Raven Crossing Half Dome

[Donald]

One thing that struck me whilst in Yosemite, about which I had known nothing, was the number of ravens in the place. Makes a lot of sense when you look at the landscape.

Anyway, I spent about 6 - 7 hours up at Washburn Point one day. It's at about 7,500ft. I took time just to watch the ravens soar around the cliffs .... and that's when I saw the image I wanted - one of a bird with the iconic Half Dome behind it.

So, I tracked various birds until I got this one, which I saw was going to glide just exactly where I wanted it.

Your comments will be appreciated.

[Tronhard]

Hi Donald:

I truly envy your trip to Yosemite, it's a stunning location. The great American documentary maker Ken Burns made an excellent series called The National Parks, America's Best Idea. In it he relates the sometimes inspiring, sometimes sordid and very laboured birth of the US National Parks, and Yosemite features very much in that narrative.

As to the image, I was struck by the shape of the Half-Dome as you caught the Raven. It reminds me of the shape of a pheasant, grouse or other similar bird facing away from the camera, its head behind the body and facing to the left. Probably the result of an over-active imagination, but it added a new layer of interest for me.

Great shot - the fact that ravens are so dark makes them really difficult to show other than as a dark silhouette.

[madcrow]

Great image, timing and panning, fantastic work. Very well done.

[Shadowman]

Nicely done, the DOF makes the setting look otherworldly.

[Mike Buckley]

It's amazing that even at the smallest size displayed here, I can see the catch light in the bird's eye. I just love everything about the image and especially the diagonal position of the bird.

[Wandjina]

This is a great photo, Donald. I love the light on the feathers, giving an otherwise black dull raven a lift. Also the catch light on the eye is wonderful. Well done.
Yosemite is on my bucket list!

[mknittle]

Another excellent image Donald.

[bnnrcn]

Beautiful image Donald I can see halos(?) aroud the half dome and I don't know what caused them. IMO the image would look better without them.

[Wavelength]

Excellent image!!!

[terrib]

Nicely done, Donald. Black birds aren't easy subjects and you've handled it well, getting details in the wings and catching the light in his eyes.