Not All Birds Are Beautiful, But the Head Shot Still Works!

Many birds, mostly among the smaller ones, can be classified as "cute."  For many others the term "beautiful" would be more appropriate, while "graceful" applies to still many more.

Some, however, lack those certain qualities that evoke such reactions in we humans.  Take, for instance, the American Coot:

I don't think this bird will be found on many people's list of cute, beautiful or graceful birds.  Still, for me the combination of the black feathers, the red eye and the reflective blue water makes for an attractive image.

The above photo was taken on a reservoir where a goodly number of hybrid geese reside.  Here are some selected head shots of these geese, illustrating the variety to be found and, in my opinion, each containing some elements of beauty.

Two other birds that could be classified among the less attractive are wild turkeys and vultures.  (I would also include condors, but we don't have them here in the Eastern US.)  For some reason I have yet to get good shots of either of those.  I've had opportunities with wild turkeys, but either conditions were poor or the photographer wasn't up to the task.  

I had one opportunity with a turkey vulture which was attempting to eat a snake that had been run over by a car.  Just as I was prepared to shoot, a bicyclist came along and spooked the bird.

Many people view gulls as pests.  Others actively feed them.  In their feeding habits, gulls aren't far from crows and vultures.  Still, they can make for a good head shot.

 
I freely admit to enjoying getting good head shots of birds (and other wildlife, for that matter) in part because it requires getting closer to the subject than might otherwise be the case.  Gulls, however, make it just too easy.