Which two of Kevin’s images are the strongest? Yes, I know that this is a very difficult question. Please leave a comment and let us know why you made your choices. I will share my two favorites with you here tomorrow.
Supporting My Efforts Here
If you enjoy and learn from the blog, please consider using one of my affiliate links when purchasing new gear. It will never cost you a single penny. To support my effort here, please order from B&H by beginning your search here. Or, click here, to order from Bedfords and enter the discount code BIRDSASART at checkout to receive 3% cash back to your credit card and enjoy free Second-Day Air Fed-Ex shipping. It is always best to write for advice via e-mail.
In many cases, I can help you save some serious dollars.
Don’t look now, but this post marks 28 consecutive days with a new educational post written just for you.
What’s Up?
Flights and good connections when flying from Podunk airports — sorry, Bismarck, ND, are often problematic. There were no early flights to anywhere the would get m home so I left BIS on the 1:51pm American Airlines flight, connected at DFW, and got into Orlando at 9:15pm and was home — thanks to Jim, at 11:30pm. While at gate at BIS, I purchased a 2.25 ounce pack of shelled, Vinegar, Lime, and Sea Salted pistachio nuts before my first flight for $7.59. That worked out to a shade under $54.00/pound. At least they were good and relatively healthy.
Today is Friday 26 April 2024. I will head down to the lake to check on the three crane chicks that were alive when I left and see what else is happening. Then I have lot of work to catch up on. Including getting started on my 2023 axes. Whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have fun. There is a slim chance that I might make anther trip out west next year in search of the elusive Sage Grouse. If you know of a dependable lek for that species, Kevin would be thrilled to learn about it via an e-mail to yours truly.
Thanks Kevin!
There is no way that Kevin could he been a more accommodating host and guide. He was beyond helpful. He picked me up a the airport, did all the driving, and dropped us off at the airport yesterday. On Thursday afternoon he walked several miles at two different leks looking for the teleconverter that I lost 🙁 His knowledge of the chickens and the grouse and their leks is monumental. And he generously shared his home in Washburn, ND with us. Thank you Kevin. I hope that you and Colleen can make it to Florida next March so that I can reciprocate a least in part.
Be sure to click on the image to see a larger and sharper high res version.
Image #1: Western Grebe sunrise silhouette
Image courtesy of and copyright 2022: Kevin Hice
Wow!
Kevin routinely gets into the water with his floating blind 40 minutes before the sun comes up. He has an old pair of bins with him and uses them to spot the birds, often in silhouette. He explained that this species is usually very wary of him in his blind once it gets light. Talk about being in the right place at the right time; Kevin’s hard work paid off with this rather amazing image.
Be sure to click on the image to see a larger and sharper high res version.
Image #2: Bull Elk
Image courtesy of and copyright 2022: Kevin Hice
Blowing Snow!
Blowing snow from a huge snow plow that was clearing the road softened up the background for Kevin’s image of this majestically handsome bull elk. He heard the plow coming and thought that the elk would bolt, but it remained bedded down peacefully!
This image was also created in December 2022 at Yellowstone National Park, MT by good friend and multiple IPT veteran Kevin Hice. He used the handheld Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM lens (at 400mm) with the Canon EOS R3 Mirrorless Camera. ISO 12800: 1/5000 sec. at f/7.1 in Manual mode.
Be sure to click on the image to see a larger and sharper high res version.
Image #3: Bull Moose
Image courtesy of and copyright 2022: Kevin Hice
Too Excited
In the excitement of the moment, a handsome bull Moose posing in the snow, Kevin lost track of both ISO and shutter speed. I have done the same thing many times. The good news is that the image was sharp and properly exposed. And the high ISO noise was easily controlled.
Be sure to click on the image to see a larger and sharper high res version.
Image #4: Wood Duck drake floating with its reflection
Image courtesy of and copyright 2022: Kevin Hice
Floating Blind Work
After Kevin explained the difficulties involved with working from a floating blind, I had no desire at all to try this technique even though the super low perspectives are to die for. Even as spring gets close to summer, the water in the sloughs is quite cold. Though Kevin dresses warmly and wears heavy duty chest waders, the longest he can deal with the cold water is about 90 minutes. Not to mention that the only thing that is floating is the blind that supports his big lens. Kevin is always kneeling or standing in depths ranging from one to four feet, almost always slogging through deep muck. And if the wind comes up during the morning, getting himself and the blind out safely is always touch and go. Perhaps I wil get to try it before on a very calm day before they put me in a box.
The Purple Cheek Patch
Images of male Wood Ducks that do not feature the purple cheek patch will always be relegated to the runner up category. That is possible on sunny days only rarely.
Be sure to click on the image to see a larger and sharper high res version.
Image #5: Blue-winged Teal on log
Image courtesy of and copyright 2022: Kevin Hice
The Speculum Feathers
In a similar fashion, Blue-winged Teal photos that do not reveal the blue and green speculum feathers will never win any contests. These feathers are often revealed in flight photographs or images of stretching birds. A note on the very handsome perch: Kevin found it in Alaska on a road trip by truck and brought it back to North Dakota. He anchored it in his favorite slough; it has paid off quite handsomely.
Be sure to click on the image to see a larger and sharper high res version.
Image #6: Mallard blasting off
Image courtesy of and copyright 2022: Kevin Hice
What’s to Love About This Image?
1- The incredible splash.
2- The well timed press of the shutter button.
3- The perfect look-back head angle.
4- The ultra-low perspective.
5- The wings fully down takeoff pose.
6- The great view of the duck’s blue speculum.
7- The soft background and the soft green reflections.
8- The mirror image reflection.
Does anything about this image bug you? There is one thing that bugs me. I will share it here soon.
Be sure to click on the image to see a larger and sharper high res version.
Image #7: Ruddy Duck in breeding plumage on log
Image courtesy of and copyright 2024: Kevin Hice
Luscious Colors
A male Ruddy Duck at the absolute peak of breeding plumage is a sight to behold. The chestnut red upperparts, the white face, the black cap, and the incredible azure-blue bill combine to make him one of the handsomest, showiest drakes in town each spring.
Note that with eye tracking, mirrorless camera bodies enable you to recompose as needed while continuing to track the bird’s eye. Be sure to move the lens slowly to avoid screwing up the tracking. Kevin properly recomposed by pointing his lens to the right to place the bird on the left side of the frame when the bird preened and looked back to our right.
Be sure to click on the image to see a larger and sharper high res version.
Image #8: Redhead hen with brood
Image courtesy of and copyright 2024: Kevin Hice
Same Rock, Different Cast of Characters
A week after Kevin made Image #7 (above), a hen Redhead with a brood of 15 chose to sit on the same rock in about 18 inches of water. When you’ve got a good horse, ride it! The clutch size for this species is usually 7-8 eggs, up to fourteen on occasion. In addition, they will often lay more eggs in the nests of as many as ten different species. And when another duck lays eggs in a Redhead’s nest (nest dumping), the hen will raise those ducklings along with their own. Even stranger, several Redheads hens may lay eggs in a dump nest, a nest that is never incubated. The record is 87 eggs in a single dump nest. This species nests in large marshes and builds bulky nests of dead grasses and reeds and lined with soft feathers. Sounds comfy.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
If you enjoy and learn from the blog, please consider using one of my affiliate links when purchasing new gear. It will never cost you a single penny. To support my effort here, please order from B&H by beginning your search here. Or, click here, to order from Bedfords and enter the discount code BIRDSASART at checkout to receive 3% cash back to your credit card and enjoy free Second-Day Air Fed-Ex shipping. It is always best to write for advice via e-mail.
In many cases, I can help you save some serious dollars.
Don’t look now, but this post marks 27 consecutive days with a new educational post written just for you.
What’s Up?
Conditions were perfect for our last morning on the sharp-tailed lek. The birds, however, did not cooperate. As many as five females stayed on the far side of the ridge just out of photographic range. All in all it was a great trip. Huge thanks to Kevin Hice for the invite and his efforts on getting us in the blinds in great position. With perfect weather in South Dakota we did fabulously well with the Greater Prairie Chickens. We did not do quite as well with the sharp-taileds in North Dakota as we had too much wind at times, some clouds, and due to the fact that the grouse are more difficult to photograph than the chickens. That said, we all got some beautiful stuff on both species. Thanks to Anita North for helping Kevin setting up and taking down the blinds.
