Buzzard Kid: The Accidental Martial Artist
Nature photography has a funny way of revealing its best moments after the fact. Yesterday, I was out with my camera, hoping to capture some birds of prey in action. That’s when I spotted a buzzard perched on a post, wings fully extended, looking bold and powerful. It was a striking stance, so I quickly fired off a burst of shots, thinking I had just caught a nice, regal pose.
Later that day, while reviewing my shots, I found one that made me laugh out loud—it looked just like the famous crane kick from The Karate Kid! One foot raised, wings still partly spread, talons curled as if it were poised for battle. I hadn’t noticed it at the time, but in that split second, the buzzard looked every bit like a martial arts master preparing to strike. Amused by the perfect timing, I posted the photo online, thinking that was the end of the story.
But the next evening as I went through more of the burst shots in detail, I made an unexpected discovery. While I hadn’t actually caught the full attack itself, I noticed something at the very top of one of my frames—the talons of another buzzard swooping in! Suddenly, (shown below) the whole scene took on a new meaning. What I initially thought was just a funny, well-timed stance was actually a real reaction. Buzzard Kid wasn’t just posing—it was bracing for an incoming ambush!
The sequence of shots that followed made the moment even funnier. After the surprise attack (which I unfortunately missed), my buzzard subject was clearly rattled, flapping and wobbling as it tried to regain its balance. One second, it was the picture of perfect poise; the next, it was flailing in an ungraceful attempt to steady itself. What started as a simple cool shot ended up being a mini action scene filled with comedy, drama, and a touch of chaos.
This is exactly why I love photography. In the moment, I thought I had just captured a majestic bird stretching its wings. In reality, I had unknowingly documented the build-up to an aerial showdown. It’s moments like these that remind me that nature is not only breathtaking—it’s also unexpectedly hilarious.
And, of course, the best lesson here? Always check the edges of your frame—you never know what surprises might be hiding there!
