January 19th, 2023 What’s Up?
With the high surf in La Jolla, the usually easy to photograph Heermann’s Gulls have been hard to come by. On Wednesday morning I took somewhat of a gamble by heading to the beach at Coronado. I grabbed the 200-600 and the 70-200 and enjoyed a very successful morning, As the tide dropped, large groups of shorebirds fed on the edge of the surf: Willets, Marbled Godwits, Sanderlings, two Red Knots, and a single Black-bellied Plover. To get on sun angle, I walked into the surf with my hiking boots on while my surf booties were warm and dry on the floor behind the driver’s seat of my rental car. Duh!
In the afternoon, I walked two miles down and up at Torrey Pines State Preserve. I did the Yucca Point Overlook, Razor Point, and Red Butte trails. It sure is a beautiful place. A gorgeous adult Red Tail sat in full sun at the top of a Torrey Pine, flew off to the south, and then returned to its lofty green perch.
Today is Thursday 19 January 2023, Day 1 of the third and final San Diego IPT. I will be meeting Barbara White (Sony a1 and 200-600) and Brannigan Leishman Canon R5 and 100-500) early at the cliffs. The forecast, which had been calling for mostly cloudy all day, is now calling for clear and sunny for most of the day with a gentle breeze from the ENE. All good. This blog post took more than two hours to prepare (Including the time spent on the three image optimization and makes two hundred ninety-six days in a row with a new, educational post. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day.
I fly back to Florida this coming Tuesday. Please remember to use my B&H or Bedford’s affiliate programs for your new gear purchases.
There are just two spots left on the 2023 Spoonbill Boat 1-1/2 DAY MINI-IPT. Scroll down for details.
The plan is to continue to post every day until the streak reaches one year and one day and then go back to posting every other day.
Please remember to use the B&H and Amazon 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!
You can find some great photo accessories (and necessities, like surf booties!) on Amazon by clicking on the Stuff tab on the orange/yellow menu bar above. On a related note, it would be extremely helpful if blog-folks who, like me, spend too much money on Amazon, would get in the habit of clicking on the Amazon logo link on the right side of each blog post when they shop online. As you might expect, doing so will not cost you a single penny, but would be appreciated tremendously by yours truly. And doing so, works seamlessly with your Amazon Prime account.
Please remember that 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.
Induro GIT 304L Tripod
Out of production for more than two years, BAA just sold its last one. The good news? We have located two more new-in-the-box tripods. They will be available for shipping at the end of January. Best to order yours now to be sure that you get one. We will not run your card until your item ships. The 304L was my go-to tripod for more than a decade. Best to grab order yours right now to avoid being disappointed.
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This image was created on 18 January 2023 on the beach at Coronado, CA. Standing at full height, I used the handheld Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter (at 221mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. The exposure was determined via Zebras. ISO 800: 1/3200 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 8:10:10am on a slightly hazy morning.
Tracking: Zone AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image 1: Heermann’s Gull turning in flight
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Focal Length Coverage
When choosing which lenses to bring into the field on a given day, one factor to be considered is the focal length coverage, the range that begins with your shortest focal length and ends with your longest. If, for example, you opt for the 200-600 and the 400mm f/2.8, the 200-600 overlaps the 400mm focal length completely (albeit 2 1/3 stops slower at f/6.3). Pairing the 70-200 with the 200-600 however, gives you perfect focal length coverage from 70-600mm. And you can get to 840mm by adding the TC to the big zoom. The fact that it was sunny made choosing the 200-600 an ideal one.
The 70-200 hung on my right shoulder via a Black Rapid Curve Breathe Strap. (Remember to tighten the bolt securely every time that you pick up your rig.) I handheld the 200-600 and placed is carefully on the beach when I need the short zoom.
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This image was also created on 18 January 2023 on the beach at Coronado, CA. Seated on very damp sand, I used the knee-pod technique with the handheld Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 588mm) 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. 1/2500 second at f/6.3 (wide-open) in Manual Mode. AWB at 8:43:24am on a sunny morning. RawDigger showed the exposure to be dead-solid perfect.
Tracking: Spot S AF-C with Bird Face/Eye Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #2: Heermann’s Gull in full breeding plumage preening side of neck
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The Black Sand
On the lower tides, there are large areas of black sand on the beach at Coronado. They are often intermixed with the normal, tan-toned sand. As the tide drops, there are often some really neat patterns that you can use to create new and different photos. The Heermann’s Gull in Image #2 stopped in a spot where a patterned band of black sand ran parallel to the ocean and provided a dramatic, unique setting for the image. The patterns in the black sand are formed by the dropping tide. The patterns often resemble forests of odd trees and are often worth photographing on their own.
