Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
April 14th, 2024

Warm Large-in-the-Frame and Cool Small-in-the-Frame

Live Life to the Fullest

Join an Instructional Photo-Tour.

What’s Up?

We were in the blinds early on Saturday and had lots of birds in front of us. At 6:45am, about 25 or 30 birds got spooked by something and flew off to other areas on the huge lek. We looked for the cause, a raptor or a coyote, but did not see a thing. The were a few birds behind us and several dozen to our right, some on a relatively distant hillside also to our right. We did not have the greatest morning.

Then my newly beloved only a9 iii went on the fritz. If you or a friend is using an a9 iii and have had strange, intermittent autofocus problems, please contact me via e-mail.

Today is Sunday 14 April 2024. We headed early to the big Fort Pierre (say “pier”) lek. Whatever you are doing, be sure to have fun.

If you plan on purchasing a Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera (or anything else for that matter), please remember to use or write for either my Bedfords discount code or my B&H affiliate link. Folks who use one of my two affiliate links to purchase the a9 III will receive my .DAT settings (the complete camera set-up) along with a Buttons and Dials Guide.

Please remember to use the B&H links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!

If an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.

Join me in Little Rock, Arkansas this May for a great weekend of learning and fun. You can check out any and all of the latest/greatest photo gear. If you know any good nearby spots for bird photography, and/or if you would like a free (5-image) portfolio review, shoot me an e-mail.

Little Rock Photo EXPO
A Bedford Event: Inspire, Learn, Discover
HUGE TWO DAY INTERACTIVE TRADE-SHOW
May 17-18, 2024
State House Convention Center
101 E. Markham St., Little Rock, Arkansas

​Don’t miss the Photo Expo in Little Rock! Regardless of your experience level, join hundreds of photographers, as we take over Little Rock on May 17-18, 2024. The Little Rock Photo Expo offers a remarkable experience packed with presentations, hands-on demonstrations, and a massive trade show featuring all the major photographic companies. Explore the latest gear, trade in your old camera equipment, and gain valuable insights from our experts. Get up close and personal with world-renowned keynote speakers and seize countless unique photo opportunities. Bring your camera and get ready for a weekend of fun, learning, and inspiration to elevate YOUR photography to new heights.

Click here to learn more and follow the links to see the schedule of events and/or register. Use this discount code at checkout to save $20.00: VIPEXPO24.

ddc 728w

Save 15%!

If you’d like to try out a new lens or if you need a lens for a specific trip or project (or for an IPT), LensRentals.com is the only way to go. To save 15%, simply click on the logo link above, arrange for your rental, and type in BIRDSASART15. If you type the gear you are looking for in the search box, it will pop right up. LensRentals.com offers affordable insurance. You can decline it, opt for LensCap: Damage Only, or select LensCap: Damage & Theft. Then hit PROCEED TO CHECKOUT. After you enter all of your info but before completing your order, be sure to scroll down to Promo Code box and enter the BIRDSASART15 code to save 15%.

I checked on renting a Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens for a week. The cost is only $122.00. LensCap: Damage Only coverage can be added for a very low $18.00. Going with LensCap: Damage & Theft would be $27.00. The shipping charge varies. They offer an interesting program called Lensrentals HD. By signing up for this shipping discount program ($99.00/year), you’ll get free Standard Shipping on all the orders you place.

Renting a Sony 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens for a week will cost you $536.00. The two coverage options come in at $76.00 or $114.00. Less your 15% discount when you enter the BIRDSASART15 code into the Promo Code box at checkout and enter the BIRDSASART15 code in the Promo Code box at checkout to save 15%.

Remember, to save the 15% on your rental you must start your search by clicking on the logo above, or on this link: LensRentals.com



B&H

To ensure that I get credit for your B&H purchases, you can always click here. The tracking is invisible but greatly appreciated. And, you can use your PayBoo card. You must use the website to order. B&H will reopen on Fri April 14. Thanking me for the past 4000 educational blog posts could not be any easier and will not cost you one penny. Please shoot me your B&H receipt for major purchases.

Many folks have written recently stating that they purchased a Sony a1 from B&H and would like their free membership in the Sony 1 Info and Updates Group, a $150.00 value. When I check my affiliate account, their orders have not been there. When I let them know that they get credit for B&H purchases only if they use one of the many B&H affiliate links on the blog or begin their searches with this link, they are always disappointed. If in doubt, please contact me via e-mail and request a BH link. I am always glad to help and to guide you to the right gear.

Bedfords Simplified

Click here to start your search. Choose standard shipping, and when you get to the payment page, enter BIRDSASART in the discount code box and hit apply. You will be upgraded to free second day air Fed-Ex and receive 3% cash back on your credit card once your stuff ships. Either is greatly appreciated by yours truly.

Bedfords Amazing BAA Discount Policy

Folks who have fallen in love with Bedfords can now use the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout to enjoy a post-purchase, 3% off-statement credit (excluding taxes and shipping charges) on orders paid with a credit card. The 3% credit will be refunded to the card you used for your purchase. Be sure, also, to check the box for free shipping to enjoy free Second Day Air Fed-Ex. This offer does not apply to purchases of Classes, Gift Cards, prior purchases.

Visit the Bedfords website here, shoot Steve Elkins an e-mail, or text him on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592.

Gear Questions and Advice

Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are — out of ignorance — using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often stave you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.

This image was created on 12 April 2024 at Fort Pierre National Grasslands, SD. Seated on a small camp chair working off the rear monitor in a large pop-up blind, I used the lowered Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter, and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. ISO 3200. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/640 second at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was perfect. AWB at 7:10:28am on a clear sunny morning.

Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.

Image #1: Greater Prairie Chicken male boomer displaying

Cooler Morning Light/Small in the Frame

The early morning light on the male chickens really lights up their colors. When the sun comes up, the shadows of the blinds extent about almost 100 yards to the west. The trick is photograph the birds that are left or right of shadows of the blinds and thus, are lit by the warm light of the sun. While showing off for the ladies, the males often erect the pinnated feathers on the sides of their heads. And they raise the feathers on the sides of their necks exposing their orange air sacs. Then they inflate the sacs to create a booming sound while leaning forward and lowering their heads.

Once we get some light, I find that a shutter speed of 1/250 second will freeze most of the movement of a booming chicken. At 1/640th, as with image #1, most images of displaying males will be sharp.

Seeing the Shot

When I saw the three birds walking in the same direction, I got on the closest male and made a series of story-telling, small-in-the-frame images. Image #2 with the female close to being on the same plane as the male in the front, was the best of the lot. In our four days on the lek Kevin has seen three copulations and Anita has seen one. Zero for me. No good mating photos for anyone so far with one day to go.

This image was created on 12 April 2024 at Fort Pierre National Grasslands, SD. Seated on a small camp chair working off the rear monitor in a large pop-up blind, I used the lowered Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter, and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. ISO 1250. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/4000 second at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was perfect. AWB at 8:07:50am on a clear sunny morning.

Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.

Image #2: Greater Prairie Chicken males following hen

Cooler Morning Light/Small in the Frame

Just after sunrise, the low angled light travels through lots of atmosphere. The atmosphere filters out the blue light leaving the red and yellow light to dominate. As the sun rises, the light is not so steeply angled and the cooler, bluer light takes over. Compare the color of the light in the two images.

The dirt mounds are made by the Prairie Dogs.

Why 1/4000 Second?

I was set up for a fight.

Typos

With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.

April 13th, 2024

Incoming 840mm Flight Off the Tilted a9 iii Rear Monitor!

What’s Up?

I continue having a great time with the chickens (as Kevin calls them) and learning a ton about the birds and about photographing them from a blind while working off the rear monitor. For those of you who were worried, we took Kevin out to Drifters, a popular Pierre restaurant right on the Missouri River. Both the food and the company were great.

The weatherman promised three days of east winds — none materialized. Today is Saturday 13 April 2024 and Kevin is driving us to the lek. The wind is gentle from the southeast (perfect) but is supposed to switch to south at about 7:30am. Despite the winds from the north and west, each of us have been making some truly fine images every session. Today’s featured image (two versions) was my single favorite from the more than 7500 images I made on Friday morning. Learn about shooting flight off the rear monitor below.

If you plan on purchasing a Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera (or anything else for that matter), please remember to use or write for either my Bedfords discount code or my B&H affiliate link. Folks who use one of my two affiliate links to purchase the a9 III will receive my .DAT settings (the complete camera set-up) along with a Buttons and Dials Guide.

Please remember to use the B&H links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!

If an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.

Join me in Little Rock, Arkansas this May for a great weekend of learning and fun. You can check out any and all of the latest/greatest photo gear. If you know any good nearby spots for bird photography, and/or if you would like a free (5-image) portfolio review, shoot me an e-mail.

Little Rock Photo EXPO
A Bedford Event: Inspire, Learn, Discover
HUGE TWO DAY INTERACTIVE TRADE-SHOW
May 17-18, 2024
State House Convention Center
101 E. Markham St., Little Rock, Arkansas

​Don’t miss the Photo Expo in Little Rock! Regardless of your experience level, join hundreds of photographers, as we take over Little Rock on May 17-18, 2024. The Little Rock Photo Expo offers a remarkable experience packed with presentations, hands-on demonstrations, and a massive trade show featuring all the major photographic companies. Explore the latest gear, trade in your old camera equipment, and gain valuable insights from our experts. Get up close and personal with world-renowned keynote speakers and seize countless unique photo opportunities. Bring your camera and get ready for a weekend of fun, learning, and inspiration to elevate YOUR photography to new heights.

Click here to learn more and follow the links to see the schedule of events and/or register. Use this discount code at checkout to save $20.00: VIPEXPO24.

ddc 728w

Save 15%!

If you’d like to try out a new lens or if you need a lens for a specific trip or project (or for an IPT), LensRentals.com is the only way to go. To save 15%, simply click on the logo link above, arrange for your rental, and type in BIRDSASART15. If you type the gear you are looking for in the search box, it will pop right up. LensRentals.com offers affordable insurance. You can decline it, opt for LensCap: Damage Only, or select LensCap: Damage & Theft. Then hit PROCEED TO CHECKOUT. After you enter all of your info but before completing your order, be sure to scroll down to Promo Code box and enter the BIRDSASART15 code to save 15%.

I checked on renting a Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens for a week. The cost is only $122.00. LensCap: Damage Only coverage can be added for a very low $18.00. Going with LensCap: Damage & Theft would be $27.00. The shipping charge varies. They offer an interesting program called Lensrentals HD. By signing up for this shipping discount program ($99.00/year), you’ll get free Standard Shipping on all the orders you place.

Renting a Sony 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens for a week will cost you $536.00. The two coverage options come in at $76.00 or $114.00. Less your 15% discount when you enter the BIRDSASART15 code into the Promo Code box at checkout and enter the BIRDSASART15 code in the Promo Code box at checkout to save 15%.

Remember, to save the 15% on your rental you must start your search by clicking on the logo above, or on this link: LensRentals.com



B&H

To ensure that I get credit for your B&H purchases, you can always click here. The tracking is invisible but greatly appreciated. And, you can use your PayBoo card. You must use the website to order. B&H will reopen on Fri April 14. Thanking me for the past 4000 educational blog posts could not be any easier and will not cost you one penny. Please shoot me your B&H receipt for major purchases.

Many folks have written recently stating that they purchased a Sony a1 from B&H and would like their free membership in the Sony 1 Info and Updates Group, a $150.00 value. When I check my affiliate account, their orders have not been there. When I let them know that they get credit for B&H purchases only if they use one of the many B&H affiliate links on the blog or begin their searches with this link, they are always disappointed. If in doubt, please contact me via e-mail and request a BH link. I am always glad to help and to guide you to the right gear.

Bedfords Simplified

Click here to start your search. Choose standard shipping, and when you get to the payment page, enter BIRDSASART in the discount code box and hit apply. You will be upgraded to free second day air Fed-Ex and receive 3% cash back on your credit card once your stuff ships. Either is greatly appreciated by yours truly.

Bedfords Amazing BAA Discount Policy

Folks who have fallen in love with Bedfords can now use the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout to enjoy a post-purchase, 3% off-statement credit (excluding taxes and shipping charges) on orders paid with a credit card. The 3% credit will be refunded to the card you used for your purchase. Be sure, also, to check the box for free shipping to enjoy free Second Day Air Fed-Ex. This offer does not apply to purchases of Classes, Gift Cards, prior purchases.

Visit the Bedfords website here, shoot Steve Elkins an e-mail, or text him on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592.

Gear Questions and Advice

Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are — out of ignorance — using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often stave you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.

This image was created on 12 April 2024 at Fort Pierre National Grasslands, SD. Seated on a small camp chair working off the rear monitor in a large pop-up blind, I used the lowered Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter, and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. ISO 1600. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/4000 second at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was perfect. AWB at 7:50:16am on another clear sunny morning.

Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.

Image #1: Greater Prairie Chicken braking to land — warm version

Incoming 840mm Flight Off the Tilted a9 iii Rear Monitor!

I am not quite sure how I did it. For three mornings, there were virtually no birds flying at us. Then, just before 8:00am yesterday, I spotted a single chicken flying east over the hill. Working off the titled rear screen with the lens about a foot below my head, I figured, “Why not try?” In the first few images in the series, I cut the bird in half with the top frame edge. Then, I managed to get the incoming bird in the lower left portion of the frame without clipping anything. I kept three frames and this was the best of the lot with the underwings lit evenly and the head not merging with anything.

Image #1 is the warmer version.

This image was created on 12 April 2024 at Fort Pierre National Grasslands, SD. Seated on a small camp chair working off the rear monitor in a large pop-up blind, I used the lowered Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter, and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. ISO 1600. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/4000 second at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was perfect. AWB at 7:50:16am on another clear sunny morning.

Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.

Image #1: Greater Prairie Chicken braking to land — BLUER version

The BLUER Version

Image #2 is the same image as Image #1 but was processed cooler to make the sky bluer. Thanks to Anita North for persisting and teaching me to use ACR masks to protect the bird while chasing the color and tonality of the sky.

At first, I liked the bluer version better. After a few hours, I revisited the images and like the warmer version better. This morning, I went back to the cooler version, Image #2.

Which version to you like best, the warmer version, Image #1, or the cooler version, Image #2?

Typos

With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.

April 12th, 2024

Action on the Lek!

What’s Up?

We enjoyed a third straight great morning with the prairie chickens. Sunny and not too cold with about 60 birds on the lek. After two straight days of being in a pretty good spot by pure luck, both Kevin and Anita enjoyed the lion’s share of the action today, Friday 12 April 2023. Some bad weather is coming early next week. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope that you have fun.

Anita North tried her new a9 iii (with all of my settings on it) and was quite impressed. She said, “It does great with backgrounds other than sky, it acquires focus faster, it grabs the eye faster than the a1 and sticks with it better than the a1, and the ergonomics are greatly improved. With more space to the front and left of the grip, it is easier to hold the camera without accidentally hitting any of your custom buttons with your thumb.” After looking briefly at her images, she added this “I can tell you right now that a9 iii image quality is nowhere near as good as it with a-1. We will not be able to crop with impunity as we have done with the a-1.”

This image was created on 11 April 2024 at Fort Pierre National Grasslands, SD. Seated on a small camp chair working off the rear monitor in a large pop-up blind, I used the lowered Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. ISO 1600. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/2500 second at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was dead solid perfect. AWB at 7:38:40am on a clear sunny morning.

Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.

Image #1: Greater Prairie Chickens squabbling

Action Satisfaction

While Kevin has been giving us some great tips on photographing the chickens, there is nothing as satisfying as figuring out new bird behavior on your own. I thought that I would need to raise the tripod and work with my eye to the viewfinder in order to try for fights and flight. But I continued working off the rear monitor so that I could maintain the low perspective that I love. Once I figured out the that trick was to look for two males in close proximity, acquire focus, and get ready for action to begin, I found that I could capture the squabbles while working off the rear screen. As long as I had my reading glasses on. Image #1 was my first BINGO!

This image was also created on 11 April 2024 at Fort Pierre National Grasslands, Seated on a small camp chair working off the rear monitor in a large pop-up blind, I used the lowered Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter and and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. ISO 1600. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/2500 second at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was dead solid perfect. AWB at 7:38:47am on a clear sunny morning.

Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.

Image #2: Greater Prairie Chickens squabbling

Seven Seconds Later

In addition, I learned to stay with the action once it begins. The two birds in Image #2 are the same as in Image #1. They flew up, squabbled, landed and, and then resumed midair hostilities almost immediately. Whatever you do, do not start chimping after a midair tussle to see if you got something good or great. You might miss even better stuff.

This image was also created on 11 April 2024 at Fort Pierre National Grasslands, Seated on a small camp chair working off the rear monitor in a large pop-up blind, I used the lowered Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. ISO 1000. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/2500 second at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was dead solid perfect. AWB at e: 8:07:44am on a clear sunny morning.

Tracking: Expand Spot S/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.

Image #3: Greater Prairie Chickens head and neck portrait with pinnae erect

In Love With Pinnae

The prairie chickens are interesting. Their behaviors on the leks are beyond fascinating. A lek is an aggregation of male game birds that gather to engage in competitive displays and courtship rituals to entice visiting females that are looking for prospective mates. The long pinnated (symmetrical) feathers atop their heads can be twirled around, pointed fore or aft, and erected before, during, and after various courtship displays. The birds on the lek in Fort Pierre do not seem to notice us or the three blinds at all. Some walk within fifteen feet of the front of the blinds and yesterday, a squabbling duo crashed into the back of my blind. When the walk right by, I go head hunting.

a9 iii Image Quality

As I have stated from DAY 1, the 24MP a9 iii files cannot stand up as well to large crops as the 50MP a1 files. Wile this is true, Image #3 represents less than 38% of the original frame. It looks more than fine to me.

Click on the card to view a larger, sharper high resolution version.

Sony a9 iii .DAT File and More e-Guide

Sony a9 iii .DAT File and More e-Guide

Though I have had the a9 111 for only a month, I have created many amazing images with it. (I did get to play with one in Homer for a bit>) As it is a complex camera body and there are more than a few differences when compared to the a-1, it has taken me a while to get the setup close to perfection and I am still and will continue to learn more everyday. I am 100% convinced that a9 iii Bird Face/Eye AF/C is significantly better than it is on the vaunted a1.

Use one of my two affiliate links (B&H or Bedford) to earn a free copy of the guide. Overseas folks and this who purchased their 19 iii without using a BAA affiliate link may purchase the e-Guide for $209.93 by calling Jim weekdays until noon on Friday at 863-692-0906.

Why so expensive? Heck, it is free if you use one of my links. Get in the habit. It never costs you one one penny more and in many cases I gave save you some money if you get in touch with me before you purchase something great.

Your camera cost you about $6K USD. You might opt to struggle with the menu and with trying to figure out the proper settings for bird photography. Or, for just 3 1/2 percent of the price of an a9 iii, you can have my settings on your a9 iii in about five minutes. And ten minutes after that you will know as much as I do about this amazing new technological miracle.

What you will get:

My a9 iii .DAT file along with instructions on how to load it onto your a9 iii. In just minutes, your camera will be set up exactly as mine is. And you can begin making great images.

A Buttons and Dial guide.

An INFO sheet with my comments on all the important stuff.

Product support to the best of my ability. E-mail your questions and I will either answer them or get them answered.

Occasional e-mails with anything new that I discover.

Rejoinder — there may very well be stuff about the a9 iii that I am unaware of. And some of that might be beneficial for bird photography. Do not hesitate to let me know via e-mail if you figure out something great.

Typos

With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.

April 11th, 2024

First Blood: Greater Prairie Chickens in South Dakota

What’s Up?

Excitement on the Prairie

On Wednesday afternoon the wind picked up considerably so Kevin decided to take a ride to our shooting location to check on the blinds. He should have been back in about an hour. Two and a half hours later he walked into our AirBnB in his very wet underwear! “What happened?” we cried out. “Two of the blinds were pretty much wrecked. Anitas blind had disappeared. I secured the two damaged blinds, walked back to the truck, and drove downwind figuring that the third blind had to be somewhere. But it was not stuck on a fence line as I had hoped. It was in the middle of a fairly large farm pond. So I stripped down to my skivvies and got in the water — it was cold!, I dragged the blind to the shallow end of the pond. It weighed a ton! I wrestled it up onto the bank in the fierce wind and eventually got the blind into the truck.”

After Kevin showered and dressed, he and Anita set the blind up in the front yard. I finished cooking another great dinner. The blind was dry by morning. On Thursday morning we left 30 minutes earlier than we had on Wednesday and struggled the 1/2 mile in the dark carrying too much stuff including Anita’s now dry blind. Kevin had his repair kit — a roll of duct tape, and after 30 minutes of hard and skillful work, all three blinds were set up. We were all amply rewarded by a second consecutive great session with the prairie chickens. There was lots of fighting going on. We quit by 8:30am and were soon headed home for breakfast and rest. I have 5747 images to edit after I finish this blog post.

I wound up keeping 247 photos out of the 8923 that I made on Thursday morning. I share two of the better ones in today’s blog post.

Speaking of which, today is Thursday April 11 2024. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope that you have half as much fun as I did this morning.

If you plan on purchasing a Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera (or anything else for that matter), please remember to use or write for either my Bedfords discount code or my B&H affiliate link. Folks who use one of my two affiliate links to purchase the a9 III will receive my .DAT settings (the complete camera set-up) along with a Buttons and Dials Guide.

Please remember to use the B&H links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!

If an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.

Join me in Little Rock, Arkansas this May for a great weekend of learning and fun. You can check out any and all of the latest/greatest photo gear. If you know any good nearby spots for bird photography, and/or if you would like a free (5-image) portfolio review, shoot me an e-mail.

Little Rock Photo EXPO
A Bedford Event: Inspire, Learn, Discover
HUGE TWO DAY INTERACTIVE TRADE-SHOW
May 17-18, 2024
State House Convention Center
101 E. Markham St., Little Rock, Arkansas

​Don’t miss the Photo Expo in Little Rock! Regardless of your experience level, join hundreds of photographers, as we take over Little Rock on May 17-18, 2024. The Little Rock Photo Expo offers a remarkable experience packed with presentations, hands-on demonstrations, and a massive trade show featuring all the major photographic companies. Explore the latest gear, trade in your old camera equipment, and gain valuable insights from our experts. Get up close and personal with world-renowned keynote speakers and seize countless unique photo opportunities. Bring your camera and get ready for a weekend of fun, learning, and inspiration to elevate YOUR photography to new heights.

Click here to learn more and follow the links to see the schedule of events and/or register. Use this discount code at checkout to save $20.00: VIPEXPO24.

ddc 728w

Save 15%!

If you’d like to try out a new lens or if you need a lens for a specific trip or project (or for an IPT), LensRentals.com is the only way to go. To save 15%, simply click on the logo link above, arrange for your rental, and type in BIRDSASART15. If you type the gear you are looking for in the search box, it will pop right up. LensRentals.com offers affordable insurance. You can decline it, opt for LensCap: Damage Only, or select LensCap: Damage & Theft. Then hit PROCEED TO CHECKOUT. After you enter all of your info but before completing your order, be sure to scroll down to Promo Code box and enter the BIRDSASART15 code to save 15%.

I checked on renting a Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens for a week. The cost is only $122.00. LensCap: Damage Only coverage can be added for a very low $18.00. Going with LensCap: Damage & Theft would be $27.00. The shipping charge varies. They offer an interesting program called Lensrentals HD. By signing up for this shipping discount program ($99.00/year), you’ll get free Standard Shipping on all the orders you place.

Renting a Sony 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens for a week will cost you $536.00. The two coverage options come in at $76.00 or $114.00. Less your 15% discount when you enter the BIRDSASART15 code into the Promo Code box at checkout and enter the BIRDSASART15 code in the Promo Code box at checkout to save 15%.

Remember, to save the 15% on your rental you must start your search by clicking on the logo above, or on this link: LensRentals.com



B&H

To ensure that I get credit for your B&H purchases, you can always click here. The tracking is invisible but greatly appreciated. And, you can use your PayBoo card. You must use the website to order. B&H will reopen on Fri April 14. Thanking me for the past 4000 educational blog posts could not be any easier and will not cost you one penny. Please shoot me your B&H receipt for major purchases.

Many folks have written recently stating that they purchased a Sony a1 from B&H and would like their free membership in the Sony 1 Info and Updates Group, a $150.00 value. When I check my affiliate account, their orders have not been there. When I let them know that they get credit for B&H purchases only if they use one of the many B&H affiliate links on the blog or begin their searches with this link, they are always disappointed. If in doubt, please contact me via e-mail and request a BH link. I am always glad to help and to guide you to the right gear.

