One of the sights you do not want to miss is the Snow Geese at Bosque del Apache rising in a mass panic. If you stand and watch a field full of geese for long enough it will happen. There is a sudden increase in noise in the flock and then within seconds the whole flock rises into the air and the sound of wings and geese honking…and the sight of all those white and blacks wings flashing…the swirl of birds in intricate motion is enough to freeze the grin on your face! I can still vividly remember the first time it happened to me at Bosque, low these 25 years ago. And it is still as awesome every time it happens again. And that is the word: awesome!

Of course I have attempted to photograph it whenever it happened. As cameras have improved, so have my results. This, I can honestly say, is the best so far. I love the way every bird is sharp. I love the depth of the flock. And there is a lot to like beyond the technical in the image. The Cranes on the ground certainly add some perspective…and a few still points to emphasize the motion of the geese. You really should view it as large as you monitor allows by clicking the image.

Canon SX50HS in Sports Mode. 750mm equivalent field of view. f5.6 @ 1/1250th @ ISO 200. Processed in Lightroom for intensity, clarity, and sharpness.