In Image #2, note the perfect preening head angle.
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This image was also created on 18 January 2023 on the beach at Coronado, CA. Again, seated on very damp sand, I used the knee-pod technique with 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. 1/3200 second at f/6.3 (wide-open) in Manual Mode. AWB at 8:54:31am on a sunny morning. RawDigger showed the exposure to be perfect.
Tracking: Spot S AF-C with Bird Face/Eye Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #3: Heermann’s Gull in full breeding plumage — tight portrait
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Sony 200-600 Versatility
As noted here often, the Sony 200-600 lens alone is a great reason to abandon your current system and switch to Sony. By comparing Image #2 (where I had to zoom out of bit), with Image #3, (made at 600mm — actually at a bit less when you take focus breathing into account), you can see the amazing versatility of the 2-6. And it is often perfect for creating bird-scapes by zooming out to focal lengths of between 200 and 400mm. Throw in a Sony a1 and a 1.4X TC and you have a perfect kit for bird photography for just about $10K.
Your Call?
Which of today’s very strong featured images do you like best? Why? I do have a favorite.
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All images on this card were created by Arthur Morris on the Hooptie Deux at Alafia Banks
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2023 Spoonbill Boat 1-1/2 DAY MINI-IPT: $1199.00.00. Limit: 5 photographers/Openings: 2.
A full day on WED 15 FEB and the morning of Thursday 16 FEB 2023: 1 1/2 days.
Two morning and one afternoon photo session (weather permitting) via customized pontoon boat.
For early-arriving folks, artie is throwing in a free afternoon In-the-Field session at a little-known but very active rookery in North Tampa on Tuesday 14 February.
We will be leaving the dock in Gibsonton, FL very early for the morning sessions in hopes of photographing a pre-dawn White Ibis blast-off and creating some dramatic silhouettes or pleasing blurs. The morning sessions are planned for the Alafia Banks Roseate Spoonbill Rookery. We have several options for the afternoons including returning to Alafia. We may spend one afternoon on foot at the North Tampa rookery mentioned above. There will be lots of opportunities for flight photography of several species including and especially Roseate Spoonbill. Also likely for flight photography are nesting Brown Pelican, Great Blue Heron, and Double Crested Cormorant, many carrying nesting material. This IPT includes all boat and guide fees, in-the-field instruction from two great leaders, chest waders (feel free to bring your own of course to assure a perfect fit), and three working lunches (Monday thru Wednesday). For the most part we will be standing in mid-calf to knee-deep water behind our tripods. We help you get in and out of the boat safely with your gear. This is likely not the best trip for folks with mobility or balance problems. Note however that some folks opt to stay on the boat to photograph. They usually have lots of chances for flight photography of spoonbills and other species but are almost always pretty far away from the spoonbills that land.
Mid-February is prime time for photographing spoonbills at the absolute peak of breeding plumage. For unknown reasons, the spoonbills at Alafia are much more colorful than the birds that breed at Stick Marsh later in the season. The Hooptie IPT represents an incredible opportunity and I do hope that you can join us. All of the images on the cards were made on the Hooptie Duex during the last two weeks of February, prime time for the spoonies in mega-breeding plumage.
You may hold your spot with an e-mail request. Then, you may either secure your spot by calling Jim or Jennifer at the office at 863-692-0906 and leaving the $599 deposit on credit card or sending your check for payment in full to us as follows with the check made out to:
BIRDS AS ART
Please send it via US mail here:
BIRDS AS ART
PO BOX 7245
Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855
If you call to leave your deposit, you will be asked to mail your check for the balance ASAP. Be sure to give us your e-mail address.
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Images courtesy of our guide; copyright 2017 Captain James Shadle (aka Froggie). All of the images here were created at Alafia Banks. Card creation and design by Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART.
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Everybody Wants Spoonbills!
Roseate Spoonbill is one of if not the most sought after avian photographic subjects in Florida. They are generally hard to find and somewhat difficult to approach. They are relatively easy to find at Alafia Banks—heck, you can’t miss seeing them, but even there they can on some days be somewhat difficult to approach. On some days we may be able to get ridiculously close to them. The huge incentive to get out to Alafia Banks in mid-February is the chance to photograph this species at the height of its spectacular breeding plumage…. with long telephoto lenses. A 500 or 600 with a 1.4X TC is perfect for flight.
