EF500mm f/4L IS II USM
Exposure: 1/800s at f/6.3 ISO400 HH
Original format: Landscape, very slight crop
Processed via: LRC 9.3 & PS2020