Bedfords Simplified

Click here to start your search. Choose standard shipping, and when you get to the payment page, enter BIRDSASART in the discount code box and hit apply. You will be upgraded to free second day air Fed-Ex and receive 3% cash back on your credit card once your stuff ships. Either is greatly appreciated by yours truly.

Bedfords Amazing BAA Discount Policy

Folks who have fallen in love with Bedfords can now use the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout to enjoy a post-purchase, 3% off-statement credit (excluding taxes and shipping charges) on orders paid with a credit card. The 3% credit will be refunded to the card you used for your purchase. Be sure, also, to check the box for free shipping to enjoy free Second Day Air Fed-Ex. This offer does not apply to purchases of Classes, Gift Cards, prior purchases.

Visit the Bedfords website here, shoot Steve Elkins an e-mail, or text him on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592.

Gear Questions and Advice

Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are — out of ignorance — using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often stave you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.

This image was created on 10 April 2024 at Fort Fort Pierre National Grasslands, SD. Seated in a large pop-up blind, I used the lowered Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter, and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. ISO 1600. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/2000 second at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was dead solid perfect. AWB at 7:38:47am on a clear and sunny morning.

Tracking: Expand Spot S/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.

#1: Great Prairie Chicken displaying with pinnae erect

The Pinnate Feathers

The pinnated (symmetrical structure) feathers atop a grouse’s head are used as part of the male’s display. At time they might be erected to the front or to the rear. I love this image because it appears that the bird is using them for flight. That is, of course, both impossible and aerodynamically ridiculous.

This image was also created on 10 April 2024 at Fort Fort Pierre National Grasslands, SD. Again, seated in a large pop-up blind, I used the lowered Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter, and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. ISO 1250. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/3200 second at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was dead solid perfect. AWB at 8:11:28am on a clear and sunny morning.

Tracking: Expand Spot S/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.

#2: Great Prairie Chicken displaying

a9 iii AF. Or Not?

On Wednesday morning, I used the a9 iii for about two hours and then switched to the a-1. It was painfully clear that the Bird Face/Eye recognition AF with the a9 iii was absolutely better than with the a1. On Thursday there were many squabbles. Anita North had her brand new a9 iii with her but opted to use one of her a1 bodies. With all the fighting, Anita created dozens of spectacular images that left Kevin and I gasping and envious.

Go figure …

Typos

With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.

April 10th, 2024

Huguenot Memorial Park Royal Tern AirBnB Opportunity

Jax

If you are interested in sharing an AirBnB with me near Huguenot Memorial Park east of Jacksonville, FL during the second week of July, or in doing an IPT that week, please stop what you are doing and shoot me an e-mail. Here’s wishing you great light and better photography.

Your Calls?

Which of today’s three featured Royal Tern images is your favorite? Why? In one of the images, the color seems a bit off. Which one?

What’s Up?

My flights from Orlando to Minneapolis and then with a tight connection to Bismarck, ND were a breeze. Kevin and Anita picked me up and we drove down to Pierre (be sure to say peer or pier), SD where we are staying in a lovely 4 bedroom AirBnB that was built in 1911. It is both a warm, comfortable home and a museum. I cooked up some great burgers and made a wicked salad. I napped and washed the dishes while my two friends went to check on the leks. We head out early tomorrow morning for our first try for the Prairie Chickens. Wish us luck!

Today is Wednesday 10 April 2024. We walked about 1/2 mile in the dark from Kevin’s truck to the three blinds that he and Anita had erected the night before. As it got lighter bit by bit and I could see the Greater Prairie Chickens, I was instantly enthralled. The amazingly colored males are gorgeous and the hens are understatedly beautiful. Working exclusively with the a9 iii, I created 8923 (as yet un-edited) images, most with the 1.4X TC in place. I glanced at the photos and was thrilled. I did not even attempt to photograph fights and interactions but that should come soon as the perfect weather is supposed to continue for at least a few days. Knock on wood. Photos soon.

Don’t look now, but this blog post makes eleven days in a row with a new educational post just for you. You know the drill; please use my affiliate links or patronize the BAA Online Store.

Click on the card to view a larger, sharper high resolution version.

Sony a9 iii .DAT File and More e-Guide

Sony a9 iii .DAT File and More e-Guide

Though I have had the a9 111 for only a month, I have created many amazing images with it. (I did get to play with one in Homer for a bit>) As it is a complex camera body and there are more than a few differences when compared to the a-1, it has taken me a while to get the setup close to perfection and I am still and will continue to learn more everyday. I am 100% convinced that a9 iii Bird Face/Eye AF/C is significantly better than it is on the vaunted a1.

Use one of my two affiliate links (B&H or Bedford) to earn a free copy of the guide. Overseas folks and this who purchased their 19 iii without using a BAA affiliate link may purchase the e-Guide for $209.93 by calling Jim weekdays until noon on Friday at 863-692-0906.

Why so expensive? Heck, it is free if you use one of my links. Get in the habit. It never costs you one one penny more and in many cases I gave save you some money if you get in touch with me before you purchase something great.

Your camera cost you about $6K USD. You might opt to struggle with the menu and with trying to figure out the proper settings for bird photography. Or, for just 3 1/2 percent of the price of an a9 iii, you can have my settings on your a9 iii in about five minutes. And ten minutes after that you will know as much as I do about this amazing new technological miracle.

What you will get:

My a9 iii .DAT file along with instructions on how to load it onto your a9 iii. In just minutes, your camera will be set up exactly as mine is. And you can begin making great images.

A Buttons and Dial guide.

An INFO sheet with my comments on all the important stuff.

Product support to the best of my ability. E-mail your questions and I will either answer them or get them answered.

Occasional e-mails with anything new that I discover.

Rejoinder — there may very well be stuff about the a9 iii that I am unaware of. And some of that might be beneficial for bird photography. Do not hesitate to let me know via e-mail if you figure out something great.

Clockwise from upper left corner around to center: ink-stained Royal Tern with squid for chicks; fluffy white Royal Tern Chick about two weeks old; Royal Tern with shrimp for chicks; 3-4 week old Royal Tern chick; incoming adult Royal Tern with greenback; Royal Tern in flight with juvenile mahi-mahi; large Brown Pelican chick preening; field guide portrait of fresh juvenile Laughing Gull; Royal Tern chick begging for fish from incoming adult.

Join me at Huguenot Memorial Park this July

Join Me

I have an AirBnB checking in on the late afternoon of Saturday 13 July and checking out on Thursday 19 July 2024. If you are looking to improve your bird photography by leaps and bounds while sharing the place with me, please shoot me an e-mail. ASAP. I will be announcing a 4 1/2-DAY Instructional Photo-Tour in that same time frame very soon. If you are interested in that, please do the same.

This image was also created on 28 June at Huguenot Memorial Park east of Jacksonville, FL. Again, standing at full height, I used the handheld Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 600mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ) The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 800. 1/1250 second at f/8 (stoped down 2 clicks or 2/3-stop) in Manual Mode. AWB at 10:25:03am on a then partly sunny morning. RawDigger showed the exposure to be perfect.

Tracking: Expand Spot/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

Image #1: Royal Tern large chick begging on face of dune

Huguenot Memorial Park in Early Summer

Driving on the beach at Huguenot Memorial Park in early summer is a bird photographer’s delight. You park this side of the last rope on the beach and you are within 100 yards of the Royal Tern colony atop the dunes. There are also many thousand Laughing Gulls and a few Sandwich Terns breeding as well. In some years, there are some Brown Pelican nests on the ground! .

In early July, the tern chicks begin to make their way down to the flats to bathe and drink and get fed by the parents. On the way, they spend a lot of time on the face of the dune where they are easy to photograph at eye level. They may also gather in fairly large groups at the base of the dunes.

Flight photography both in the mornings and the afternoons can be quite excellent as the terns are carrying all manner of marine life to sustain the rapidly growing chicks: the adults are often seen flying around in search of their chicks with all sorts of small baitfish as well as immature fish, large shrimps, baby crabs, and even squid in their bills. The squid will squirt ink on the terns in protest. So if you see an adult Royal Tern flying around with a black necklace you can understand why.

This image was created on 28 June at Huguenot Memorial Park east of Jacksonville, FL. Standing at full height, I used the handheld Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 239mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ) The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 800. 1/1000 second at f/8

in Manual Mode. AWB at 10:27:47am on a still cloudy morning. RawDigger showed the exposure to be perfect.

Tracking: Expand Spot/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

Image #2: Royal Tern coffee klatch

Coffee Klatsch

Coffee klatsch (noun): an informal social gathering for coffee and conversation. The term comes from the German word, “kaffeeklatsch,” which translates to coffee (kaffee) + gossip (klatsch). While Royal Terns do not drink coffee, they sure like to gather in groups of from several to as many as two dozen to discuss fishing and whatever else it is that terns like to discuss. You can usually find and photograph such groups either atop the dunes, on the face of the dune, or at the base of the dune. The trick is to get as many good head angles as possible.

This image was also created on 28 June at Huguenot Memorial Park east of Jacksonville, FL. Again, standing at full height, I used the handheld Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 600mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ) The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 800. 1/3200 second at f/6.3 (wide open) in Manual Mode. AWB at 11:20:46am on a then partly sunny morning. RawDigger showed the exposure to be perfect.

Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

Image #3: Adult Royal Tern calling in tight flight

Lenses for Flight Photography at Jax

While a handheld or tripod mounted 500 or 600mm f/4 lens can be quite useful for flight photography on the beach, handhold-able intermediate and zoom telephoto lenses like the Sony 200-600mm G lens, the Canon RF 100-500, and any one of the Nikon intermediate telephotos are often the ticket to success when flight shooting. I did quite well on my last visit handholding the Sony 400mm f/2.8 GM lens usually with the 1.4X teleconverter.

Note that the Sony 200-600 was used to create all three of today’s featured images.

April 9th, 2024

Osprey/Eagle Chase: There's a First Time for Everything!

Your Call?

If anyone gives a rat’s ass, please leave a comment and let us know which you feel is the stronger image and why you made your choice. I have a clear winner that I will share with you here should anyone comment.

Recent Interesting Comments

From yesterday’s V-LOG: Picking My Keepers from a 5851 a9 iii Image Folder blog post here:

Adam. April 8, 2024 at 9:20pm

Fantastic video for a variety of reasons. It demonstrated your assertion of faster is better. Suddenly, 120 FPS is a must have, making 20-30 fps positively archaic. Importantly, it also illustrated an efficient and productive first pass culling process, yielding plenty of images worthy of further study. Ironically, the aspect that I found most interesting was your blooper admissions; crowding the frame, cutting off the virtual feet, and the oof sequences. Not only were they humanizing, they will inevitably inspire the legions of photographers with infinitely less experience who are always striving to improve. Kudos!

Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART. April 9, 2024 at 3:45am

Thanks, Adam. I am glad that you found the video helpful and educational. Note that my framing errors was more factual than admission 🙂

with love, artie

PS: It does solidify one of my main premises: stronger, experienced, (usually younger) bird photographers with fast reflexes and superior fine motor skills will get consistently better results than older, weaker, slower folks like me. They are in better position to utilize the amazing new technologies than us grandpas and grandmas.

John Storjohann. April 4, 2024 at 12:24pm

Artie, I really like the stronger catchlight on the image — job well done! And thank your for revisiting the topic of comments/suggestions/etc. on the series of images. I’ve been in the classroom as a teacher for 45 years…the best learning takes place when all parties are actively engaged in the conversation. This is a perfect example of that, and I appreciate it.

Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART. April 9, 2024 at 4:48am

Thanks on all counts, John. Especially for your comments on teaching and learning. One thing is for sure, I am a much better teacher than I am a bird photographer. What continues to mystify me, as we have discussed via e-mail, is how few folks have signed up for IPTs over the last five years of so.

much love, artie

ps: I am baffled as well by the low number of comments and questions at most blog posts. It’s almost as if folks are too lazy to want to learn. Or possibly, many do not see any differences when comparing my images with their images … And, as I say here often, the more you comment and ask questions, the more you will learn. And that always includes me.

What’s Up?

Enjoy today’s post detailing the Eagle/Osprey midair chase and how I shot flight at 1200mm off the BLUBB- for the first time ever.

Today is Tuesday 9 April 2024. It is 3:57am as I type. Jim kindly woke at 3:00am to drive me to MCO for my 7:00am flight to Bismarck, ND to meet Kevin Hice and long time friend and student Anita North. We all have a date with Prairie Chickens and Sharp-tailed Grouse. My goal is to publish this before we get there 🙂

Don’t look now but this blog post makes ten days in a row with a new educational post just for you.

If you plan on purchasing a Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera (or anything else for that matter), please remember to use or write for either my Bedfords discount code or my B&H affiliate link. Folks who use one of my two affiliate links to purchase the a9 III will receive my .DAT settings (the complete camera set-up) along with a Buttons and Dials Guide.

Please remember to use the B&H links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!

If an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.

Join me in Little Rock, Arkansas this May for a great weekend of learning and fun. You can check out any and all of the latest/greatest photo gear. If you know any good nearby spots for bird photography, and/or if you would like a free (5-image) portfolio review, shoot me an e-mail.

Little Rock Photo EXPO
A Bedford Event: Inspire, Learn, Discover
HUGE TWO DAY INTERACTIVE TRADE-SHOW
May 17-18, 2024
State House Convention Center
101 E. Markham St., Little Rock, Arkansas

​Don’t miss the Photo Expo in Little Rock! Regardless of your experience level, join hundreds of photographers, as we take over Little Rock on May 17-18, 2024. The Little Rock Photo Expo offers a remarkable experience packed with presentations, hands-on demonstrations, and a massive trade show featuring all the major photographic companies. Explore the latest gear, trade in your old camera equipment, and gain valuable insights from our experts. Get up close and personal with world-renowned keynote speakers and seize countless unique photo opportunities. Bring your camera and get ready for a weekend of fun, learning, and inspiration to elevate YOUR photography to new heights.

Click here to learn more and follow the links to see the schedule of events and/or register. Use this discount code at checkout to save $20.00: VIPEXPO24.

ddc 728w

Save 15%!

If you’d like to try out a new lens or if you need a lens for a specific trip or project (or for an IPT), LensRentals.com is the only way to go. To save 15%, simply click on the logo link above, arrange for your rental, and type in BIRDSASART15. If you type the gear you are looking for in the search box, it will pop right up. LensRentals.com offers affordable insurance. You can decline it, opt for LensCap: Damage Only, or select LensCap: Damage & Theft. Then hit PROCEED TO CHECKOUT. After you enter all of your info but before completing your order, be sure to scroll down to Promo Code box and enter the BIRDSASART15 code to save 15%.

I checked on renting a Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens for a week. The cost is only $122.00. LensCap: Damage Only coverage can be added for a very low $18.00. Going with LensCap: Damage & Theft would be $27.00. The shipping charge varies. They offer an interesting program called Lensrentals HD. By signing up for this shipping discount program ($99.00/year), you’ll get free Standard Shipping on all the orders you place.

Renting a Sony 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens for a week will cost you $536.00. The two coverage options come in at $76.00 or $114.00. Less your 15% discount when you enter the BIRDSASART15 code into the Promo Code box at checkout and enter the BIRDSASART15 code in the Promo Code box at checkout to save 15%.

Remember, to save the 15% on your rental you must start your search by clicking on the logo above, or on this link: LensRentals.com



B&H

To ensure that I get credit for your B&H purchases, you can always click here. The tracking is invisible but greatly appreciated. And, you can use your PayBoo card. You must use the website to order. B&H will reopen on Fri April 14. Thanking me for the past 4000 educational blog posts could not be any easier and will not cost you one penny. Please shoot me your B&H receipt for major purchases.

Many folks have written recently stating that they purchased a Sony a1 from B&H and would like their free membership in the Sony 1 Info and Updates Group, a $150.00 value. When I check my affiliate account, their orders have not been there. When I let them know that they get credit for B&H purchases only if they use one of the many B&H affiliate links on the blog or begin their searches with this link, they are always disappointed. If in doubt, please contact me via e-mail and request a BH link. I am always glad to help and to guide you to the right gear.

Bedfords Simplified

Click here to start your search. Choose standard shipping, and when you get to the payment page, enter BIRDSASART in the discount code box and hit apply. You will be upgraded to free second day air Fed-Ex and receive 3% cash back on your credit card once your stuff ships. Either is greatly appreciated by yours truly.

Bedfords Amazing BAA Discount Policy

Folks who have fallen in love with Bedfords can now use the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout to enjoy a post-purchase, 3% off-statement credit (excluding taxes and shipping charges) on orders paid with a credit card. The 3% credit will be refunded to the card you used for your purchase. Be sure, also, to check the box for free shipping to enjoy free Second Day Air Fed-Ex. This offer does not apply to purchases of Classes, Gift Cards, prior purchases.

Visit the Bedfords website here, shoot Steve Elkins an e-mail, or text him on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592.

Gear Questions and Advice

Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are — out of ignorance — using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often stave you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.

For those who did not use my link to purchase their Sony 300mm f/2.8 GM lens, you can order your a copy here for $209.93.

Click on the image to enlarge and to be able to read the fine print.

The BAA Sony 300mm f/2.8 Lens Guide

Impressed by my Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) images from the last three posts? Use either my Bedfords or B&H affiliate link to purchase your Sony 300mm f/2.8 GM lens and shoot me your receipt via e-mail and request a copy of the first-ever BAA Lens Guide. I thought that it would take only minutes to create this guide, but I was dead wrong. In the process of creating it, I learned a ton about the lens. And even better, I discovered a simple yet potentially fatal flaw that was resulting in sporadically unsharp flight images. The set-up fix is simple. Just be sure to use one of my affiliate links and get the guide for free.

If not, you can purchase a copy here for $209.93. Yes, it never hurts to use my links and it never costs you one penny more. And if you contact me via e-mail before you make a major purchase, I can often save you some money.

This image was created on 8 April 2024 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Working from the driver’s seat of my SUV, I used the BLUBB-supported Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter, and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 800. 1/2500 sec. at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be about 1/2 stop of perfect. AWB at 8:12:33am on sunny morning.

Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed perfectly even at 1200mm. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

Bald Eagle chasing Osprey with fish

There’s a First Time for Everything!

Several weeks ago an ILE neighbor lady named Lisa pointed out a Great Blue Heron nest to me in the tall pines on the east side of Banyan Drive. I had suspected them of breeding down by the lake but had never found a nest. Anyhoo, one of the very handsome adults gave me some decent chances yesterday morning. I was working on the BLUBB- at 1200mm from the car with the a9 iii when the GBH took flight, flew across the canal, and landed atop another pine tree.

Then out of nowhere, an adult Bald Eagle appeared on the tail of an Osprey with a fish. I knew that the exposure for the adult eagle was at least 1/3-stop under but did not want to risk blowing out the bird’s white head so I raised the shutter speed for flight and doubled the ISO. Still working on the BLUBB from the front seat, I attempted to frame the two birds and fire off a few frames. I had never shot flight off the BLUBB- at 1200mm before. It helped that the birds were a good distance away.

Seeing this image, you would be 100% sure that the eagle got the fish in the next second. But the next frame shows that the Osprey still had it breakfast catch. The eagle chased the Osprey north towards the pier so, by necessity, I got out of the car and made a few more images before they both disappeared.

This image was also created on 8 April 2024 nearly a minute after Image #1 was created. Now standing outside of my SUV, I used the handheld Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 800. 1/2500 sec. at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be about 1/2 stop of perfect. AWB at 8:13:26‚am on sunny morning.

Wide/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed perfectly even at 1200mm. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

Osprey chasing Bald Eagle after the midair theft

Roles Reversed

I was so excited as I relied the images that I could barely control jumping out of my desk chair. When I got to Image #1, I was sure that I had gotten the shot of the fish being stolen, but alas, I did not. As the birds turned and flew back at me I saw that the eagle had the fish and that the Osprey was in hot pursuit of the larger bird. No luck there for the fish hawk.

Typos

With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.

April 8th, 2024

V-LOG: Picking My Keepers from a 5851 a9 iii Image Folder

Your Calls

Which two of today’s featured images do you like best? Why?

Of Images #3 and #4, which one is the stronger image. Why?

Picking My Keepers from a 5851 Sony a9 iii Image Folder

I did not want to fall in love with the Sony a9 iii. I had hoped that the relatively small flle size would be a deal breaker. Reality, however, got in the way. For photographing birds in flight and in action, it is, with its maximum frame rate of 120 frames per second, beyond compare. Not to mention the Bird Face/Eye autofocus is significantly better than with the Sony a1. Sit beside me as I go through 5581 images in less than 30 minutes. And if I had not been yakking when I created the video, I would have gotten the job done in less than twenty minutes. I wound up keeping 121 images after the first edit. Along the way, you will get a glimpse of what makes the best wing and head positions. And this might sound funny, but it was not a great day at Sitck Marsh.

Below are five of my favorites.

Note:Many folks feel that 120 fps is too much, that it would not be possible to pick your keepers from so many images. Using Photo Mechanic, I have found that doing so is actually easy; I go so fast that the good ones literally jump off the screen. Watch the video to see how it is done. Remember that I tag the keepers with a “T” and then select all the Untagged images and delete them all. As seen near the end of the video.

What’s Up?

I enjoyed decent morning and afternoon photo sessions on Sunday. The latter a rarity here at ILE.

Today is Monday 8 April, 2024. I fly to Bismarck, ND to photograph with BPN friend Kevin Hice for two weeks. Though I have not put a single thing in either of my checked bags, I will be heading down to the lake for a short morning session as soon as I hit “Publish.” Whatever you are doing, I hope that you also have a great day. Be sure to watch the Sony a9 iii Bird-Face/Eye Detection Autofocus video that opens this post.

Don’t look now but this blog post makes nine days in a row with a new educational post just for you.

If you plan on purchasing a Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera (or anything else for that matter), please remember to use or write for either my Bedfords discount code or my B&H affiliate link. Folks who use one of my two affiliate links to purchase the a9 III will receive my .DAT settings (the complete camera set-up) along with a Buttons and Dials Guide.

Please remember to use the B&H links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!

If an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.



For those who did not use my link to purchase their Sony 300mm f/2.8 GM lens, you can order your a copy here for $209.93.

Click on the image to enlarge and to be able to read the fine print.

The BAA Sony 300mm f/2.8 Lens Guide

Impressed by my Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) images from the last three posts? Use either my Bedfords or B&H affiliate link to purchase your Sony 300mm f/2.8 GM lens and shoot me your receipt via e-mail and request a copy of the first-ever BAA Lens Guide. I thought that it would take only minutes to create this guide, but I was dead wrong. In the process of creating it, I learned a ton about the lens. And even better, I discovered a simple yet potentially fatal flaw that was resulting in sporadically unsharp flight images. The set-up fix is simple. Just be sure to use one of my affiliate links and get the guide for free.

If not, you can purchase a copy here for $209.93. Yes, it never hurts to use my links and it never costs you one penny more. And if you contact me via e-mail before you make a major purchase, I can often save you some money.

This image was created on 2 April 2024 at Stick Marsh, Fellsmere, FL. Crouching a bit as I was shooting down at the bird, I used the handheld Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 2x Teleconverter and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1000: 1/2000 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead solid perfect. AWB at 8:04:28am on a then sunny morning.

Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the larger, sharper high-res version.

Image #1: Roseate Spoonbill head portrait

A Sucker for Crimson and Powder Blue

I’ve long been in love with images that feature crimson set against a powder blue background. Using the Lumincance Targeted Adjustment Tool (L-TAT) during the raw conversion enable me to get the BLUE perfect. Instructions for using this great new Photoshop tool are a bit part of the Digital Basics III Series.

Bored, I walked away from the traditional airboat ramp spot to go exploring. This one was made just past the parking lot bathroom after stalking the bird carefully. A fisherman casting just a few feet away helped to relax the bird (if that makes sense).

This image was created on 2 April 2024 at Stick Marsh, Fellsmere, FL. Standing at full height, I used the handheld Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 2x Teleconverter and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1600: 1/1000 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead solid perfect. AWB at 8:07:28am on a then sunny morning.

Tracking: Expand Spot/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the larger, sharper high-res version.

Image #2: Fish Crow Calling

Photograph Me!

Apparently upset that I was concentrating on the spoonbills, this Fish Crow was calling incessantly. After a few minutes, I added a ton of light to the exposure and gave in. I wish that I had pointed the camera down just a bit so that the square crop would have been more pleasing.

