Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART

This image was created on 10 May at Fort DeSoto Park in Tierra Verde, FL. Standing at full height, I used the Robus RC-5558-3 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. ISO 1600: 1/250 second at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 6:48:30am, five minutes before sunrise but long before the sun would be on the bird. Tracking: Zone with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed quite well. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the high-res version. Image #1: Osprey beginning breakfast

Keep or Delete?

Would you keep or delete this image? Why or why not? If you would keep it, what would your plan be for the image optimization?

The Situation

Unfortunately, since the pandemic, DeSoto does not open until 7:00am. Rather than show up at 6:58am, I have the group leave very early so that we can look for subjects before the gate opens. On Tuesday, we did not find anything. But on Wednesday, I spotted this Osprey with a whole fish, possibly a Red Snapper. In any case, it had just caught a fish that was pinkish-red with a yellow iris. As we set up, I gave a quick lesson on choosing your perspective. From the road as we drove by, the thin branch intersected wit the bird.

What’s Up?

Though the pool that held many dozens of wading birds on Tuesday was empty, we enjoyed a second great morning that was clearly not as great as mega-Tuesday had been. We headed early to the New Far Bar and had a zillion good chances with a large flock of mostly Royal Terns. Until a couple with their dog came along. I’ve never seen so many birds disappear so quickly. The story was pretty much the same on Wednesday afternoon, but the last ten minutes were spectacular. Simply put, there is a ton of learning going on on this IPT.

Today is Thursday 11 May 2023 and conditions are again looking near perfect. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day; we will!

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.

The Fact$ of Life

Right now, the market for editorial sales of natural history images has virtually disappeared. The incomes of the world’s top stock photographers are down by at least 90%. Like me, most depend on income from photo trips, the sale of educational materials, and income from this or that affiliate program.

In 2001, BAA sold the publication rights to images for nearly one-quarter million US dollars. That amount dropped to about $20,000 by 2011, and in 2017, to slightly more than $2,000.00. We’ve stopped counting. IPTs used to fill within days. Now I am happy to go with one or two folks, but I’d much rather have you along. And so it goes. In 2009, I turned to creating educational blog posts, now to the tune of 4009. Yes, 4009 educational blog posts. So, please remember to use either my B&H or Bedfords affiliate links for your major purposes. It does not cost you one cent to do either.

B&H

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.

B&H Simplified

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. 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.

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.

Iceland

My decades-long dream of spending time on Grimsey Island, Iceland, with the puffins — 13 days in this case!, will be realized this coming July. I am doing back-to-back trips as a participant. If anyone would like information on the world’s greatest Iceland/Atlantic Puffin trip this coming July, please contact me via e-mail.

This image was created on 10 May at Fort DeSoto Park in Tierra Verde, FL. Standing at full height, I used the Robus RC-5558-3 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. ISO 1600: 1/250 second at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 6:48:30am, five minutes before sunrise but long before the sun would be on the bird. Tracking: Zone with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed quite well. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the high-res version. Image #1: Osprey beginning breakfast

The Image Optimization

The raw file was a bit too dark, and there were lots of branches to eliminate. The raw conversion took care of most but not all of the brightness issues. When I began, I had planned on a much looser horizontal crop, but after creating that, I bit the bullet and went vertical. I did lots of work on the Osprey including and especially some Eye Doctor work to brighten the iris.

The BIRDS AS ART Current Workflow e-Guide (Digital Basics II)

Everything that I did to create a decent image from a pretty poor raw file along with tons more great Photoshop tips and techniques, my complete digital workflow, Digital Eye Doctor Techniques, and all my personalized Keyboard Shortcuts — are covered in detail in the BIRDS AS ART Current Workflow e-Guide (Digital Basics II), an instructional PDF that is sent via e-mail. Note: folks working on a PC and/or those who do not want to miss anything Photoshop may wish to purchase the original Digital Basics along with DB II while saving $15 by clicking here to buy the DB Bundle.

The 2023 Fort DeSoto New Cut Current Conditions e-Guide Get your copy here for $25.00 in the BAA Online Store, or free with Fort DeSoto Site Guide proof-of-purchase.

The 2023 Fort DeSoto New Cut Current Conditions e-Guide: $25.00

The 2023 Fort DeSoto New Cut Current Conditions e-Guide details the photographic opportunities available at the New Far Bar and environs. It includes annotated maps, a safety warning, photography tips, recommended access, available subjects, updates on old locations, details on another new DeSoto hotspot, and a gallery. You can purchase a copy here in the BAA Online Store. Folks who already own the Fort DeSoto Site Guide are entitled to a free copy. To receive yours, shoot me an e-mail that includes Fort DeSoto Site Guide proof-of-purchase with the words “New Cut Current Conditions e-Guide” cut and pasted into the subject line.

Robus RC-5558 Versus Robus RC-5558-3

The Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod has four leg sections. The Robus RC-5558-3 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod has three leg sections. At the last minute, I decided to bring the RC-5558-3 to Bonaire. Both weigh almost exactly the same (5.2 and 5.1 lbs. respectively) and can support any lens that you own. The closed length of the 5558 is 22.5″ as compared to 26.9″ for the 3-leg section 5558-3. That makes the 5558 a bit easier to pack. I recently came to realize that it is easier to work with a 3-leg section tripod than it is to work with a 4-leg section tripod as there is one few twist lock to deal with.

Topped by a Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro, either should be fine for folks up to about 6′ 1″ tall. Taller folks or those who need a tall tripod when working on a ladder, for example, are directed to the Robus RC-5570 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod that comes in just about one foot taller and weighs only 5.6 lbs. If you are looking to save a bit of weight check out the Robus RCC-5560 Vantage Series C 4-Section Carbon Fiber Compact Tripod.

Do know that on average, RWS (Really Wrong Stuff) tripods cost more than twice as much as the comparable Robus models and do not perform as efficiently as my Robus 5558s do.

Typos

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

Your Call?

Which of today’s two head shaking Brown Pelican images do you like best? Why?

Sony a9 II Mirrorless camera body

BAA Record-low Price!

Multiple IPT veteran Martin Mikulas is offering a Sony a9 II body in near-mint condition for a BAA Record-low $2197.00. The sale includes one battery, the charger, the strap, the front lens cover, the manual, the original product box, and insured ground shipping via major courier to lower-48 addresses only.

Please contact Martin via Please contact Martin via e-mail or by phone at 1-757-880-0428 (Eastern time).

As things worked out, the a9, and then the a9 ii, turned out to be life-changers for me. From the moment I tracked that first incoming Brandt’s Cormorant at La Jolla, I knew that (at that time), the SONY a9 series bodies featured the world’s best AF. I upgraded to the a9 ii as soon as it was released for the slightly larger body size. At one point I owned two a9 ii bodies. A new a9 ii sells for $4,498.00 so you can save an astounding $2301.00 by grabbing Martin’s a9 ii ASAP. Add a new 200-600 GM (using one of my affiliate links, of course), and you will have a superb Sony rig for bird photography. Note that a new Sony a1 sells for $6498.00. artie

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens

Tom Torget is offering a Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens in near mint condition for a very low $1,099.00. The sale includes front and rear lens caps, the lens hood, and insured ground shipping via major courier to lower-48 addresses only.

Please contact Tom via e-mail or by phone at 1-830-377-5483 (Central time).

This incredibly versatile zoom lens — with its amazing .98-meter close focus — was my favorite Canon telephoto zoom lens ever. By far. It is easy to hand hold, great for tight portraits, for birds in flight, for quasi-macro stuff, and lots more. For flight, it is deadly with an EOS R, R3, R5, R6, or R7! This lens sells new for $2399.00 so you can save a handsome $1300.00 by grabbing Tom’s lens right now. artie

My Calls

I forgot to mention on Sunday that of the two Amazingly Coincidental Images I could not pick a winner. Most folks thought that Anita’s low perspective image was the stronger one, and while I loved it also, mainly for its intimacy, there were two things that I liked a lot about mine:

1- a good look at the green water reflection below the bird.