As above, there will — weather permitting — three boat trips — 2 mornings and 1 afternoon — on this MINI IPT. All to Alafia Banks for spoonbills and Brown Pelicans (with lots of flight photography often with the birds likely carrying nesting material), Double-crested Cormorants, ibises (both Glossy and White) in breeding plumage. Many of the White Ibises will be sporting their spectacular, distended, red, naked (un-feathered) throat pouches—typically larger in the females. In addition, we may get to photograph egrets including Great and Reddish, both in full breeding plumage, shorebirds, and more. There will be lots of flight photography opportunities. Afternoon trips either to Alafia Banks for spoonbills and more or to a more sheltered inland rookery location for a variety of nesting birds. In the event of horrific weather artie will either take the group to Fort DeSoto or will conduct an image review/Photoshop session. This IPT includes lunches on the full day with small group image sharing and review and some over-the-shoulder Photoshop instruction.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
January 18th, 2023 Homer Late Registration Discounts
If you are interested in traveling to Homer, AK with me in FEB/MAR 2023 to photograph Bald Eagles, shoot me an e-mail for late registration discount info. Several folks are in the process of registering so do not tarry. The first IPT is looking sold out as I await the last deposit check.
Arna Lee Morris
My youngest of three sisters, Arna Lee Morris, died five years ago of morbid obesity. Had she lived, she would have been 67 today. She was a good kid, and bright, and was great at taking care of others. But she was not very good at taking care of herself. The first Morris baby, Carla, died of infantile diarrhea ten days after she was born while my Dad was overseas serving in WW II. Sister Ilene and I survive.
What’s Up?
On Tuesday morning, I headed back to the cliffs to meet up with San Diego IPT #2 veteran Bryan Love. He kindly loaned me his new Sony a7R V Mirrorless Camera body. As I got out of my rental vehicle, Bryan was coming down the hill. There were pelicans floating down into a strong NW wind with their feet hanging below them. Having heard good things about the a7R V, I was anxious to get it on the tripod with the 600mm f/4 GM lens. So I did. Many pelicans were parachuting down from great heights. The big problem was that Bryan, relatively new to bird photography, had not set up the camera body. At that point, it would not focus on anything. I ditched the a7R V, grabbed an a1, and went to work.
The weather was wild, raining hard one minute and bright sun the next with lots of clouds as well. With a NW wind in the morning the last thing you want is sun. We both photographed through most of the rain and had a ton of fun. When it poured, I got into my Nissan Murano and set up the V as closely as I could to the a1. When it let up, I worked with the new camera on the bare Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens . I will share my findings with you here in a future blog post. I did make a few good ones.
As a thank you, I took Bryan out for brunch to Shorehouse Kitchen in La Jolla Shores, about 5 minutes from the cliffs. BTW, I never got to loan Bryan my 600mm f/4 because when he walked down the hill he was smiling ear to ear and holding his brand new Sony 600mm f/4 GM lens. When I heard that he had used my B&H affiliate link I was the one smiling. He saw that they had one in stock and grabbed it. He already owned the Sony 400mm f/2.8 GM but when he tried out my 600 on the IPT, he fell in love instantly. Why? Since the size of the bird in the frame is a function of the square of the focal length, a bird photographed at a given distance with the 600 will be 2.25 times larger in the frame than the same bird photographed from the same spot with a 400mm lens.
Six squared is 36. Four squared is 16. 36 divided by 16 is 2.25. He could not stop talking about how amazing the Sony 600 f/4 GM lens is.
Today is Wednesday 18 January 2023. The forecast for the morning is for cold and mostly to partly cloudy with a 6mph breeze from the east. This blog post took more than two hours to prepare with most of that time spent on the very challenging image optimization and makes two hundred ninety-five days in a row with a new, educational post. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day.
I fly back to Florida in one week. Please remember to use my B&H or Bedford’s affiliate programs for your new gear purchases.
My plan is to continue to post every day until the streak reaches one year and one day and then go back to posting every other day.
Please remember to use the B&H and Amazon 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!
You can find some great photo accessories (and necessities, like surf booties!) on Amazon by clicking on the Stuff tab on the orange/yellow menu bar above. On a related note, it would be extremely helpful if blog-folks who, like me, spend too much money on Amazon, would get in the habit of clicking on the Amazon logo link on the right side of each blog post when they shop online. As you might expect, doing so will not cost you a single penny, but would be appreciated tremendously by yours truly. And doing so, works seamlessly with your Amazon Prime account.
Please remember that 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.
Induro GIT 304L Tripod
Out of production for more than two years, BAA just sold its last one. The good news? We have located two more new-in-the-box tripods. They will be available for shipping at the end of January. Best to order yours now to be sure that you get one. We will not run your card until your item ships. The 304L was my go-to tripod for more than a decade. Best to grab order yours right now to avoid being disappointed.