Today is Thursday 25 April 2024. I fly from Bismarck, ND to Dallas (DFW) to Orlando. If all goes well I should be landing at MCO at about 9:15pm. Jim and I will not get home till 11:30 or so. I hope that you have a great day.
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 16 February 2024 at Kachemak Bay on a Homer Bald Eagle IPT. I used the handheld Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) 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. AWB at 11:53:15am on a cloudy morning.
Tracking: Zone AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #1: Bald Eagle braking to land
Cloudy With Snow on the Ground for Underwing Detail
You cannot beat snow on the ground and soft light for revealing the detail in the dark underwings of Bald Eagles of any age. Be sure to expose far to the right to maximize detail in the dark tones without toasting the white feathers of the heads of the adults. Remember that only RawDigger can properly evaluate the brightness of exposure of your raw files. Most importantly, the snow acts as a giant reflector that evenly illuminates each and every feather with zero shadows.
Cloudy White RGB Values
Out of curiosity, I opened the TIFF file in Photoshop and checked the RGB values for the brightest whites on the head. For image #1 they were nearly balanced perfectly: 251, 251, 250. In theory, there should not be a color cast on the underwings. At times, however, there may be a small magenta or green cast in an eagle’s dark feathers. There are lots of way to deal with those.
Variable Lighting Conditions in Homer
On a Homer IPT, you will learn to make perfect exposures on sunny days and cloudy days, no matter the system you are using.
Exposure Question
How many more stops of light was I dealing with on the sunny day as compared to the cloudy day? Do the math and leave a comment.
This image was created on 27 February 2024 at Kachemak Bay on a Homer Bald Eagle IPT. I used the handheld Sony 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 500: 1/4000 sec. at f/4 (stopped down one stop) in Manual mode. AWB at 4:04:19am on a sunny morning.
Tracking: Zone AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #2: Bald Eagles dorsal view flight
Sunny and Blue Skies for Dorsal Flight
I am glad that there are more cloudy days than sunny days in winter at Homer as we can shoot all day and not have to worry about the wind direction. Sunny days, however, when the wind is right, can yield some brilliant images. Unless you are exactly on sun angle and the bird has its wing spread perfectly, sunny days will produce harsh underwing shadows. But when an eagle begins to dive, the top of the wings will almost always be lit perfectly by the sun. Results like Image #2 are to be expected on sunny days.
Sunny White RGB Values
Next, I opened the TIFF file for Image #2 in Photoshop and checked the RGB values for the brightest whites on the head. For image #2 they were R = 250, G = 241, B = 235. With more RED, the late afternoon light is beautifully warm and rich. Just as it was and just as I wanted it in the image. The decision on how to render the color belongs to the photographer. Sometimes I will cool the warm light a bit or warm up the cool light.
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.
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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.
If you enjoy and learn from the blog, please consider using one of my affiliate links when purchasing new gear. It will never cost you a single penny. To support my effort here, please order from B&H by beginning your search here. Or, click here, to order from Bedfords and enter the discount code BIRDSASART at checkout to receive 3% cash back to your credit card and enjoy free Second-Day Air Fed-Ex shipping. It is always best to write for advice via e-mail.
In many cases, I can help you save some serious dollars.
Don’t look now, but this post marks 26 consecutive days with a new educational post written just for you.
Your Call?
Which of today’s four featured images impresses you most? Why? Which of today’s four featured images impresses you the least? Why?
Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II Lens
Steve Vige is offering a Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II lens in near-mint to like-new condition for a very low $5,675.00. The sale includes the front lens cover, the rear lens cap, the lens trunk, the lens strap, and insured ground shopping via major courier to lower 48 addresses. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.
The 600mm f/4 lenses have been the state of the art super-telephotos for birds, nature, wildlife, and sports for many decades. When I was using Canon and could get it to my location, my 600 II was always my go-to weapon. It is fast and sharp and deadly alone or with either TC. With both the 600 III and the RF 600mm f/4 going for $12,999.00, and used 600mm versions IIs very hard to find, you’d do well to grab Steve’s pretty much new lens ASAP. Add the EF to RF adapter and you will kill with any Canon mirrorless body. artie
What’s Up?
Though it was a bit colder on Tuesday morning, and much windier than the previous day; it turned out to be our best session with the Sharp-tailed Grouse. But they are very difficult to photograph. After the first edit, I kept about 1% of the 8000+ images I made. When I do the second edit, I will probably get down to 30 or so as I kept lots of similars that need to be more closely evaluated. I had several good chances for fights where I got the birds in the center of the frame and sharp, but the NW wind pretty much wrecked all of them 🙁
Today is Wednesday 24 April 2024. It is supposed to be sunny with no wind this morning so we are hoping to do even better than yesterday. As I fly home on Thursday, this will be my last day in the blind. I Have learned a ton about both species and a ton about working out of a pop-up blind — not my usual style. Decades ago I did an article for Birder’s World magazine entitled “No Reason to Hide.” On the other side of the pond, a blind is called a hide.
Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a wonderful day.
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.
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.
I’ve been a headhunter for forever. I pride myself at being able to get close enough to free and wild birds to create tight images showing the details of the face, head, bill, and neck. Yes, long lenses and teleconverters help. One of the big challenges when creating these types of images is getting the perfect head angle, generally perfectly square to two or three degrees towards. Another challenge occurs when you include a bit of the front end of the bird’s body in the image. The best policy in those cases is to use a smaller aperture so that you have enough depth of field to cover the body feathers. Image #2 would have benefitted from a bit more d-o-f but I did not have much light to work with.
It goes without saying that when the sun is shining that you want to be right on sun angle — when the light is bright, think tight!
Tracking: Expand Spot/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: Sharp-tailed Grouse squabble
Difficult, Difficult, Difficult
Yes, sharp-tailed are much more difficult to photograph than the prairie chickens. Two males will sit facing each other for minutes at a time. They do not give any dependable signs that they are about to battle. When the sun is shining, you need to be fairly close to sun angle (as I was for Image #2) else there will be horrific shadows. As though things are not hard enough, the relentless wind from the NW has ruined dozens of otherwise excellent images as the birds in the air will almost always be facing away from the light :-(.
Getting two fighting birds in the middle of the frame in no way guarantees success; I did get lucky here by getting at lease a look at the faces of both of the battling birds.
Tracking: Expand Spot/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 #3: Sharp-tailed Grouse on hillside in predawn light
Pushing the Limits
As we saw recently, 1/30 sec. is just about at the bottom of the range of shutter speeds for creating sharp images with the 600 lenses. And ISO 12800 is just about the upper limit for ISO (except when I need to go higher).
My double noise reduction technique worked beautifully with this high ISO (12,800!) image; the TIF is clean as a whistle. As detailed in the Digital Basics III video series. I will be creating the fifth and last video in Volume I this coming weekend and will be distributing it on Monday. Thanks to all for their patience. Volume II will be coming soon.
I removed a bird on the right of this frame. The Photoshop work is somewhat obvious. On Tuesday morning, I got the a similar pose with only a single bird in the frame. With the sun out.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
If you enjoy and learn from the blog, please consider using one of my affiliate links when purchasing new gear. It will never cost you a single penny. To support my effort here, please order from B&H by beginning your search here. Or, click here to order from Bedfords and enter the discount code BIRDSASART at checkout to receive 3% cash back to your credit card and enjoy free Second-Day Air Fed-Ex shipping. It is always best to write for advice via e-mail.
In many cases, I can help you save some serious dollars.
It did not take me long in North Dakota to figure out that Sharp-tailed Grouse are a lot more difficult to photograph than the Great Prairie Chickens. The chickens look skyward just before they jump. The sharp-tailed give no clues. And the chickens jump a lot higher. We moved to a much cleaner lek with many fewer birds, but with our first cloudy morning and little action we did not do very well.
With 20-25 mph winds forecast for Monday afternoon, we had to take the blinds down. Today is Tuesday 22 April and we will be up earlier than usual as we have to set the blinds back up. It is supposed to be windy again today so I am hoping that we get in a morning session. Whatever you are doing, have a great time.
Don’t Look Now
Don’t look now, but this post marks 25 consecutive days with a new educational post.