2- the color of the Gulf water is a quite a bit richer than the sky color.

So, while lower is usually much better, it is not always better. Many times, getting too low will introduce unwanted distractions in the background. And sometimes, the background might be more appealing from a higher perspective.

With Saturday’s Coyote image, Bob Eastman was the first to spot the black speck that I missed just inside the animal’s visible rear leg.

The Fact$ of Life

Right now, the market for editorial sales of natural history images has virtually disappeared. The incomes of the world’s top stock photographers are down by at least 90%. Like me, most depend on income from photo trips, the sale of educational materials, and income from this or that affiliate program.

In 2001, BAA sold the publication rights to images for nearly one-quarter million US dollars. That amount dropped to about $20,000 by 2011, and in 2017, to slightly more than $2,000.00. We’ve stopped counting. IPTs used to fill within days. Now I am happy to go with one or two folks, but I’d much rather have you along. And so it goes. In 2009, I turned to creating educational blog posts, now to the tune of 4009. Yes, 4009 educational blog posts. So, please remember to use either my B&H or Bedfords affiliate links for your major purposes. It does not cost you one cent to do either.

B&H

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.

B&H Simplified

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. 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.

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.

Iceland

My decades-long dream of spending time on Grimsey Island, Iceland, with the puffins — 13 days in this case!, will be realized this coming July. I am doing back-to-back trips as a participant. If anyone would like information on the world’s greatest Iceland/Atlantic Puffin trip this coming July, please contact me via e-mail.

What’s Up?

On Monday I packed the car and drove to our VRBO in St. Pete. Stu Goz and wife Teresa, Andrew Schonbek, and I enjoyed a seared tuna and guacamole dinner and got along famously. Stu and Andrew are very eager to learn and we are all excited about Day 1 of the 3rd DeSoto IPT. Thanks to blog regular David Policansky (Dr. Fish) for pointing Andrew towards BIRDS AS ART.

Today is May 9, 2023. The weather in St. Pete is looking dead solid perfect for bird photography. This blog post took almost two hours to prepare. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day.

This image was created on 13 January 2023 at La Jolla, CA. Standing at full height, I used the Robus RC-5558-3 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted BLUBB-supported Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 1250. 1/800 sec. at f/9 (stopped down 1/3-stop) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead-solid perfect. AWB at 8:24:56am on a sunny morning. Tracking: Zone with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed well even at 1200mm. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #1: Brown Pelican — Pacific-race pre-breeding (carpet neck) shaking head violently

It’s Hard to Train Your Brain for These Shots …

Many species of birds, especially large waterbirds, and most especially, Brown Pelicans, often shake their heads violently. Most times, this includes a rotation of the pelican’s bill. They usually — but not always, do this after a bath. Since there are no tell-tale signs that might indicate that a head shake is coming, your reaction speed determines whether or not you will be able to consistently make some nice images of this behavior. Most folks natural instinct is to lay off the shutter button when a bird shakes its head vigorously. That’s where the brain re-training comes in. Over time, if you are aware of the possibilities, you can shorten your reaction time. Good luck!

And by the way, very fast shutter speeds in the range of from 1/1600 to 1/4000 second are best for the rotational head shakes. At 1/800 second, there was a ton of motion blur seen with the specular highlights at base of the pelican’s bill. I used the Spot Healing Brush to deal with those.

This image was created on 11 January 2023 at La Jolla, CA. Standing at full height, I used the Robus RC-5558-3 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. ISO 1600. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/1250 second at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was perfect. AWB at 9:11:19am on mostly cloudy morning. Tracking: Zone//AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version. Image #2: Brown Pelican — Pacific-race pre-breeding (carpet neck) shaking head

Photoshop Hanky Panky?

Does anything in either image look funky? If you see any evidence of Photoshop hanky panky, please leave a comment specifying Image #1 or #2 and include your evidence.

San Diego offers a wealth of very attractive natural history subjects, including and especially the Pacific race of California Brown Pelican. With annual visits spanning more than four decades, I have lots of photographic experience there … Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.

The 2023/2024 San Diego Brown Pelicans (and more!) IPTs

San Diego IPT #1. 3 1/2 DAYS: WED 27 DEC thru the morning session on Saturday 30 DEC 2023. $2099.00. Deposit: $699.00. Limit: 6 photographers.

San Diego IPT #2. 4 1/2 DAYS: TUES 9 JAN thru the morning session on SAT 13 JAN 2024: $2699.00. Deposit: $699.00. Limit: 6 photographers.

San Diego IPT #3: 4 1/2 DAYS: TEUS 23 JAN thru the morning session on SAT 27 JAN 2024: $2699.00. Deposit: $699.00. Limit: 6 photographers.

Please e-mail for information on personalized pre- and post-IPT morning sessions.

Join me in San Diego to photograph the spectacular breeding plumage Brown Pelicans with their fire-engine red and olive green bill pouches; Brandt’s (nesting) and Double-crested Cormorants; breeding plumage Wood and Ring-necked Ducks; other duck species possible including Lesser Scaup, Redhead, Northern Shoveler and Surf Scoter; a variety of gulls including Western, California, and the gorgeous Heermann’s, all in full breeding plumage; shorebirds including Marbled Godwit, Willet, Sanderling and Black-bellied Plover; many others are possible including Least, Western, and Spotted Sandpiper, Whimbrel, Black and Ruddy Turnstone, Semipalmated Plover, and Surfbird; Harbor Seals and California Sea Lions (both depending on the current regulations and restrictions). And as you can see by studying the IPT cards, there are some nice bird-scape and landscape opportunities as well. Not to mention a ton of excellent flight photography opportunities and instruction.

I discovered some really neat spots on my 2022/23 visit. As a result, the first and second IPTs may include an afternoon or two of landscape photography.

Please note: where permitted and on occasion, ducks and gulls may be attracted (or re-located) with offerings of grains or healthy bread.

Learning Exposure, Whether You Like It Or Not

Whether you like it or not, we will be beating the subject of exposure like a dead horse. In every new situation, you will hear my thoughts on exposure along with my thoughts on both Nikon and Canon histograms and SONY Zebras. Whether you like it or not, you will learn to work in manual mode so that you can get the right exposure every time (as long as a bird gives you ten seconds with the light constant). Or two seconds with SONY zebras … And you will learn what to do when the light is changing constantly. What you learn about exposure will be one of the great takeaways on every IPT.

Though the pelicans will be the stars of the show on this IPT, there will be many other handsome and captivating subjects in wonderful settings. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.

It Ain’t Just Pelicans

With gorgeous subjects just sitting there waiting to have their pictures taken, photographing the pelicans on the cliffs is about as easy as nature photography gets. With the winds from the east almost every morning, there is usually some excellent flight photography, at times with 70-200mm lenses! And the pelicans are almost always doing something interesting: preening, scratching, bill pouch cleaning, or squabbling. And then there are those crazy head throws that are thought to be a form of intra-flock communication. You will be guided as to how to make the best of those opportunities. Depending on the weather, the local conditions, and the tides, there are a variety of other fabulous photo chances available in and around San Diego. Each IPT will include one or two duck sessions.

Did I mention that there are lots of great birds and natural history subjects in San Diego in winter? Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.

The San Diego Details

These IPTs will include four or five 3-hour morning photo sessions, three or four 1 1/2-hour afternoon photo sessions, and three or four working brunches that will include image review and Photoshop sessions. On rare cloudy days, we may — at the leader’s discretion, stay out in the morning for a long session and skip that afternoon shoot. To ensure early starts, breakfasts will be your responsibility. And so that we can get some sleep, dinners will be on your own as well. In the extremely unlikely event that Goldfish Point is closed due to local ordinance (or whimsy) — that has never happened in the past fifty years, I will of course do my very best to maximize our photographic opportunities.

San Diego offers a wealth of very attractive natural history subjects, including and especially the Pacific race of California Brown Pelican. With annual visits spanning more than four decades, I have lots of photographic experience there … Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.