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, or to any prior purchases.
Money Saving Reminder
Many have learned that if you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H and would like to enjoy getting 3% back on your credit card along with free 2nd Day Air Fed-Ex Air shipping, your best bet is to click here, place an order with Bedfords, and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If an item is out of stock, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail or on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592 (Central time). Be sure to mention the BIRDSASART coupon code and check the box for Free Shipping. That will automatically upgrade to free 2nd Day Air Fed-Ex. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H and everywhere else. The waitlists at the big stores can be a year or longer for the hard-to-get items. Steve will surely get you your gear long before that. For the past year, he has been helping BAA Blog folks get their hands on items like the SONY a 1, the SONY 200-600 G OSS lens, the Canon EOS R5, the Canon RF 100-500mm lens, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is personable, helpful, and eager to please.
Important Note
As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small percentage when you purchase from Amazon after using any of the Amazon links on the blog (including the logo-link on the right side of each blog post page). My affiliate link works fine with Amazon Prime and using it will not cost you a single cent. Huge thanks, BTW 🙂
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 save 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.
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This image was created on 16 January 2023 on the beach at Coronado, CA. While standing at full height, I used the handheld Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens with the Sony FE 2x teleconverter (zoomed out to 286mm), and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. The exposure was determined via Zebras. ISO 2000: 1/1250 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 4:37:23pm on a variably cloudy afternoon.
Tracking: Expand Spot AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Western Gull on pile of kelp with a rainbow in the background
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Western Gull with Rainbow
There was a ton of kelp on the beach as a result of the recent storms. The pile that the gull was sitting atop was pushed together by a bulldozer that had been cleaning up the beach.
As much as I strive to expose to the right when photographing rainbows, I always wind up underexposing them a bit so that I get at least a hint of the rainbow when reviewing the image in camera. RawDigger showed that the brightness for this raw file was 1/3-stop short of perfect. The best way to create images with dramatic rainbows is to use a warming circular polarizer set to dark. I travel with a 77mm but it was in my rental car 🙁
In any case, optimizing today’s featured image was a bear. It took me more than 90 minutes to come up with something acceptable.
After clicking on the image to view the high-res version, leave a comment letting us know what you like and what you do not like about this one.
Image Design Question
Why did I zoom out from 400mm to 286mm?
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
January 17th, 2023 Homer Late Registration Discounts
If you are interested in traveling to Homer, AK with me in FEB/MAR 2023 to photograph Bald Eagles, shoot me an e-mail for late registration discount info. Several folks are in the process of registering so do not tarry. The first IPT is looking sold out as I await the last deposit check.
What’s Up?
On Monday morning, I headed back to the cliffs to continue working on my 1200mm pelican macro techniques. It brightened a bit, and when a rain squall blew in from the east, I keep right on photographing. Though there have been several dire forecasts in my four weeks in San Diego, including several “100% chance of rain all day,” I have not missed a single morning session. All my Sony gear has stood up well to getting wet. Very wet at times. One body needed 30 minutes of the hair dryer in a pillowcase treatment. It has done just fine since.
I headed to Coronado in the afternoon. I checked on the Lesser Scaups and found a small flock. At the beach there was lots of action with the Western and Heermann’s Gull’s and several species of shorebirds. The sunset fizzled. I enjoyed mixed clouds and sun while back across the bridge, it rained in San Diego. The far out of character heavy rains have taken a toll. A section of the sidewalk and fence washed out on Prospect above the low cliffs, and I saw two huge, downed trees on Monday. One was right across the street from my AirBnB in Pacific Beach.
Today is Tuesday 17 January 2023. It rained again last night. It quit early so I will be meeting up with San Diego IPT veteran Bryan Love and try out his Sony a7R V. He owns an a1 and loves the V. He will get to play some more with my 600mm f/4. This blog post took more than 90 minutes to prepare (including the time spent on the three image optimizations) and makes two hundred ninety-four days in a row with a new, educational post. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day.
Please remember to use my B&H or Bedford’s affiliate programs for your new gear purchases.
My plan is to continue to post every day until the streak reaches one year and one day and then go back to posting every other day.
Please remember to use the B&H and Amazon 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!
You can find some great photo accessories (and necessities, like surf booties!) on Amazon by clicking on the Stuff tab on the orange/yellow menu bar above. On a related note, it would be extremely helpful if blog-folks who, like me, spend too much money on Amazon, would get in the habit of clicking on the Amazon logo link on the right side of each blog post when they shop online. As you might expect, doing so will not cost you a single penny, but would be appreciated tremendously by yours truly. And doing so, works seamlessly with your Amazon Prime account.
