Some Gyr BIFs, BOTs and BOPs

The Gyrfalcon in flight, on a post and on a tetrapod.





BIF= 'Bird in flight' in case you were wondering.

After doing nothing all afternoon in brilliant light as soon as the clouds came and the skies darkened the Gyrfalcon became very active..................

At first it perched atop the small lighthouse (a 'BOL' I guess).

It then flew around and ended up on an electrical pole (a' BOP').

Despite stepping back the 500mm was too much reach as it flew off, like I said last time up close it is not always the best choice for BIF shots.

It flew a short distance away and this time I stayed my distance.

This time I could do the cropping...............instead of the camera.

It settled down yet again, this time on a tetrapod (a 'BOT').

All the above pics were taken with the 500 f4 which is sharp wide open. I changed to my 100-400 for when it took off but by then it was too dark. My 100-400 is not so sharp wide open and the AF is not as good as the 500 f4.................but at least tne bird fitted in the frame most of the time. I fired off a bunch of shots as it took off one last time and they were not great it has to be said.

I may not get to Sawara for a while now, probably at least 3 weeks. I hope it is still there then. I want a shot of it feeding on the bloody carcass of a bird (not a stolen piece of fish like last time) and I'm still striving for better BIFs..................

Well if I don't see it again this season I hope it comes back next winter in beautiful white plumage.