Deposit Info

A $699 deposit is required to hold your slot for one of the 2023/2024 San Diego IPTs. You can send a check (made out to “BIRDS AS ART”) to us here: BIRDS AS ART, PO Box 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL, 33855, or call Jim or Jennifer at the office with a credit card at 863-692-0906. Your balance, payable only by check, is due three months before the trip.

Variety is surely the spice of life in San Diego. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.

Getting Up Early and Staying Out Late

On all BIRDS AS ART IPTS including and especially the San Diego IPT, we get into the field early to take advantage of unique and often spectacular lighting conditions and we stay out late to maximize the chances of killer light and glorious sunset silhouette situations. We often arrive at the cliffs a full hour before anyone else shows up to check out the landscape and seascape opportunities.

Typos

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

The 2023 Fort DeSoto New Cut Current Conditions e-Guide Get your copy here for $25.00 in the BAA Online Store, or free with Fort DeSoto Site Guide proof-of-purchase.

The 2023 Fort DeSoto New Cut Current Conditions e-Guide: $25.00

The 2023 Fort DeSoto New Cut Current Conditions e-Guide details the photographic opportunities available at the New Far Bar and environs. It includes annotated maps, a safety warning, photography tips, recommended access, available subjects, updates on old locations, details on another new DeSoto hotspot, and a gallery. You can purchase a copy here in the BAA Online Store. Folks who already own the Fort DeSoto Site Guide are entitled to a free copy. To receive yours, shoot me an e-mail that includes Fort DeSoto Site Guide proof-of-purchase with the words “New Cut Current Conditions e-Guide” cut and pasted into the subject line.

The Fact$ of Life

Right now, the market for editorial sales of natural history images has virtually disappeared. The incomes of the world’s top stock photographers are down by at least 90%. Like me, most depend on income from photo trips, the sale of educational materials, and income from this or that affiliate program.

In 2001, BAA sold the publication rights to images for nearly one-quarter million US dollars. That amount dropped to about $20,000 by 2011, and in 2017, to slightly more than $2,000.00. We’ve stopped counting. IPTs used to fill within days. Now I am happy to go with one or two folks, but I’d much rather have you along. And so it goes. In 2009, I turned to creating educational blog posts, now to the tune of 4009. Yes, 4009 educational blog posts. So, please remember to use either my B&H or Bedfords affiliate links for your major purposes. It does not cost you one cent to do either.

B&H

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.

B&H Simplified

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. 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.

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.

Iceland

My decades-long dream of spending time on Grimsey Island, Iceland, with the puffins — 13 days in this case!, will be realized this coming July. I am doing back-to-back trips as a participant. If anyone would like information on the world’s greatest Iceland/Atlantic Puffin trip this coming July, please contact me via e-mail.

What’s Up?

I continue to be so busy that despite the beautiful weather in central Florida, I still have not gotten down to the lake since I got home from Bonaire. Perhaps that has to do with how much fun I had photographing the flamingoes. I am spending lots of time working on the world’s best flight photography e-guide with co-author Arash Hazeghi.

For late registration discount offer details for the third DeSoto IPT, please shoot me an e-mail.

Spring Fort DeSoto IPT #3: Tuesday 9 May through the morning session on 12 May 2023. 3 1/2 Days: $1899.00 includes three working brunches. Limit six photographers/Openings: 4.

Today is Friday 5 May 2023. This blog post took about two hours to prepare including the time spent on the two image optimizations. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great 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.

This image was created on 16 April 2023 by Anita North at the New Far Bar at Fort DeSoto in Pinellas County, FL. Seated in a foot of water, she used the handheld Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens 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/3.2 (stopped down 1/3 stop) in Manual mode. AWB at 7:47:47am 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: Reddish Egret landing while fishing Image courtesy of and copyright 2023: Anita North

I Can’t Do That …

Anita North created Image #1 while seated in a foot of water in the channel between the New Near Bar and the New Far Bar. She was handholding the Sony 400mm f/2.8 with the Sony ⍺1. Being strong, thin, wiry, and agile, she is able to get up out the water time and time again when the frenetically fishing reddish moves far off sun angle. And she does that without having to use either hand. I cannot do that and could not have done it decades ago.

To get up after being seated in water, I need to place my right hand on bottom. I can do that, but then need to dry off my right hand before putting it back on the camera or risk saltwater damaging my ⍺1. When you throw in the risk of dumping the 400 f/2.8 GM lens in a foot of saltwater, my choice becomes very clear: as much as I love low perspectives, I need to stay on my feet when chasing after a Reddish Egret. When I ran all of this by Anita last week, she admitted that she was reconsidering her sitting-in-the-water strategy in fear of totaling her 400 2.8 along with her ⍺1.

Lower Is Usually Better

As a matter of general bird photography advice, I state often that lower is usually better. At DeSoto, getting down on the ground is often the ticket to success and is something that I strive to do whenever possible. Surely, there is a lot to love about Anita’s low perspective image above — the intimate view, the narrow strip of in-focus water, and the soft, dreamy, de-focused background. Now scroll down to Image #2.

This image was created on 16 April 2023 by yours truly at the New Far Bar at Fort DeSoto in Pinellas County, FL. Crouching down a bit, I used the handheld Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens 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: 1/3200 sec. at f/2.8 (did open) in Manual mode. AWB at 7:46:48am 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 #2: Reddish Egret landing while fishing Image by Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART

Amazingly Coincidental Images Made at the Exact Same Instant!

When going through my DeSoto images on Thursday I came across _A1G2083 Fort DeSoto Park — Tierra Verde — FL and thought, that looks a heck of a lot like one of Anita’s images that I had selected for the YouTube video featuring her work, the very popular Brain Surgeon Operates Successfully on Florida Birds at BIRDS AS ART Hotspots! . If you missed that one you can watch it here.

Anyhoo, I teed up the two images in Photo Mechanic and quickly realized that amazingly, they were created in the exact same instant. When I noted that even the side-to-side perspective was identical, I realized that I must have been shooting on the same line as Anita, right over the top of her head as she sat in the water, and I stood directly behind her.

This coincidence is a first for me.

I was not surprised that we each selected the same frame as best from a long series of images created at 30 frames per second by the Sony ⍺1.

Time Difference?

How do you explain the 59-second difference in the capture time of the two images?

Your Call?

Which of today’s two featured images, created in the same instant, do you like best? Why? Though there is a lot to love about eve

Typos

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

My Call

Of the four images featured in the last blog post, Four Squares at the Sewer Works Main Pond on Bonaire, I could not pick a favorite; I liked them all. One of the very few comments from that blog post (and my response):

Cliff Beittel/April 30, 2023 at 9:49am

Can’t get enough flamingos, and the beauty in Image 4 really fits the square frame. The stilt is sweet too, and I think it can be leveled better in ACR’s Geometry panel by drawing guidelines (1) along the back of the left wing and its reflection (but ignoring the tips of the primaries), and (2) along the top of the blue water. That actually tilts the bird clockwise a bit and looks natural. Had a big night with six stilts myself in the past week and spent a lot of time getting the birds and their ripples leveled.

On the Robus tripods, I thought about the Induro you had for sale a while back but decided it wasn’t tall enough (though I’m only 6’2″ these days). Bought the Robus 5570 before that brand showed up in your captions and love the height for nesting birds. Even with a very high angle shot, I can have the viewfinder at eye level or above using a 500 f4, teleconverter, and the EF-to-R converter.

Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART/May 1, 2023 at 8:21am

Thanks for your kind words. As for leveling the stilt image, when I draw a line along the top of the blue water, I get a CCW rotation. And I hesitate to level via the reflections when they are not distinct … Speaking of Black-necked Stilts, where did you photograph yours?

Paraphrasing Red (played by Morgan Freeman in Shawshank Redemption, written by Stephen King) who said, “Some birds are not meant to be caged, that’s all,” (Perhaps) some images are not meant to be leveled 🙂

And yes, the Robus tripods are great.

with love, artie

B&H

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.