This image was also created on 2 April 2024 at Stick Marsh, Fellsmere, FL. Standing at full height, I used the handheld Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1600: 1/2500 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be perfect. AWB at 8:20:04am on a then cloudy morning.

Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

Image #3: Roseate Spoonbill turning in flight and struggling with a long string of nesting material.

Same Old, Same Old

With a south wind, the airboat ramp spot is not as good as it is when the wind has an easterly component. The clouds were hugely important — if it had been sunny, creating Images 3, 4, and 5 would not have been possible as they would have been glaringly sidelit. As always, understanding the relationship between the wind direction and sky conditions made the best place to be quite obvious. Join an IPT to learn more.

This image was also created on 2 April 2024 at Stick Marsh, Fellsmere, FL. Standing at full height, I used the handheld Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1600: 1/2500 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be perfect. AWB at 8:20:04am on a then cloudy morning.

Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

Image #4: Roseate Spoonbill turning in flight and struggling with a long string of nesting material.

a9 iii Speed

It is very simple. When you are using the Sony a9 iii at 120 fps you will get four times as many poses and wing positions as when you are using a 30 fps camera body. The speed is addictive.

This image was also created on 2 April 2024 at Stick Marsh, Fellsmere, FL. Standing at full height, I used the handheld Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1600: 1/2500 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be perfect. AWB at 8:27:45am on a then cloudy morning.

Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

Roseate Spoonbill turning in flight and struggle with a long string of nesting material.

Light Always Has a Direction

It is important to understand that even when it is cloudy or heavily overcast, light is directional. As I was facing and shooting to the southwest and the birds were flying toward me, the left sides of the bird’s faces in Images 3, 4, and 5 were somewhat shaded. I did extensive work in on the bird’s heads first lightening the shadowed side and increasing the saturation.

Typos

With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.

April 7th, 2024

Anke Frohlich Does Both Homer 2024 IPTs

Anke Frohlich

Anke is a very good, very dedicated photographer who has been on many IPTs. She loves photographing birds in flight and in action. She often handholds the Sony 600mm f/4 for flight. Her style is to shoot wide and crop. She rarely uses even the 1.4X TC on her big lens. She spent a year photographing Flaco, the Eurasian Eagle Owl that was freed after living in captivity for many years in New York City’s Central Park Zoo. She worked almost exclusively at night most often using very long exposures and a cable release. You can see many of her excellent Flaco images on her Instagram account here. And you can check out related social media links and articles here.

Huge thanks to Anke for letting me share her fine work with you here on the blog.

Your Call?

Which two of Anke’s seven images are the strongest?

Which was the most challenging capture?

What’s Up?

I was down to the lake early today, Sunday 7 April 2024. After a very slow start, I located the three surviving crane chicks and worked them for a bit. I photographed an Osprey perched in the old eagle nest tree and one of the young eagles in flight. I will be creating the promised a9 iii picking your keepers video after breakfast. Whatever you opt to do, I hope that you also have a great day. Remember: happiness is a choice.

Don’t look now, but this blog post makes eight days in a row with a new educational post just for you.

Please, therefore, remember to use the B&H links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!

If an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.

This image was created by Anke Frohlich on one of the 2024 BIRDS AS ART Homer IPTs. She used the used the handheldSony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter (at 280mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. The exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 4000: 1/3200 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode.

Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly.

Image #1: Bald Eagle juvenile in flight by frozen waterfall

Frozen Waterfalls

In 2024, it had been warm for weeks when we arrived and our favorite frozen waterfalls were all melted and missing. The captain and I put our heads together, explored some likely spots, and did OK. Anke is a skilled flight photographer and in addition, she is relentless. When she visualizes an image that she wants, she will stick with the situation until she gets the shot.

This image was created by Anke Frohlich on one of the 2024 BIRDS AS ART Homer IPTs. She used the Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ISO 1000: 1/6400 sec. at f/4 (wide open).

Tracking: Zone/AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the larger version.

Image #2 Pine Grosbeak male wheeling in flight

The Real Thing

Anke created this image by tracking the bird in flight as it jumped off a perch. It is not one of those manually pre-focused spray and pray songbird flight shots. I do not think that images made with the latter technique should be considered photography as they are more like arts and crafts than art. Not that the spray and pray technique can produce some stunning images. Along with many thousands of instant-deletes.

This image was created by Anke Frohlich on one of the 2024 BIRDS AS ART Homer IPTs. She used the used the handheldSony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens (at 200mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. The exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 3200: 1/2500 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode.

Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly.

Image #3: Bald Eagle after a swing and a miss

The 70-200mm f/2.8 Lenses

The 70-200mm lenses are incredibly useful on a Homer IPT. You could actually do the whole trip with just that one lens. At times you may want to add the 1.4X TC or even a 2X TC. Note that the Canon RF 70-200mm does not accept any teleconverter.

This image was created by Anke Frohlich on one of the 2024 BIRDS AS ART Homer IPTs. She used the used the handheldSony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens (at 178mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. The exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 800: 1/3200 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode.

Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly.

Image #4: Bald Eagle jumping up

Listen to the Leader

I saw a really good situation with the snow-covered slope and a distant background and called everyone within earshot over. Several eagles cooperated nicely. Notice how beautifully and evenly the light reflected off the snow lit the eagle’s underwings.

This image was created by Anke Frohlich on one of the 2024 BIRDS AS ART Homer IPTs. She used the used the handheldSony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens (at 153mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. The exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1600: 1/2500 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode.

Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly.

Image #5: Bald Eagle upside down before dive

Oh What Fun!

When the wind is just right, everyone enjoys the challenge of trying for the perfect upside-down eagle image. Even with my expert coaching :-), it takes some time to get the rhythm down pat. I urge folks to study the flight patterns of the birds. Those varied of course with the speed and direction of the wind. Folks in both groups had a ton of fun comparing their best upside down shots on their rear monitors and learned a lot in the process.

Best advice: don’t get greedy: zoom out to avoid clipping wings.

This image was created by Anke Frohlich on one of the 2024 BIRDS AS ART Homer IPTs. She used the used the handheldSony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens (at 178mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. The exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 4000: 1/2500 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode.

Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly.

Image #6: Bald Eagle in predawn flight with pink purple blue earth shadow sky background

Early to Rise

When the weather is decent, my boat is always the first out of the harbor. And if I see stars when I wake and peek out the window, I call the captain and we arrange to leave even earlier so that we can try for the blue/pink/purple earth shadow sky colors. Near the end of the first IPT, we had one perfect morning. Conditions with little to no wind are ideal as the calm water in the coves can reflect the sky colors.

This image was created by Anke Frohlich on one of the 2024 BIRDS AS ART Homer IPTs. She used the used the handheldSony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter (at 280mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. The exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 800: 1/2500 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode.

Tracking: Expand Spot/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly.

Image #7: Sea Otter with pup

Sea Otters

Over the years, on occasion, we have had some good chances on Sea Otters in the various coves across Kachemak Bay from Homer. But our best chances almost always occur as we are returning to the dock on a cloudy day. Adults with pups resting on their breasts always get everyone excited. The pups often have their heads buried in mom’s fur; Anke, however, did well here with two good head angles.

No Homer IPT Price Increase!

Despite that fact that the hourly boat fee has been increased by 33%, I have decided not to raise the price of the 2025 Homer IPTs. Note that similar trips with 40% less time on the boat cost $5800!

2025 Homer/Kachemak Bay Bald Eagle IPTs

IPT #1: FRI 14 FEB 2025 through the full day on TUES 18 FEB 2025. Five days/20 hours on the boat: $5500.00. Limit 5 photographers/Openings 2.

IPT #2: WED 19 FEB 2025 through the full day on SUN 23 FEB 2025. Five days/20 hours on the boat: $5500.00. Limit 5 photographers/Openings 1.

Register for both trips to maximize your travel dollars and enjoy a $1000 discount while you are at it. In 2024, three of the five participants did both trips!

This trip features non-stop flight photography as well as many opportunities to create both environmental and point-blank portraits of one of North America’s most sought-after avian subjects: Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). Other reliable subjects will include Sea Otter, Glaucous-winged and Short-billed (formerly Mew) Gulls.

In addition, we should see Common Murre, Black Guillemot, Pelagic Cormorant, two or three species of loons, and a smattering of ducks including two species of merganser, all three scoters, Common and Barrow’s Goldeneyes, Bufflehead, Harlequin, and Long-tailed Ducks. Close-range photographic chances for these species will require some good luck. Some of these species, especially when in flocks, can, however, often be used effectively when pleasing creating bird-scapes.

If we need to be out early, we will be the first boat out. If the conditions are great, we will stay out. And when there is a chance for sunset silhouettes, we will be in the right spot.

We will be traveling through gorgeous wilderness country; landscape and scenic opportunities abound.

Also featured is a professional leader, often referred to as the world’s most knowledgeable bird photography trip leader and instructor. He is conversant in Canon, Nikon, and Sony. You will learn practical and creative solutions to everyday photographic problems. You will learn to see the shot, to create dynamic images by fine-tuning your compositions, to best utilize your camera’s AF system, and how to analyze the wind, the sky conditions, and the direction and quality of the light. This is one of the very few trips Homer trips available where you will not be simply put on the birds and told to have fun. You will learn to be a better photographer.

All images from Kachemak Bay in 2022!

What You Will Learn

You will learn practical and creative solutions to everyday photographic problems. You will learn to see the shot, to create dynamic images by fine-tuning your compositions, to best utilize your camera’s AF system, and how to analyze the wind, the sky conditions, and the direction and quality of the light. This is one of the very few trips Homer trips available where you will not be simply put on the birds and told to have fun. You will learn to be a better photographer.

You will learn to get the right exposure when it is sunny, when it cloudy-bright, when it is cloudy, when it is cloudy-dark, or when it is foggy. Not to mention getting the right exposure when creating silhouettes. You will learn to make pleasing blurs working in manual mode and to create silhouettes working in Shutter Priority mode. Most importantly, you will learn to pick your best flight photographs from tens of thousands of images.

You will enjoy working with the best and most creative boat captain on his sturdy, photography-spacious, seaworthy, open-deck watercraft.

There will be only five photographers (not the usual six), plus the leader.

Small group Photoshop, Image Review, and Image Critiquing sessions most days.

All images from Homer or Kachemak Bay, AK

What’s Included

One four hour or two two-hour boat trips every day (weather permitting), all boat fees and boat-related expenses (excluding tips), ground transportation to and from the dock and back to the hotel each day, in-the-field instruction and guidance, pre-trip gear advice, small group post-processing and image review sessions, and a thank you dinner for all well-behaved participants.

What’s Not Included

Your airfare to and from Homer, AK (via Anchorage), the cost of your room at Land’s End Resort, all personal items, all meals and beverages, and tips for the boat captain and/or the first mate.

Important Notes

We toss frozen herring chunks to bring the eagles into photographic range. The late Jean Keene, the Eagle Lady, fed the eagles in Homer for many decades and brought the population back from the brink of extinction.

On great days, the group may wish to photograph for more than four hours. If the total time on the boat exceeds 20 hours for the five-day trips the group will share the additional expense at a rate of $300.00/hour. The leader will pay for the bait.

Some folks may wish to rent their own vehicle to take advantage of local photographic opportunities around Homer. In 2024 those included Moose, Sea Otter, a variety of sea ducks in the harbor, and Great Grey and Short-eared Owl.

Deposit Information

A $3000 non-refundable deposit/trip is required. You may pay your deposit with credit card or by personal check (the latter made out to BIRDS AS ART) and sent via US mail only to Arthur Morris. PO Box 7245. Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855. Your balance, due 90 days before the date of departure, is payable only by check.

In Closing

I have been going to Homer off and on for close to two decades. Every trip has been nothing short of fantastic. Many folks go in mid-March. The earlier you go, the better the chances for snow. The only way to assure that you are on the best of these two trips is to sign up for both of them. If you have any questions, or are good to go for one or both of these great trips, please let me know via e-mail or give me a call on my cell phone at 863-221-2372.

Typos

With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.

April 6th, 2024

Where Does the Sony 300m f/2.8 GM Lens Fit for You?

Your Calls?

Which of today’s two featured images is the strongest? Why?

One thing about Image #1 does bug me. What is it?

Join me in Little Rock, Arkansas this May for a great weekend of learning and fun. You can check out any and all of the latest/greatest photo gear. If you know any good nearby spots for bird photography, and/or if you would like a free (5-image) portfolio review, shoot me an e-mail.

Little Rock Photo EXPO
A Bedford Event: Inspire, Learn, Discover
HUGE TWO DAY INTERACTIVE TRADE-SHOW
May 17-18, 2024
State House Convention Center
101 E. Markham St., Little Rock, Arkansas

​Don’t miss the Photo Expo in Little Rock! Regardless of your experience level, join hundreds of photographers, as we take over Little Rock on May 17-18, 2024. The Little Rock Photo Expo offers a remarkable experience packed with presentations, hands-on demonstrations, and a massive trade show featuring all the major photographic companies. Explore the latest gear, trade in your old camera equipment, and gain valuable insights from our experts. Get up close and personal with world-renowned keynote speakers and seize countless unique photo opportunities. Bring your camera and get ready for a weekend of fun, learning, and inspiration to elevate YOUR photography to new heights.

Click here to learn more and follow the links to see the schedule of events and/or register. Use this discount code at checkout to save $20.00: VIPEXPO24.

What’s Up?

With a variable south breeze on Friday morning, I had a great session. With a strong NW wind on Saturday morning, and continuing clear skies, things were much more difficult.

I e-mailed a link to the 300mm f/2.8 lens guide yesterday to the nine folks who used one of my affiliate links to purchase this amazing lens.

Today is Saturday 6 April 2024. Whatever you opt to do, I hope that you also have a great day. Remember: happiness is a choice.

Don’t look now, but this blog post makes seven days in a row with a new educational post just for you.

Please, therefore, remember to use the B&H links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!

If an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.

ddc 728w

Save 15%!

If you’d like to try out a new lens or if you need a lens for a specific trip or project (or for an IPT), LensRentals.com is the only way to go. To save 15%, simply click on the logo link above, arrange for your rental, and type in BIRDSASART15. If you type the gear you are looking for in the search box, it will pop right up. LensRentals.com offers affordable insurance. You can decline it, opt for LensCap: Damage Only, or select LensCap: Damage & Theft. Then hit PROCEED TO CHECKOUT. After you enter all of your info but before completing your order, be sure to scroll down to Promo Code box and enter the BIRDSASART15 code to save 15%.

I checked on renting a Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens for a week. The cost is only $122.00. LensCap: Damage Only coverage can be added for a very low $18.00. Going with LensCap: Damage & Theft would be $27.00. The shipping charge varies. They offer an interesting program called Lensrentals HD. By signing up for this shipping discount program ($99.00/year), you’ll get free Standard Shipping on all the orders you place.

Renting a Sony 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens for a week will cost you $536.00. The two coverage options come in at $76.00 or $114.00. Less your 15% discount when you enter the BIRDSASART15 code into the Promo Code box at checkout and enter the BIRDSASART15 code in the Promo Code box at checkout to save 15%.

Remember, to save the 15% on your rental you must start your search by clicking on the logo above, or on this link: LensRentals.com



B&H

To ensure that I get credit for your B&H purchases, you can always click here. The tracking is invisible but greatly appreciated. And, you can use your PayBoo card. You must use the website to order. B&H will reopen on Fri April 14. Thanking me for the past 4000 educational blog posts could not be any easier and will not cost you one penny. Please shoot me your B&H receipt for major purchases.

Many folks have written recently stating that they purchased a Sony a1 from B&H and would like their free membership in the Sony 1 Info and Updates Group, a $150.00 value. When I check my affiliate account, their orders have not been there. When I let them know that they get credit for B&H purchases only if they use one of the many B&H affiliate links on the blog or begin their searches with this link, they are always disappointed. If in doubt, please contact me via e-mail and request a BH link. I am always glad to help and to guide you to the right gear.

Bedfords Simplified

Click here to start your search. Choose standard shipping, and when you get to the payment page, enter BIRDSASART in the discount code box and hit apply. You will be upgraded to free second day air Fed-Ex and receive 3% cash back on your credit card once your stuff ships. Either is greatly appreciated by yours truly.

Bedfords Amazing BAA Discount Policy

Folks who have fallen in love with Bedfords can now use the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout to enjoy a post-purchase, 3% off-statement credit (excluding taxes and shipping charges) on orders paid with a credit card. The 3% credit will be refunded to the card you used for your purchase. Be sure, also, to check the box for free shipping to enjoy free Second Day Air Fed-Ex. This offer does not apply to purchases of Classes, Gift Cards, prior purchases.

Visit the Bedfords website here, shoot Steve Elkins an e-mail, or text him on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592.

Gear Questions and Advice

Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are — out of ignorance — using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often stave you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.

This image was created on 5 April 2024 down by the lake near my home in Indian Lake Estates, FL. working from the front seat of my SUV, I used the handheld Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 2x Teleconverter and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 800: 1/4000 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead solid perfect. AWB at 8:21:38am on a clear sunny morning.

Tracking Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.

Image #1: Cattle Egret grabbing tiny insect

Where Does the Sony 300mm f/2.8 GM Lens Fit?

For me, at this time, the 300 f/2.8 is an auxiliary lens. I still use and love my 600mm f/4 GM, and there are times when I enjoy working at 840mm (with the 1.4X TC) and at 1200mm (with the 2X TC), and making razor sharp images. The 600, however, gets heavier every day and is always a bear to travel with. Will there come a time when I depend more and more on the smaller, lighter 300 f/2.8 that is so much easier to use and to travel with become my workhorse super-telephoto lens? Perhaps, but not right now. I will be taking both the 600 and the 300 with me to North Dakota for my Sharp-tailed Grouse/Prairie Chicken trip.

More Importantly

More importantly, where does the Sony 300m f/2.8 GM lens fit for you? There are about a zillion bird photographers shooting the Sony 200-600mm f/6.3 (at the long end) G lens as their big telephoto. Most are using theirs with an a-1 while a few have stuck with the a9 ii or the original a9. The 200-600 is a very versatile lens. The single biggest drawback is the relatively slow f/6.3 maximum aperture. The question now is, should they be retiring their 200-600 and going with the 300mm f/2.8 as their big gun? The 300 is smaller and well lighter (3.18 lbs. versus 4.65 lbs.). It creates super-sharp images with either the 1.4X or the 2X TC (the latter as seen in today’s featured images). And when working with relatively tame birds (as on most BAA IPTs), the wide apertures — f/2.8 at 300mm, f/4 at 420mm, and f/5.6 at 600mm, are a huge advantage when working in low light. I will be exploring this topic in depth in future blog posts.

I think that with the release of the 300mm f/2.8 GM lens that many more folks will switching to Sony in the near term.

Grabbing a Bug Images

I was astounded at the number of frames the a9 iii captures as the birds were swallowing the tiny bugs. At 120fps, I had perhaps ten with the bug in midair in the bird’s bill. For Image #1, I chose the perfect one with the insect centered in the egret’s open bill. Note also the second sharp insect just behind the claw of the bird’s raised foot.

For those who did not use my link to purchase their Sony 300mm f/2.8 GM lens, you can order your a copy here for $209.93.

Click on the image to enlarge and to be able to read the fine print.

The BAA Sony 300mm f/2.8 Lens Guide

Impressed by my Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) images from the last three posts? Use either my Bedfords or B&H affiliate link to purchase your Sony 300mm f/2.8 GM lens and shoot me your receipt via e-mail and request a copy of the first-ever BAA Lens Guide. I thought that it would take only minutes to create this guide, but I was dead wrong. In the process of creating it, I learned a ton about the lens. And even better, I discovered a simple yet potentially fatal flaw that was resulting in sporadically unsharp flight images. The set-up fix is simple. Just be sure to use one of my affiliate links and get the guide for free.

If not, you can purchase a copy here for $209.93. Yes, it never hurts to use my links and it never costs you one penny more. And if you contact me via e-mail before you make a major purchase, I can often save you some money.

This image was created on 6 April 2024 down by the lake near my home in Indian Lake Estates, FL. Standing outside of SUV, I used the handheld Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 2x Teleconverter and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 2000: 1/1000 sec. at f/6.3 (stopped down 1/-3 stop in error) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead solid perfect. AWB at 7:54:27am on a clear sunny morning.

Tracking Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.

Image #2: Bald Eagle recently fledged juvenile looking back

Fledged and Flying but Not Gone

The new eagle nest is so cluttered that I have not even attempted to make a singe photograph of the chicks. Last week, they were both flapping like crazy in their re-located nest so I knew they would be fledging soon. They had begun branching the week before. On Friday, both adults and the two very large chicks were at the nest tree. This morning when I drove by there were no birds eat the nest.

As I drove around on the South Field, I spotted the two young eagles low down in a pine tree on the edge of the canal. I got out of my vehicle, adjusted the exposure to get lots of Zebras on the sky (to ensure lots of detail in the dark tones of the plumage), and made a few images. When this bird pushed off to take flight, the branch it was perched on split off the tree with a very loud crack! Its nest-mate followed as they flew directly to the nest tree.

With perched birds on sunny days with NW winds you need to wait for a look-back head angle. As above.

Typos

With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.

April 5th, 2024

Better Than Most: Sony a9 iii Bird-Eye Detection Autofocus

Sony a9 iii Bird-Face/Eye Detection Autofocus

With bird’s flying from one side of the frame to the other in either direction, most of today’s high-end mirrorless bodies will occasionally (and understandably) grab the bird’s near wing. As you see in the short video, the a9 iii handles those situations “better than most.”

Better Than Most!

If you are in a hurry and wish to skip the lead-up and the drama, start watching from the 2:10 mark. Better than most for sure. Young Tiger’s confident smile as he was approaching his peak is one for the ages.

From the Jacksonville.com/Florida Times-Union article by Garry Smits of the Florida Times-Union here.

Be sure to watch the video and hear Gary Koch’s call!

“Better than most,” is the phrase NBC 17th-hole tower announcer Gary Koch uttered three times — twice when Woods’ 60-foot, triple-breaking, downhill putt at the par-3 17th hole was on its way and one more after it caught the right edge of the hole and dropped in, to the amazement, delight and unabashed joy of the thousands of fans ringing the Island Green.

The next day, Tiger Woods won his first Player’s Championship.

What’s Up?

I headed down to the lake on Thursday morning. It was clear and sunny and the wind was howling at 30+ MPH from the NW. I did not make a single image. On Friday morning, it was clear and sunny with a gentle breeze that swung around from the NE to the SW. As always, I learned a lot. And I created 2883 images. As is usually the case, understanding wind directions and sky conditions is the key to becoming a great bird photographer. Join me on an IPT toward that end.

Today is Friday 5 April, 2024. Whatever you are doing, I hope that you also have a great day. Be sure to watch the Sony a9 iii Bird-Face/Eye Detection Autofocus video that opens this post.

Don’t look now but this blog post makes six days in a row with a new educational post just for you.

If you plan on purchasing a Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera (or anything else for that matter), please remember to use or write for either my Bedfords discount code or my B&H affiliate link. Folks who use one of my two affiliate links to purchase the a9 III will receive my .DAT settings (the complete camera set-up) along with a Buttons and Dials Guide.

Please remember to use the B&H links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!

If an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.



B&H

To ensure that I get credit for your B&H purchases, you can always click here. The tracking is invisible but greatly appreciated. And, you can use your PayBoo card. You must use the website to order. B&H will reopen on Fri April 14. Thanking me for the past 4000 educational blog posts could not be any easier and will not cost you one penny. Please shoot me your B&H receipt for major purchases.

Many folks have written recently stating that they purchased a Sony a1 from B&H and would like their free membership in the Sony 1 Info and Updates Group, a $150.00 value. When I check my affiliate account, their orders have not been there. When I let them know that they get credit for B&H purchases only if they use one of the many B&H affiliate links on the blog or begin their searches with this link, they are always disappointed. If in doubt, please contact me via e-mail and request a BH link. I am always glad to help and to guide you to the right gear.

Bedfords Simplified

Click here to start your search. Choose standard shipping, and when you get to the payment page, enter BIRDSASART in the discount code box and hit apply. You will be upgraded to free second day air Fed-Ex and receive 3% cash back on your credit card once your stuff ships. Either is greatly appreciated by yours truly.

