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| This Painted Bunting image was created with the 800mm f/5.6L IS lens, 37mm of extension, and the EOS-1D Mark IV. ISO 800. Evaluative metering +1/3 stop: 1/320 sec. at f/8. Fill flash with the Better Beamer at -3 stops. |
Johnny Cozad is and has been one of the growing number of Texas ranchers who has opened his ranch for photographic eco-tourism. For a very reasonable daily fee, you can enjoy his lightweight relatively cool blinds and his amazing assemblage of birds. It is the very best place that I know for photographing Painted Buntings in the first half of May. I visited with Johnny on five of my seven afternoons and we had the male Painted Bunting come to the small pond every day but one offering unparalleled opportunites. The mornings that I spent there with my private day clients were filled with Golden-fronted Woodpeckers.
If you would like to visit the Cozad Ranch in the next week or two to enjoy photographing these two species you can reach Johnny on his cell phone at
956-330-1377 or by e-mail at jecoz@granderiver.net
Johnny Cozad is one of the nicest, sweetest gentlemen that you will ever meet.
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| This male Golden-fronted Woodpecker was photographed with the 800mm f/5.6L IS lens, a 25mm Extension tube, and the EOS-1D Mark IV. ISO 800. Evaluative metering +1/3 stop: 1/160 sec. at f/5.6 set manually. Fill flash with the Better Beamer at -3 stops. |
In my next post I will share images of both my morning and afternoon Cozad set-ups.
I have photographed on other ranches in South Texas during the migration and will have to try this one. More and more ranchers in the state are beginning to offer photographers access through reasonable fees. This may be the best one to date. Great photo of the Painted Bunting in the water. I really like the pose with both eyes looking at you along with the water droplets on the head.
Also – I’m looking forward to shots of your Cozad set-ups.
Superb! The Bunting is a riot of color and the composition of the woodpecker is eye-catching unique. Question – if you don’t mind. Will those Canon extension tubes maintain the AF on the 100-400 lens? I know AF is lost with the 1.4X Extender. It would be nice to get closer sometimes.
Wow. That Painted Bunting is beautiful.
Spectacular photos!
I wish you could shoot my red shouldered Hawk in nest w/her chicks. My pictures do not do her justice as a regal bird. (I just have a point & shoot).
I see you get great results. I enjoy your work. Thank you for sharing, brendasue
Where do you live? 🙂 How high is the nest? Do you have a clear view?