B&H Simplified

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. 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.

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.

Iceland

My decades-long dream of spending time on Grimsey Island, Iceland, with the puffins — 13 days in this case!, will be realized this coming July. I am doing back-to-back trips as a participant. If anyone would like information on the world’s greatest Iceland/Atlantic Puffin trip this coming July, please contact me via e-mail.

What’s Up?

My Saturday flight from Bonaire to Miami was blessedly uneventful — sorry, Bob Eastman 🙂

My Bonaire hosts, Steve and Meredith Schnoll, treated me like a visiting king by opening their home and their hearts to me — they were accepting, gracious, and beyond exceedingly generous. I — and they, had a great time. Thank you Steve and Mere. See you in Guayaquil!

I stayed in a Miami Airport hotel, woke early, and drove to Wakodahatchee Wetlands where the Wood Storks are enjoying yet another productive breeding season. It was cloudy and a bit stormy with a strong south/southwest wind. I think that I made a few good images but have not ingested the card yet. It was good to get back in the pool on Sunday afternoon.

Congrats to Steph Curry on his amazing (all time-high) 50-point game-7 performance as he led his underdog Golden State Warriors past the young Sacramento Kings to the next round of the NBA playoffs. Next up are LeBron James and the re-vamped Los Angeles Lakers. As always, I will be rooting for the Dubs (AKA the Warriors). In the same vein, congrats to the Toronto Maple Leafs who, led by their two stars, ended a 17-season playoff drought by defeating the Tampa Bay Lighting in a Game 6 to move on to the second round of the NHL playoffs.

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.

This image was at La Jolla, CA on 12/20/2022. Seated on a dirt cliff, I used the knee-pod technique with the handheld 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 1000. 1/500 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be perfect. AWB at 8:15:32am on a clear morning before the sun hit the birds below. 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. Brown Pelican Pacific-race adult resting

The Pedestal Perch

This perch is just left of center on the north-facing lower shelf at the prime La Jolla pelican spot. It can be shot successfully from three different basic locations: from the top, from half-way down, or from the lower shelf (assuming that you can get down safely and without scaring off all the pelicans. For this one, I was half-way down. If you can’t make an IPT, you can learn a ton about photographing at La Jolla in the San Diego Site Guide.

The Direction of Light

In shaded situations (as with the image above), and on cloudy days, the light still has a direction, so I try to stay somewhat near sun angle. You do, of course, have more latitude in softer and low light situations than when the sun is out; I do not hesitate to work 20 to 45 degrees off light angle but on all but the darkest days, keep the sun somewhat behind me even though it is obscured by clouds.

Do remember that many photographers strive to work 15 to 30 degrees off sun angle on sunny day to give the bird’s feathers more definition. I do not 🙂

This image was created at La Jolla, CA on 12/20/2022. Seated on a dirt cliff, I used the knee-pod technique with the handheld 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 2500. 1/5000 sec. at f/4.5 (stopped down 1/3-stop) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be perfect. AWB at 8:59:15am 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. Brown Pelican Pacific-race adult with wings raised

The Sandstone Mound Perch

This small sandstone mound is favored by handsome pelicans. It just might be my favorite pelican perch in all of La Jolla. It is on the northwestern tip of the lower shelf and is best photographed from down below.

This image was created at La Jolla, CA on 22 December 2022. Seated on a dirt cliff, I used handheld Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 600mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ) The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with Exposure compensation on the rear dial. Multi-metering +2 1/3-stops. AUTO ISO set ISO 1600. 1/500 second at f/6.3 (wide-open) in Manual Mode. AWB at 7:29:39am on a then-foggy 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: Brown Pelican Pacific-race adult on perch

Marveling at Zebras

Many very good photographers using gear that does not offer Zebra technology make great images. And lots of very good photographers using Sony gear scoff at Zebras (and make great images). Me? I marvel at being able to produce perfect exposure after perfect exposure simply by raising or lowering the ISO until I see faint Zebras on the subject. Zebra technology shines when the light is changing constantly, at times, by small amounts.

Folks using Sony mirrorless bodies other than the a1 should consider purchasing the SONY e-Guide by Patrick Sparkman and yours truly. Folks in my Sony a1 group receive a free copy of this guide upon request.

160 sold to rave reviews. The SONY e-Guide by Patrick Sparkman and Arthur Morris

The Sony Camera User’s e-Guide (and Videos)

Click here to purchase the guide with one Camera Set-up Video. Be sure to e-mail us by clicking here to specify your camera body so that we can send you a link for the correct video.

Click here to purchase the guide with two Camera Set-up Videos. Be sure to e-mail us by clicking here to specify your two camera bodies so that we can send you links for the correct videos.

Click here to learn more about the SONY e-Guide.

San Diego offers a wealth of very attractive natural history subjects, including and especially the Pacific race of California Brown Pelican. With annual visits spanning more than four decades, I have lots of photographic experience there … Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.

The 2023/2024 San Diego Brown Pelicans (and more!) IPTs

San Diego IPT #1. 3 1/2 DAYS: WED 27 DEC thru the morning session on Saturday 30 DEC 2023. $2099.00. Deposit: $699.00. Limit: 6 photographers.

San Diego IPT #2. 4 1/2 DAYS: TUES 9 JAN thru the morning session on SAT 13 JAN 2024: $2699.00. Deposit: $699.00. Limit: 6 photographers.

San Diego IPT #3: 4 1/2 DAYS: TEUS 23 JAN thru the morning session on SAT 27 JAN 2024: $2699.00. Deposit: $699.00. Limit: 6 photographers.

Please e-mail for information on personalized pre- and post-IPT morning sessions.

Join me in San Diego to photograph the spectacular breeding plumage Brown Pelicans with their fire-engine red and olive green bill pouches; Brandt’s (nesting) and Double-crested Cormorants; breeding plumage Wood and Ring-necked Ducks; other duck species possible including Lesser Scaup, Redhead, Northern Shoveler and Surf Scoter; a variety of gulls including Western, California, and the gorgeous Heermann’s, all in full breeding plumage; shorebirds including Marbled Godwit, Willet, Sanderling and Black-bellied Plover; many others are possible including Least, Western, and Spotted Sandpiper, Whimbrel, Black and Ruddy Turnstone, Semipalmated Plover, and Surfbird; Harbor Seals and California Sea Lions (both depending on the current regulations and restrictions). And as you can see by studying the IPT cards, there are some nice bird-scape and landscape opportunities as well. Not to mention a ton of excellent flight photography opportunities and instruction.

I discovered some really neat spots on my 2022/23 visit. As a result, the first and second IPTs may include an afternoon or two of landscape photography.

Please note: where permitted and on occasion, ducks and gulls may be attracted (or re-located) with offerings of grains or healthy bread.

Learning Exposure, Whether You Like It Or Not

Whether you like it or not, we will be beating the subject of exposure like a dead horse. In every new situation, you will hear my thoughts on exposure along with my thoughts on both Nikon and Canon histograms and SONY Zebras. Whether you like it or not, you will learn to work in manual mode so that you can get the right exposure every time (as long as a bird gives you ten seconds with the light constant). Or two seconds with SONY zebras … And you will learn what to do when the light is changing constantly. What you learn about exposure will be one of the great takeaways on every IPT.

Though the pelicans will be the stars of the show on this IPT, there will be many other handsome and captivating subjects in wonderful settings. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.

It Ain’t Just Pelicans

With gorgeous subjects just sitting there waiting to have their pictures taken, photographing the pelicans on the cliffs is about as easy as nature photography gets. With the winds from the east almost every morning, there is usually some excellent flight photography, at times with 70-200mm lenses! And the pelicans are almost always doing something interesting: preening, scratching, bill pouch cleaning, or squabbling. And then there are those crazy head throws that are thought to be a form of intra-flock communication. You will be guided as to how to make the best of those opportunities. Depending on the weather, the local conditions, and the tides, there are a variety of other fabulous photo chances available in and around San Diego. Each IPT will include one or two duck sessions.

