Shot me some swans (photo added for ID purposes)

[MN Shutterbug]

I got a tip yesterday morning about some Trumpeter Swans on a nearby slough. I got the text about 8 am and immediately called him. He said they weren't there that morning. I checked it out at 2:00 pm and found 11 swans. They were too far out and the sun was too harsh, for any decent photos. I went back this morning at 8:40 and they were there. Before I got out of the car, I saw 6 more flying in. I didn't have time to really do too much thinking, so I jumped out, upped the ISO and increased the E.C. and took what I could, while they were still in range.

I'm going to the cities tomorrow morning, so I'm going to make sure I hit the slough before 8:30. My guess is that they are out feeding until around 8:30, and then come in to rest. This would explain why my buddy didn't see them when he was there a litle before 8:00.

Also, I've deduced that they are Tundra Swans. It's easier to tell on the juvies. However, one photo I scrapped shows the yellow on the beak of an adult.

[Dbl]

Nice find and work X!

[Steve Foss]

Really like that pano crop, Mike. A cool comp in nice light.

[ShawnZ]

The pano presentation is very nice! The calm water, good spacing between the swans, some alert, some resting....many fine features to absorb. Sweet shot.

[mmeyer]

Love the pano Mike! I know you didn't ask but in case you care it's just a touch tilted. I love it though!

[JayinMN]

Nice pano and nice bif too. I have never seen more then a pair of swans at a time.

[MN Shutterbug]

Thanks, fellas. You're right Mike, I didn't ask. Seriously, I'm glad you pointed it out. I'm surprised you noticed. I'm guessing it's maybe 1 degree off? You have a good eye.

Even though I don't say it, I never mind constructive criticism.

[MN Shutterbug]

I have never seen more then a pair of swans at a time.

It's too bad you have just the boring critters up north.

[Muskiefool]

Nice pics,, we saw 4 yesterday flying east...

[yakfisher]

Great work on the quick draw. They look very well exposed.

[Birdsong]

Nice. If I get some time I will have to drive out there.

[mmeyer]

Thanks, fellas. You're right Mike, I didn't ask. Seriously, I'm glad you pointed it out. I'm surprised you noticed. I'm guessing it's maybe 1 degree off? You have a good eye.

Even though I don't say it, I never mind constructive criticism.

I didn't figure you'd mind me mentioning that. If I didn't know you I probably wouldn't but I know you're all about getting it right. Tilted objects are something that really stick out to me. Kind of a illness I guess.

[MN Shutterbug]

Kind of a illness I guess.

You sick bassturd, you.

[MN Shutterbug]

Sarah, they were still there at 8:30 this morning - all 16 of them. This photo shows the yellow on the beaks which differentiates it from Trumpeter Swans.

[finnbay]

Great pano shot, X!