Bedfords Amazing BAA Discount Policy

Folks who have fallen in love with Bedfords can now use the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout to enjoy a post-purchase, 3% off-statement credit (excluding taxes and shipping charges) on orders paid with a credit card. The 3% credit will be refunded to the card you used for your purchase. Be sure, also, to check the box for free shipping to enjoy free Second Day Air Fed-Ex. This offer does not apply to purchases of Classes, Gift Cards, prior purchases.

Visit the Bedfords website here, shoot Steve Elkins an e-mail, or text him on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592.

Gear Questions and Advice

Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are — out of ignorance — using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often stave you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.

For those who did not use my link to purchase their Sony 300mm f/2.8 GM lens, you can order your a copy here for $209.93.

Click on the image to enlarge and to be able to read the fine print.

The BAA Sony 300mm f/2.8 Lens Guide

Impressed by my Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) images from the last three posts? Use either my Bedfords or B&H affiliate link to purchase your Sony 300mm f/2.8 GM lens and shoot me your receipt via e-mail and request a copy of the first-ever BAA Lens Guide. I thought that it would take only minutes to create this guide, but I was dead wrong. In the process of creating it, I learned a ton about the lens. And even better, I discovered a simple yet potentially fatal flaw that was resulting in sporadically unsharp flight images. The set-up fix is simple. Just be sure to use one of my affiliate links and get the guide for free.

If not, you can purchase a copy here for $209.93. Yes, it never hurts to use my links and it never costs you one penny more. And if you contact me via e-mail before you make a major purchase, I can often save you some money.

This image was also created on 3 April 2024 down by the lake near my home in Indian Lake Estates, FL. Standing at full height, I used the handheld Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 2500: 1/3200 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be 1/3 stop short of perfect. With the sun going in and out I wanted to make sure to avoid toasting the TV’s white bill tip. AWB at 8:06:11am on a variably sunny morning.

Wide/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

Fly-by Turkey Vulture

Piece of Cake

I love walking around with the handheld 300mm f/2.8/1.4X/a9 iii rig down by the lakeshore. With the wind on Wednesday from the east/southeast, I approached the vultures by walking from south to north knowing that they would take off towards me. And this morning, I played around with the 2X while photographing Cattle Egrets foraging and in flight. Photos soon.

This image was also created on 3 April 2024 down by the lake near my home in Indian Lake Estates, FL. Standing at full height, I used the handheld Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 2500: 1/3200 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be 1/3 stop short of perfect. With the sun going in and out I wanted to make sure to avoid toasting the TV’s white bill tip. AWB at 8:06:11am on a variably sunny morning.

Wide/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

A7INFO screen capture for the Fly-by Turkey Vulture image

Thanks Wolfram!

When I first got my Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera, I opened a folder of images in A7INFO and noted that the program had not been updated for the a9 iii. I wrote Wolfram Söns and asked him if it would be updated. He replied that he was very busy. So I took the bull by the horns and sent him a few a9 iii raw files. He wrote back in ten minutes and told me that the deed was done. How’s that for service? A7INFO is the only program I know of that shows you the AF points for all or most Sony mirrorless cameras bodies.

While you can download A7INFO for free, do consider leaving a $10.00 donation to support Wolfram’s efforts.

The Image Optimization

The a7INFO screen capture immediately above shows the AF point squarely on the vulture’s eye. And it shows the original framing of the raw file. Note that I moved the bird back in the frame by adding canvas and re-crafted the marsh grasses. All of the techniques that I used are covered in detail in the Digital Basics III Video Series.

Typos

With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.

April 4th, 2024

Catching Up in Spades

Your Call?

Which of the images featured in this blog post is your favorite?

What’s Up?

Congrats to the beyond amazing Caitlin Clark of Iowa and to Paige Bueckers of UConn for leading their teams to the Women’s Final Four in the Ladies “March Madness” NCAA college basketball tournament.

When I went down to the lake on Wednesday morning, the parents of the first pair of Sandhill Crane chicks that hatched at ILE about two weeks ago were foraging alone. Thus, I am 99.99% sure that the both of chicks perished some time on in the last two days. The two chicks that hatched more recently were doing fine yesterday.

Today is 4 April 2024. I will be heading down to the lake early today for a short visit. I have lots to do today and look forward to getting stuff done. Whatever you are doing I hope that you too opt to have a great day.

Don’t look now but this blog post makes five days in a row with a new educational post just for you.

If you plan on purchasing a Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera (or anything else for that matter), please remember to use or write for either my Bedfords discount code or my B&H affiliate link. Folks who use one of my two affiliate links to purchase the a9 III will receive my .DAT settings (the complete camera set-up) along with a Buttons and Dials Guide.

Please remember to use the B&H links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!

If an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.

For those who did not use my link to purchase their Sony 300mm f/2.8 GM lens, this item should be in the store this afternoon (for real this time). Click on the image to enlarge and to be able to read the fine print.

The BAA Sony 300mm f/2.8 Lens Guide

Impressed by my Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) images from the last three posts? Use either my Bedfords or B&H affiliate link to purchase your Sony 300mm f/2.8 GM lens and shoot me your receipt via e-mail and request a copy of the first-ever BAA Lens Guide. This short guide will be published this afternoon. I thought that it would take only minutes to create this guide, but I was dead wrong. In the process of creating it, I learned a ton about the lens. And even better, I discovered a simple yet potentially fatal flaw that was resulting in sporadically unsharp flight images. The set-up fix is simple. Just be sure to use one of my affiliate links and get the guide for free.

This image was also created on 26 March 2024 at Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland, FL. Standing at full height, I used the Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ISO 3200. Exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/250 sec. at f/4 (wide open). AWB at 7:44:42am on a partly sunny morning.

Tracking: Expand Spot AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the larger version.

Image #1: Red-shouldered Hawk gently sidelit by the rising sun in moss-draped tree setting

More Moss!

In the Same Bird. Same Lens. Two Slightly Different Images blog post here, the small in the frame version (Image #1, above) was best by far according to me and all those who commented. Yes, one of the reasons I placed the bird on the right side looking out of the frame was to use the branch as a leading line, but more importantly for me, was to include more of the hanging moss in the frame; there was none to my right.

Image #2 was sharp and well-composed, and the rear view was nice, but this one was nothing really special.

This image was created on 30 March 2024 down by the lake near my home in Indian Lake Estates, FL. Seated on damp grass, I used the toepod technique with the handheld Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1000: 1/1000 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead solid perfect. AWB at 7:33:24am on a clear sunny morning about 15 minutes after sunrise.

Tracking Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.

Image #1: Sandhill Crane chick in purple flowers

Nothing Bugged Me! (Or Not?)

In the One in the Sun for Good Measure & a 2nd Nest Hatches blog post here, absolutely nothing bugged me. I just asked if anything bugged you 🙂

Here’s what I loved about this image:

1- The choice of perspective.

2- The layers of luscious colors (the result of 1 above).

3- The clean golden chick and the down-the-lens-barrel look.

4- The out of focus layer of shaded grass and flowers at the bottom of the frame.

5- The row of sharp sunlit purple flowers on the same plane as the chick.

6- The row of shaded purple flowers to the right of the chick. They were shaded by the adult that stood to the right of the chick. That they were darker than the sunlit purple flowers to our left of the chick added depth.

7- The out-of-focus strip of green grass between the flowers and the marsh.

8- The golden sunlit marsh grasses.

9- The out-of-focus blue of Lake Walk-in-water.

Or Not?

Though I obviously love this image, the merge of the crane chick’s head with the top edge of the marsh grasses does bother me a tiny bit. I wonder if I should have squeezed my feet together to raise the lens perhaps two inches. That would have eliminated the merge but might have destroyed the arrangement of the many different layers of colors and tones …

This image was also created on 28 March 2024 down by the lake near my home in Indian Lake Estates, FL. Seated on damp grass, I used the knee-pod technique with the handheld Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 500: 1/500 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be perfect. AWB at 8:47:32am as things brightened up just a bit.

Tracking: Expand Spot/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed well. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

Image #3: Sandhill Crane chick eating mole cricket

In the I Never Gave Up Hope 🙂 Crane Chicks in Purple Flowers blog post here, my favorite image was the one that did not include purple flowers in the frame, Image #3, above. Why? #1, as pointed out by Cliff Beittel, was simply was not sharp on face at 1/500 second. And #3 is the only tight shot of a crane food handoff that features two acceptable head angles. I have hundreds where with the head of the adult or the head of the chick is angled away.

This image was created on 28 March 2024 down by the lake near my home in Indian Lake Estates, FL. Seated on damp grass, I used the toepod technique with the handheld Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 2000: 1/500 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be perfect. AWB at 8:29:00am on a very overcast morning.

Tracking Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.

Image #1: Sandhill Crane chick running to adult to grab a morsel

Much Loved

Most folks, including multiple IPT veteran David Pugsley (who was there), went with Image #1 — immediately above — as their favorite because of the cuteness factor, the running action, the raised wings, and the purple flowers. Thanks to a modicum of Topaz Sharpen AI, the image looked OK for web presentation, but know that it was not critically sharp on the face was too much for me to overcome.

That brings us to the why double the ISO? question. Had I raised the ISO to 4000 I could have doubled the shutter speed to 1/1000 sec. and created a sharper image. That is an error that I make over and over again. It is much easier to deal with high ISO noise than it is to deal with motion blur. But old habits (avoiding very high ISOs), are hard to break.

This image was created on 28 March 2024 down by the lake near my home in Indian Lake Estates, FL. Seated on damp grass, I used the toepod technique with the handheld Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 2000: 1/500 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be perfect. AWB at 8:29:00am on a very overcast morning.

Tracking Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.

Image #1A: An improved version of the Sandhill Crane chick running to adult to grab a morsel image

A Better Version

When John (Storjohann) posted the comment below (in part), I realized that while I had enhanced the catchlight in Images #2 and #3, I failed to do that with Image #1.

I love the animated pose in the first image (along with the color of the spring flowers and the strong composition). I wish there had been a stronger catch light in the predominantly black eye. The second image is also beautiful, if not as animated, and there is a catch light in the the eye that gives direction to the chick’s gaze.

So, I decided to improve the optimized version by enhancing the catchlight and juicing up the colors a bit. To enhance the catchlight I used a new technique that will be detailed in future Digital Basics III recordings. To enrich the purples I used another new technique that I developed only recently. It too will be detailed in future Digital Basics III recordings.

WDYT?

How did I do? To better see the catchlight, be sure to enlarge the two images by clicking on each of them. Can you note the brighter Purples and Greens?

Typos

With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.

April 3rd, 2024

Eggs-zactly Why to Join a Nickerson Beach IPT This Summer

Sharing an AirBnB

On some IPTs, I offer AirBnB sharing for one or two folks or couples. There are many advantages:

1- The per person cost of lodging is reduced.
2- You do not have to eat dinner out everyday. This saves both time and money. And I am a pretty good cook. Do you like good beef or seafood?
3- You enjoy extra time with the leader. This maximizes your learning and allows you to ask questions (unless I am sleeping). Can you say image optimizations?

Consider joining me on Long Island this summer for an amazing photographic and educational experience. Remember that most photography tour leaders try to spend as little time with the participants as possible …

What’s Up

There was a ton of action at Stick Marsh on Tuesday morning. When the wind is strong from the south, you need to pray for clouds. My prayers were answered.

Today is Wednesday 3 April 2024. It is cloudy and windy (from the SW). David Pugsley is coming back for a second session with the chicks. There are two more than when he was here last week! Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too choose to have fun.

Don’t look now but this blog post makes four days in a row with a new post.

If you plan on purchasing a Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera (or anything else for that matter), please remember to use or write for either my Bedfords discount code or my B&H affiliate link. Folks who use one of my two affiliate links to purchase the a9 III will receive my .DAT settings (the complete camera set-up) along with a Buttons and Dials Guide.

Please remember to use the B&H links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!

If an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.

For those who did not use my link to purchase their Sony 300mm f/2.8 GM lens, this item should be in the store this afternoon. Click on the image to enlarge and to be able to read the fine print.

The First Ever BIRDS AS ART Lens Guide

Impressed by my Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) images from the last three posts? Use either my Bedfords or B&H affiliate link to purchase your Sony 300mm f/2.8 GM lens and shoot me your receipt via e-mail and request a copy of the first-ever BAA Lens Guide. This short guide will be published this afternoon. I thought that it would take only minutes to create this guide, but I was dead wrong. In the process of creating it, I learned a ton about the lens. And even better, I discovered a simple yet potentially fatal flaw that was resulting in sporadically unsharp flight images. The set-up fix is simple. Just be sure to use one of my affiliate links and get the guide for free.

ddc 728w

Save 15%!

If you’d like to try out a new lens or if you need a lens for a specific trip or project (or for an IPT), LensRentals.com is the only way to go. To save 15%, simply click on the logo link above, arrange for your rental, and type in BIRDSASART15. If you type the gear you are looking for in the search box, it will pop right up. LensRentals.com offers affordable insurance. You can decline it, opt for LensCap: Damage Only, or select LensCap: Damage & Theft. Then hit PROCEED TO CHECKOUT. After you enter all of your info but before completing your order, be sure to scroll down to Promo Code box and enter the BIRDSASART15 code to save 15%.

I checked on renting a Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens for a week. The cost is only $122.00. LensCap: Damage Only coverage can be added for a very low $18.00. Going with LensCap: Damage & Theft would be $27.00. The shipping charge varies. They offer an interesting program called Lensrentals HD. By signing up for this shipping discount program ($99.00/year), you’ll get free Standard Shipping on all the orders you place.

Renting a Sony 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens for a week will cost you $536.00. The two coverage options come in at $76.00 or $114.00. Less your 15% discount when you enter the BIRDSASART15 code into the Promo Code box at checkout and enter the BIRDSASART15 code in the Promo Code box at checkout to save 15%.

Remember, to save the 15% on your rental you must start your search by clicking on the logo above, or on this link: LensRentals.com



B&H

To ensure that I get credit for your B&H purchases, you can always click here. The tracking is invisible but greatly appreciated. And, you can use your PayBoo card. You must use the website to order. B&H will reopen on Fri April 14. Thanking me for the past 4000 educational blog posts could not be any easier and will not cost you one penny. Please shoot me your B&H receipt for major purchases.

Many folks have written recently stating that they purchased a Sony a1 from B&H and would like their free membership in the Sony 1 Info and Updates Group, a $150.00 value. When I check my affiliate account, their orders have not been there. When I let them know that they get credit for B&H purchases only if they use one of the many B&H affiliate links on the blog or begin their searches with this link, they are always disappointed. If in doubt, please contact me via e-mail and request a BH link. I am always glad to help and to guide you to the right gear.

Bedfords Simplified

Click here to start your search. Choose standard shipping, and when you get to the payment page, enter BIRDSASART in the discount code box and hit apply. You will be upgraded to free second day air Fed-Ex and receive 3% cash back on your credit card once your stuff ships. Either is greatly appreciated by yours truly.

Bedfords Amazing BAA Discount Policy

Folks who have fallen in love with Bedfords can now use the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout to enjoy a post-purchase, 3% off-statement credit (excluding taxes and shipping charges) on orders paid with a credit card. The 3% credit will be refunded to the card you used for your purchase. Be sure, also, to check the box for free shipping to enjoy free Second Day Air Fed-Ex. This offer does not apply to purchases of Classes, Gift Cards, prior purchases.

Visit the Bedfords website here, shoot Steve Elkins an e-mail, or text him on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592.

Gear Questions and Advice

Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are — out of ignorance — using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often stave you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.

This image was created on 15 August 2023 at Nickerson Beach, Lido Beach, Long Island, NY. Standing on the beach and crouching just a bit, I used the Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. ISO 800. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/500 second at f/18 (stopped down 3 1/3 stops) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was dead solid perfect. AWB at 10:39:33am on sunny morning with just a bit of haze in front of the sun.

Tracking: Spot S/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.

American Oystercatcher 3-egg clutch in nest scrape

Photographing American Oystercatcher Nests

At Nickerson Beach, most oystercatchers nests are on the open beach. Some pairs nest inside the ropes of the two very large tern and skimmer colonies. Nests on the beach are usually roped off before the eggs are even laid. Some pairs lay eggs in April (if not earlier) and thus there are fledged young in June most years. Failed nesters, however, are often on eggs in August. One of the wonderful things about Nickerson are the staggered breeding schedules of all three species. For example, you can have tiny tern chicks in July along with fledged and flying young, and tiny skimmer chicks in August just a few feet away from nests with fledged and flying young. In summer, Nickerson is almost overrun by beach-nesting birds.

In this case, the nest was roped off and neither parent was in the vicinity so I walked toward the scrape nest, stopped way down, made a few images of the eggs, and headed east. Join me on an IPT to learn how to photograph nests with chicks and young of various ages while minimizing disturbance.

Asynchronous Hatching

All of the nesting species at Nickerson hatch asynchronously, that is over a period of several weeks and even up to two months apart in some years. That is great for photography as it means that you might have nests with eggs, newborn chicks, small chicks, mid-sized chicks, large chicks, fledged young, and flying young (in fresh juvenal plumage) on a single summer day’s visit. The end of July into early August is prime time for skimmer chicks and the action continues until the beginning of September. Join me there this summer.

Join me to photograph Black Skimmers, Common Terns, American Oystercatchers, and more!

The Summer 2024 Nickerson Beach 3 1/2 day Terns, Skimmers, Oystercatchers, and more IPTs

July 29 – August 1, 2024. 3 1/2 days: Afternoon session on MON 29 July through the afternoon session on THURS 8 August: $2099.00. Limit: 6. Openings: 5

August 5-8, 2024. 3 1/2 days: Afternoon session on MON 5 August through the afternoon session on THURS 1 August: $2099.00. Limit: 6.

Join me at Nickerson Beach Park this summer to photograph Black Skimmers, Common Terns, and American Oystercatchers. The trip is timed so that we should get to photograph tiny chicks as well as fledglings. There will be lots of flight photography including adults flying with baitfish and mole crabs. Creating great images of the chicks being fed is a challenge but I will do my best to help you toward that end. We will get to photograph a variety of breeding behaviors including courtship, sitting on (incubating) eggs, chick feeding, and more. We may get to photograph pre-dawn and early evening blastoffs. There is generally great afternoon skimmer flight photography that includes frequent midair battles sunny days. And with luck, we might even see a few tiny chicks in addition to fledged and flying young. We will also get to photograph the life cycle of American Oystercatcher. This will likely include nests with eggs and small chicks, young being fed, and surely a few fledglings.

Nesting Piping Plover is also possibly. There will be lots of gulls to photograph; most years I am able to find a few lesser black-backeds of varying ages in addition to the Herring, Ring-billed, and Great Black-backed Gulls. You will learn to identify and age the various gull species. There will likely be some Willets feeding along the surf and with luck we might get to photograph a handsome juvenile or two. In addition to the locally breeding shorebirds, we will likely get to see some southbound migrant arctic-and sub-arctic breeding shorebird species such as Sanderling, Semipalmated Plover, and maybe even Red Knot.

Change Your Life!

Afternoon sessions will run from 5:30 till sunset (assuming that entry policies are as they were in 2023. Morning sessions will run from pre-dawn till about 9:00 or 9:30am, roughly 3 1/2 hours.

Many folks head home feeling that while our time in the field was fabulous and productive, that the working brunch sessions were even more valuable. During image review you will learn to select the best images from several thousand made with your 20- and 30 fps (or 120 fps!) camera bodies. And we will process a few images and distribute the screen capture videos for you to learn from after the trip. And all IPTs offer follow-up image critiques.

Change your life: sign up for this IPT today. Please shoot me an e-mail if you would like to explore the possibility of renting some Sony gear (including an a1) from me.

Clockwise from upper left around and back to center: Adult American Oystercatcher foraging at sunrise; Adult American Oystercatcher posing on clean sand; predawn skimmer flock blur; Black Skimmer large chick; Black Skimmer landing at nest on cloudy day; Black Skimmer large chick; Black Skimmer sunrise group blur; Black Skimmer adult with Atlantic Silversides; juvenile Semipalmated Plover, and photographer with oystercatcher family.

Some of What You Will Learn on a Nickerson Beach IPT

  • 1- The basics and fine points of digital exposure; how to get the right exposure every time after making a single test exposure (or before if you are using SONY gear).
  • 2- How and why to work in Manual mode (even if you’re scared of it).
  • 3- How to approach free and wild birds without disturbing them.
  • 4- Lots about bird behavior and how to use that knowledge to help you create better images.
  • 6- To spot the good and great situations and to choose the best perspective.
  • 7- To see, evaluate, and understand the light.
  • 8- To design pleasing images by mastering your camera’s AF system.
  • 9- And perhaps most importantly, to evaluate wind and sky conditions and understand how they affect bird photography. You will learn where and when to be (and why).
  • 10- More than you could ever imagine.

Clockwise from upper left around and back to center: Black Skimmer pair with chick; Common Tern landing at nest with small baitfish; large Common Tern chick on pristine beach; American Oystercatchers courtship flight; Common Tern with pipefish; Common Tern fledgling; American Oystercatcher on eggs in high wind; American Oystercatcher nest with three eggs; and Black Skimmer midair battle.

The Details

We will be on the beach very early to enjoy sunrise. The morning sessions will run about 3 1/2 hours. Afternoon sessions will begin at 5:30 and run till sunset. There is never a set schedule on an IPT — we adapt to the conditions. On cloudy mornings with the right wind, we may opt to photograph till 11:30am or so and skip the afternoon session. That especially when the afternoon weather is looking iffy.

There will be a Photoshop/Image Review session before and after brunch (included) each full day. That will be followed by Instructor Nap Time. Each of these IPTs will run with only a single registrant as I do not like disappointing anyone. The best airports are JFK or Islip (if you have lots of Southwest points). Once you register, you will receive an e-mail with lodging information. Do know that it is always best if IPT folks stay in the same general area (rather than at home or at a friend’s place a good distance away).

Folks attending this IPT will be out in the field ridiculously early and stay out late to take advantage of sunrise and sunset colors; this is pretty much a staple on almost all BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Tours. Doing so will often present unique photographic opportunities, opportunities that will be missed by those who need their beauty rest and those who need to get home for a proper dinner. I really love it when I am leaving the beach at 9:00am on a sunny morning after a great session just as a carful or two of well-rested photographers are arriving … We may be getting our feet wet on occasion, especially in the mornings, but those who wish to keep their feet 100% dry can do so.

Your $699 deposit is due now. Credit cards are OK for that. You can register by calling Jim or Jennifer during weekday business hours at 863-692-0906 with a credit card in hand. Once you leave a deposit, you will receive an e-mail with your balance statement and instructions for sending your balance check. Those who wish to pay for the trip in one fell swoop via check may do so by making the check out to BIRDS AS ART and then mailing it to BIRDS AS ART, PO BOX 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855. You will receive a confirmation e-mail with detailed instructions, and clothing and gear advice right after you register. Please shoot me an e-mail if you plan to register or if you have any questions.

IPT veterans and couples or friends signing up together may e-mail for discount information.

Join me on the COMBO IPT this coming August to photograph adult and juvenile shorebirds at the East Pond at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Queens, NY.

Clockwise starting from the upper left back to center: juvenile Lesser Yellowlegs; adult Semipalmated Plover; fresh juvenile Semipalmated Sandpiper; fresh juvenile Least Sandpiper; fresh juvenile Stilt Sandpiper; fresh juvenile Short-billed Dowitcher; worn, molting adult Semipalmated Sandpiper; worn, molting adult White-rumped Sandpiper; and juvenile (left) and worn, molting adult Greater Yellowlegs.

The August 2024 JBWR-East Pond/Nickerson Beach 3 1/2 day Shorebirds, Skimmers, and more COMBO IPT

July 29 – SAT August 17 through the morning session on TUES 20 August 2024. 3 1/2 days: $2199.00. Limit: 6.

Join me for four mornings at the famed East Pond, Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Queens, NY (conditions permitting) to photograph southbound migrant shorebirds and for three afternoons to photograph beach nesting birds. The window for photographing juvenile shorebirds in fresh plumage is very narrow and this trip will of course get you to the right spot at the exact right time. You will learn to identify and age the shorebirds and to photograph them (at ground level). I will gladly share everything that I have learned during the 46 years I have been visiting the pond. Heck, I started late. After too many years of mismanagement, the gate valve at the north end of the East Pond has finally been repaired properly; water levels should be perfect this summer. If it is not, we will spend our mornings at Nickerson.