Did I mention that there are lots of great birds and natural history subjects in San Diego in winter? Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.

The San Diego Details

These IPTs will include four or five 3-hour morning photo sessions, three or four 1 1/2-hour afternoon photo sessions, and three or four working brunches that will include image review and Photoshop sessions. On rare cloudy days, we may — at the leader’s discretion, stay out in the morning for a long session and skip that afternoon shoot. To ensure early starts, breakfasts will be your responsibility. And so that we can get some sleep, dinners will be on your own as well. In the extremely unlikely event that Goldfish Point is closed due to local ordinance (or whimsy) — that has never happened in the past fifty years, I will of course do my very best to maximize our photographic opportunities.

San Diego offers a wealth of very attractive natural history subjects, including and especially the Pacific race of California Brown Pelican. With annual visits spanning more than four decades, I have lots of photographic experience there … Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.

Deposit Info

A $699 deposit is required to hold your slot for one of the 2023/2024 San Diego IPTs. You can send a check (made out to “BIRDS AS ART”) to us here: BIRDS AS ART, PO Box 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL, 33855, or call Jim or Jennifer at the office with a credit card at 863-692-0906. Your balance, payable only by check, is due three months before the trip.

Variety is surely the spice of life in San Diego. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.

Getting Up Early and Staying Out Late

On all BIRDS AS ART IPTS including and especially the San Diego IPT, we get into the field early to take advantage of unique and often spectacular lighting conditions and we stay out late to maximize the chances of killer light and glorious sunset silhouette situations. We often arrive at the cliffs a full hour before anyone else shows up to check out the landscape and seascape opportunities.

Typos

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

My Call

In Tuesday’s blog post, the few folks that commented correctly stated that the head of the juvenile Bald Eagle was completely lost in the bird’s right wing. Thus, the second image was the clear winner by default. With birds in flight images, the portion of the head can be as important as the wing positions and the flight poses.

The Fact$ of Life

Right now, the market for editorial sales of natural history images has virtually disappeared. The incomes of the world’s top stock photographers are down by at least 90%. Like me, most depend on income from photo trips, the sale of educational materials, and income from this or that affiliate program.

In 2001, BAA sold the publication rights to images for nearly one-quarter million US dollars. That amount dropped to about $20,000 by 2011, and in 2017, to slightly more than $2,000.00. We’ve stopped counting. IPTs used to fill within days. Now I am happy to go with one or two folks, but I’d much rather have you along. And so it goes. In 2009, I turned to creating educational blog posts, now to the tune of 4009. Yes, 4009 educational blog posts. So, please remember to use either my B&H or Bedfords affiliate links for your major purposes. It does not cost you one cent to do either.

B&H

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.

B&H Simplified

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. 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.

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.

Iceland

My decades-long dream of spending time on Grimsey Island, Iceland, with the puffins — 13 days in this case!, will be realized this coming July. I am doing back-to-back trips as a participant. If anyone would like information on the world’s greatest Iceland/Atlantic Puffin trip this coming July, please contact me via e-mail.

What’s Up?

My Bonaire vacation continues to be both productive and restful. With an east wind on sunny afternoons, Steve and I have only been doing morning photo sessions. Steve and Meredith Schnoll and I enjoyed a stellar dinner at Mezzo, a local Turkish restaurant. The service was great and the food even better.

Today is Thursday 27 April. After parking in the prison lot, Steve took me to the pond at the sewage works. There were some flamingoes, more than twenty Black-necked Stilts, a pair of Southern Lapwings with chicks, a Least Grebe or two, many American Coots, and a host of migrant shorebirds including several White-rumped Sandpipers and a single Stilt Sandpiper. It took me more than an hour to figure out exactly where we needed to be. We are heading back the exact spot and with any luck it will be an epic morning.

This blog post took about two hours to prepare including the time spent on the image optimization. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day.

Thanks to the latest SONY A1 Group member, Norton Johnson!

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.

I created this image on 26 April 2023 on Bonaire in the Caribbean Netherlands. I used the hand held Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM lens (at 24mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ISO 1000. Exposure determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/1600 sec. at f/9 in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the raw file brightness was perfect. AWB at 7:51:13am on a sunny morning. Tracking: Expand Spot (moved well down in the frame)/AF-C Bird/Eye Detection AF was active at the moment exposure and performed perfectly. Click on the image to view a hi-res version. Image #1: American Flamingoes at Lac Bay Wetlands

My Favorite Flamingo Spot

American Flamingoes can be found at many locations on Bonaire. The mud hole at Lac Bay Wetlands is my favorite. Approximately 50 to 100 birds have fed there every morning that I have visited. Early on, birds fly in and out with some regularity. We set up on the road and stay beyond the yellow “keep out” rocks. The closest birds are less than 100 feet away. The flamingoes are very tall birds, reaching 5 feet in height with relatively short wingspans of 5 feet. They dwarf the pelicans that often feed in very close proximity to them, yet the wingspan of the pelicans is about 7 feet.

With the big white clouds, I turned to the 12-24 to create a habitat shot.

Image Questions

1- Why was ISO 1000 a ridiculous choice?

2- After looking at the image above, could you imagine making head and neck images of squabbling flamingoes that are 100 feet away?

This image was also created on 26 April 2023 at the mud hole at Lac Bay Wetlands on Bonaire in the Caribbean Netherlands. Standing at full height, I used the Robus RC-5558-3 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted BLUBB-supported Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 800. 1/1600 sec. at f/9 (stopped down 1/3-stop) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be perfect. AWB at 8:19:12am on a sunny morning. Tracking: Zone with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed amazingly well even at 1200mm. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #2: Two American Flamingoes squabbling with an onlooker

The Original

The jpeg above represents the full frame raw file. I was thrilled to get both of the squabbling birds completely in the frame without clipping anything.

Working at 1200mm, I created dozens of images of squabbling flamingoes on each morning visit to the wetlands along Kaminda Lac Road. Why 1200mm? Isolation is the most obvious answer. Tracking Zone AF with the 600 f/4 GM, the 2X TC, and the a1 is beyond superb. Missed shots were due to my too-slow reflexes.

Before scrolling down, give some thought as to how you would optimize. I created two versions; you can see them below.

Image #3/Version I: Two American Flamingoes squabbling with one bystander

The Image Optimization

A key step during the raw conversion was upping the luminance of the BLUEs at the Color Mixer tab. Why? The BLUEs were rendered too dark while getting the correct exposure for the bright WHITEs at the base of the flamingo’s bills. Remember that WHITEs need one stop less light than middle tones to be properly exposed. So, when properly exposing for the brightest highlights, the blue water was rendered about a stop too dark.

This is one of the images that will be featured in the BAA Color Mixer Video Guide (coming soon).

Once I brought the image into Photoshop, I ran Topaz DeNoise/Clear on the whole image. To expand canvas on the right I used Content-Aware Crop. The ticket to success there was doing that in three steeps rather than one to avoid any obvious repeating patterns. Next, I cleaned up the o-o-f pink heads along the bottom of the frame edge with the Patch Tool as needed. Since I did not like the dark mangroves along the upper right frame edge, I covered those with a flopped Quick Mask of the upper left corner and modified that with the Warp command and then with the addition of a Regular Layer Mask. After working large and eliminating several dust spots and doing a bit of bill clean-up that included removing some bothersome specular highlights, I selectively sharpened the heads of the two birds on the right using the mask feature in Topaz Sharpen AI. Last, I executed a crop from left and from above to create Version I.

Be sure to scroll down to see Version II, the vertical crop.

The BIRDS AS ART Current Workflow e-Guide (Digital Basics II). You can order your copy from the BAA Online Store here, by sending a PayPal for $40 here, or by calling Jim or Jennifer weekdays at 863-692-0906 with your credit card in hand. Be sure to specify Digital Basics II.