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 #1: Burrowing Owl on erected perch
White Wall of House Background
I had collected a few halfway decent perches while driving around Cape Coral the previous afternoon. Any thing is better than the white PVC pipes that are used to cordon off the nesting burrows with string. I stuck the perch into a pipe that evening and was delighted to see one of the adults sitting on it early the next morning when I arrived.
The white wall of the house in complete shade provided a clean blue background. I could have easily rendered the wall white but I liked the look.
Extreme Shutter Speed
With a still subject, I am confident of creating sharp images at 1/60 sec. with the 600 on a tripod. Have been for more than 30 years. Making them sharp at 1/30 sec. is pushing it. The new, improved optical steady shot and image stabilization systems do not seem to make much of a difference — easily sharp at 1/60 sec., quite problematic below that down to an occasional sharp one at 1/15th sec.
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: Burrowing Owl chick with quizzical look on face
1/60 sec. at 840mm
Somewhat surprisingly the situation is the same when I add the 1.4X TC to the 600: sharp at 1/60 sec. but much more difficult below that. Your sharpness techniques — the way you have your hands on the lens, have a lot to do with making them sharp at 1/60th. Join an IPT to learn the pro secrets.
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: Burrowing Owl chicks at burrow
Those Weird Out-of-Focus Eyes
At Cape Coral, I noted that whenever I created a juxtaposition with both of the owls having their eyes open, that the eyes of the more distant bird were rendered strangely out of focus.
Expand Spot/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.
Image #4: Burrowing Owl chubby chick
Another Square Crop
When discussing the use of square crops here recently, I forgot to mention another use: If you are shooting verticals and you wind up leaving much too much room above the subject, a square crop can be effective. Heck, this baby owl is so chubby and fluffy it is almost square. Note that once the sun cleared the houses to the east, adding the 2X TC became a viable option.
Tracking: Expand Spot/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.
Image #5: An Older Burrowing Owl chick
Wise Old Owl at a Young Age
To me, this large Burrowing Owl chick looks quite erudite.
Getting the Clean Background
As the sun rose, I was surprised to see that the baby owls were keeping their eyes wide open, and they were quite accepting of my presence. I inched forward slowly and got lower by pulling out the front leg of the tripod. that effectively moved the background farther from the subject and resulted in the beautifully blurred backgrounds.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
If you enjoy and learn from the blog, please consider using one of my affiliate links when purchasing new gear. To support my effort here, please order from B&H by beginning your search here. Or, click here to order from Bedfords and enter the discount code BIRDSASART at checkout to receive 3% cash back to your credit card and enjoy free Second-Day Air Fed-Ex shipping. It is always best to write for advice via e-mail.
In many cases, I can help you save some serious dollars.
We had another good (but too cold) morning with the Sharp-tailed Grouse. I learned that the Greater Prairie Chickens are only a bit larger than the sharp-taileds. The latter are surely faster and more frenetic than the GPCs. We are moving to a new lek tomorrow as there were too many birds and too many rocks on the one we have been working.
Today is Monday 21 April 2024. We will be up early and heading to a new sharp-tailed lek. Whatever you opt to do, I hope that you too have a ton of 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.
Be sure to click on the image to see a larger and sharper high res version.
Image #6: Sharp-tailed Grouse fighting
Image courtesy of and copyright 2024: Kevin Hice
Kevin Hice
In the Canon Shooter Kevin Hice is One Smart, Tough, Hardworking, Determined Guy and One Fine Photographerhere, I wrote: All are invited to leave a comment on the quality of Kevin’s images. Please let him know which of his images you like best and why you like them.
I feel that each of Kevin’s images is of outstanding artistic and technical quality. My very favorite was Image #6, the Sharp-tailed Grouse fighting image above. I appreciate that one even more since trying to photograph them on Saturday morning! Next up for mw was the beautiful Bighorn Sheep ram, Image #2.
This image was created on 29 June 2021 at Huguenot Memorial Park on a Jacksonville, FL IPT. Standing at full height I used the handheld Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 200mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ) The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 640. 1/3200 second at f/7.1 (stopped down 2/3-stop) in Manual Mode. AWB at 9:16:26am on a sunny morning. RawDigger showed the exposure to be dead solid 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: Royal Tern screaming in flight
Square Crops
In the It’s Not Always Easy to Get it Exactly Right in Bird Photography. What Do You Think of Square Crops? And How are Those Two Related? blog post here, I far preferred Image #1 above, to Image #2 because of the neat expression on the tern’s face. Not everyone agreed. As far as square crops in general, I am fine with them. Each of us is the artist, we get to do what we think is best with our images. I try to avoid boxy crops, but will not hesitate going that route when I think that it is best for the image. In the same vein, some images shine with a pano crop.
Best of all, square crops can be used to salvage images where one or two wings have been clipped. And the results are often quite excellent.
This image was created on 9 MAY 2023 on a DeSoto IPT. While seated on damp sand, I used the toe-pod technique with the handheld the Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens
the Sony FE 1.4x 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 640. 1/5000 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the exposure was determined to be dead solid perfect. AWB at 8:19:38am on a sunny morning.
Tracking: 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.
Image #1: Little Blue Heron with tiny baitfish
DeSoto in Spring
In the Fort DeSoto May Highlights Part I — It’s Not Too Late! blog post here, my favorite image by a slim margin was the pied Little Blue Heron. I love the soft color tones, the sweet light, the low perspective, the beautiful and somewhat unusual plumage, the tiny fish, and the perfect head angle. Four of the five images received mention as being the strongest.
Tracking 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.
Image #4: Greater Prairie Chicken male on log
Ah, the Miracle of the Low Perch!
In the Greater Prairie Chicken Miracles Can Happen! blog post here, my favorite by a small margin was #4. I was thrilled the day after we put the perch in place that so many birds obliged us. its #4, my only wish was a complete view of the far foot.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
If you enjoy and learn from the blog, please consider using one of my affiliate links when purchasing new gear. To support my effort here, please order from B&H by beginning your search here. Or, click here to order from Bedfords and enter the discount code BIRDSASART at checkout to receive 3% cash back to your credit card and enjoy free Second-Day Air Fed-Ex shipping. It is always best to write for advice via e-mail.
In many instances, I can help you save some serious dollars.
It was as cold as promised on Saturday morning. I was dressed to the max and did not get really cold until we got out of the blinds at about 8:20am. The increasing wind was the culprit. Tomorrow morning is again looking at a frosty 24° F.
Today is Sunday 21 April 2024. We will again be headed early to two different sharp-tailed leks. 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.
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.
Tracking 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.
Image #1: Sharp-tailed Grouse male displaying
Like Trying to Photograph a Herd of Frenetic Mice!
The sharp-tailed lek was tiny compared to the huge Greater Prairie Chicken lek that we photographed on near Pierre, SD. It is perhaps 20 yards wide by 30 yards deep. With more than 30 birds in such a small place, there were often too many birds in the frame, along with too many rocks. The GPCs in SD were spread out over many, many acres. That was the largest lek Kevin has ever seen. Since there were so many obstacles on the sharp-tailed lek this morning, framing a clean shot was difficult.
Not to mention that the Sharp-tailed Grouse are smaller and much faster moving than the Greater Prairie Chickens. When they display, the air sac is purple and smaller than the yellow/orange sac in GPC. Two male sharp-tails will often sit down on the prairie facing each other for minutes at a time before exploding into battle. As there were many birds on the lek at close range, Anita and Kevin were, for the most part, using shorter focal lengths than I was — 300mm and 400mm respectively. Seeing too many birds and too many rocks I quickly went to 840mm for greater isolating power and a lower angle of declination. In addition, I was able to get beyond the shadow of the blind and work birds at the back of the lek.
Working with both the a1 and the a9 iii on Saturday morning, I created 3675 Sharp-tailed Grouse images. After a second edit that afternoon, I wound up keeping only 28 raw files. That works out to .0076% keepers, less than 1%. Talk about challenging photography.
Tracking 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 #2: Sharp-tailed Grouse — rear view of tail of male — a 96% crop!
Don’t Try This With Your Sony a9 iii
Image #2 represents slightly less than 4% of the pixels in the original capture. Sharp a1 images can stand up to relatively huge crops. I routinely execute small crops with my a9 iii images, but would never attempt anything like this.