Afternoons (and mornings as well) at Nickerson Beach Park are superb in mid-August for photographing Black Skimmers, Common Terns, and American Oystercatchers with young of all ages. There will be lots of fledged chicks by mid-August, lots of flight including adults flying with baitfish and mole crabs, and excellent chances to photograph both chick feeding and predation by gulls. The Great Black-backed Gulls see the young skimmers as potato chips. We should get to photograph the evening skimmer blastoffs. On hot sunny days, there is still great afternoon skimmer flight photography that includes frequent midair battles.

There will be lots of terns (mostly commons) and gulls to photograph; most years I am able to find a few Lesser Black-backed Gulls of varying ages in addition to the Herring, Ring-billed, and Great Black-backed Gulls. You will learn to identify and age the various gull species. There will likely be some Willets feeding along the surf and with luck we might get to photograph a handsome juvenile or two. In addition to the locally breeding shorebirds, we will likely get to see some southbound migrant arctic-and sub-arctic breeding shorebird species such as Sanderling, Semipalmated Plover, Semipalmated Sandpiper, and maybe even Red Knot. And we might encounter large, swirling flocks of Sanderling in flight over the ocean.

Join me this August to photograph at the East Pond at JBWR in the mornings (conditions permitting) and at Nickerson Beach in the afternoons.

Clockwise starting from the upper left back to center: Marbled Godwit (likely in juvenal plumage); Wilson’s Phalarope in first winter plumage; Black Skimmer adult in flight over the Atlantic; juvenile American Oystercatcher foraging surf; adult Lesser Black-backed Gull; Black Skimmer attacking tiny chick; Killdeer in fresh juvenal plumage; Least Sandpiper in fresh juvenal plumage ruffling; and juvenile Lesser Yellowlegs and mixed shorebird flock.

Morning sessions at the East Pond will run from just before dawn till about 9:00 or 9:30am. If the afternoon weather forecast is looking ominous, we may decide to photograph until after 11:00am and cancel the afternoon session. Afternoon sessions at Nick will run from 5:30 till sunset (assuming that entry policies are as they were in 2023).

Many folks head home feeling that while our time in the field was fabulous and productive, that the working brunch sessions were even more valuable. During image review you will learn to select the best images from several thousand made with your 20- and 30 fps (or 120 fps!) camera bodies. In addition, we will process some participant images and distribute the screen-capture videos for you to learn from after the trip. All IPTs offer follow-up image critiques.

Change your life: sign up for this IPT today. Please shoot me an e-mail if you would like to explore the possibility of renting some Sony gear (including an a1) from me.

Some of What You Will Learn on the COMBO IPT

  • 1- The basics and fine points of digital exposure; how to get the right exposure every time after making a single test exposure (or before you make even a single image if you are using SONY gear).
  • 2-How to get low and super low
  • 3- How and why to work in Manual mode (even if you’re scared of it).
  • 4- How to approach free and wild birds without disturbing them.
  • 5- Lots about bird behavior and how to use that knowledge to help you create better images.
  • 6- To spot the good and great situations and to choose the best perspective.
  • 7- To see, evaluate, and understand the light.
  • 8- To design pleasing images by mastering your camera’s AF system.
  • 9- And perhaps most importantly, to evaluate wind and sky conditions and understand how they affect bird photography. You will learn where and when to be (and why).
  • 10- To identify and age a variety of shorebird, tern, and gull species.
  • 11- More than you could ever imagine.

The Details

There will be a Photoshop/Image Review session during and after brunch (included) each full day. That will be followed by Instructor Nap Time. This IPT will run with only a single registrant as I do not like disappointing anyone. The best airports are JFK or Islip (if you have lots of Southwest points). Once you register, you will receive an e-mail with lodging information. Do know that it is always best if IPT folks stay in the same general area (rather than at home or at a friend’s place a good distance away).

Folks attending this IPT will be out in the field ridiculously early and stay out late to take advantage of sunrise and sunset colors; this is pretty much a staple on almost all BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Tours. Doing so will often present unique photographic opportunities, opportunities that will be missed by those who need their beauty rest and those who need to get home for a proper dinner. I really love it when I am leaving the beach at 9:00am on a sunny morning after a great session just as a carful or two of well-rested photographers are arriving … We may be getting our feet wet on occasion, especially in the mornings, but those who wish to keep their feet 100% dry can do so.

Your $699 deposit is due now. Credit cards are OK for that. You can register by calling Jim or Jennifer during weekday business hours at 863-692-0906 with a credit card in hand. Once you leave a deposit, you will receive an e-mail with your balance statement and instructions for sending your balance check. Those who wish to pay for the trip in one fell swoop via check may do so by making the check out to BIRDS AS ART and then mailing it to BIRDS AS ART, PO BOX 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855. You will receive a confirmation e-mail with detailed instructions, and clothing and gear advice right after you register. Please shoot me an e-mail if you plan to register or if you have any questions.

IPT veterans and couples or friends signing up together may e-mail for discount information.

Typos

With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.

April 2nd, 2024

Same Bird. Same Lens. Two Slightly Different Images

Belated Happy April Fool’s Day

While I was photographing baby Burrowing Owls on Sunday morning, I did not walk backwards and fall into a canal. I did not cut my head. My gear is safe and fine. I did fool more than a few folks. The best one was Clemens Van der Werf who called out of concern from The Netherlands! Thanks to those who e-mailed express concern for my well-being 🙂

Lots of baby Burrowing Owl pix to follow.

What’s Up?

I am just about finished with the BAA 300mm Lens Guide and should be sending it (free) this afternoon to the nine folks who used one of my links to purchase theirs. It should be available soon in the BAA Online Store for those who did not use a BAA link. I’ve been having fun with the now two pairs of crane families here at ILE — right now two chicks per family. Survival of all four young is possible but not expected. Today is Tuesday 2 April 2024 and I am headed early to Stick Marsh. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a wonderfully happy day.

If you would like to explore the possibility of signing up for an IPT and sharing an AirBnB with me this coming summer, please get in touch via e-mail.

This blog post took about 90 minutes to prepare and makes 3 days in a row with a new educational blog post written just for you.

If you plan on purchasing a Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera (or anything else for that matter), please remember to use or write for either my Bedfords discount code or my B&H affiliate link. Folks who use one of my two affiliate links to purchase the a9 III will receive my .DAT settings (the complete camera set-up) along with a Buttons and Dials Guide.

Please remember to use the B&H links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!

If an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.

ddc 728w

The First Ever BIRDS AS ART Lens Guide

Impressed by my Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) images from the last three posts? Use either my Bedfords or B&H affiliate link to purchase your Sony 300mm f/2.8 GM lens and shoot me your receipt via e-mail and request a copy of the first-ever BAA Lens Guide. This short guide will be published very soon. I thought that it would take only minutes to create this guide, but I was dead wrong. In the process of creating it, I learned a ton about the lens. And even better, I discovered a simple yet potentially fatal flaw that was resulting in sporadically unsharp flight images. The set-up fix is simple. Just be sure to use one of my affiliate links and get the guide for free.

Save 15%!

If you’d like to try out a new lens or if you need a lens for a specific trip or project (or for an IPT), LensRentals.com is the only way to go. To save 15%, simply click on the logo link above, arrange for your rental, and type in BIRDSASART15. If you type the gear you are looking for in the search box, it will pop right up. LensRentals.com offers affordable insurance. You can decline it, opt for LensCap: Damage Only, or select LensCap: Damage & Theft. Then hit PROCEED TO CHECKOUT. After you enter all of your info but before completing your order, be sure to scroll down to Promo Code box and enter the BIRDSASART15 code to save 15%.

I checked on renting a Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens for a week. The cost is only $122.00. LensCap: Damage Only coverage can be added for a very low $18.00. Going with LensCap: Damage & Theft would be $27.00. The shipping charge varies. They offer an interesting program called Lensrentals HD. By signing up for this shipping discount program ($99.00/year), you’ll get free Standard Shipping on all the orders you place.

Renting a Sony 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens for a week will cost you $536.00. The two coverage options come in at $76.00 or $114.00. Less your 15% discount when you enter the BIRDSASART15 code into the Promo Code box at checkout and enter the BIRDSASART15 code in the Promo Code box at checkout to save 15%.

Remember, to save the 15% on your rental you must start your search by clicking on the logo above, or on this link: LensRentals.com



B&H

To ensure that I get credit for your B&H purchases, you can always click here. The tracking is invisible but greatly appreciated. And, you can use your PayBoo card. You must use the website to order. B&H will reopen on Fri April 14. Thanking me for the past 4000 educational blog posts could not be any easier and will not cost you one penny. Please shoot me your B&H receipt for major purchases.

Many folks have written recently stating that they purchased a Sony a1 from B&H and would like their free membership in the Sony 1 Info and Updates Group, a $150.00 value. When I check my affiliate account, their orders have not been there. When I let them know that they get credit for B&H purchases only if they use one of the many B&H affiliate links on the blog or begin their searches with this link, they are always disappointed. If in doubt, please contact me via e-mail and request a BH link. I am always glad to help and to guide you to the right gear.

Bedfords Simplified

Click here to start your search. Choose standard shipping, and when you get to the payment page, enter BIRDSASART in the discount code box and hit apply. You will be upgraded to free second day air Fed-Ex and receive 3% cash back on your credit card once your stuff ships. Either is greatly appreciated by yours truly.

Bedfords Amazing BAA Discount Policy

Folks who have fallen in love with Bedfords can now use the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout to enjoy a post-purchase, 3% off-statement credit (excluding taxes and shipping charges) on orders paid with a credit card. The 3% credit will be refunded to the card you used for your purchase. Be sure, also, to check the box for free shipping to enjoy free Second Day Air Fed-Ex. This offer does not apply to purchases of Classes, Gift Cards, prior purchases.

Visit the Bedfords website here, shoot Steve Elkins an e-mail, or text him on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592.

Gear Questions and Advice

Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are — out of ignorance — using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often stave you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.

This image was also created on 26 March 2024 at Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland, FL. Standing at full height, I used the Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ISO 3200. Exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/250 sec. at f/4 (wide open). AWB at 7:44:42am on a partly sunny morning.

Tracking: Expand Spot AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the larger version.

Image #1: Red-shouldered Hawk gently sidelit by the rising sun in moss-draped tree setting

Long Lens Bird-scape

While folks often think of a 70-200mm lens as ideal when creating bird-scapes, long focal lengths are often the ticket to success. It depends 100% on the situations. I made this one while waiting for a Pileated Woodpecker to leave its nest hole in a tall, dead cabbage palm trunk. I tried it with both TCs until I realized that the wider view at 600mm (alone) was the way to go.

Image Design Question

Why did I place the bird in the upper right corner facing out of the frame?

Vello Cable Release for Sony

I used the Vello RS-S2II Wired Remote Switch for Select Cameras with Sony Multi-Terminal Connector to maximize image sharpness.

This image was created on 1 April 2024 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. No fooling’. Working from the driver’s seat of my SUV, I used the BLUBB-supported Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter, and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 1250. 1/2500 sec. at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be perfect. AWB at 8:41:10am on mostly sunny morning with a light cloud in front of the sun.

Tracking: Wide/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed perfectly even at 1200mm. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

Red-shouldered Hawk on The Perch II

The Perch!

With the help of neighbor Ralph, I set up this attractive perch in the marsh. While it has not been as popular as the previous version, I occasionally get lucky. I have had many Red-shouldered Hawks on the perch, but never on a sunny morning.

Your Call?

Which of today’s completely different images of the same bird do you like best. Why? For me, the answer is clear and I will share my thoughts with you here soon.

Asynchronous Hatching

All of the nesting species at Nickerson hatch asynchronously, that is over a period of several weeks and even up to two months apart in some years. That is great for photography as it means that you might have nests with eggs, newborn chicks, small chicks, mid-sized chicks, large chicks, fledged young, and flying young (in fresh juvenal plumage) on a single summer day’s visit. The end of July into early August is prime time for skimmer chicks and the action continues until the beginning of September. Join me there this summer.

Join me to photograph Black Skimmers, Common Terns, American Oystercatchers, and more!

The Summer 2024 Nickerson Beach 3 1/2 day Terns, Skimmers, Oystercatchers, and more IPTs

July 29 – August 1, 2024. 3 1/2 days: Afternoon session on MON 29 July through the afternoon session on THURS 8 August: $2099.00. Limit: 6. Openings: 5

August 5-8, 2024. 3 1/2 days: Afternoon session on MON 5 August through the afternoon session on THURS 1 August: $2099.00. Limit: 6.

Join me at Nickerson Beach Park this summer to photograph Black Skimmers, Common Terns, and American Oystercatchers. The trip is timed so that we should get to photograph tiny chicks as well as fledglings. There will be lots of flight photography including adults flying with baitfish and mole crabs. Creating great images of the chicks being fed is a challenge but I will do my best to help you toward that end. We will get to photograph a variety of breeding behaviors including courtship, sitting on (incubating) eggs, chick feeding, and more. We may get to photograph pre-dawn and early evening blastoffs. There is generally great afternoon skimmer flight photography that includes frequent midair battles sunny days. And with luck, we might even see a few tiny chicks in addition to fledged and flying young. We will also get to photograph the life cycle of American Oystercatcher. This will likely include nests with eggs and small chicks, young being fed, and surely a few fledglings.

Nesting Piping Plover is also possibly. There will be lots of gulls to photograph; most years I am able to find a few lesser black-backeds of varying ages in addition to the Herring, Ring-billed, and Great Black-backed Gulls. You will learn to identify and age the various gull species. There will likely be some Willets feeding along the surf and with luck we might get to photograph a handsome juvenile or two. In addition to the locally breeding shorebirds, we will likely get to see some southbound migrant arctic-and sub-arctic breeding shorebird species such as Sanderling, Semipalmated Plover, and maybe even Red Knot.

Change Your Life!

Afternoon sessions will run from 5:30 till sunset (assuming that entry policies are as they were in 2023. Morning sessions will run from pre-dawn till about 9:00 or 9:30am, roughly 3 1/2 hours.

Many folks head home feeling that while our time in the field was fabulous and productive, that the working brunch sessions were even more valuable. During image review you will learn to select the best images from several thousand made with your 20- and 30 fps (or 120 fps!) camera bodies. And we will process a few images and distribute the screen capture videos for you to learn from after the trip. And all IPTs offer follow-up image critiques.

Change your life: sign up for this IPT today. Please shoot me an e-mail if you would like to explore the possibility of renting some Sony gear (including an a1) from me.

Clockwise from upper left around and back to center: Adult American Oystercatcher foraging at sunrise; Adult American Oystercatcher posing on clean sand; predawn skimmer flock blur; Black Skimmer large chick; Black Skimmer landing at nest on cloudy day; Black Skimmer large chick; Black Skimmer sunrise group blur; Black Skimmer adult with Atlantic Silversides; juvenile Semipalmated Plover, and photographer with oystercatcher family.

Some of What You Will Learn on a Nickerson Beach IPT

  • 1- The basics and fine points of digital exposure; how to get the right exposure every time after making a single test exposure (or before if you are using SONY gear).
  • 2- How and why to work in Manual mode (even if you’re scared of it).
  • 3- How to approach free and wild birds without disturbing them.
  • 4- Lots about bird behavior and how to use that knowledge to help you create better images.
  • 6- To spot the good and great situations and to choose the best perspective.
  • 7- To see, evaluate, and understand the light.
  • 8- To design pleasing images by mastering your camera’s AF system.
  • 9- And perhaps most importantly, to evaluate wind and sky conditions and understand how they affect bird photography. You will learn where and when to be (and why).
  • 10- More than you could ever imagine.

Clockwise from upper left around and back to center: Black Skimmer pair with chick; Common Tern landing at nest with small baitfish; large Common Tern chick on pristine beach; American Oystercatchers courtship flight; Common Tern with pipefish; Common Tern fledgling; American Oystercatcher on eggs in high wind; American Oystercatcher nest with three eggs; and Black Skimmer midair battle.

The Details

We will be on the beach very early to enjoy sunrise. The morning sessions will run about 3 1/2 hours. Afternoon sessions will begin at 5:30 and run till sunset. There is never a set schedule on an IPT — we adapt to the conditions. On cloudy mornings with the right wind, we may opt to photograph till 11:30am or so and skip the afternoon session. That especially when the afternoon weather is looking iffy.

There will be a Photoshop/Image Review session before and after brunch (included) each full day. That will be followed by Instructor Nap Time. Each of these IPTs will run with only a single registrant as I do not like disappointing anyone. The best airports are JFK or Islip (if you have lots of Southwest points). Once you register, you will receive an e-mail with lodging information. Do know that it is always best if IPT folks stay in the same general area (rather than at home or at a friend’s place a good distance away).

Folks attending this IPT will be out in the field ridiculously early and stay out late to take advantage of sunrise and sunset colors; this is pretty much a staple on almost all BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Tours. Doing so will often present unique photographic opportunities, opportunities that will be missed by those who need their beauty rest and those who need to get home for a proper dinner. I really love it when I am leaving the beach at 9:00am on a sunny morning after a great session just as a carful or two of well-rested photographers are arriving … We may be getting our feet wet on occasion, especially in the mornings, but those who wish to keep their feet 100% dry can do so.

Your $699 deposit is due now. Credit cards are OK for that. You can register by calling Jim or Jennifer during weekday business hours at 863-692-0906 with a credit card in hand. Once you leave a deposit, you will receive an e-mail with your balance statement and instructions for sending your balance check. Those who wish to pay for the trip in one fell swoop via check may do so by making the check out to BIRDS AS ART and then mailing it to BIRDS AS ART, PO BOX 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855. You will receive a confirmation e-mail with detailed instructions, and clothing and gear advice right after you register. Please shoot me an e-mail if you plan to register or if you have any questions.

IPT veterans and couples or friends signing up together may e-mail for discount information.

Join me on the COMBO IPT this coming August to photograph adult and juvenile shorebirds at the East Pond at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Queens, NY.

Clockwise starting from the upper left back to center: juvenile Lesser Yellowlegs; adult Semipalmated Plover; fresh juvenile Semipalmated Sandpiper; fresh juvenile Least Sandpiper; fresh juvenile Stilt Sandpiper; fresh juvenile Short-billed Dowitcher; worn, molting adult Semipalmated Sandpiper; worn, molting adult White-rumped Sandpiper; and juvenile (left) and worn, molting adult Greater Yellowlegs.

The August 2024 JBWR-East Pond/Nickerson Beach 3 1/2 day Shorebirds, Skimmers, and more COMBO IPT

July 29 – SAT August 17 through the morning session on TUES 20 August 2024. 3 1/2 days: $2199.00. Limit: 6.

Join me for four mornings at the famed East Pond, Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Queens, NY (conditions permitting) to photograph southbound migrant shorebirds and for three afternoons to photograph beach nesting birds. The window for photographing juvenile shorebirds in fresh plumage is very narrow and this trip will of course get you to the right spot at the exact right time. You will learn to identify and age the shorebirds and to photograph them (at ground level). I will gladly share everything that I have learned during the 46 years I have been visiting the pond. Heck, I started late. After too many years of mismanagement, the gate valve at the north end of the East Pond has finally been repaired properly; water levels should be perfect this summer. If it is not, we will spend our mornings at Nickerson.

Afternoons (and mornings as well) at Nickerson Beach Park are superb in mid-August for photographing Black Skimmers, Common Terns, and American Oystercatchers with young of all ages. There will be lots of fledged chicks by mid-August, lots of flight including adults flying with baitfish and mole crabs, and excellent chances to photograph both chick feeding and predation by gulls. The Great Black-backed Gulls see the young skimmers as potato chips. We should get to photograph the evening skimmer blastoffs. On hot sunny days, there is still great afternoon skimmer flight photography that includes frequent midair battles.

There will be lots of terns (mostly commons) and gulls to photograph; most years I am able to find a few Lesser Black-backed Gulls of varying ages in addition to the Herring, Ring-billed, and Great Black-backed Gulls. You will learn to identify and age the various gull species. There will likely be some Willets feeding along the surf and with luck we might get to photograph a handsome juvenile or two. In addition to the locally breeding shorebirds, we will likely get to see some southbound migrant arctic-and sub-arctic breeding shorebird species such as Sanderling, Semipalmated Plover, Semipalmated Sandpiper, and maybe even Red Knot. And we might encounter large, swirling flocks of Sanderling in flight over the ocean.

Join me this August to photograph at the East Pond at JBWR in the mornings (conditions permitting) and at Nickerson Beach in the afternoons.

Clockwise starting from the upper left back to center: Marbled Godwit (likely in juvenal plumage); Wilson’s Phalarope in first winter plumage; Black Skimmer adult in flight over the Atlantic; juvenile American Oystercatcher foraging surf; adult Lesser Black-backed Gull; Black Skimmer attacking tiny chick; Killdeer in fresh juvenal plumage; Least Sandpiper in fresh juvenal plumage ruffling; and juvenile Lesser Yellowlegs and mixed shorebird flock.

Morning sessions at the East Pond will run from just before dawn till about 9:00 or 9:30am. If the afternoon weather forecast is looking ominous, we may decide to photograph until after 11:00am and cancel the afternoon session. Afternoon sessions at Nick will run from 5:30 till sunset (assuming that entry policies are as they were in 2023).

Many folks head home feeling that while our time in the field was fabulous and productive, that the working brunch sessions were even more valuable. During image review you will learn to select the best images from several thousand made with your 20- and 30 fps (or 120 fps!) camera bodies. In addition, we will process some participant images and distribute the screen-capture videos for you to learn from after the trip. All IPTs offer follow-up image critiques.

Change your life: sign up for this IPT today. Please shoot me an e-mail if you would like to explore the possibility of renting some Sony gear (including an a1) from me.

Some of What You Will Learn on the COMBO IPT

  • 1- The basics and fine points of digital exposure; how to get the right exposure every time after making a single test exposure (or before you make even a single image if you are using SONY gear).
  • 2-How to get low and super low
  • 3- How and why to work in Manual mode (even if you’re scared of it).
  • 4- How to approach free and wild birds without disturbing them.
  • 5- Lots about bird behavior and how to use that knowledge to help you create better images.
  • 6- To spot the good and great situations and to choose the best perspective.
  • 7- To see, evaluate, and understand the light.
  • 8- To design pleasing images by mastering your camera’s AF system.
  • 9- And perhaps most importantly, to evaluate wind and sky conditions and understand how they affect bird photography. You will learn where and when to be (and why).
  • 10- To identify and age a variety of shorebird, tern, and gull species.
  • 11- More than you could ever imagine.

The Details

There will be a Photoshop/Image Review session during and after brunch (included) each full day. That will be followed by Instructor Nap Time. This IPT will run with only a single registrant as I do not like disappointing anyone. The best airports are JFK or Islip (if you have lots of Southwest points). Once you register, you will receive an e-mail with lodging information. Do know that it is always best if IPT folks stay in the same general area (rather than at home or at a friend’s place a good distance away).

Folks attending this IPT will be out in the field ridiculously early and stay out late to take advantage of sunrise and sunset colors; this is pretty much a staple on almost all BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Tours. Doing so will often present unique photographic opportunities, opportunities that will be missed by those who need their beauty rest and those who need to get home for a proper dinner. I really love it when I am leaving the beach at 9:00am on a sunny morning after a great session just as a carful or two of well-rested photographers are arriving … We may be getting our feet wet on occasion, especially in the mornings, but those who wish to keep their feet 100% dry can do so.

Your $699 deposit is due now. Credit cards are OK for that. You can register by calling Jim or Jennifer during weekday business hours at 863-692-0906 with a credit card in hand. Once you leave a deposit, you will receive an e-mail with your balance statement and instructions for sending your balance check. Those who wish to pay for the trip in one fell swoop via check may do so by making the check out to BIRDS AS ART and then mailing it to BIRDS AS ART, PO BOX 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855. You will receive a confirmation e-mail with detailed instructions, and clothing and gear advice right after you register. Please shoot me an e-mail if you plan to register or if you have any questions.

IPT veterans and couples or friends signing up together may e-mail for discount information.

Typos

With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.

April 1st, 2024

Who Fell Over Backwards? A Cape Coral Burrowing Owl Photo Adventure. And Who's Got the Mole Cricket?

This image was created on 31 March 2024 at Cape Coral, FL. Standing at full height I used the Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. ISO 800. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/800 second at f/6.3 (stopped down 1/3 stop) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was dead solid perfect. AWB at 8:12:17am on a clear and sunny morning.

Tracking: Expand Spot S/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.