The BIRDS AS ART Current Workflow e-Guide (Digital Basics II)

The techniques mentioned above and tons more great Photoshop tips and techniques — along with my complete digital workflow, Digital Eye Doctor Techniques, and all my personalized Keyboard Shortcuts — are covered in detail in the BIRDS AS ART Current Workflow e-Guide (Digital Basics II), an instructional PDF that is sent via e-mail. Note: folks working on a PC and/or those who do not want to miss anything Photoshop may wish to purchase the original Digital Basics along with DB II while saving $15 by clicking here to buy the DB Bundle.

Please note: the Divide and Conquer technique was inadvertently omitted from DB II. It is detailed in a free excerpt in the blog post here.

Folks who learn well by following along rather than by reading can check out the complete collection of MP 4 Photoshop Tutorial Videos by clicking here. Note: most of the videos are now priced at an amazingly low $5.00 each.

You can learn how and why I converted all of my Canon digital RAW files in DPP 4 in the DPP 4 RAW Conversion Guide here. More recently, I became proficient at converting my Nikon RAW (NEF) files in Adobe Camera Raw. About three years ago I began converting my Nikon and Sony RAW files in Capture One and did that for two years. You can learn more about Capture One in the Capture One Pro 12 Simplified MP4 Video here. The next step would be to get a copy of Arash Hazeghi’s “The Nikon Photographers’ Guide to Phase One Capture One Pro e-Guide” in the blog post here. Today, I convert my Sony raw files in Photoshop with Adobe Camera Raw.

You can learn advanced Quick Masking and advanced Layer Masking techniques in APTATS I & II. You can save $15 by purchasing the pair.

Image #4/Version II: Two American Flamingoes squabbling

Your Call?

Which version do you like best, I, the horizontal crop that includes the head of the third bird, or II, the crop to a 2X3 vertical? Why?

Click on the image to better see the green eye-AF boxes in action. Sony Alpha 1 Flight Photography AF Points!

The SONY Alpha a1 Set-up Guide and Info Group: $150.00 (or Free)

If you have been continually impressed by the quality of the Sony a1 images that you have been seeing on the blog, know that the SONY Alpha a1 Set-up Guide and Info Group is going great guns as more and more folks chime in with thoughtful questions and experience-based answers. As the a1 is becoming more readily available, more and more folks are getting their hands on this amazing body. By June 1, 2022, the group was up to an astounding 142 lucky and blessed folks. (More than a few folks own two or more a1 bodies! Early on, we discussed the myriad AF options. I gave my opinion as to the best one for flight and general bird photography. The best news is that everyone in the group receives an e-mail that includes a .DAT file with my a1 settings on it, and explicit directions on how to load my settings onto your a1; talk about convenience! I am now offering a .DAT file compatible with firmware update 1.20. Your entry into the group includes a consolidated Sony a1 CAMSETA2 INFO & GUIDE. New a1 folks will now receive seven e-mails instead of the previous 28! You will receive new e-mails as they are published. Simply put, this e-mail guide is an incredible resource for anyone with an a1.

All who purchased their Alpha 1 bodies via a BAA affiliate link — B&H or Bedfords — will receive a free Sony Alpha a1 Set-Up Guide and free entry into the Info Updates group after shooting me their receipts via e-mail. (Note: it may take me several days to confirm B&H orders.). Others can purchase their guide here in the BAA Online Store.

Typos

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

Your Call? (I)

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

The Fact$ of Life

Right now, the market for editorial sales of natural history images has virtually disappeared. The incomes of the world’s top stock photographers are down by at least 90%. Like me, most depend on income from photo trips, the sale of educational materials, and income from this or that affiliate program.

In 2001, BAA sold the publication rights to images for nearly one-quarter million US dollars. That amount dropped to about $20,000 by 2011, and in 2017, to slightly more than $2,000.00. We’ve stopped counting. IPTs used to fill within days. Now I am happy to go with one or two folks, but I’d much rather have you along. And so it goes. In 2009, I turned to creating educational blog posts, now to the tune of 4002. Yes, 4002 educational blog posts. So, please remember to use either my B&H or Bedfords affiliate links for your major purposes. It does not cost you one cent to do either.

B&H Simplified

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.

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.

What’s Up?

My flight to Bonaire was blessedly uneventful. I had a bit too much red wine to drink and the flight attendant kindly brought me four packs of delicious, shelled pistachios — all in all a perfect snack for diabetics. I flew down at the invitation of Steve and Meredith Schnoll who will be joining me on the Galapagos trip this coming August.

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.

This image was created on 21 April 2023 a Wakodahatchee Wetlands in Boynton Beach, FL. Standing at full height, I used the Robus RC-5558-3 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted BLUBB-supported Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 1600. 1/1000 sec. at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead solid perfect. AWB at 9:00:01am on partly cloudy morning. Tracking: Spot S 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: Wood Stork chick about two weeks old. Version I.

Eliminating Rookery Clutter at 1200mm!

Almost without exception, wading bird rookeries are difficult places to shoot due to the unending clutter and whitewash. Murphy’s law of Nests states that all bird nests have at least one distracting stick too many. In an effort to come up with attractive, uncluttered images I will often turn to the Sony 600mm lens with the 2X TC and an a1. With Canon, I was able to create some sharp images of static birds at 1000 and 1200mm, but the files were nowhere near a sharp or detailed as my Sony images are at 1200mm. The Nikon TC-E 20 was and pretty much remains a dog. Sharp images made with the Nikon 2X TC were rarer than hen’s teeth for me.

I am still on the fence as far as image quality with the Sony 400mm f/2.8 GM and the 2X TC with the a1.

This chick, a single, was in a nest atop the colony; that allowed for what I consider a pleasing, mostly white sky background. In the first version here, I increased the saturation and decreased the luminosity of the GREEN and YELLOW channels in Color Mixer to bring up the relatively dark, out-of-focus tones in the background.

This image was created on 21 April 2023 a Wakodahatchee Wetlands in Boynton Beach, FL. Standing at full height, I used the Robus RC-5558-3 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted BLUBB-supported Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 1600. 1/1000 sec. at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead solid perfect. AWB at 9:00:01am on partly cloudy morning. Tracking: Spot S 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 #2: Wood Stork chick about two weeks old. Version II.

The Pure White Sky Version

For Version II, I increased the luminosity of the GREEN and YELLOW channels in Color Mixer to render the sky a nearly pure white. I did follow that up with some Content-Aware Fill work and then applied a layer of my usual 64.8 pixel Gaussian Blur on a layer and painted that in after adding an Inverse Layer Mask, all as detailed in BIRDS AS ART Current Workflow e-Guide (Digital Basics II), an instructional PDF that is sent via e-mail. Note: folks working on a PC and/or those who do not want to miss anything Photoshop may wish to purchase the original Digital Basics along with DB II while saving $15 by clicking here to buy the DB Bundle.

Your Call? (II)

Which version do you prefer, Version one where we can make out a few out-of-focus leaves in the background, or Version II, with the nearly pure white sky background? All are invited to leave a comment and let us know why they made their choices. I have a clear favorite here.

This is an Unsharpened 100% crop of the Wood Stork chick about two weeks old. Version II image.

Astounding Sharpness and Fine Detail at 1200mm

I was not kidding. Sharpness and fine detail at 1200mm with the 600mm f/4 GM, the 2X TC, and the a1 are consistently astounding. Can your gear achieve results like this at 1200mm?

This image was created on 21 April 2023 a Wakodahatchee Wetlands in Boynton Beach, FL. Standing at full height, I used the Robus RC-5558-3 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted BLUBB-supported Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 1600. 1/1600 sec. at f/11 (stopped down one stop) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead solid perfect. AWB at 8:01:23am on then-partly sunny morning. Tracking: Spot S 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: Wood Stork — Wood Stork — adult bill and breast feathers, backlit. Version I.

Opening Up the Shadowed Side

When I am creating strongly backlit images like this one, I am usually intent on creating a silhouette. For a change of pace here, I decided to attempt to open up (lighten) the detail and colors on the shaded side of the bird. I only rarely go that route.