Please remember that 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.
Induro GIT 304L Tripod
Out of production for more than two years, BAA just sold its last one. The good news? We have located two more new-in-the-box tripods. They will be available for shipping at the end of January. Best to order yours now to be sure that you get one. We will not run your card until your item ships. The 304L was my go-to tripod for more than a decade. Best to grab order yours right now to avoid being disappointed.
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, or to any prior purchases.
Money Saving Reminder
Many have learned that if you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H and would like to enjoy getting 3% back on your credit card along with free 2nd Day Air Fed-Ex Air shipping, your best bet is to click here, place an order with Bedfords, and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If an item is out of stock, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail or on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592 (Central time). Be sure to mention the BIRDSASART coupon code and check the box for Free Shipping. That will automatically upgrade to free 2nd Day Air Fed-Ex. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H and everywhere else. The waitlists at the big stores can be a year or longer for the hard-to-get items. Steve will surely get you your gear long before that. For the past year, he has been helping BAA Blog folks get their hands on items like the SONY a 1, the SONY 200-600 G OSS lens, the Canon EOS R5, the Canon RF 100-500mm lens, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is personable, helpful, and eager to please.
Important Note
As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small percentage when you purchase from Amazon after using any of the Amazon links on the blog (including the logo-link on the right side of each blog post page). My affiliate link works fine with Amazon Prime and using it will not cost you a single cent. Huge thanks, BTW 🙂
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 save 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.
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This image was created on 14 January 2023 at Sonny Bono NWR, Salton Sea, CA. While standing at full height, I used the no-longer available (except from BIRDS AS ART) Induro GIT 304L tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ISO 1000. Exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/500 sec. at f/4 (wide open). When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to 1/3 stop too dark. AWB at 7:51:55 am on cloudy morning.
Manual Focus with Focus Peaking performed perfectly (as did the operator). Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the larger version.
Image #1: Green Winged Teal and other ducks in impoundment
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Salton Sea Bird-scapes
I quickly realized that getting close to any birds at Sonny Bono NWR was not gonna happen. Attracted by the soft light and the beautiful earth tones of green, tan, and brown with some soft yellow tones thrown in, I went the long lens bird-scape route. Note that I was comfortable working 1/500 second at the wide-open aperture and that I lowered the ISO as the day got brighter.
Most of the ducks in Image #1 are Green-winged Teal. There were also a few Northern Shovelers and possibly another species or two.
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This image was also created on 14 January 2023 at Sonny Bono NWR, Salton Sea, CA. Again, while standing at full height, I used the no-longer available (except from BIRDS AS ART) Induro GIT 304L tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ISO 800. Exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/500 sec. at f/4 (wide open). When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to 1/3 stop too dark. AWB at 9:01:59 am on cloudy morning.
Manual Focus with Focus Peaking performed perfectly (as did the operator). Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the larger version.
Image #2: Long-billed Dowitcher — feeding flock in impoundment
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The AF Problem with Bird-scapes
When creating bird-scapes it is imperative to focus accurately on the closest bird. Picking one that is doing something somewhat special is always a plus. When creating such images, especially those made at the wide-open aperture, using autofocus presents a problem as you attempt to focus accurately on the closet bird in the flock. It can be difficult to get a single AF point to hold focus on a small-on-the-frame subject.
The simple solution is to move the AF switch to M and focus manually. With Image #1, I adjusted the focus so that the closest teal had the brightest focus peaking edges. In image #2, all of the dowitchers showed the red focus peaking edges as they were (conveniently) on the same plane. And in Image #3, the line of shorebirds at the bottom of the frame lit up with the red edgings when the image was focused properly.
The Lesson
When you need to focus accurately on the closest bird or the front row of birds, manual focus with Focus Peaking will always be best. It will produce the sharpest images and make your life easy.
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This image was also created on 14 January 2023 at Sonny Bono NWR, Salton Sea, CA. Again, while standing at full height, I used the no-longer available (except from BIRDS AS ART) Induro GIT 304L tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ISO 800. Exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/500 sec. at f/4 (wide open). When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to 1/3 stop too dark. AWB at 8:29:44am on cloudy-bright morning.
Manual Focus with Focus Peaking performed perfectly (as did the operator). Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the larger version.
Image #3: Shorebirds feeding in impoundment
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Your Call?
A- I like Image #1 best because …
B- I like Image #2 best because …
C- I like Image #3 best because …
D- I do not like any of today’s images because …
E- …
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
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