Burrowing Owl chick feeding

Who Fell Over Backwards? A Burrowing Owl Photo Adventure

Early on Easter Sunday, I found a new nest, this one with three Burrowing Owl chicks. The rise that the nest was on was about 24 feet from one of Cape Coral’s many canals. To get on sun angle, I walked well around the nest so that both the sun and the canal were at my back. The entire family was more than comfortable with my presence and both adults were bringing buggy tidbits to the three hungry young owls. The action was so fast and furious that I filled a Delkin Devices 160GB BLACK CFexpress Type A Memory Card in shorter order even though I was using my slow camera body, the Sony a-1.

As I had tossed my fanny pack on the grass, I picked it up, placed the full card in its assigned spot, grabbed a fresh card, put it into the camera and formatted it. Then I got back to work. As I was constantly clipping feet and wings, I should have simply removed the TC. Instead, I opted to move back a step or two to reduce the angle of declination. Big mistake. As took one last step backward I my left heel hit the top of the wooden bulkhead that bordered the canal. I lost my balance and grabbed for the tripod in an effort to avoid winding up in the drink. I fell over backwards into about seven feet of water and unfortunately pulled the tripod mounted 600mm/1.4X TC/a-1 rig along on top of me. I fell about four feet and landed hard on my back. The camera hit me on the forehead and opened up a nice gash. I was more than a bit stunned. As my rig sank to the bottom of the canal, blood pooled around my head and I wondered if there were any sharks around.

I treaded water for a minute to catch my breath and then made my way to the seawall and grabbed a wooden shelf that was conveniently nailed into a piling just above water level. Looking left and right, I could not see a way to get out of the canal. Another photographer peered over the edge and told me that he had called 911.

A rescue basket was lowered to me and four strong young men from the Cape Coral Free Department managed to get me back on dry land. I grabbed my fanny pack, stowed it in my SUV, grabbed the car keys and my laptop bag, and got a free ambulance ride to Cape Coral Hospital on Del Prado where I was checked for injuries. All was well but for the head wound. A very pretty young lady doctor named Elena Vasquez cleaned it, put in eight stitches, and bandaged my head. I took a cab back to my vehicle and made the long drive back to Indian Lake Estates.

When I saw today’s featured image, I was sure glad that I finished that card and stowed it safely. I am wondering if I will be ale to collect roughly $22,000,000 insurance on my gear that is still at the bottom of the canal.

Please send questions (or comments) to me via e-mail.

Typos

With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.

March 31st, 2024

One in the Sun for Good Measure & a 2nd Nest Hatches

In-the-Field Instructional Photo Sessions

I am available for weather dependent, morning In-the-Field Instructional Photo sessions at either ILE for the cranes or Stick Marsh for the spoonbills: Thursday 4 April through Monday 8 April. e-mail for ITF details and possibilities.

What’s Up?

After hearing of a Burrowing Owl nest with five chicks, I drove over to Cape Coral, FL on Saturday afternoon. I checked out a few locations suggested in the old SW Florida Site Guide and with the help of passers by, miraculously located the nest. Photography was difficult at best. I received a text from ILE neighbor Claudia Cemken letting me know that a second nest hatched very recently! I still think that there may be at least one more nest. I fly to North Dakota on 9 April to do grouse and prairie chickens with BPN friend and IPT veteran Kevin Hice.

Today is 31 March 2024 and I am headed back to the baby owls. Spring is a glorious time for bird photography in Florida. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day.

This image was created on 30 March 2024 down by the lake near my home in Indian Lake Estates, FL. Seated on damp grass, I used the toepod technique with the handheld Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1000: 1/1000 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead solid perfect. AWB at 7:33:24am on a clear sunny morning about 15 minutes after sunrise.

Tracking Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.

Image #1: Sandhill Crane chick in purple flowers

Layers of Color and Gorgeous Early Morning Light

Does anything about this image bug you? I have a similar image with the bird in profile, profile, but I prefer the down the lens barrel look above.

How About them, the Sony 300mm f/2.8 and the a9 iii?

Paraphrasing Mel Allen somewhat above. I am using my new gear more and more and am just about finished with the first-ever BAA lens guide. As far as the a9 iii, I am now convinced that eye tracking is better than it is with the a-1. And if you photograph birds in flight and in action and think that it is too fast for you, you are dead wrong.

If you plan on purchasing a Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera (or anything else for that matter), please remember to use or write for either my Bedfords discount code or my B&H affiliate link. Folks who use one of my two affiliate links to purchase the a9 III will receive my .DAT settings (the complete camera set-up) along with a Buttons and Dials Guide and may additional thoughts.

The First Ever BIRDS AS ART Lens Guide

Impressed by my Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) images from the last three posts? Use either my Bedfords or B&H affiliate link to purchase your Sony 300mm f/2.8 GM lens and shoot me your receipt via e-mail and request a copy of the first-ever BAA Lens Guide. This short guide will be published sometime in late March as I have a lot more to learn about this amazing new lens. I thought that it would take only minutes to create, but I was dead wrong. In the process of creating the guide, I learned a ton about the lens. And even better, I discovered a simple yet potentially fatal flaw that was resulting in sporadically unsharp flight images. The set-up fix is simple. Just be sure to use one of my affiliate links.

Typos

With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.

March 30th, 2024

I Never Gave Up Hope :-) Crane Chicks in Purple Flowers

My Calls

In the last blog post (Two Pretty Good Spoonbill Images) here, I asked if anything about either featured image bugged you.

That said, I consider the flight shot the more perfect of the two.

Your Call

Which of today’s three featured images best floats your boat? Why?

Early April In-the-Field Sessions

I am available for weather dependent In-the-Field morning Instructional sessions at either Stick Marsh or at ILE for the cranes (should they survive): Thursday 4 April through Monday 8 April. I fly to North Dakota to do grouse and prairie chickens with BPN friend and IPT veteran Kevin Hice. e-mail for details and possibilities.

What’s Up?

When I got down to the lake on a relatively dark Thursday morning past, I was thrilled to see two crane chicks with two adults feeding on a patch of tiny purple flowers. There are usually are 4-6 young cranes at ILE by the end of March, but these were the first to hatch this season. I am pretty sure that there is another nest or two (so far undetected in the marsh). I kept 147 images made in the soft light. I invited multiple IPT veteran David Pugsley for Friday morning and was thrilled to see that both chicks had survived the night. It dawned clear and sunny and the family cooperated nicely but I kept only 30 images of the chicks. What’s the lesson? artie loves soft light. Sunny days often limit your productivity after the first hour — too many shadows and and too much contrast. Plus, you need to be scrambling almost constantly to stay on sun angle as the cranes forage along the lakefront. Since shooting low is the only option for me, that involves lots of getting up and down.

If you own a copy of The Middle of Florida Photographic Site Guide — info below, or purchase one today, shoot me an e-mail with proof off purchase and type “Crane chick Details Please” into the subject line and I can tell you where to look for them..

Today is Monday 25 March. This blog post took well more than five hours to create. I am heading early to Stick Marsh. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a wonderfully happy day. Downloading and pick my keepers took less than a minute.

If you plan on purchasing a Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera (or anything else for that matter), please remember to use or write for either my Bedfords discount code or my B&H affiliate link. Folks who use one of my two affiliate links to purchase the a9 III will receive my .DAT settings (the complete camera set-up) along with a Buttons and Dials Guide.

Please remember to use the B&H links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!

If an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.

ddc 728w

Save 15%!

If you’d like to try out a new lens or if you need a lens for a specific trip or project (or for an IPT), LensRentals.com is the only way to go. To save 15%, simply click on the logo link above, arrange for your rental, and type in BIRDSASART15. If you type the gear you are looking for in the search box, it will pop right up. LensRentals.com offers affordable insurance. You can decline it, opt for LensCap: Damage Only, or select LensCap: Damage & Theft. Then hit PROCEED TO CHECKOUT. After you enter all of your info but before completing your order, be sure to scroll down to Promo Code box and enter the BIRDSASART15 code to save 15%.

I checked on renting a Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens for a week. The cost is only $122.00. LensCap: Damage Only coverage can be added for a very low $18.00. Going with LensCap: Damage & Theft would be $27.00. The shipping charge varies. They offer an interesting program called Lensrentals HD. By signing up for this shipping discount program ($99.00/year), you’ll get free Standard Shipping on all the orders you place.

Renting a Sony 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens for a week will cost you $536.00. The two coverage options come in at $76.00 or $114.00. Less your 15% discount when you enter the BIRDSASART15 code into the Promo Code box at checkout and enter the BIRDSASART15 code in the Promo Code box at checkout to save 15%.

Remember, to save the 15% on your rental you must start your search by clicking on the logo above, or on this link: LensRentals.com



B&H

To ensure that I get credit for your B&H purchases, you can always click here. The tracking is invisible but greatly appreciated. And, you can use your PayBoo card. You must use the website to order. B&H will reopen on Fri April 14. Thanking me for the past 4000 educational blog posts could not be any easier and will not cost you one penny. Please shoot me your B&H receipt for major purchases.

Many folks have written recently stating that they purchased a Sony a1 from B&H and would like their free membership in the Sony 1 Info and Updates Group, a $150.00 value. When I check my affiliate account, their orders have not been there. When I let them know that they get credit for B&H purchases only if they use one of the many B&H affiliate links on the blog or begin their searches with this link, they are always disappointed. If in doubt, please contact me via e-mail and request a BH link. I am always glad to help and to guide you to the right gear.

Bedfords Simplified

Click here to start your search. Choose standard shipping, and when you get to the payment page, enter BIRDSASART in the discount code box and hit apply. You will be upgraded to free second day air Fed-Ex and receive 3% cash back on your credit card once your stuff ships. Either is greatly appreciated by yours truly.

Bedfords Amazing BAA Discount Policy

Folks who have fallen in love with Bedfords can now use the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout to enjoy a post-purchase, 3% off-statement credit (excluding taxes and shipping charges) on orders paid with a credit card. The 3% credit will be refunded to the card you used for your purchase. Be sure, also, to check the box for free shipping to enjoy free Second Day Air Fed-Ex. This offer does not apply to purchases of Classes, Gift Cards, prior purchases.

Visit the Bedfords website here, shoot Steve Elkins an e-mail, or text him on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592.

Gear Questions and Advice

Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are — out of ignorance — using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often stave you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.

This image was created on 28 March 2024 down by the lake near my home in Indian Lake Estates, FL. Seated on damp grass, I used the toepod technique with the handheld Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 2000: 1/500 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be perfect. AWB at 8:29:00am on a very overcast morning.

Tracking Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.

Image #1: Sandhill Crane chick running to adult to grab a morsel

Shutter Speed Question

Why should I have been working wide open at ISO 4000 for Image #1?

This image was also created on 28 March 2024 down by the lake near my home in Indian Lake Estates, FL. Again, seated on damp grass, I used the toepod technique with the handheld Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 2000: 1/500 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be perfect. AWB at 8:28:46am on a very overcast morning.

Tracking Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.

Image #2: Sandhill Crane chick stretching wings

Low Perspective Options

I shot mostly toe-pod with the 300 f/2.8 alone. At times, I went knee-pod to vary the look of the images. I liked the toe-pod perspective better when the birds were in the flowers. The a9 iii gave me lots of poses to choose from. I still need to do a second edit of the 28 March folder. Keep reading to learn why I went a bit higher for Image #3.

This image was also created on 28 March 2024 down by the lake near my home in Indian Lake Estates, FL. Seated on damp grass, I used the knee-pod technique with the handheld Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 500: 1/500 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be perfect. AWB at 8:47:32am as things brightened up just a bit.

Tracking: Expand Spot/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed well. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

Image #3: Sandhill Crane chick eating mole cricket

Why Knee Pod?

As the chicks moved to my right away from the tiny flowers, I was able to stay on them as I did not have to worry about sun angle. When I noticed a small rise blocking my view of the chicks, I went from the toe-pod to the knee-pod to avoid an obstructed view. I have been trying for a perfect Sandhill Crane food exchange image for 25 years. With most images of this type either head angle is almost always faulty. But not with Image #3! Mole crickets are the #1 meal for young cranes of all ages.

The Sony 300mm f/2.8 GM Lens

The more I used this lightweight versatile lens, the more I fall in love with it.

The First Ever BIRDS AS ART Lens Guide

Impressed by my Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) images from the last three posts? Use either my Bedfords or B&H affiliate link to purchase your Sony 300mm f/2.8 GM lens and shoot me your receipt via e-mail and request a copy of the first-ever BAA Lens Guide. This short guide will be published sometime in late March as I have a lot more to learn about this amazing new lens. I thought that it would take only minutes to create, but I was dead wrong. In the process of creating the guide, I learned a ton about the lens. And even better, I discovered a simple yet potentially fatal flaw that was resulting in sporadically unsharp flight images. The set-up fix is simple. Just be sure to use one of my affiliate links.

The BAA Middle of Florida Photographic Site Guide

You can purchase your copy here in the BAA Online Store.

The BAA Middle of Florida Photographic Site Guide

126 pages, 87 photographs by (the late) Joe Przybyla and Arthur Morris.
The PDF for this e-Guide is an electronic download sent via e-mail.

Purchase your copy here in the BAA Online Store.

I had thought about doing a guide to some of the great but little-known photo hotspots around central Florida for about a decade, but those plans never came to fruition. I met Joe online in the Avian Forum at BirdPhotographer’s.Net about two years ago. Joe’s photography has improved tremendously over the past few years; he credits the BAA blog, my books and PDFs, and his participation on BPN. The one thing that I learned right from the get-go about Joe is that he is a hard and tenacious worker, always striving to improve his skills and to grow his knowledge base. As he knew of more than a few good spots in central Florida, I broached the idea of us doing a photographic site guide that covered many of the little-known photographic hotspots from Brandon to Lakeland to Joe Overstreet Road to Indian Lake Estates (my Florida home for the past 20 years or so). After more than many, many dozens of hours of effort, The BIRDS AS ART Middle of Florida Photographic Site Guide is now a reality. Thanks to Joe’s wife Dottie for her review of our writing. We all learned once again that writing is a process, a back-and-forth process. All thanks to the white pelicans of Lakeland. Below are the locations that are detailed in this e-Guide. Please note that last season, Gatorland did not offer a Photographer’s Pass.

  • Indian Lake Estates: Sandhills Cranes with chicks and colts, lots of vultures, and Ospreys up the kazoo!
  • Gatorland, Kissimmee: Learn to make great images of wading birds in a cluttered rookery.
  • The Brandon Rookery: Great for nesting Wood Storks, Great Egrets, and more.
  • Circle Bar B Reserve, Lakeland: Here you will find a great variety of avian subjects in a great variety of habitats.
  • Lake Morton, Lakeland: There are lots of silly tame birds here including and especially American White Pelican during the colder months.
  • Lake Mirror, Lakeland: Tame Anhingas, Limpkins, and a zillion White Ibises at times.
  • West Lake Parker, Lakeland: Here, if you are lucky, you will have a chance for two difficult birds: Snail Kite, and Purple Gallinule.
  • Joe Overstreet Road, Kenansville: Crested Caracara, meadowlarks, Loggerhead Shrike, and much more on the fenceposts and barbed wire.

Each location includes a map, a detailed description of the best spots, best season, light and time of day instructions, the expected species, and an educational and inspirational gallery that is designed to open your eyes as to the possibilities.

You can purchase a copy here in the BAA Online Store.

Typos

With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.

March 28th, 2024

Two Pretty Good Spoonbill Images. And New Used Gear

Screech Owls

If you know the location of an active, photographable, natural (not in a nest box) screech owl nest in Central or South Florida, I’d love to hear from you via e-mail.

What’s Up?

Photography at Stick Marsh and Circle B Bar Reserve continues to be excellent. I created 4781 (mostly) spoonbill images on Wednesday morning and kept a whole 70 raw files, 44 with the a9 iii/300mm f/2.8 rig, and 26 at 840mm (600mm f/4 +1.4X TÇ) with the a-1. Keeper rate: 1.46%. I am getting a handle on why I am shooting greater numbers of flight photographs and keeping far fewer than ever. Here’s why: the a9 iii is so amazing for flight photography that in good situations, you always come up with one or two perfect wing positions. With the bar raised so high, the nearly perfect frames become insta-deletes.

Today is Thursday 28 March 2024. It is supposed to rain for most of the day here in Central Florida, but I hope to sneak down to the lake for a bit between the raindrops. Wherever you are, have fun too!

If you plan on purchasing a Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera (or anything else for that matter), please remember to use or write for either my Bedfords discount code or my B&H affiliate link. Folks who use one of my two affiliate links to purchase the a9 III will receive my .DAT settings (the complete camera set-up) along with a Buttons and Dials Guide.

If you would like to enjoy some incredible world class photography and photographic instruction, do yourself a favor and grab one of the few remaining spots on the t2025 Homer Bald Eagle IPTs. Better yet, save $1000.00 by signing up for both! It will almost surely be my last ever Homer trip … Both trips will surely fill soon. See the details along with all IPT info on the recently updated page here.

Please remember to use the B&H links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!

If an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.

ddc 728w

Save 15%!

If you’d like to try out a new lens or if you need a lens for a specific trip or project (or for an IPT), LensRentals.com is the only way to go. To save 15%, simply click on the logo link above, arrange for your rental, and type in BIRDSASART15. If you type the gear you are looking for in the search box, it will pop right up. LensRentals.com offers affordable insurance. You can decline it, opt for LensCap: Damage Only, or select LensCap: Damage & Theft. Then hit PROCEED TO CHECKOUT. After you enter all of your info but before completing your order, be sure to scroll down to Promo Code box and enter the BIRDSASART15 code to save 15%.

I checked on renting a Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens for a week. The cost is only $122.00. LensCap: Damage Only coverage can be added for a very low $18.00. Going with LensCap: Damage & Theft would be $27.00. The shipping charge varies. They offer an interesting program called Lensrentals HD. By signing up for this shipping discount program ($99.00/year), you’ll get free Standard Shipping on all the orders you place.

Renting a Sony 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens for a week will cost you $536.00. The two coverage options come in at $76.00 or $114.00. Less your 15% discount when you enter the BIRDSASART15 code into the Promo Code box at checkout and enter the BIRDSASART15 code in the Promo Code box at checkout to save 15%.

Remember, to save the 15% on your rental you must start your search by clicking on the logo above, or on this link: LensRentals.com



B&H

To ensure that I get credit for your B&H purchases, you can always click here. The tracking is invisible but greatly appreciated. And, you can use your PayBoo card. You must use the website to order. B&H will reopen on Fri April 14. Thanking me for the past 4000 educational blog posts could not be any easier and will not cost you one penny. Please shoot me your B&H receipt for major purchases.

Many folks have written recently stating that they purchased a Sony a1 from B&H and would like their free membership in the Sony 1 Info and Updates Group, a $150.00 value. When I check my affiliate account, their orders have not been there. When I let them know that they get credit for B&H purchases only if they use one of the many B&H affiliate links on the blog or begin their searches with this link, they are always disappointed. If in doubt, please contact me via e-mail and request a BH link. I am always glad to help and to guide you to the right gear.

Bedfords Simplified

Click here to start your search. Choose standard shipping, and when you get to the payment page, enter BIRDSASART in the discount code box and hit apply. You will be upgraded to free second day air Fed-Ex and receive 3% cash back on your credit card once your stuff ships. Either is greatly appreciated by yours truly.

Bedfords Amazing BAA Discount Policy

Folks who have fallen in love with Bedfords can now use the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout to enjoy a post-purchase, 3% off-statement credit (excluding taxes and shipping charges) on orders paid with a credit card. The 3% credit will be refunded to the card you used for your purchase. Be sure, also, to check the box for free shipping to enjoy free Second Day Air Fed-Ex. This offer does not apply to purchases of Classes, Gift Cards, prior purchases.

Visit the Bedfords website here, shoot Steve Elkins an e-mail, or text him on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592.

Gear Questions and Advice

Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are — out of ignorance — using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often stave you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.

My Call I

Thanks to those who left thoughtful comments on the images in the last blog post. Most agreed that #3 — the crane with the snail and the chick in the flowers and #8 — the yawning Barred Owl chick with its foot raised were the best of the lot. I love then both, but my absolute favorite was the owl chick because of the difficulty involved in getting the shot and the cuteness factor. Several folks trashed #5, the Image #5: Roseate Spoonbill and Tricolored Heron photo. I thought that it was a pretty darned good image. The main point however that it is possible to make at least a decent image in ridiculous situations — a trash-strewn creek abutting a very busy road on a mostly sunny day.

My Call II

I consider one of today’s two featured images to be pretty much perfect. Which one is it? Why?

Join me in Little Rock, Arkansas this May for a great weekend of learning and fun. You can check out any and all of the latest/greatest photo gear. If you know any good nearby spots for bird photography, and/or if you would like a free (5-image) portfolio review, shoot me an e-mail.

Little Rock Photo EXPO
A Bedford Event: Inspire, Learn, Discover
HUGE TWO DAY INTERACTIVE TRADE-SHOW
May 17-18, 2024
State House Convention Center
101 E. Markham St., Little Rock, Arkansas

​Don’t miss the Photo Expo in Little Rock! Regardless of your experience level, join hundreds of photographers, as we take over Little Rock on May 17-18, 2024. The Little Rock Photo Expo offers a remarkable experience packed with presentations, hands-on demonstrations, and a massive trade show featuring all the major photographic companies. Explore the latest gear, trade in your old camera equipment, and gain valuable insights from our experts. Get up close and personal with world-renowned keynote speakers and seize countless unique photo opportunities. Bring your camera and get ready for a weekend of fun, learning, and inspiration to elevate YOUR photography to new heights.

Click here to learn more and follow the links to see the schedule of events and/or register. Use this discount code at checkout to save $20.00: VIPEXPO24.

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV (with Battery Grip)

Mark Harrington is offering a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV (57,314 shutter actuations) in excellent plus condition for $1049.00. The sale includes the front cap, the original product box, the manual and software, the Canon BG-E20 battery grip (a $299.00 value), one battery, the battery charger, the cable, and insured ground shipping via major courier to lower-48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Please contact Mark via e-mail at e-mail or by phone at 1-612-308-5776 MST.

What can I say? The 5D IV was my favorite-ever Canon digital dSLR. I owned and used three of them while my 1DX II and a 1DX III sat on the shelf in my garage. A new 5D Mark IV, with its 30.4MP full-frame CMOS sensor, is still in productions and sells new for $$2,299 at B&H. If you have been dreaming of a 5D IV, grab this one save $1,250.00. artie

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

Mark Harrington is offering a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV (30269 shutter actuations ) in excellent plus condition for $999.00. The sale includes the front cap, the strap, one battery, the battery charger, the cable, the manual, the original box and insured ground shipping via major courier to lower-48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Please contact Mark via e-mail at e-mail or by phone at 1-612-308-5776 MST.

What can I say? The 5D IV was my favorite-ever Canon digital dSLR. I owned and used three of them while my 1DX II and a 1DX III sat on the shelf in my garage. A new 5D Mark IV, with its 30.4MP full-frame CMOS sensor, is still in productions and sells new for $$2,299 at B&H. If you have been dreaming of a 5D IV, grab this one save $1,250.00. artie

Nikon D800

Mark Harrington is offering a Nikon D800 (7043 shutter actuations) camera body in excellent + condition for a BAA record low $449.00. The sale includes the front cap, the manual, &software, one battery, the battery charger, the cable, the original box and insured ground shipping via major courier to lower 48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Please contact Mark via e-mail at e-mail or by phone at 1-612-308-5776 MST.

The D800 is a 36.3MP Full Frame FX-Format entry level dSLR that performs amazingly well with any of the Nikon PF lenses.

Canon EF 400mm f/5.6 LUSM Lens

Mark Harrington is offering a Canon EF 400mm f/5.6 LUSM lens in excellent plus condition for a BAA record low $523.00. The glass is perfect. The sale includes the front and rear caps, the instructions, the soft case (worn and soiled from use), the original box, and insured ground shipping via major courier to lower 48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Please contact Mark via e-mail at e-mail or by phone at 1-612-308-5776 MST.

One of the very first Canon autofocus lenses, I put this lens on the map more than three decades ago. It was and still is a great flight lens and would be ideal when paired with any Canon mirrorless body today by way of an EF/RF adapter. artie

Mark Harrington is offering a Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens in excellent plus condition for a BAA record low $949.00. The glass is perfect. The sale includes the front and rear caps, the soft case (LZ1326), the lens hood (ET-83D), the original box, and insured ground shipping via major courier to lower 48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Please contact Mark via e-mail at e-mail or by phone at 1-612-308-5776 MST.