This image was created on 21 April 2023 a Wakodahatchee Wetlands in Boynton Beach, FL. Standing at full height, I used the Robus RC-5558-3 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted BLUBB-supported Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 1600. 1/1600 sec. at f/11 (stopped down one stop) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead solid perfect. AWB at 8:01:23am on then-partly sunny morning. Tracking: Spot S 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: Wood Stork — adult bill and breast feathers, backlit. Version II.

The Black and White Silhouette

With the version, I opted for the stark black and white silhouette that I envisioned as I pressed the shutter button.

I Could’a Been Famous

Moments before I created this image, I missed the money shot as the chick reached up to beg for food. I took my eye from the viewfinder to scratch my nose 🙁

Your Call? (III)

Which of the Wood Stork bill images do you like best, Image #3 tat shows some shadowed side detail, or Image #4, the stark silhouette? Again, I have a clear favorite.

Typos

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

Your Call?

Which of today’s four featured foggy day images do you like best? Why did you make your choice? Though I like all four images, I have two clear favorites.

My Call

My favorite Markus Leimburger image was the four pelican sunset silhouette image. Why? The midair head throwing pelican won the day for me.

Sharp Flight at 1/800 Second

In large part, Markus was able to create a sharp flight image with his tripod-mounted 600mm f/4 because the birds were relatively distant. This rule is immutable: All things being equal, the closer the subject, the greater the degree of blurring at a given shutter speed. A Snow Goose flying by you at 30 feet with a shutter speed of 1/30 second will be rendered as a psychedelic blur of color. Each goose in a flock of flapping Snow Geese 200 yards away will be rendered fairly sharp at 1/30. Period.

The Fact$ of Life

Right now, the market for editorial sales of natural history images has virtually disappeared. The incomes of the world’s top stock photographers are down by at least 90%. Like me, most depend on income from photo trips, the sale of educational materials, and income from this or that affiliate program.

In 2001, BAA sold the publication rights to images for nearly one-quarter million US dollars. That amount dropped to about $20,000 by 2011, and in 2017, to slightly more than $2,000.00. We’ve stopped counting. IPTs used to fill within days. Now I am happy to go with one or two folks, but I’d much rather have you along. And so it goes. In 2009, I turned to creating educational blog posts, now to the tune of 4002. Yes, 4002 educational blog posts. So, please remember to use either my B&H or Bedfords affiliate links for your major purposes. It does not cost you one cent to do either.

B&H Simplified

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.

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.

What’s Up?

Sunday morning at DeSoto was fair at best and Monday was downright not-too-good, the latter in part because I had to leave early to pack up my AirBnB and head to the Apple Store in Brandon and then home to get ready for my trip to Bonaire. My “t” and “h” keys were sticking. Ben at the Genius Bar did a stellar job while cleaning the entire keyboard from below.

I will be heading early to Stick Marsh tomorrow morning as the season is winding down.

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.

This image was created by Anita North on 15 April 2023 at Fort DeSoto Park, Tierra Verde, FL. She used the handheld Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 320. 1/2500 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be perfect. AWB at 8:24:00am on foggy morning. Tracking: Expand Spot/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: Arthur Morris with 400mm f/2.8 GM lens Image courtesy of and copyright 2023: Anita North

Clean Sand at the New Far Bar

Thanks to Anita North for grabbing this snap of me hard at work in the fog on Saturday morning past. Much of the beach and most of the sandflats at the New Far Bar have been scoured clean of debris by the high tides that reshape the sandbars almost daily. The clean sand provides some sweet backgrounds for a variety of subjects both avian and human. I came home from the GNPA annual conference last April with two very nice yellow GNPA t-shirts and COVID. Thanks to a long-term course of Ivermectin my fever lasted two hours and I was feeling fine in less than two days. Those of you suffering long-haul COVID syndrome — tiredness and coughing, might wish to write me or otherwise explore an Ivermectin protocol.

This image was created by yours truly on 15 April 2023 at Fort DeSoto Park, Tierra Verde, FL. Seated on the beach (as above), I used the handheld Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital 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 exposure was determined to be perfect. AWB at 8:08:27am on foggy 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 #2: Royal Tern with fish for mate

Hunting for My Honey

In April, male Royal Terns carrying fish continually circle the flocks on the ground searching for their special lady friend. They often swoop low over a female on the beach, usually one well away from the flock, only to deny her a snack to continue their search. The performance of Sony a-1 AF in the fog was quite remarkable. The circling males offer great flight opportunities in any weather.

This image was created by yours truly on 15 April 2023 at Fort DeSoto Park, Tierra Verde, FL. Seated on the beach (as above), I used the handheld Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1250. 1/4000 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be perfect. AWB at 8:16:53am on foggy 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 #3: (Angelic) Royal Tern landing in fog Arthur Morris with 400mm f/2.8 GM lens

The Densest Fog

Saturday dawned with a hazy sun in the eastern sky. We were blessed when a thick layer of fog rolled in, saving everyone on the beach from what was looking like a very hot, steamy morning. This image was made when the fog was at its thickest, thus the angelic look. When I raised the lens, it was impossible to see the birds at any distance. As they began to take shape in the viewfinder, I would have press the shutter button to acquire focus and then fire away. Even Sony AF cannot focus on a bird it cannot see. This image was cropped from a horizontal original and several birds on the ground (including one just to our right of the subject) were eliminated in PhotoShop.

This image was created by yours truly on 15 April 2023 at Fort DeSoto Park, Tierra Verde, FL. Seated on the beach (as above), I used the toe-pod technique with the handheld 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 1250. 1/2500 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be dead-solid perfect. AWB at 9:06:23 am on foggy morning. Tracking: Expand Spot/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 #4: Marbled Godwit striding on sandflat

Super-Clean Sand with a Gulf of Mexico Background

When I saw four Marbled Godwits foraging on a super clean sandflat at the terminus of Outback Key on a dropping tide, I sat down on the ground and created about 500 images using a variety of low perspective techniques. I kept too many; this is just one of my very favorites. When I saw my first marbled on the South Flats of the East Pond at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge in 1977, I was enthralled by the alabaster pink base of the bird’s bill. At the time I had no idea that seeing that single bird would change the course of the remainder of my adult life, but that is exactly what happened. Learn more about shorebirds in my softcover book, Shorebirds; Beautiful Beachcombers.

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 2023 Spring Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo Tours (IPTs)

Spring Fort DeSoto IPT #3: Tuesday 9 May through the morning session on 12 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 spring. 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, with many individuals 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.

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 two and one-half to three 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 noon 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 before and after brunch (included) each of the three full days. That will be followed by Instructor Nap Time. Each of these IPTs will run with only a single registrant as I do not like disappointing anyone. The best 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).

Folks attending this IPT will be out in the field as early as possible and stay out late to take advantage of sunrise and sunset colors; this is pretty much a staple on almost all BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Tours. Doing so will often present unique photographic opportunities, opportunities that will be missed by those who need their beauty rest and those who need to get home for a proper dinner. I really love it when I am leaving the beach at 9:30am 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 $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.

Typos

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

Good Morning America

Listening to a John Prine mix on YouTube while preparing today’s blog post I came across a really sweet song here. The intro is quite neat as well. The song was written by Steve Goodman who wrote lots of Prine’s stuff. It put a big smile on my face. Ain’t music grand? What type do you like?

The Fact$ of Life

Right now, the market for editorial sales of natural history images has virtually disappeared. The incomes of the world’s top stock photographers are down by at least 90%). Like me, most depend on income from photo trips, the sale of educational materials, and income from this or that affiliate program.

In 2001, BAA sold the publication rights to images for nearly one-quarter million US dollars. That amount dropped to about $20,000 by 2011, and in 2017, to slightly more than $2,000.00. We’ve stopped counting. IPTs used to fill within days. Now I am happy to go with one or two folks, but I’d much rather have you along. And so it goes. In 2009, I turned to creating educational blog posts, now to the tune of 4002. Yes, 4002 educational blog posts. So, please remember to use either my B&H or Bedfords affiliate links for your major purposes. It does not cost you one cent to do either.

B&H Simplified

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.

