This was a rare combination of great subject matter, interesting atmospheric conditions and great luck.

After photographing an early morning snow squall at the Alluvial Fan in Rocky Mountain National Park, I had loaded my equipment back into my vehicle and prepared to leave for another destination.

As I started the engine, a Magpie landed on a low branch of a ponderosa pine overhanging the parking area. I reached for my pack, quickly attached my long lens and lowered the window, snapping a few quick exposures before the bird flew away.

Magpies are a striking black and white bird, about the size of a small crow with exceptionally long, dark aqua tail feathers. The short shooting distance helped to capture the snow falling around and on the shoulders of the bird - just a nice bonus.

Canon EOS 5D, Canon 100-400mm f/4.5/5.6L IS @ 390mm, 1/200 sec @f/5.6, ISO equiv 400, Calumet 8000 Carbon Fiber Tripod, Gitzo G1276 Ballhead