This incredibly versatile zoom lens — with its amazing .98-meter close focus — was my favorite Canon telephoto zoom lens ever. By far. It is easy to hand hold, great for tight portraits, for birds in flight, for quasi-macro stuff, and lots more. For flight, it is deadly with an EOS R, R3, R5, R6, or R7! This lens sells new for $2099.00 so you can save a handsome $1150.00 by grabbing Mark’s lens right now. artie

Canon Extender EF 1.4X III

Mark Harrington is offering a Canon Extender EF 1.4X III in excellent plus condition for a BAA record low $228.00. The glass is perfect. The sale includes the extender, front and rear caps, Lens Case LP811 and original box, warranty card, insured ground shipping via major courier to lower 48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Please contact Mark Harrington via e-mail at mroadster59@gmail.com or by phone at 1-612-308-5776 MST.

Whatever system I am using, a 1.4X TC is so important to me that I always travel with three of them. Stuff happens. artie

This image was created on 25 March 2024 at Stick Marsh, Fellsmere, FL. Seated on two pillows, I used the handheld Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 800: 1/3200 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead solid perfect. AWB at 8:32:48am on a cloudy morning.

Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.

Image #1: Roseate Spoonbill braking to land

Soft Light for Flight

I absolutely love soft light for flight photography. You do not have to worry about the harsh shadows that come hand in hand with sunny days. As noted previously, the Sony 300 f/2.8 was made for Stick Marsh. The f/2.8 aperture allowed me to work at a relatively low 800 ISO. And notice that because of the distance to the subject, there was more than enough depth of field to cover the entire subject. I will almost surely be being a second a-9 iii in the very near future. If you are interested in purchasing the newest of my three Sony a-1 bodies, please LMK via e-mail. I just got the body back from Sony Repairs LA after it was cleaned and checked.

Does anything about Image #1 bug you?

The First Ever BIRDS AS ART Lens Guide

Impressed by my Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) images from the last three posts? Use either my Bedfords or B&H affiliate link to purchase your Sony 300mm f/2.8 GM lens and shoot me your receipt via e-mail and request a copy of the first-ever BAA Lens Guide. This short guide will be published sometime in late March as I have a lot more to learn about this amazing new lens. I thought that it would take only minutes to create, but I was dead wrong. In the process of creating the guide, I learned a ton about the lens. And even better, I discovered a simple yet potentially fatal flaw that was resulting in sporadically unsharp flight images. The set-up fix is simple. Just be sure to use one of my affiliate links.

This image was also created on 25 March 2024 at Stick Marsh, Fellsmere, FL. Seated on the grass on two pillows, I used the Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. ISO 2500. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/1600 second at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was perfect. AWB at 8:55:44am on a cloudy morning.

Tracking: Expand Spot S/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.

Image #2: Roseate Spoonbill head and shoulders breeding portrait

Soft Light for Rich Colors

Properly exposed to the right raw files can be brought to life with the techniques you will learn in the Digital Basics III Video Series. Most especially you will learn to use the Luminance Targeted Adjustment Tool. In retrospect here, I should have worked on the water and made it a bit bluer … I love the pink patch on the breast.

Does anything about Image #2 bug you?


covera

birds as art: The Avian Photography of Arthur Morris/The Top 100
The companion e-book to the solo exhibit at TheNat, San Diego, California

This e-book on CD is available here.

here. It is new e-book via is also available via convenient download for $20 by clicking here.

What They Are Saying

The new e-book has received only rave reviews. By phone, BAA-friend Bill Goodhew advised that I should raise the price to a more realistic $50. We have heard from a few folks as below and would love to hear from more of you.

Jim Amato via comment at yesterday’s blog post

Arthur’s CD, The Avian Photography of Arthur Morris, arrived today. It is a magnificent album of beautiful birds captured in their wonderful habitats. You gotta have this compilation of astounding work. Arthur has presented many, maybe all, of these images on this blog and as striking as they are on the blog, they blast off the screen on my 27 inch iMac. They will create neighborhood hysteria if shown on the new OLED 70 inch televisions. Click on the link and order a copy now! I am not related to, do not work for or volunteer with Arthur or BAA. This is one excellent CD of our feathered friends.

From Multiple IPT Veteran Doug West

I just received The Top 100 CD! I felt like a kid checking the mailbox to see if it had come! Here’s my review:

The first thing I fell in love with was the packaging. At first I didn’t think that the CD was in there due to the photo on the CD blending in with the background photo; I think my heart stopped for a second. The images of course are gorgeous. Art could’ve picked his bottom 100 images and those would still be my top 100. How in the world this man picked 100 images from roughly 32 years of doing this is amazing.

If I had to pick my favorite image, it would be on the displaying frigatebird on Page 14 – Showing Off. This one really threw my head back. I think it was due to the fact it almost looks like three different birds: the bird displaying and the two different ways the layers of feathers are laid out. The background making it pop out is the kicker.

Reading the notes and details is always fun, but I also like to read between the lines. There might be a few people who will bring up that there isn’t a year listed for each image. An estimate can be figured out if you pay attention to the camera body that was used. I counted at ‘least’ 12 different bodies by the way.

This CD is a fantastic teaching tool for those who study the images. Remember to look carefully at the head angles and the composition, the behavior, or the action. Then try to apply it yourself the next time you go out. Doug

From Multiple IPT Veteran Stephen Leimberg

Art, this is the most beautiful book on bird photography I’ve ever seen! What an inspiration! A visual feast! Bravo! Warmest, Steve

From Mike Moore via e-mail

The top 100 collection is almost too overwhelming to absorb at once. I will be looking at it many, many times to be able to drink it all in. I will say I never really appreciated blurs, but Cottonwood Morning Wave is one of my favorite images. The colors and the composition are superb. There is a real feeling of being present at a live event that a sharp photo would not have conveyed, so maybe you won me over. You give a 100 great examples of something for us to strive for. I especially appreciated that you annotated every image to get a sense of what it took to capture it. Brilliant. Congratulations and thanks for sharing and making it so affordable to own this collection of some of the world’s greatest bird images.

From IPT Veteran Larry Master via e-mail

I just downloaded your new collection of 100 images! Wow! I’ve seen many before in your posts but to view as one collection it is amazing. Larry

Additional Feedback Requested

If you ordered via download or have already received your CD, I would love to hear what you think. Please do leave a comment or shoot me an e-mail.

Typos

Feel free to e-mail or leave a comment regarding any typos or errors in today’s blog post.

March 25th, 2024

Not a Bad Day in the Middle of Florida

Your Call?

Which of today’s eight featured images do you like best? Why?

What’s Up?

As you will see below, Friday past was not a bad day in the middle of Florida. On Saturday at Circle B Bar the Barred Owl nest was pretty good in the morning. Story below. And I just missed on a cooperative male Painted Bunting. A small limb covered with Spanish Moss broke off a tree in the high wind and came crashing down, just missing the bunting by inches. The bird flew off and was never seen again. Sunday morning, on the other hand, was terrible. One of the baby owls came out of the nest hole briefly and then disappeared for the rest of the morning. Sunday afternoon, however, was fantastic as the two baby owls posed next to each other in the nest hole. Most of the photographers had left much too early.

If you own a copy of The Middle of Florida Photographic Site Guide — info below, or purchase one today, shoot me an e-mail with proof off purchase and type Circle B Bar Barred Owl Nest Details Please into the subject line.

Today is Monday 25 March. This blog post took well more than five hours to create. I am heading early to Stick Marsh. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a wonderfully happy day. Downloading and pick my keepers took less than a minute.

If you plan on purchasing a Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera (or anything else for that matter), please remember to use or write for either my Bedfords discount code or my B&H affiliate link. Folks who use one of my two affiliate links to purchase the a9 III will receive my .DAT settings (the complete camera set-up) along with a Buttons and Dials Guide.

If you would like to enjoy some incredible world class photography and photographic instruction, do yourself a favor and grab one of the few remaining spots on the t2025 Homer Bald Eagle IPTs. Better yet, save $1000.00 by signing up for both! It will almost surely be my last ever Homer trip … Both trips will surely fill soon. See the details along with all IPT info on the recently updated page here.

Please remember to use the B&H links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!

If an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.

ddc 728w

Save 15%!

If you’d like to try out a new lens or if you need a lens for a specific trip or project (or for an IPT), LensRentals.com is the only way to go. To save 15%, simply click on the logo link above, arrange for your rental, and type in BIRDSASART15. If you type the gear you are looking for in the search box, it will pop right up. LensRentals.com offers affordable insurance. You can decline it, opt for LensCap: Damage Only, or select LensCap: Damage & Theft. Then hit PROCEED TO CHECKOUT. After you enter all of your info but before completing your order, be sure to scroll down to Promo Code box and enter the BIRDSASART15 code to save 15%.

I checked on renting a Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens for a week. The cost is only $122.00. LensCap: Damage Only coverage can be added for a very low $18.00. Going with LensCap: Damage & Theft would be $27.00. The shipping charge varies. They offer an interesting program called Lensrentals HD. By signing up for this shipping discount program ($99.00/year), you’ll get free Standard Shipping on all the orders you place.

Renting a Sony 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens for a week will cost you $536.00. The two coverage options come in at $76.00 or $114.00. Less your 15% discount when you enter the BIRDSASART15 code into the Promo Code box at checkout and enter the BIRDSASART15 code in the Promo Code box at checkout to save 15%.

Remember, to save the 15% on your rental you must start your search by clicking on the logo above, or on this link: LensRentals.com



B&H

To ensure that I get credit for your B&H purchases, you can always click here. The tracking is invisible but greatly appreciated. And, you can use your PayBoo card. You must use the website to order. B&H will reopen on Fri April 14. Thanking me for the past 4000 educational blog posts could not be any easier and will not cost you one penny. Please shoot me your B&H receipt for major purchases.

Many folks have written recently stating that they purchased a Sony a1 from B&H and would like their free membership in the Sony 1 Info and Updates Group, a $150.00 value. When I check my affiliate account, their orders have not been there. When I let them know that they get credit for B&H purchases only if they use one of the many B&H affiliate links on the blog or begin their searches with this link, they are always disappointed. If in doubt, please contact me via e-mail and request a BH link. I am always glad to help and to guide you to the right gear.

Bedfords Simplified

Click here to start your search. Choose standard shipping, and when you get to the payment page, enter BIRDSASART in the discount code box and hit apply. You will be upgraded to free second day air Fed-Ex and receive 3% cash back on your credit card once your stuff ships. Either is greatly appreciated by yours truly.

Bedfords Amazing BAA Discount Policy

Folks who have fallen in love with Bedfords can now use the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout to enjoy a post-purchase, 3% off-statement credit (excluding taxes and shipping charges) on orders paid with a credit card. The 3% credit will be refunded to the card you used for your purchase. Be sure, also, to check the box for free shipping to enjoy free Second Day Air Fed-Ex. This offer does not apply to purchases of Classes, Gift Cards, prior purchases.

Visit the Bedfords website here, shoot Steve Elkins an e-mail, or text him on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592.

Gear Questions and Advice

Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are — out of ignorance — using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often stave you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.

This image was created on 22 March 2024 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Standing at full height on the South Peninsula I used the handheld Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1250: 1/1250 sec. at f/4 (stopped down one stop) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be perfect. AWB at 9:00:06am on a cloudy morning.

Tracking: Expand Spot/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.

Image #1: Sandhill Crane adult flapping in place

The Forecast

The March 22nd forecast for Indian Lake Estates, for Fellsmere, for St. Petersburg, for Lakeland, and for Fort Lauderdale, was for rain all day. It was pouring at ILE at 4:45am so I went back to bed. A bit after eight, the rain quit so I headed down to the lake near my home and did not find much but the single crane above. When it flapped in place, I followed my own advice and pushed the shutter button.

I spoke to Claudia and David, a neighborhood couple who live at the north end of Palmetto Drive. We were discussing the dearth of baby cranes at ILE this year. Claudia mentioned that she had a friend across the lake who had a pair with two small chicks. I texted Cindy and Kevin Stenzel who kindly directed me to the crane family below. And showed me some photos of a baby Barred Owl and kindly directed me to the location of the nest tree in Circle B Bar (below). Huge thanks to the Stenzel’s for setting up what turned out to be a great day!

This image was created on 22 March 2024 at Walden Shores, Lake Wales. Seated on a grassy field, I used the lowered Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. ISO 1600. Exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/1000 sec. at f/4 (wide open). AWB at 1:04:54pm on cloudy afternoon.

Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird Face-Eye detection enabled was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the larger version.

Image #2: Sandhill Crane chick reaching up to parent or tidbit.

a9 iii Tracking Zone AF-C with Bird Face-Eye Detection Enabled

My gut feeling is that a9 iii Tracking Zone AF-C with Bird Face-Eye detection enabled performs even better than it does with the Sony a1. With the baby cranes running around between the parent’s legs and begging to get fed, the tiny box grabbed the chick’s eye and stuck to it like glue. Getting a pleasing image design is, however, up to the photographer.

This image was also created on 22 March 2024 at Walden Shores, Lake Wales. While standing at full height, Seated on a grassy field, I used the lowered Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. ISO 2000. Exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/1250 sec. at f/4 (wide open). AWB at 1:17:57pm on cloudy afternoon.

Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird Face-Eye detection enabled was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the larger version.

Image #3: Sandhill Crane adult with tiny snail for chick partially hidden in flowers

Add Flowers Whenever Possible

As the cranes made their way up the shoreline to my left, I moved along with them while keeping the wind behind me. The clouds were a blessing as there were no light angle concerns. When I saw the small stand of flowers along the edge of the pond, I moved again and hoped that the chick behind the flowers would raise its head so that it was no longer obscured. Almost.

This image was also created on 22 March 2024 at Walden Shores, Lake Wales. Seated on a grassy field, I used the flattened Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. ISO 2000. Exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/1000 sec. at f/4 (wide open). AWB at 1:21:14pm on cloudy afternoon.

Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird Face-Eye detection enabled was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the larger version.

Image #4: Sandhill Crane chick posing

Simple Portrait

Even when creating a simple portrait, with Bird Face-Eye detection enabled nailed the chick’s eye every time. To create this more intimate image, I flattened the tripod and worked off the rear screen of the a9 iii. I still need to put some time in to figure out how to use that screen vertically.

This image was created on 22 March 2024 in Eloise, FL. Standing at full height, I used the handheld Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1000: 1/3200 sec. at f/4.5 (stopped down 1/3 stop by accident) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead solid perfect. AWB at 2:55:30am on then party sunny afternoon.

Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed well. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

Image #5: Roseate Spoonbill and Tricolored Heron

Only in Florida

Immediately after driving by a collision shop I passed by a winding creek with too much trash in it. In addition to a variety of soda cans and bottles and empty cigarette packs were a handsome Roseate Spoonbill and a pretty spiffy Tricolored Heron, both in rather nice breeding plumage. I hung a U-turn, pulled off the road, grabbed the 300mm/a9 iii rig, added the 1.4X TC, crossed the busy road carefully, crossed the stream, headed down the bank to get more on the bird’s level, and went to work. I was somewhat shocked to have made even a single decent photo.

This image was also created on 22 March 2024, these next few at Circle B Bar Reserve. Standing at full height I used the ultra tall owl tripod, the Robus RC-5570 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod topped by a Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro with the Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. ISO 2000. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/500 second at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was perfect. AWB at 8:37:29am on sunny morning with just a bit of haze in front of the sun.

Tracking: Spot S/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.

Image #6: Barred Owl adult ruffling

Nesting Owl Basics

#1: Use a very, very tall tripod so that you do not have to stoop down to get the lens pointed high enough to get your lens on the bird. A very tall tripod will prevent a good deal of neck strain.

#2: Using a Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro allows you to point the lens up by putting the stem of the ballhead in the notch. Tip: move the plate as far forward as possible for better balance.

#3: As the best nesting owl images are usually made in very low light, slow shutter speeds and high ISOs are the rule. Use a cable release for best results. With Sony, I love and use the inexpensive Vello RS-S2II Wired Remote Switch for Select Cameras with Sony Multi-Terminal Connector.

This image was also created on 22 March 2024 at Circle B Bar Reserve. Standing at full height I used the ultra tall owl tripod, the Robus RC-5570 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod topped by a Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro with the Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. ISO 5000. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/500 second at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was perfect. AWB at 5:18:02pm on a cloudy afternoon.

Tracking: Expand Spot S/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.

Image #7: Barred Owl stretching one wing

The Obvious Camera Body Choice for Nesting Owl Photography

For me, the a-1 with its 51 million pixels is the obvious choice over the a9 iii when attempting to photograph nesting owls in very low light. Shooting wide without a TC and then cropping will always save you one stop of ISO.

This image was also created on 22 March 2024 at Circle B Bar Reserve. Standing at full height I used the ultra tall owl tripod, the Robus RC-5570 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod topped by a Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro with the Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. ISO 6400. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/500 second at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was perfect. AWB at 5:25:51pm on a cloudy afternoon.

Tracking: Expand Spot S/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.

Image #8: Barred Owl chick yawning

Clearly Best

Even with its relatively slow frame rate of 15 fps, I created hundreds of images of my first-ever owlet with the a-1. With the bird yawning and raising one foot at the same time, this one was my clear favorite.

The BAA Middle of Florida Photographic Site Guide

You can purchase your copy here in the BAA Online Store.

The BAA Middle of Florida Photographic Site Guide

126 pages, 87 photographs by (the late) Joe Przybyla and Arthur Morris.
The PDF for this e-Guide is an electronic download sent via e-mail.

Purchase your copy here in the BAA Online Store.

I had thought about doing a guide to some of the great but little-known photo hotspots around central Florida for about a decade, but those plans never came to fruition. I met Joe online in the Avian Forum at BirdPhotographer’s.Net about two years ago. Joe’s photography has improved tremendously over the past few years; he credits the BAA blog, my books and PDFs, and his participation on BPN. The one thing that I learned right from the get-go about Joe is that he is a hard and tenacious worker, always striving to improve his skills and to grow his knowledge base. As he knew of more than a few good spots in central Florida, I broached the idea of us doing a photographic site guide that covered many of the little-known photographic hotspots from Brandon to Lakeland to Joe Overstreet Road to Indian Lake Estates (my Florida home for the past 20 years or so). After more than many, many dozens of hours of effort, The BIRDS AS ART Middle of Florida Photographic Site Guide is now a reality. Thanks to Joe’s wife Dottie for her review of our writing. We all learned once again that writing is a process, a back-and-forth process. All thanks to the white pelicans of Lakeland. Below are the locations that are detailed in this e-Guide. Please note that last season, Gatorland did not offer a Photographer’s Pass.

  • Indian Lake Estates: Sandhills Cranes with chicks and colts, lots of vultures, and Ospreys up the kazoo!
  • Gatorland, Kissimmee: Learn to make great images of wading birds in a cluttered rookery.
  • The Brandon Rookery: Great for nesting Wood Storks, Great Egrets, and more.
  • Circle Bar B Reserve, Lakeland: Here you will find a great variety of avian subjects in a great variety of habitats.
  • Lake Morton, Lakeland: There are lots of silly tame birds here including and especially American White Pelican during the colder months.
  • Lake Mirror, Lakeland: Tame Anhingas, Limpkins, and a zillion White Ibises at times.
  • West Lake Parker, Lakeland: Here, if you are lucky, you will have a chance for two difficult birds: Snail Kite, and Purple Gallinule.
  • Joe Overstreet Road, Kenansville: Crested Caracara, meadowlarks, Loggerhead Shrike, and much more on the fenceposts and barbed wire.

Each location includes a map, a detailed description of the best spots, best season, light and time of day instructions, the expected species, and an educational and inspirational gallery that is designed to open your eyes as to the possibilities.

You can purchase a copy here in the BAA Online Store.

Typos

With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.

March 22nd, 2024

May in Little Rock or Summer on Long Island at the Beach!

Join me in Little Rock, Arkansas this May for a great weekend of learning and fun. You can check out any and all of the latest/greatest photo gear. If you know any good nearby spots for bird photography, and/or if you would like a free (5-image) portfolio review, shoot me an e-mail.

Little Rock Photo EXPO
A Bedford Event: Inspire, Learn, Discover
HUGE TWO DAY INTERACTIVE TRADE-SHOW
May 17-18, 2024
State House Convention Center
101 E. Markham St., Little Rock, Arkansas

​Don’t miss the Photo Expo in Little Rock! Regardless of your experience level, join hundreds of photographers, as we take over Little Rock on May 17-18, 2024. The Little Rock Photo Expo offers a remarkable experience packed with presentations, hands-on demonstrations, and a massive trade show featuring all the major photographic companies. Explore the latest gear, trade in your old camera equipment, and gain valuable insights from our experts. Get up close and personal with world-renowned keynote speakers and seize countless unique photo opportunities. Bring your camera and get ready for a weekend of fun, learning, and inspiration to elevate YOUR photography to new heights.

Click here to learn more and follow the links to see the schedule of events and/or register. Use this discount code at checkout to save $20.00: VIPEXPO24.

AirBnB IPT Sharing

I have room for one photographer (or a couple) in my Lido Beach AirBnB this summer for both the second 2024 Nickerson Beach 3 1/2 day Terns, Skimmers, Oystercatchers, and more IPT and/or for the Combo IPT. Better yet, you can extend your IPT by arriving early or staying late either with me in my AirBnb or in your own place. Those who opt to share the AirBnB with me will earn a per/night IPT discount. Please shoot me an e-mail for details or with questions.

What’s Up?

Two days of rain. Today is Friday 22 March 2024. Though it is raining, I will head down to the lake for a bit once this post is published. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too choose to have a great day.

I got lots of work done on the Sony 300mm Lens Guide. I thought that it would take only minutes to create but I was dead wrong. In the process of creating the guide, I’ve learned a ton about the lens. And even better, I discovered a simple yet potentially fatal flaw that was resulting in sporadically unsharp flight images. The set-up fix is simple. Use or write for either my Bedfords discount code or my B&H affiliate link to purchase your Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) and receive the guide for free. Once the guide is finished, it will be available for purchase in the BAA Online store for $209.93. Better to get your copy of the guide for free by using one of my affiliate links.

In the same vein, if you plan on purchasing a Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera (or anything else for that matter), please remember to use or write for either my Bedfords discount code or my B&H affiliate link. As above, folks who use one of my two affiliate links to purchase the a9 III will receive my .DAT settings (the complete camera set-up) along with a Buttons and Dials Guide and additional info.

If you would like to enjoy some incredible world class photography and photographic instruction, do yourself a favor and grab one of the three remaining spots on the two 2025 Homer Bald Eagle IPTs. Better yet, save $1000.00 by signing up for both! It will almost surely be my last ever Homer trip … Both trips will surely fill soon. See the details along with all IPT info on the recently updated page here.

Please remember to use the B&H links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!

If an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.

This image was created on 23 August 2022 at Nickerson Beach, Long Island, NY. Standing at full height, I used the handheld Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 600mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ) The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 800. 1/4000 second at f/6.3 (wide-open) in Manual Mode. AWB at 6:15:53pm on a sunny afternoon. RawDigger showed the exposure to be perfect.

Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

Image #1: Black Skimmer midair squabble

Midair Skimmer Squabbles

Though these midair altercations can take place at any time in any weather during the summer, on hot sunny days with any wind with a western component, there is usually lots of action– west or NW is perfect. The Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens has been my primary weapon at such times as it allows you to zoom out as needed. The question is, “What will I be using this summer now that I own the faster, lighter, but less versatile Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) (with either TC)?

This image was created on 10 June at Nickerson Beach, Long Island, NY. Seated on dry sand using the knee-pod technique and working through the viewfinder, I used the hand held Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 422mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ) The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1250. 1/3200 second at f/6.3 (wide-open) in Manual Mode. AWB at 6:47:07pm on a then sunny afternoon. RawDigger showed the exposure to be perfect.

Tracking: Expand Spot/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye Detection grabbed the male’s raised wing yet the image was super-sharp on the visible eyes of bother birds. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

Image #2: Black Skimmers copulating

200-600 Versatility

Had I been working with the 600mm f/4 alone, I would have been toast — I would have clipped at some wings. By zooming out to 422 mm, I was easily able to fit all of the action into the frame. There were dozens of pairs of skimmers setting up to nest. The key to the success of this image was to move well to my left and get on sun angle on a pair that was well away from the main group and hope for the best. More is not always best. And sometimes dreams come true.