Aptly Named
Sharp-tailed Grouse has a white-edged, wedge-shaped tail with two long central feathers that give it an elongated, spiky appearance. I actually rescued the raw file for this image from the trash. I brought up the detail in the WHITEs with a 15% linear burn layer after reducing the YELLOW Saturation.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
If you enjoy and learn from the blog, please consider using one of my affiliate links when purchasing new gear. To support my effort here, please order from B&H by beginning your search here. Or, click here to order from Bedfords and enter the discount code BIRDSASART at checkout to receive 3% cash back to your credit card and enjoy free Second-Day Air Fed-Ex shipping. It is always best to write for advice via e-mail.
In many cases, I can help you save some serious dollars.
What’s Up?
It is 6:30pm on Friday 19 April 2024 as I type. It is cold and very windy. We are headed out to position the blinds as that would be impossible to do in the dark tomorrow morning. The wind is supposed to finally abate tonight (good) but it is supposed to be 24° F in the morning (bad). We got all three blinds in place and were headed back to Kevin’s place exactly at 9:00pm as Kevin had planned. We said blessings over the blinds hoping that they would not blow away before morning ,,,
Before that, again thanks to the high winds, Friday was another day of Photoshop, of rest, and of too much eating.
Today is Saturday 20 April 2014. We’ll be leaving for two of Kevin’s local sharp-tailed leks at 5:30am. I gotta get to bed soon. Whatever you are doing today, I hope that you too opt to have fun.
This image was created on 8 May 2020 in North Dakota by good friend and multiple IPT veteran Kevin Hice. He used the tripod-mounted Canon 500mm f/4L IS II lens, a 1.4X III TC, and the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III. Evaluative metering +0.7 stop in Aperture Priority (AV mode). ISO 1600: 1/2500 sec. at f/7.1.
Be sure to click on the image to see a larger and sharper high res version.
Image #1: White-faced Ibis in breeding plumage
Image courtesy of and copyright 2020: Kevin Hice
Kevin Hice
Kevin was born in Cincinnati, OH in 1954. He spent most of his time in the woods and by the creeks near his home, searching for box turtles and salamanders. He thought about photographing nature in his late thirties but with not wanting to have to deal with film and having kids to take care of, his interest was postponed. When I did a seminar for the Photographic Society of Chattanooga, Kevin attended and was smitten. He bought a Canon 300mm f/2.8 and a 5D Mark II and was off to the races. He had signed up for a SW Florida IPT soon afterwards, but a huge ice storm in Atlanta put the kibosh on those plans. He says, ” I would have gotten a lot better a lot faster if I had made that one. He attended a Homer IPT in 2022 — created more than 25,000 images during a single morning session. He often recommends that his Canon friends purchase my EOS R5/R6 Camera Users Guide but they always respond, “What do I need that for?” He credits me with finally learning to expose far to the right and thus greatly reducing noise. Kevin has been a member of Bird Photographer’s.Net since 2013. To this day, he posts often in BPN’s Avian Forum. At first he was intimidated, but persevered and received tons of advice, especially with Photoshop. He singles out Andreas Liedmann of Dortmund, Germany as having been exceedingly helpful. Kevin says, ‘Had I not joined BPN, it would have taken me many more years more to get to where I am today.”
Kevin has lived in Ohio, Indiana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and California. He has enjoyed two distinctly different careers: he was a welder (in a nuclear power plant!) for a decade and followed that up with 30 years as a nurserymen. Now retired, Kevin is a world class falconer who hunts his two gyr/Peregrine hybrids with his sleek and beautiful English Pointer Sage. You have never seen a dog run as fast or as far as Sage. He is now living with His significant other, Colleen, Parrill in Washburn, ND. They will be moving to a beautiful new home on a spacious natural lot outside of Indianapolis Indiana.
All are invited to leave a comment on the quality of Kevin’s images. Please let him know which of his images you like best and why you like them.
Nothing for Me …
I am especially envious of Image #1 because I have nothing at all on breeding plumage Glossy Ibis, the eastern conspecific species of white-faced.
This image was created on 12 November 2020 in Badlands National Park, South Dakota by good friend and multiple IPT veteran Kevin Hice. He used the tripod-mounted Canon 500mm f/4L IS II lens, a 1.4X III TC, and the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III. Evaluative metering +0.7 stop in Aperture Priority (AV mode). ISO 6400: 1/640 sec. at f/7.1.
Be sure to click on the image to see a larger and sharper high res version.
Image #2: Bighorn Sheep ram (flehmen response)
Image courtesy of and copyright 2020: Kevin Hice
Flehmen Response
Flehmen Response: (from German flehmen, to bare the upper teeth, and Upper Saxon German flemmen, to look spiteful), also called the flehmen position, flehmen reaction, flehmen grimace, flehming, or flehmening, is a behavior in which an animal curls back its upper lip exposing its front teeth, inhales with the nostrils usually closed, and then often holds this position for several seconds. The primary function of the flehmen response is intra-species communication. By transferring air containing pheromones and other scents to the vomeronasal organ (VNO), an olfactory-chemosensory organ located between the roof of the mouth and the palate, animals can gather chemical “messages”.
What’s Not to Like?
I love the ram’s attitude and the lovely clean background. If I remember, Kevin got lost of help in BPN’s Wildlife Forum when optimizing this one. It turned out great.
This image was created on 9 April 2012 in the Nebraska Sandhills by good friend and multiple IPT veteran Kevin Hice. He used the tripod-mounted Canon 500mm f/4L IS II lens, a 1.4X III TC, and the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III. Evaluative metering +0.7 stop in Aperture Priority (AV mode). ISO 1600: 1/3200 sec. at f/7.1.
Be sure to click on the image to see a larger and sharper high res version.
Image #3: Greater Prairie Chickens fighting on lek
Image courtesy of and copyright 2021: Kevin Hice
Addicted
Kevin has long been addicted to game birds, the prairie chickens and the Sharp-tailed Grouse. He lusts for a decent Sage Grouse lek. He routinely arises way too early even for me in order to get in a blind to photograph his favorite subjects at least 45 minutes before sunrise. He is good at what he does and I will be forever thankful for his invite as the Greater Prairie Chickens were a first for me and tomorrow should be my first time with the sharp-taileds (if our blinds do not blow away overnight …)
Thanks, Kevin. And we still have almost a week to go!
This image was created on 28 July 2022 in Haines, AK by good friend and multiple IPT veteran Kevin Hice. He used the tripod-mounted Canon RF 600mm f/4 L IS USM lens and the Canon EOS R3 Mirrorless Camera. ISO 3200: 1//2500 sec. at f/6.3 in Manual mode.
Be sure to click on the image to see a larger and sharper high res version.
Image #4: Trumpeter Swan pair
Image courtesy of and copyright 2022: Kevin Hice
Sicker than Sick
Kevin had COVID when he created this image. He had pulled a trailer all the way to AK in hopes of photographing Brown Bears (grizzles). As he and Colleen drove into Haines, Kevin spotted a pair of Trumpeter Swans in a small pond. He grabbed his gear, lay face down on a rocky slope, and photographed the pair for an hour. He finished the session squatting in three feet of cold water in order to get low. The good news is that he did not die.
This image was created on 4 December 2022 in Yellowstone National Park, Montana by good friend and multiple IPT veteran Kevin Hice. He used the handheld Canon RF 600mm f/4 L IS USM lens and the Canon EOS R3 Mirrorless Camera. ISO 3200: 1//4000 sec. at f/6.3 in Manual mode.
Be sure to click on the image to see a larger and sharper high res version.
Image #5: Coyote in snow
Image courtesy of and copyright 2022: Kevin Hice
Smart Always Works
Kevin was driving his truck around Yellowstone in search of subjects when he spotted this coyote walking along a small river right towards him. He grabbed his gear, and using his truck as a blind, hid behind it. The beautiful animals in a pristine setting walked by him. With a combination of good spotting and excellent photographic and field skills, Kevin was justifiably rewarded.
This image was created on 22 March 2024 in North Dakota by good friend and multiple IPT veteran Kevin Hice. He used the tripod-mounted Canon RF 600mm f/4 L IS USM lens and the Canon EOS R5 Mirrorless Camera. ISO 2000: 1//3200 sec. at f/4 in Manual mode.
Be sure to click on the image to see a larger and sharper high res version.
