I didn’t expect a Greater Roadrunner close-up when I spotted a bird near Lake Carl Etling in Oklahoma. I was driving at Black Mesa State Park, and the roadrunner stood along the edge of the road. It was too far away for a photo, so I stopped to watch.
A Roadside Bird Heads Toward Me
After I stopped, the roadrunner looked in my direction and began walking toward me. I watched it close the distance until it came within range of my camera.
I began taking photos, surprised that the bird kept coming. It gave me views of its long legs and tail as it walked along the gravel.
At first, I had room in the frame for the whole bird. As it approached, I could photograph more of the markings on its head and neck.
An Unexpected Greater Roadrunner Close-Up
I photographed from my truck as the bird came closer. I had stopped because it was out of reach for a photo. Now I could make tight portraits of its head.
The head-on view shows both eyes and the streaked feathers down its neck. In the side portrait, I can see the fine feathers around the eye and along the bill.
I hadn’t expected this chance when I pulled over. The roadrunner came all the way to my truck door and paused there for a few seconds.
Then it disappeared behind my truck and walked into the brush. I don’t know what prompted it to approach me.
My Closest Encounter With a Roadrunner
Last week, I photographed another Greater Roadrunner while camping at Fort Supply Lake. I included that bird in Five Days Photographing Wildlife at Fort Supply Lake.
This encounter at Black Mesa was the closest I have ever been to a roadrunner. I’m not sure what was going on, but I’m not complaining.
Oh that is beautiful
Ex