This image was created on 28 August 2022 at Nickerson Beach, Long Island, NY. Seated on damp sand I used the handheld Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 600mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ) The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with Exposure Compensation (EC) on the Thumb Dial. Multi-metering + 2.3 stops. AUTO ISO set ISO 8000: 1/500 second at f/6.3 (wide-open) in Shutter Priority (S) Mode. AWB at 7:18:28am on a cloudy morning. RawDigger showed the raw file brightness to be perfect.

Tracking: Expand Spot/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye Detection worked just fine. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

Image #3: Juvenile Great Black-backed Gull picking at juvenile Black Skimmer carcass (surrounded by foraging Sanderlings)

Predation

Predation is a fact of life at beach nesting bird colonies. Great Black-backed Gulls are the primary predators though they are often joined by Herring and Ring-billed Gulls and an occasional Peregrine Falcon. Not to mention terns and skimmers same species killing chicks. Rather than shy away from the brutality, I run to it. Predators gotta eat too.

This image was created on 12 August 2023 at Nickerson Beach, Long Island, NY. Seated on dry sand I used the (lowered) Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 1600. 1/1000 sec. at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be one full stop under. AWB at 9:25:21am on a cloudy morning.

Tracking: Spot S/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

Image #4: Black Skimmer large chick wandering

Asynchronous Hatching

All of the nesting species at Nickerson hatch asynchronously, that is over a period of several weeks and even up to two months apart in some years. That is great for photography as it means that you might have nests with eggs, newborn chicks, small chicks, mid-sized chicks, large chicks, fledged young, and flying young (in fresh juvenal plumage) on a single summer day’s visit. The end of July into early August is prime time for skimmer chicks and the action continues until the beginning of September. Join me there this summer.

Join me to photograph Black Skimmers, Common Terns, American Oystercatchers, and more!

The Summer 2024 Nickerson Beach 3 1/2 day Terns, Skimmers, Oystercatchers, and more IPTs

July 29 – August 1, 2024. 3 1/2 days: Afternoon session on MON 29 July through the afternoon session on THURS 8 August: $2099.00. Limit: 6. Openings: 5

August 5-8, 2024. 3 1/2 days: Afternoon session on MON 5 August through the afternoon session on THURS 1 August: $2099.00. Limit: 6.

Join me at Nickerson Beach Park this summer to photograph Black Skimmers, Common Terns, and American Oystercatchers. The trip is timed so that we should get to photograph tiny chicks as well as fledglings. There will be lots of flight photography including adults flying with baitfish and mole crabs. Creating great images of the chicks being fed is a challenge but I will do my best to help you toward that end. We will get to photograph a variety of breeding behaviors including courtship, sitting on (incubating) eggs, chick feeding, and more. We may get to photograph pre-dawn and early evening blastoffs. There is generally great afternoon skimmer flight photography that includes frequent midair battles sunny days. And with luck, we might even see a few tiny chicks in addition to fledged and flying young. We will also get to photograph the life cycle of American Oystercatcher. This will likely include nests with eggs and small chicks, young being fed, and surely a few fledglings.

Nesting Piping Plover is also possibly. There will be lots of gulls to photograph; most years I am able to find a few lesser black-backeds of varying ages in addition to the Herring, Ring-billed, and Great Black-backed Gulls. You will learn to identify and age the various gull species. There will likely be some Willets feeding along the surf and with luck we might get to photograph a handsome juvenile or two. In addition to the locally breeding shorebirds, we will likely get to see some southbound migrant arctic-and sub-arctic breeding shorebird species such as Sanderling, Semipalmated Plover, and maybe even Red Knot.

Change Your Life!

Afternoon sessions will run from 5:30 till sunset (assuming that entry policies are as they were in 2023. Morning sessions will run from pre-dawn till about 9:00 or 9:30am, roughly 3 1/2 hours.

Many folks head home feeling that while our time in the field was fabulous and productive, that the working brunch sessions were even more valuable. During image review you will learn to select the best images from several thousand made with your 20- and 30 fps (or 120 fps!) camera bodies. And we will process a few images and distribute the screen capture videos for you to learn from after the trip. And all IPTs offer follow-up image critiques.

Change your life: sign up for this IPT today. Please shoot me an e-mail if you would like to explore the possibility of renting some Sony gear (including an a1) from me.

Clockwise from upper left around and back to center: Adult American Oystercatcher foraging at sunrise; Adult American Oystercatcher posing on clean sand; predawn skimmer flock blur; Black Skimmer large chick; Black Skimmer landing at nest on cloudy day; Black Skimmer large chick; Black Skimmer sunrise group blur; Black Skimmer adult with Atlantic Silversides; juvenile Semipalmated Plover, and photographer with oystercatcher family.

Some of What You Will Learn on a Nickerson Beach IPT

  • 1- The basics and fine points of digital exposure; how to get the right exposure every time after making a single test exposure (or before if you are using SONY gear).
  • 2- How and why to work in Manual mode (even if you’re scared of it).
  • 3- How to approach free and wild birds without disturbing them.
  • 4- Lots about bird behavior and how to use that knowledge to help you create better images.
  • 6- To spot the good and great situations and to choose the best perspective.
  • 7- To see, evaluate, and understand the light.
  • 8- To design pleasing images by mastering your camera’s AF system.
  • 9- And perhaps most importantly, to evaluate wind and sky conditions and understand how they affect bird photography. You will learn where and when to be (and why).
  • 10- More than you could ever imagine.

Clockwise from upper left around and back to center: Black Skimmer pair with chick; Common Tern landing at nest with small baitfish; large Common Tern chick on pristine beach; American Oystercatchers courtship flight; Common Tern with pipefish; Common Tern fledgling; American Oystercatcher on eggs in high wind; American Oystercatcher nest with three eggs; and Black Skimmer midair battle.

The Details

We will be on the beach very early to enjoy sunrise. The morning sessions will run about 3 1/2 hours. Afternoon sessions will begin at 5:30 and run till sunset. There is never a set schedule on an IPT — we adapt to the conditions. On cloudy mornings with the right wind, we may opt to photograph till 11:30am or so and skip the afternoon session. That especially when the afternoon weather is looking iffy.

There will be a Photoshop/Image Review session before and after brunch (included) each full day. That will be followed by Instructor Nap Time. Each of these IPTs will run with only a single registrant as I do not like disappointing anyone. The best airports are JFK or Islip (if you have lots of Southwest points). Once you register, you will receive an e-mail with lodging information. Do know that it is always best if IPT folks stay in the same general area (rather than at home or at a friend’s place a good distance away).

Folks attending this IPT will be out in the field ridiculously early and stay out late to take advantage of sunrise and sunset colors; this is pretty much a staple on almost all BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Tours. Doing so will often present unique photographic opportunities, opportunities that will be missed by those who need their beauty rest and those who need to get home for a proper dinner. I really love it when I am leaving the beach at 9:00am on a sunny morning after a great session just as a carful or two of well-rested photographers are arriving … We may be getting our feet wet on occasion, especially in the mornings, but those who wish to keep their feet 100% dry can do so.

Your $699 deposit is due now. Credit cards are OK for that. You can register by calling Jim or Jennifer during weekday business hours at 863-692-0906 with a credit card in hand. Once you leave a deposit, you will receive an e-mail with your balance statement and instructions for sending your balance check. Those who wish to pay for the trip in one fell swoop via check may do so by making the check out to BIRDS AS ART and then mailing it to BIRDS AS ART, PO BOX 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855. You will receive a confirmation e-mail with detailed instructions, and clothing and gear advice right after you register. Please shoot me an e-mail if you plan to register or if you have any questions.

IPT veterans and couples or friends signing up together may e-mail for discount information.

Join me on the COMBO IPT this coming August to photograph adult and juvenile shorebirds at the East Pond at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Queens, NY.

Clockwise starting from the upper left back to center: juvenile Lesser Yellowlegs; adult Semipalmated Plover; fresh juvenile Semipalmated Sandpiper; fresh juvenile Least Sandpiper; fresh juvenile Stilt Sandpiper; fresh juvenile Short-billed Dowitcher; worn, molting adult Semipalmated Sandpiper; worn, molting adult White-rumped Sandpiper; and juvenile (left) and worn, molting adult Greater Yellowlegs.

The August 2024 JBWR-East Pond/Nickerson Beach 3 1/2 day Shorebirds, Skimmers, and more COMBO IPT

July 29 – SAT August 17 through the morning session on TUES 20 August 2024. 3 1/2 days: $2199.00. Limit: 6.

Join me for four mornings at the famed East Pond, Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Queens, NY (conditions permitting) to photograph southbound migrant shorebirds and for three afternoons to photograph beach nesting birds. The window for photographing juvenile shorebirds in fresh plumage is very narrow and this trip will of course get you to the right spot at the exact right time. You will learn to identify and age the shorebirds and to photograph them (at ground level). I will gladly share everything that I have learned during the 46 years I have been visiting the pond. Heck, I started late. After too many years of mismanagement, the gate valve at the north end of the East Pond has finally been repaired properly; water levels should be perfect this summer. If it is not, we will spend our mornings at Nickerson.

Afternoons (and mornings as well) at Nickerson Beach Park are superb in mid-August for photographing Black Skimmers, Common Terns, and American Oystercatchers with young of all ages. There will be lots of fledged chicks by mid-August, lots of flight including adults flying with baitfish and mole crabs, and excellent chances to photograph both chick feeding and predation by gulls. The Great Black-backed Gulls see the young skimmers as potato chips. We should get to photograph the evening skimmer blastoffs. On hot sunny days, there is still great afternoon skimmer flight photography that includes frequent midair battles.

There will be lots of terns (mostly commons) and gulls to photograph; most years I am able to find a few Lesser Black-backed Gulls of varying ages in addition to the Herring, Ring-billed, and Great Black-backed Gulls. You will learn to identify and age the various gull species. There will likely be some Willets feeding along the surf and with luck we might get to photograph a handsome juvenile or two. In addition to the locally breeding shorebirds, we will likely get to see some southbound migrant arctic-and sub-arctic breeding shorebird species such as Sanderling, Semipalmated Plover, Semipalmated Sandpiper, and maybe even Red Knot. And we might encounter large, swirling flocks of Sanderling in flight over the ocean.

Join me this August to photograph at the East Pond at JBWR in the mornings (conditions permitting) and at Nickerson Beach in the afternoons.

Clockwise starting from the upper left back to center: Marbled Godwit (likely in juvenal plumage); Wilson’s Phalarope in first winter plumage; Black Skimmer adult in flight over the Atlantic; juvenile American Oystercatcher foraging surf; adult Lesser Black-backed Gull; Black Skimmer attacking tiny chick; Killdeer in fresh juvenal plumage; Least Sandpiper in fresh juvenal plumage ruffling; and juvenile Lesser Yellowlegs and mixed shorebird flock.

Morning sessions at the East Pond will run from just before dawn till about 9:00 or 9:30am. If the afternoon weather forecast is looking ominous, we may decide to photograph until after 11:00am and cancel the afternoon session. Afternoon sessions at Nick will run from 5:30 till sunset (assuming that entry policies are as they were in 2023).

Many folks head home feeling that while our time in the field was fabulous and productive, that the working brunch sessions were even more valuable. During image review you will learn to select the best images from several thousand made with your 20- and 30 fps (or 120 fps!) camera bodies. In addition, we will process some participant images and distribute the screen-capture videos for you to learn from after the trip. All IPTs offer follow-up image critiques.

Change your life: sign up for this IPT today. Please shoot me an e-mail if you would like to explore the possibility of renting some Sony gear (including an a1) from me.

Some of What You Will Learn on the COMBO IPT

  • 1- The basics and fine points of digital exposure; how to get the right exposure every time after making a single test exposure (or before you make even a single image if you are using SONY gear).
  • 2-How to get low and super low
  • 3- How and why to work in Manual mode (even if you’re scared of it).
  • 4- How to approach free and wild birds without disturbing them.
  • 5- Lots about bird behavior and how to use that knowledge to help you create better images.
  • 6- To spot the good and great situations and to choose the best perspective.
  • 7- To see, evaluate, and understand the light.
  • 8- To design pleasing images by mastering your camera’s AF system.
  • 9- And perhaps most importantly, to evaluate wind and sky conditions and understand how they affect bird photography. You will learn where and when to be (and why).
  • 10- To identify and age a variety of shorebird, tern, and gull species.
  • 11- More than you could ever imagine.

The Details

There will be a Photoshop/Image Review session during and after brunch (included) each full day. That will be followed by Instructor Nap Time. This IPT will run with only a single registrant as I do not like disappointing anyone. The best airports are JFK or Islip (if you have lots of Southwest points). Once you register, you will receive an e-mail with lodging information. Do know that it is always best if IPT folks stay in the same general area (rather than at home or at a friend’s place a good distance away).

Folks attending this IPT will be out in the field ridiculously early and stay out late to take advantage of sunrise and sunset colors; this is pretty much a staple on almost all BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Tours. Doing so will often present unique photographic opportunities, opportunities that will be missed by those who need their beauty rest and those who need to get home for a proper dinner. I really love it when I am leaving the beach at 9:00am on a sunny morning after a great session just as a carful or two of well-rested photographers are arriving … We may be getting our feet wet on occasion, especially in the mornings, but those who wish to keep their feet 100% dry can do so.

Your $699 deposit is due now. Credit cards are OK for that. You can register by calling Jim or Jennifer during weekday business hours at 863-692-0906 with a credit card in hand. Once you leave a deposit, you will receive an e-mail with your balance statement and instructions for sending your balance check. Those who wish to pay for the trip in one fell swoop via check may do so by making the check out to BIRDS AS ART and then mailing it to BIRDS AS ART, PO BOX 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855. You will receive a confirmation e-mail with detailed instructions, and clothing and gear advice right after you register. Please shoot me an e-mail if you plan to register or if you have any questions.

IPT veterans and couples or friends signing up together may e-mail for discount information.

Typos

With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.

March 20th, 2024

Was This Image the Result of Pure Luck or the Right Gear?

What’s Up?

I got really lucky on Monday morning. Or did I? The wind was wrong and there was not much light, but the 300mm f/2.8 and the a9 iii were the perfect tools for the job. The more I use this amazing gear, the more I am falling in love with it. The super-fast 300mm f/2.8 lens allows for fast shutter speeds even in low light conditions and has me shooting much wider than I usually do (at 840mm). Not to mention the incredibly fast and accurate AF system, or that the a9 iii’s 120 fps were perfect for the situation. What a great time for a bird photographer to be alive!

Today is Wednesday 20 March 2024. I will again be heading down to the lake early to play with my new toys. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too choose to have a great day.

I got lots of work done on the Sony 300mm Lens Guide. I thought that it would take only minutes to create but I was dead wrong. In the process of creating the guide, I’ve learned a ton about the lens. And even better, I discovered a simple yet potentially fatal flaw that was resulting in sporadically unsharp flight images. The set-up fix is simple. Use or write for either my Bedfords discount code or my B&H affiliate link to purchase your Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) and receive the guide for free. Once the guide is finished, it will be available for purchase in the BAA Online store for $209.93. Get your copy of the guide for free by using one of my affiliate links.

In the same vein, if you plan on purchasing a Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera (or anything else for that matter), please remember to use or write for either my Bedfords discount code or my B&H affiliate link. As above, folks who use one of my two affiliate links to purchase the a9 III will receive my .DAT settings (the complete camera set-up) along with a Buttons and Dials Guide and additional info.

If you would like to enjoy some incredible world class photography and photographic instruction, do yourself a favor and grab one of the three remaining spots on the two 2025 Homer Bald Eagle IPTs. Better yet, save $1000.00 by signing up for both! It will almost surely be my last ever Homer trip … Both trips will surely fill soon. See the details along with all IPT info on the recently updated page here.

Please remember to use the B&H links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!

If an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.

I loved my 400 f/2.8 in Homer and everywhere else. There is still room on the 2025 Homer IPTs, but not much!

Bald Eagle adult braking to land

Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens

Used Gear Page veteran Robert Hollyer is offering a Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens in Like-New condition for a BAA record Low $9,998.00. The sale includes the front lens cap, the rear lens cap, the lens hood, the lens strap, that hard case & strap, the original product box, and insured ground shipping via major courier to lower-48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Please contact Bob via e-mail or by phone at 1-206-359-0018 PST.

I purchased my Sony 400mm f/2.8 two years ago to complement my 600mm f/4. Robert is selling his because he rarely uses it, opting instead for the 600mm f/4! It is far easier for me to handhold the 4 ounces lighter, much smaller, and better balanced 400 f/2.8 than it is to handhold the 600mm f/4. The 400 kills for flight with or without the 1.4X teleconverter. This lens sells new right now for $11,998.00 at B&H and there are used copies going for $10998.00 as well. Act quickly to save a handsome $2,000.00 by grabbing Robert’s might-as-well-be-new 400mm GM lens. And you can’t beat the f/2.8 Bokeh! artie

All of these 156 images were created in less than three seconds on 18 March 2024 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Standing outside my vehicle near the old eagle nest, I used the handheld Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1250: 1/3200 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was pretty darned good. AWB at 9:00:05 to :07am on a cloudy morning.

Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

Osprey pair in flight near nest

Is the Sony a9 iii Frame Rate Too High?

Many folks state that they do not need 120 fps, that they are “not missing any good poses) and are fine with their (fill-in-the-blank) frame-rate camera. You can choose anywhere from 3 to 30 fps. In addition to not missing any flight or action poses, they feel that having to edit so many images is a great burden.

They are terribly wrong on both counts. From the 156 frame sequence above, one image — _A930218, jumped off the screen as clearly best. I kept only four photos with two birds in the frame. If you’d like to see those four larger, please shoot me an e-mail by clicking here.

As far as picking my keepers — I use and recommend only Photo Mechanic. I find that it takes me less time to edit a larger folder of a9 iii images than a smaller folder of a1 images. Once you have the method down, you simply need to adjust your mindset. If you are new to Photo Mechanic, I can send you a an informal getting started guide for $10.00. It used to be free but Camera Bits discontinued its affiliate program recently.

Or, I can teach you the program on an IPT as I have done many times in the past.

This image was created on 18 March 2024 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Standing outside my vehicle near the old eagle nest, I used the handheld Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1250: 1/3200 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was pretty darned good. AWB at 9:00:06 on a cloudy morning.

Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

Ospreys near nest: serendipitous synchronous flight

Bingo!

So, was this image the result of pure luck or the right gear?

Actually, it was a combination of both. And more. Note that I had the perfect lens in my hands and the perfect camera body with the perfect settings. But without knowledge of the wind and sky conditions and the necessary skills, I would have come up empty.

With the wind from the SW in the morning, I was lucky that it was totally overcast. If you are trying for flight on cloudy days, simply position yourself with the wind behind you. See the RawDigger item below and you will see that I did a pretty good job with the exposure. And I followed my own advice: if you are photographing a bird in flight and a second bird flies into the frame, press the shutter button and hold it down until they separate. But don’t quit entirely as one of the two might provide additional good chances. That is exactly what happened in this case; I keep nine additional images of the bird with the stick landing at the nest. None, however, were anywhere near as good as the “Bingo” shot.

I was lucky to witness the behavior; I had never seen anything remotely like it in 47 years of birding. But I was patient :-). And I was lucky that at the magic moment that the faces of both birds were on the exact same plane.

Note, however, that even if you are the luckiest bird photographer in the world and amazing behaviors happen often right in front of you, you will wind up with nothing unless you have mastered the basics needed to consistently create sharp, nicely designed, properly exposed images. Consider joining a BIRDS AS ART IPT.

The Image Optimization

I worked hard on the color with this image. The raw file could have gone a bit brighter, and in the cloudy conditions, there was a green/yellow color cast noticeable in the white feathers. I got started with the Luminance-Targeted Adjustment Tool during the raw conversion in ACR. Once I had the TIFF in Photoshop I created a new layer (Command J), made a selection using the Quick Selection Tool (W), and used Hue-Saturation (Command H) and Selective Color to render the whites neutral. I will be sharing the complete image optimization for this photo in Volume 5 of the Digital Basics III Video Series.

The Digital Basics III Video Series

The Digital Basics III Video Series

I realized about a year ago that my digital workflow had changed significantly and was toying with the idea of writing a Digital Basics III. More recently, I have learned and begun working with two great new Photoshop Tools, the Remove Tool and the Luminance Targeted Adjustment Tool. The former is like a smarter Spot Healing Brush Tool on steroids and the latter is a huge step up from the fabulous Color Mixer Tool. During that same time frame, I came up with a new and improved 2-step noise reduction technique. I still use Divide and Conquer, Quick Masks, Layer Masks, an expanded array of personalized keyboard shortcuts, and tons of other stuff from both versions of Digital Basics.

As soon as I realized that I did not want to take on another large writing project, I realized that by creating a series of videos I could much more easily share all the details of my current digital workflow and much more easily incorporate additional new tips, techniques, and tools as I went. And so, The Digital Basics III Video Series was born. You can check out Volume I/#1 here.

You might opt to purchase single videos or to subscribe to Volume I and save $26 by ordering the first five videos in one fell swoop. You can purchase the five videos in Volume I by clicking here. The videos will be most valuable for folks using the latest version of Photoshop (2024) or Lightroom along with Topaz DeNoise AI and Topaz Sharpen AI.

Image #1A: RawDigger screen capture of the (pink) Adapted Histogram for the Ospreys near nest: serendipitous synchronous flight image image

Is This Image Over-exposed?

With 8 million over-exposed GREEN pixels, should I have added more light for this image? Or is it already over-exposed? If at least one person takes a stab at these questions, I will share the answer in the next blog post.

RawDigger — not for the faint of heart …

It would be impossible to overstate how much I have learned by studying RawDigger and how much better my exposures have become since I started with the program nearly four years ago.

Nothing has ever helped me learn to create perfect exposures to the degree that RawDigger has. I think that many folks are reluctant to learn that most of their images are underexposed by one or more full stops and that highlight warnings with Photoshop, Lightroom, Capture One, and your in-camera histogram are usually way off (because they are based on the embedded JPEGs). Only your raw files tell the truth all the time. Heck, I resisted RawDigger for several years … Once you get over this feeling, RawDigger can become your very best exposure friend no matter what system you are using. On the recent IPTs and In-the-Field sessions, we have demonstrated that fact. Convincingly.

The RawDigger (pink) Adapted Histogram

In the RawDigger e-Guide, you will learn exactly how to set up the Adapted “pink” RawDigger Histogram and how to use it to quickly and easily evaluate the exposure or raw file brightness of images from all digital cameras currently in use. RawDigger was especially helpful to me as I struggled with R5 exposures and learned my then-new camera body, the Sony Alpha a1.

RawDigger e-Guide with Two Videos

The RawDigger e-Guide with Two Videos

by Arthur Morris with Patrick Sparkman

The RawDigger e-Guide was created only for serious photographers who wish to get the absolute most out of their raw files.

Patrick and I began work on the guide in July 2020. At first we struggled. We asked questions. We learned about Max-G values. We puzzled as to why the Max G values for different cameras were different. IPT veteran Bart Deamer asked lots of questions that we could not answer. We got help from RawDigger creator Iliah Borg. We learned. In December, Patrick came up with an Adapted Histogram that allows us to evaluate the exposures and raw file brightness for all images created with all digital camera bodies from the last two decades. What we learned each time prompted three complete beginning to end re-writes.

The point of the guide is to teach you to truly expose to the mega-Expose-to-the-Right so that you will minimize noise, maximize image quality, best utilize your camera’s dynamic range, and attain the highest possible level of shadow detail in your RAW files in every situation. In addition, your properly exposed RAW files will contain more tonal information and feature the smoothest possible transitions between tones. And your optimized images will feature rich, accurate color.

We teach you why the GREEN channel is almost always the first to over-expose. We save you money by advising you which version of RawDigger you need. We teach you how to interpret the Max G values for your Canon, Nikon, and SONY camera bodies. It is very likely that the Shock-your-World section will shock you. And lastly — thanks to the technical and practical brilliance of Patrick Sparkman — we teach you a simple way to quickly and easily evaluate your exposures and raw file brightness using an Adapted RawDigger histogram.

The flower video takes you through a session where artie edits a folder of images in Capture One while checking the exposures and Max-G values in RawDigger. The Adapted Histogram video examines a series of recent images with the pink histograms and covers lots of fine points including and especially how to deal with specular highlights. The directions for setting up the Adapted Histogram are in the text.

If we priced this guide based on how much effort we put into it, it would sell it for $999.00. But as this guide will be purchased only by a limited number of serious photographers, we have priced it at $51.00. You can order yours here in the BAA Online Store.

Typos

With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.