Image #6: Sharp-tailed Grouse fighting
Image courtesy of and copyright 2024: Kevin Hice
Just Enough Snow
Kevin is smart, strong, and tough, seemingly impervious to fatigue or cold. He is mechanically gifted. He can figure stuff out and fix pretty much anything. He can hike for miles in the dark carrying heavy loads of gear. He has gotten lost in white-outs and fog, but always finds his blind. He is persistently addicted to grouse and prairie chickens. He has hiked in blizzards through drifts 3, 4, and 5 feet deep. He has hiked through mud a foot or two deep. Recently, he rescued a blind from a very cold farm pond. He simply will not be deterred.
Less than a month before my visit, he headed out to a local sharp-tailed lek and with just enough now on the ground, created this lovely image of two male Sharp-tailed Grouse going at it. I love the sharpness, the soft light, and the dorsal view of the attacking bird that kindly turned its head to the right just as Kevin fired off a long series. Best of all are the dried grasses just peeling through the snow cover.
Photography Notes
Because Kevin is so strong, he uses a Wimberley head and an Induro GIT 504 XL tripod, a real brute. For several years he worked in Av mode but finally and correctly switched to Manual mode in 2022 when he realized that he was losing many images as the background tonality changed. He is the only Canon shooter I know who prefers the R5 to the R3 for its higher quality, more detailed raw files.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
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. Big discount for the person who shares the AirBnB with me. IPT details below. Here’s wishing you great light and better photography.
Flight Photography at Jacksonville Till You Can’t Lift Your Lens!
Join me on the beach at Huguenot Memorial Park to learn about photographing terns in flight. 8,000 pairs of Royal Terns nest there and there are birds in the air all the time, often carrying all kinds of fish and crabs and other invertebrates for their young. Learn about how the relationship between the wind and the sun impacts flight photography and about the best gear for shooting birds in flight. Note that all the images in the video were created with the Sony a1 (and a variety of lenses). Join me on a workshop at Jacksonville this summer. See the details below.
What’s Up?
The high winds continue in west/central North Dakota. Thursday was another rest day and Friday will be more of the same. On Thursday afternoon we visited the home of Kevin’s friend, Lugene Gerber and her significant other, Doug Kitzan. Lujene loves to photograph birds but loves cooking great food and serving friends even more. Included were salad with a scrumptious homemade ranch dressing, a killer spinach dip, roasted smoked turkey that tasted like a Christmas ham, Italian shrimp, and olive and pickle plate, her aptly named “Funeral” potatoes, and tasty, greasy fried chicken that was much better than the colonels! Most folks ate two desserts one of which was the hugely popular lemon pudding cake. I limited myself to one slice of chocolate-drizzled coffee cheesecake (AKA Caramel Machiatto cheesecake). Suffice to say, I needed a lot of extra insulin after that amazing meal.
Today is Friday 19 April 2024. If the forecast does not change, it is likely that we will be transporting the blinds to the Sharp-tailed Grouse lek about 30 minutes from Kevin’s home.
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.
Clockwise from upper left corner around to center: Royal Tern chick feeding frenzy; Royal Tern nearly fledged chick; ink-stained Royal Tern with squid for chicks; Royal Tern chick begging; Brown Pelican immature tight flight; Royal Tern adult screaming — tight flight; Laughing Gulls mobbing Royal Tern to steal fish; Royal Tern with fish for chicks.
Join me at Huguenot Memorial Park this July
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.
2024 Jacksonville IPT: 4 1/2 DAY option Monday 15 July 2024 through the morning session on FRI 19 JULY — $2299.00 (Limit 4 photographers)
2024 Jacksonville IPT 3 1/2 DAY option: Monday 15 July 2024 through the morning session on THUR 18 July: $1799.00. (Limit 4 photographers)
I do not like to disappoint: each trip will run with only a single participant. If necessary.
I first visited the beach nesting bird colony at Jacksonville in late June 2021. I was astounded. There were many thousands of pairs of Royal Terns nesting along with about 10,000 pairs of Laughing Gulls. In addition to the royals, there were some Sandwich Terns nesting. And there are several dozen pairs of Brown Pelicans nesting on the ground. Flight photography was non-stop astounding. And photographing the tern chicks was relatively easy. Folks could do the whole trip with the Sony 200-600, the Canon 100-500 RF, or the Nikon 500 PF or one of the many nw Z lenses. With a TC in your pocket for use on sunny days. Most of the action is within 100 yards of where we park (on the beach). As with all bird photography, there are times when a super-telephoto lens with either TC is the best tool for the job.
Morning sessions will average about three hours, afternoon sessions at least 1 1/2. On cloudy mornings with favorable winds, we may opt to stay out for one long session and skip the afternoon, especially when the afternoon weather forecast is poor. Lunch is included on all but the last day of each IPT and will be served at my AirBnB. After lunch, we will do image review and Photoshop sessions. My AirBnB is the closest lodging to the park.
The deposit is $599.00. Call Jim at the office any weekday at 863-692-0906 to pay by credit card. Balances must be paid by check.
What You Will Learn on a Jacksonville IPT
1- First and foremast you will learn to become a better flight photographer. Much better.
2-You will learn the basics and fine points of digital exposure. Nikon and Canon folks will learn to get the right exposure every time after making a single test exposure, and SONY folks will learn to use Zebras so that they can be sure of making excellent exposures before pressing the shutter button.
3- You will learn to work in Manual exposure mode even if you fear it.
4- You will learn to evaluate wind and sky conditions and understand how they affect bird photography, especially the photography of birds in flight.
5- You will learn several pro secrets (for each system) that will help you to become a better flight photographer.
6- You will learn to zoom out in advance (because the birds are so close!) 🙂
7- You will learn how to approach free and wild birds without disturbing them.
8- You will learn to spot the good and the great situations.
9- You will learn to understand and predict bird behavior.
10- You will learn to design pleasing images by mastering your camera’s AF system.
11- You will learn to choose the best perspective.
12- You will learn to see and control your backgrounds.
13- You will learn to see and understand the light.
14- You will learn to see and create pleasing blurs in pre-dawn situations.
15- You will learn to be ready for the most likely event.
And the best news is that you will be able to take everything you learn home with you so that you will be a better photographer wherever you are and whenever you photograph.
This image was created on 29 June 2021 at Huguenot Memorial Park on a Jacksonville, FL IPT. Standing at full height I used the handheld Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 200mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ) The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 640. 1/3200 second at f/7.1 (stopped down 2/3-stop) in Manual Mode. AWB at 9:16:26am on a sunny morning. RawDigger showed the exposure to be dead solid 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: Royal Tern screaming in flight
It’s Not Always Easy to Get it Exactly Right in Bird Photography
If you knew that I was using a zoom lens for Image #1, most would react by saying, “You should have zoomed out wider.” As we often get greedy as far as wanting to get as many pixels on the subject as possible, clipping wings and feet and heads is a common occurrence when photographing birds especially birds in flight and in action. Until yesterday, I had long stared at this image thinking of a way to salvage it; I love the bird’s expression. And I had long assumed that I had simply failed to zoom out. That was until I was working on this blog post and saw that the focal length was 200mm, the widest possible.
I gave up trying to think of a way to repair the badly clipped wing and instead, turned to a square crop. WDYT of Image #1?
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 #2: Royal Tern with wings raised
What Do You Think of Square Crops?
Lots of folks think that the-out-of-the-camera 3X2 and 2X3 proportions are sacrosanct and that anything else is heresey. I disagree wholeheartedly. Many images scream out for a square copy, often images with two centered subjects like the Ospreys below. Strangely, I try to avoid boxy crops unless they are the only option.
Framing at 1200mm Ain’t Easy
Especially when you are standing atop an eight foot ladder. I badly mis-framed the original capture for Image #2; the bird on our left was almost touching the frame edge. A square crop resulted in a useable image.
How are Less than Perfect Images and Square Crops Related?
As we have seen in both Image #1 and Image #2, a square crop can often be used to save images that seem to be destined for the trash heap. Or a square crop might be perfect for perfectly executed images, as immediately below.
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. 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 kept 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.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
Which is the strongest of today’s five featured images? Which is the weakest of today’s five featured images? Why for each?
Used Gear Pipeline
I have a Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II lens coming up for sale. If you might be interested in purchasing it, shoot me an e-mail.
On a related note, I was pleased to learn that my third Sony a-1 sold within hours of being listed yesterday. Folks know that I price my stuff to sell quickly.
What’s Up?
Kevin has been hard at working repairing the two badly damaged blinds. The high winds continue, with gusts over 40mph today. We should be good to get back to work and try for Sharp-tailed Grouse on Saturday.
Today is Thursday 18 April 2024. We will be visiting a friend of Kevin’s in Bismarck this afternoon. She likes birds and has a kit camera but is physically limited. I’ve heard that she is a great cook and am looking forward to dinner. Whatever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too choose to have fun.
It’s Not Too Late
It’s not too late to join me on the 2024 May DeSoto IPT, coming up in less than three weeks. May is a wonderful time to visit this always productive location. Info below. Call 863-221-2372 or shoot me an e-mail if you have any questions.
Fort DeSoto in spring is rife with tame birds, many in full breeding plumage. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
Clockwise from upper left around to center: Laughing Gull landing on head of Brown Pelican, Laughing Gull in flight, Reddish Egret sunrise silhouette, Great Blue Heron with needlefish, Yellow-crowned Night Heron with ghost crab, Roseate Spoonbill, Sanderling in breeding plumage, and white morph Reddish Egret in glorious breeding plumage.
The 2024 Spring Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo Tour (IPT)
The Spring Fort DeSoto IPT: Wednesday 8 May through the morning session on SAT 11 May 2023. 3 1/2 Days: $1899.00 includes three working brunches. Limit six photographers. Openings: 4.
Fort DeSoto, located just south of St. Petersburg, FL, is a mecca for terns and gulls, wading birds, and shorebirds in springtime. Though DeSoto can be great any day of the year, spring is my very favorite time to be there as many of the birds will be in full breeding plumage. Simply put, DeSoto is the new Ding Darling. Migrant shorebirds are in abundance, and many are exceedingly tame. We should have great chances on Royal and Sandwich Terns and both white- and dark-morph Reddish Egrets. Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Great Blue Heron, Tricolored Heron, and White Ibis are easy as well and we will almost surely come up with a tame Yellow-crowned Night-Heron or two along with some American Oystercatchers. We will enjoy lots of great flight photography, especially with the Brown Pelicans.
Again, Fort DeSoto in spring is rife with tame birds, most in breeding plumage. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
Clockwise from upper left around to center: Laughing Gull in flight, Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, Sandwich Terns copulating, Roseate Spoonbill, Great Egret with reflection, breeding plumage Short-billed Dowitcher, American Oystercatcher, Royal Tern, white morph Reddish Egret, and Snowy Egret in marsh.
In Addition!
We should also get to photograph a variety of other shorebirds including Black-bellied, Semipalmated, Wilson’s, Snowy, and Piping Plovers, Willet, Dunlin, Short-billed Dowitcher, Marbled Godwit, and most especially, Red Knot. On the May trip, many of the shorebirds will be in their handsome breeding plumages. In spring the T-shaped peninsula and the newly formed sandbar, Outback Key, are literally packed with avian treasures.
With just a bit of luck, we may get to photograph one of Florida’s most desirable species: Roseate Spoonbill. And we will surely get to do some Brown Pelican flight photography. With luck, they will have Laughing Gulls landing on their heads. And though not guaranteed, Wood Stork might well be expected. And we will be on the lookout for a migrant passerine fallout in the event of a thunderstorm or two. I almost forgot to mention — Laughing Gulls in breeding plumage are to die for!
You do NOT need a fast super-telephoto lens to do this trip!
Yes, Fort DeSoto in spring is rife with tame birds, most in breeding plumage. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
Clockwise from upper left around to center: breeding plumage Dunlin, dark morph Reddish Egret displaying, Laughing Gull vertical front-end portrait, Laughing Gull with prey item, landing on head of Brown Pelican, breeding plumage Royal Tern displaying, Royal Terns — pre-copulatory stance, Laughing Gulls copulating, Laughing Gull head portrait, breeding plumage Sandwich Tern with fish, and a rare treat, a breeding plumage White-rumped Sandpiper.
What You Will Learn on a DeSoto 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.
5- To age and identify many species of shorebirds including various sandpipers, plovers, dowitchers, and possibly yellowlegs.
6- To spot good 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.
10- More than you could ever imagine.
You got it by now! Fort DeSoto in spring is rife with tame birds, most in breeding plumage. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
Clockwise from upper left around to center: Roseate Spoonbill, immature Brown Pelican in flight, the heron/egret hybrid, American Oystercatcher feeding, immature Royal Tern on railing, Great Egret morning silhouette, Black Skimmer in surf, and underside head portrait of Great Blue Heron.
The Details
Morning sessions will run about two and one-half hours; afternoon sessions about two. 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 11:30 or so and skip the afternoon session. That especially when the afternoon weather is looking iffy. We may opt to visit a great North Tampa rookery if conditions warrant that.
There will be a Photoshop/Image Review session during and after brunch (included) each of the three full days. 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 airport is Tampa (TPA). 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). For folks who register soon, the is an excellent chance that we can share an AirBnb to reduce lodging and meal costs and maximize your learning opportunities.
Folks attending this IPT will be out in the field as early as possible and stay out late to take advantage of sunset colors. 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 9:30am on a sunny morning after a great session just as a carful or two of well-rested photographers are arriving … We will be getting wet.
Your non-refundable $599 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 three months before the trip begins. If you wish to pay in full right off the bat, you can make your check out to BIRDS AS ART and send it via US mail here: 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 two months before the trip. 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. If you have any questions, or are good to go for one of these great trips, please let me know via e-mail or give me a call on my cell phone at 863-221-2372 for more info.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
This image was created on 9 MAY 2023 on a DeSoto IPT. While seated on damp sand, I used the toe-pod technique with the handheld the Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens
the Sony FE 1.4x 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 640. 1/5000 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the exposure was determined to be dead solid perfect. AWB at 8:19:38am on a sunny morning.
Tracking: 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.
Image #1: Little Blue Heron with tiny baitfish
“Pied” Little Blue Heron
At about one year old, juvenile Little Blue Herons (pure dusky white before then) begin to molt in some blue adult feathers and assume a “pied” look. They are quite handsome at this stage. As with the white juvenile, note the thicker bill (as compared to Snowy Egret) that is light blue at the base with a dusky tip and the greenish yellow legs. This is a plumage stage not a phase or a morph. There are usually one or two to be found on a walk at DeSoto in May.
This image was created on 9 MAY 2023 on a DeSoto IPT. While seated on damp sand, I used the toe-pod technique with the handheld Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ISO 500. Exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/2500 sec. at f/5.6 (stopped down one stop — don’t ask me why). AWB at 6:33:10am on a sunny afternoon.
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: Snowy Egret — adult with foot raised
Adult Snowy Egret
Adult Snowy Egrets have legs that are totally black front and back. The back of the legs of a one-year-old snowy are yellow. The prize in April and May is an adult at the peak of breeding plumage that features bright, cherry-red lores. The lores is the skin that covers the area in front the eye to the base of the upper mandible. The brightest colors are present only on birds that are actively breeding and lasts only a very few days before beginning to fade to pink.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
Image #3: Snowy Plover — male flapping after bath (band removed)
Snowy Plover
In April and May of 2023 I saw more Snowy Plovers than ever before at DeSoto, often a dozen or more on some mornings. Several pairs bred successfully on Outback Key. This guy landed right in front of me and took a bath in a rising tidal pool along with dozens of other shorebirds.
This image was created on 11 MAY 2023 on a DeSoto IPT. Crouching a bit, 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/10 (stopped down about 1 1/3 stops) in Manual Mode. AWB at 9:51:15am on a sunny morning. RawDigger showed the raw file brightness to be perfect.
Tracking: Spot 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 #4: Ruddy Turnstone in breeding plumage on jetty
Photographing Late on a Sunny Morning
Two hours after sunrise the light is cooler and harsher than it was earlier. The trick to making successful images is to work tight and get as close to right on sun angle as possible. The sun in this image is coming from high right. Because I was fairly close to a large in the frame subject I opted to stop down in an effort to render the whole bird sharp. The danger was bringing up too much background detail (by stopping down) but the rock behind the bird was distant enough to minimize that problem.
This image was created on 11 MAY 2023 on a DeSoto IPT. Crouching just a bit, 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 1000. 1/2500 second at f/6.3 (wide open) in Manual Mode. AWB at 6:03:29pm on a sunny afternoon. RawDigger showed the raw file brightness 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 #5: Whimbrel taking flight
Topaz Sharpen AI for Motion Blur
1/2500 second combined with a less than ideal panning rate (aka operator error) led to lots of motion blur on this otherwise very nice image. In Topaz Sharpen AI I painted a mask (thanks to Commander Jon Hoiles for that lesson), checked both AUTO boxes, and hit APPLY. The plug-in suggested Normal but the motion blur was still quite evident. So I over-rode the system and went with Motion Blur and applied that on a separate layer. Working large, I noted that the sharpening effect was over-done so I reduced the Opacity of the Sharpen AI layer to 80%. The result was quite excellent and the image is fine for web presentation.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
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. Big discount for the person who shares the AirBnB with me. IPT details below. Here’s wishing you great light and better photography.
Sony a-1 Mirrorless Camera Body
Arthur Morris, yours truly, is offering a Sony a-1 Mirrorless Camera Body in Excellent condition for a very low $4,500.00. The camera will have my settings on it and your purchase will include membership in my Sony a-1 Set-up and Info Group. I own three a-1 bodies; this one, the newest and least used, is the pick of the litter. The body has not been used since it was cleaned and checked by Sony LA a few months ago. The sale includes the original product box and everything that came in it, the front body cap, the strap, the original battery, and insured ground shipping to lower 48 addresses.
Flight Photography at Jacksonville Till You Can’t Lift Your Lens!
Join me on the beach at Huguenot Memorial Park to learn about photographing terns in flight. 8,000 pairs of Royal Terns nest there and there are birds in the air all the time, often carrying all kinds of fish and crabs and other invertebrates for their young. Learn about how the relationship between the wind and the sun impacts flight photography and about the best gear for shooting birds in flight. Note that all the images in the video were created with the Sony a1 (and a variety of lenses). Join me on a workshop at Jacksonville this summer. See the details below.
What’s Up?
Today is Wednesday 17 April 2024. After our great successes down in South Dakota, we are currently on a weather hold with winds of 25mph or more forecast through this coming Friday. It is impossible to use the large pop up blinds in high winds. We will be doing lots of image reviews along with some Photoshop. I will he headed to Underwood, ND about 15 minutes away to pick up my replacement a9 iii. As always, Steve Elkins of Bedfords takes care of his customers. Whatever you are doing, I hope that you too choose to have fun.
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.
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.
Clockwise from upper left corner around to center: Royal Tern chick feeding frenzy; Royal Tern nearly fledged chick; ink-stained Royal Tern with squid for chicks; Royal Tern chick begging; Brown Pelican immature tight flight; Royal Tern adult screaming — tight flight; Laughing Gulls mobbing Royal Tern to steal fish; Royal Tern with fish for chicks.
Join me at Huguenot Memorial Park this July
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.
2024 Jacksonville IPT: 4 1/2 DAY option Monday 15 July 2024 through the morning session on FRI 19 JULY — $2299.00 (Limit 4 photographers)
2024 Jacksonville IPT 3 1/2 DAY option: Monday 15 July 2024 through the morning session on THUR 18 July: $1799.00. (Limit 4 photographers)
I do not like to disappoint: each trip will run with only a single participant. If necessary.
I first visited the beach nesting bird colony at Jacksonville in late June 2021. I was astounded. There were many thousands of pairs of Royal Terns nesting along with about 10,000 pairs of Laughing Gulls. In addition to the royals, there were some Sandwich Terns nesting. And there are several dozen pairs of Brown Pelicans nesting on the ground. Flight photography was non-stop astounding. And photographing the tern chicks was relatively easy. Folks could do the whole trip with the Sony 200-600, the Canon 100-500 RF, or the Nikon 500 PF or one of the many nw Z lenses. With a TC in your pocket for use on sunny days. Most of the action is within 100 yards of where we park (on the beach). As with all bird photography, there are times when a super-telephoto lens with either TC is the best tool for the job.
Morning sessions will average about three hours, afternoon sessions at least 1 1/2. On cloudy mornings with favorable winds, we may opt to stay out for one long session and skip the afternoon, especially when the afternoon weather forecast is poor. Lunch is included on all but the last day of each IPT and will be served at my AirBnB. After lunch, we will do image review and Photoshop sessions. My AirBnB is the closest lodging to the park.
The deposit is $599.00. Call Jim at the office any weekday at 863-692-0906 to pay by credit card. Balances must be paid by check.
What You Will Learn on a Jacksonville IPT
1- First and foremast you will learn to become a better flight photographer. Much better.
2-You will learn the basics and fine points of digital exposure. Nikon and Canon folks will learn to get the right exposure every time after making a single test exposure, and SONY folks will learn to use Zebras so that they can be sure of making excellent exposures before pressing the shutter button.
3- You will learn to work in Manual exposure mode even if you fear it.
4- You will learn to evaluate wind and sky conditions and understand how they affect bird photography, especially the photography of birds in flight.
5- You will learn several pro secrets (for each system) that will help you to become a better flight photographer.
6- You will learn to zoom out in advance (because the birds are so close!) 🙂
7- You will learn how to approach free and wild birds without disturbing them.
8- You will learn to spot the good and the great situations.
9- You will learn to understand and predict bird behavior.
10- You will learn to design pleasing images by mastering your camera’s AF system.
11- You will learn to choose the best perspective.
12- You will learn to see and control your backgrounds.
13- You will learn to see and understand the light.
14- You will learn to see and create pleasing blurs in pre-dawn situations.
15- You will learn to be ready for the most likely event.
And the best news is that you will be able to take everything you learn home with you so that you will be a better photographer wherever you are and whenever you photograph.
This image was created on 17 June 2021 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 500. 1/1250 second at f/7.1 (stopped down 1/3-stop) in Manual Mode. AWB at 7:36:07am on a mostly sunny morning.
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: Laughing Gull in freshjuvenal plumage on dune
Juvenile Laughing Gulls
Juvenile Laughing Gulls are quite handsome. Even in mid-July, we will see some smaller, unfledged chicks. Gulls are generally cooperative subjects and are fairly easy to approach. They make great practice subjects. When you point your lens at a gull, they will often do something neat. This one sat atop the dune and did not do much, but he was so handsome that I could not resist. I did get a nice frame of this bird preening and am not sure whether it was published here previously.
The Sony 200-600 is great at Jax for flight, action, and portraits.
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: Royal Tern non-breeding adult calling
Long Focal Lengths
I’ve always loved going in clean, tight, and graphic, especially on sunny days. I’ve always been a head hunter, and always will be. If you sit on the beach and approach the birds carefully, you can often get close enough for head shots with shorter focal length lenses. And on sunny days, you can add a 1.4X TC to your intermediate telephoto zoom lenses for more reach.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
Image #3: Royal Tern with juvenile Mahi Mahi for chicks
Flight Photography at Jax
There is a ton of great flight photography at Huguenot. You can use a handheld intermediate telephoto lens or a faster, longer fixed focal length lens mounted on a tripod with a Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro. We will get to photograph the Royal and Sandwich Terns, Laughing and other gulls, and Brown Pelicans, all in flight on most days.
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. This year I will be shooting often with my new Sony 300mm f/2.8 lens with either the 1.4X or 2x TC. And my a9 iii will be there as well.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
With several days of rain and high winds in the forecast, we left our AirBnb in Pierre, SD a day early and headed north to Kevin’s house in Washburn, ND, 45 minutes past and slightly west of Bismarck. We had tremendous luck in South Dakota with sunny mornings and lots of Greater Prairie Chickens. Huge thanks to both Kevin and Anita for making my life easy by setting up, taking down, and transporting the blinds.
When the bad weather abates, we will try for Sharp-tailed Grouse. When we got to Kevin’s home, I looked around for something to read and found a copy of Dorian Anderson’s Birding Under the Influence: Cycling Across America in Search of Birds and Recovery. I simply could not put the book down and spent most of the next 25 hours engrossed in the book. Dorian is an incredibly gifted writer and shares the tale of his year long pursuit of birds on his bicycle. Through bone chilling cold and searing heat, up and down punishing mountains and across deserts, the book is filled with birds and birding, with adventure, with life-threatening danger, with challenges and accomplishment. Dorian broad knowledge base is evident as he shares of the lives and habitats of the birds he sought, the land he rode through, and the great variety of folks he met along the way. All interspersed with meaningful and insightful social commentary.
Dorian, a recovering alcoholic and drug addict, attended Stanford, Harvard, and NYU. He took a year off from his job at Mass General as neuroscience researcher and set off on his bike for one year in effort to find 600 bird species, himself, and sobriety, and to reunite with the love of his life. Can you say molecular and cellular biology and embryology? His incredible, heck, barely believable journey leads to a new and much fuller life. Best for me, however, was the intertwined love story that left me in tears.
ps: Not mentioned in the book is the fact that Dorian is also a world class bird photographer.
I Am Not the Only One Who Loved This Book
“One hell of a ride.”—Nick Offerman, actor, woodworker, New York Times bestselling author.
“Candid and often moving reflections . . . make for absorbing reading. . . . [This is] a memoir of a journey that was more than just a chase after numbers.”—Booklist
“What an incredible story! Dorian’s adventure is an inspiration for birders and non-birders alike.”―David Lindo, author of The Urban Birder
“This is no ordinary Big Year birding book, as Dorian’s story supersedes birds and reveals how a year of contemplation, biking, and birding helped him to overcome his inner struggles of addiction and broken relationships that are all too relatable for many of us. Many of us are reluctant to hit the ‘pause’ button on life, afraid of what that might lead to, but Dorian’s example of setting aside a year to process his thoughts, relationships, and future is an example for us, and birding might just be the adventure we need, even for a day or two.”―Luke Safford, Director of Engagement and Education, Tucson Audubon
“Birding Under the Influence is an adrenaline hit for birders and adventure junkies. It’s also a surprisingly tender story of redemption, as Dorian Anderson faces down his addictions and reinvents his career. Having eagerly awaited this book after Anderson’s 2014 Big Year, I read it in a blissful, all-out binge―as will anyone with a taste for birds and inspiring journeys.”―Noah Stryker, Associate Editor of Birding magazine and author of Birding Without Borders
“A story led by the bike and fueled by his tenacity, Dorian colorfully articulates the depth to which putting in the work―both physically on the bike, and emotionally on oneself―reaps infinite rewards.”―Tiffany Kirsten, birding guide and past Lower 48 U.S. Continental Big Year record holder
“Dorian tells it like it is: don’t let life happen to you, no matter what your tendencies and what well-worn grooves you slide into. Life is what you create, accepting your faults and challenges, and realizing that the path forward is not how you plan it―instead, it happens how you least imagined it. And as in any wonderful, gripping story, great birding was involved!”―Alvaro Jaramillo, owner and guide, Alvaro’s Adventures
“[Anderson] is a marvelous writer and, boy, does he have a tale to tell.”―The Denver Post “In the Know”
“There are many big year novels, as birders tell how they tried to see as many species of birds in a year as they can, but Anderson’s self-powered attempt covers novel challenges and encounters. Among the physical and mental challenges of birding and biking across the country, Anderson also recounts his experience finding sobriety – another tale of nature’s many cures.”―Portland Press Herald
“Recounting a starkly different kind of ‘Big Year’ Dorian details an unlikely saga that takes a toll on him, physically and mentally. So often birding is a quest, and in this memoir Dorian Anderson seeks birds but also some sense of self. At times throwing himself on the mercy of his fellow Americans, he finds his way through and across the country, enlisting a colorful cast of characters as he goes. For this one year his only commitment is to his bicycle. His bike both frees and imprisons him simultaneously, but eventually it delivers him, along with a unique story. America’s sweetest wildlife spectacles light a path that would otherwise be strewn with 40-ounce bottles of malt liquor and rails of cocaine. From Snowy Owls in Boston to Yellow-footed Gulls in California’s Salton Sea, saddle up for a modern journey that harkens back to classic birding adventures, like those of Pete Dunne in The Feather Quest or to Wild America by Roger Tory Peterson and James Fisher.”―George Armistead, founder and guide, Hillstar Nature
In Birding Under the Influence, Dorian Anderson, a neuroscience researcher on a pressure-filled life trajectory, walks away from the world of elite institutions, research labs, and academic publishing. In doing so, he falls in love and discovers he has freed himself to embrace his lifelong passion for birding.
A North American Big Year—a continent-spanning adventure in which a birder attempts to see as many species as possible in twelve months—is a massive undertaking under any circumstances. But doing it on a bike while maintaining sobriety? That’s next level.
As Dorian pedals across the country, describing the birds he sees, he confronts the challenges of long-distance cycling: treacherous weather, punctured tires, speeding cars, and injury. He encounters eccentric characters, blistering blacktop, dreary hotel rooms, snarling dogs, and an endless sea of smoking tailpipes. He also confronts his past struggles with alcohol, drugs, and risky behaviors that began in high school and followed him into adulthood.
Birding Under the Influence is a candid, honest look at Dorian’s double life of academic accomplishment and addiction. While his journey to recovery is simultaneously poignant and inspiring, it is ultimately his love of birds and nature that provides the scaffolding to build a new and radically different life. Chelsea Green Publishing
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
On Saturday, I suggested that we erect two perches on the lek for the Greater Prairie Chickens (GPCs). With Kevin’s help, we put one low driftwood perch in place, and a larger vertical perch. That morning, the birds wanted nothing to do with our perches. Even worse, both perches got in our way often. The low perch was so lovely that I made some images of it without a bird on it. At the end of our session, we agreed to remove the vertical perch as it was quite obtrusive. Kevin said that he thought the birds would get up on the low perch “in a day or two.” So on Saturday night, I dreamed of the GPCs posing on the perch.
If you had asked me what were the chances of that happening the next day, I might have said, “I mean miracles can happen, so possibly.”
Early on Sunday morning, a few males were strutting quite close to the low perch, and once or twice they got up on it for a moment. As I was desperate for a shot, I tried a few at ISO 51,000. When the sun finally made an appearance, it turned out that we had gotten lucky; the low perch was perfectly placed between the very long shadows of my blind and Anita’s blind. Then my dreams were answered — several males got up on the handsome perch, and then several females took a liking to it. One hen posed there for about ten minutes; I shot her at 600, 840, and 1200mm. Some of the. males displayed, some of them jumped. By the time we quit at about 8:30am, I had created 8952 images, almost all with the a9 iii that Anita kindly loaned me after mine went on the fritz on Saturday. I kept 396 photos. 185 of those will be used to create an a9 iii “dancing Chicken” movie. Counting all of those as keepers left me with a success rate of 0.44%, less than 1/2 of one percent. Images below.
Today is Monday 15 April. Our plan is to shoot in the wind in the morning, pack up the blinds, vacate our AirBnB and head north to Kevin’s place in Washburn, ND, forty miles north of Bismarck. Whatever you are doing, have fun and breathe deeply.
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.
Your Call?
Which of today’s four featured images do you think is the strongest. Those kind enough to leave a comment are asked to let us know why they made their choice.
“I Mean Miracles Can Happen, So Possibly”
When 12-year old Grace VanderWaal auditioned for America’s Got Talent in 2016, that was her response to Simon when he asked, So, “Do you think you can win?” Howie Mandel hit the Golden Buzzer advancing her to the live show and on September 14, 2016, she did in fact win Season 11.
This image was created on 14 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 and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. ISO 1600. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/320 second at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was perfect. AWB at 7:04:50am on yet a other clear sunny morning.
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 #1: Greater Prairie Chicken — male jumping up.
Miracle at 1/320 Second!
Once the sun hit the low perch, I had enough light to make sharp images of the GPCs on it. When this bird jumped up to the highest spot, I followed my own advice and pressed the shutter button even though I had little chance of making a sharp image at 1/320 sec. Miracles, however, do come true. (Note: in good conditions I will usually shoot flight at 1/3200 or 1/4000 second, or faster if possible.)
This image was created on 14 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 and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. ISO 1600. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/400 second at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was perfect. AWB at 7:05:17am on yet a other clear sunny morning.
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: Greater Prairie Chicken — male on log.
Blind Shadow
In both of the first two images, a good part of the background was the shadow of Anita’s blind. Do you like the lighter treatment of the shadow in Image #1, or the darker treatment in Image #2? Note: Images #1 and #2 were created only 27 seconds apart.
Tracking 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.
Image #3: Greater Prairie Chicken hen on log
1200mm
With lots of chickens getting up on the perch, I worked with the bare 600mm at times, or added the 1.4X TC for a bit more reach. When this hen posed for what seemed like an eternity, I went to the 2X TC. As expected, the sharpness at 1200mm is exceptional.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