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.

My Call

Though I liked the Hoppy image in Thursday’s post, my clear favorite was Crabby.. Some might be surprised that the former was a large crop and the latter was a huge crop. The image quality of sharp SONY A1 image files is truly astounding.

What’s Up?

The third (sunny) morning of the second DeSoto IPT turned out to be a bit adventurous as we negotiated the breach at the New Far Bar at DeSoto. We all survived. The photography was good, but not as good as it had been on the previous epic morning. Clue #1: cloudy mornings with very strong east winds often turn out epic. Clue #2: it is more difficult to photograph on sunny days than it is on cloudy (or even foggy) ones.

The sad truth, however, is that many photographers do not venture forth on stormy days. Steve Pumillia and I worked some feeding herons and White Ibises at my favorite afternoon spot. In sunny conditions. On sunny Thursday, I kept 275 of the 5173 images that I made, 148 of 2990 on our last morning (after the first edit). The bird photography at DeSoto has been fantastic and will continue for at least anther month. I took Friday afternoon off 🙂

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.

This image was created on 12 April 2023 on the second Fort DeSoto IPT. Seated on dry sand I used the lowered, no-longer available Induro GIT 204 tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 500. 1/3200 sec. at f/3.5 (stopped down 1/3 stop) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be perfect (ho hum). AWB at 9:51:04am on then-cloudy bright morning. Tracking: expand Spot 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: Royal Tern Gathering: post copulatory stand, interloper, and by bystander

Two BIRDS AS ART Royal Tern Masterpieces

“Two BIRDS AS ART Royal Tern masterpieces,” he said modestly. After clicking on each image to enlarge it, let me know if I have overrated either of today’s featured images? And let us know why.

Both of today’s images were created on the epic Wednesday past detailed to some degree in the previous post.

This image was also created on 12 April 2023 on the second Fort DeSoto IPT. Seated on dry sand I used the lowered, no-longer available Induro GIT 204 tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 800. 1/3200 sec. at f/3.5 (stopped down 1/3 stop) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be perfect (ho hum). AWB at 9:35:29am on then-cloudy morning. Tracking: expand Spot AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #2: Royal Tern pair — post copulatory display

More Questions

Which of today’s two featured images do you like best? Why? I have a clear favorite.

Which of the images was more the result of serendipity and less the result of planning and forethought? Can you explain why?

The Sands They are a Shiftin’

On Thursday morning, we discovered that the sand ridge at the New Far Bar upon which both of today’s features image were created was gone with the overnight high tide.

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 2023 Spring Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo Tours (IPTs)

Spring Fort DeSoto IPT #3: Tuesday 9 May through the morning session on 12 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 spring. 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, with many individuals 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.

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 two and one-half to three 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 noon 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 before and after brunch (included) each of the three full days. That will be followed by Instructor Nap Time. Each of these IPTs will run with only a single registrant as I do not like disappointing anyone. The best 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).

Folks attending this IPT will be out in the field as early as possible and stay out late to take advantage of sunrise and sunset colors; this is pretty much a staple on almost all BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Tours. Doing so will often present unique photographic opportunities, opportunities that will be missed by those who need their beauty rest and those who need to get home for a proper dinner. I really love it when I am leaving the beach at 9:30am 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 $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.

Typos

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

The Fact$ of Life

Right now, the market for editorial sales of natural history images has virtually disappeared. The incomes of the world’s top stock photographers are down by at least 90%). (Can you say Darrell Gulin? Like me, most depend on income from photo trips, the sale of educational materials, and income from this or that affiliate program.

In 2001, BAA sold the publication rights to images for nearly one-quarter million US dollars. That amount dropped to about $20,000 by 2011, and in 2017, to slightly more than $2,00.00. We’ve stopped counting. IPTs used to fill within days. Now I am happy to go with one or two folks, but I’d much rather have you along. And so it goes. In 2009, I turned to creating educational blog posts, now to the tune of 4002. Yes, 4002 educational blog posts. So, please remember to use either my B&H or Bedfords affiliate links for your major purposes. It does not cost you one cent to do either.

B&H Simplified

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 additional. Please shoot me your B&H receipt for major purchases.

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 superbly appreciated by yours truly.

A Note From DeSoto #1 Participant Bob Handin

It is hard to put into words my feelings about my recent Fort DeSoto IPT. I have been taking pictures for many years and even have a few nice bird pictures. However, my few days with Artie have upped my game in amazing ways. I was fortunate to be the only person who signed up for his first 2023 Fort DeSoto IPT, so I got to spend a lot of time with the master. He let me use one of his SONY A1 cameras and a 200-600 lens; of course, I fell in love with it. We shared an Air BNB and did some extra trips to the North Tampa Rookery, Stick Marsh, and Indian Lake Estates to see his beloved Sandhill Crane families. Artie is a patient and experienced teacher and by the end of the IPT I was dreaming about sun angle, wind direction, head angle, and how to properly frame my subjects. I took some of the best pictures of my life and will treasure them and my newfound knowledge. Artie and I have had some similar life experiences and share having Type 2 Diabetes. He introduced me to his very healthy “Birds As Art” diet and my blood sugars improved along with my photography. Artie was everything one would want in an IPT instructor, knowledgeable, willing to share his knowledge, and making sure you got a good picture; he is engaging, humorous, and unbelievably enthusiastic. My advice is to sign up for an IPT ASAP. It just might be a life-changing experience.

Bob Handin

What’s Up?

Monday morning at DeSoto was good, but not as good as Sunday morning was. I did have three different Reddish Egrets including a white morph but as soon as I got settled, one would fly in and chase the first one away. I have discovered a great new spot with lots of terns and gulls and nobody else around. You will find me there tomorrow on the first morning of the second DeSoto IPT, another private affair with only a single registrant — Steve Pumillia from MN.

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.

This image was created on 9 April while scouting for the 2nd DeSoto IPT. I used the handheld Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter (at 280mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. The exposure was determined via Zebras. ISO 1600: 1/1250 sec. at f/5.6 (stopped down one stop) in Manual mode. AWB at 8:34:27am on a dark stormy morning. Tracking: Expand Spot AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #1: Snowy Egret with crest blowing in the wind

When the “Wrong” Wind Helps

When a bird with crest feathers faces away from (rather than into) the wind, you can often make some neat images. Fortunately, this handsome and cooperative Snowy Egret was more interested in the cast-netting fisherman nearby than in the wind direction. The pink lores will intensify over the next week or two until they are a bright cherry red. Those changes occur as a result of increased hormonal flow only when the birds are actively engaged at a breeding location.

This image was created on 9 April while scouting for the 2nd DeSoto IPT. I used the handheld Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM lens (at 13mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. The exposure was determined via Zebras. ISO 640: 1/2000 sec. at f/5.6 (stopped down 2-stops) in Manual mode. AWB at 8:34:27am on a dark stormy morning. Tracking: Expand Spot AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #2: Gulls, terns, and stormy skies

Why?

When I recently purchased the Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM lens, I knew in advance that I would use it only rarely. When I saw the huge storm clouds on Monday morning, I stuck the lens in a watch cap into my old X-trahand vest (along with the 70-200 II). These days it is rare that I head into the field with more than one lens (much less two!). Friend Anita North borrowed the 12-24 and made better images with it than I did!

I shall call it my big skies/storm cloud lens

This image was created on 9 April while scouting for the 2nd DeSoto IPT. While seated on the sand, I used the knee-pod technique with the handheld Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 800. 1/3200 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead-solid perfect (ho hum). AWB at 8:52:07am on a dark stormy morning. Tracking: Expand Spot 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 #3: Male Royal Tern stepping off female after copulating

Why Not the Copulation?

Seeing the image above of the male stepping off his mate, many would ask why I did not photograph the act itself? The answer is that when they were copulating, they were blocked by a Laughing Gull right in front of them. As the pair moved to my right, into the northeast wind, they came clear. So, I acquired focus quickly and fired off a short sequence as he hopped down to the sand. Though I did come up with a new twist, a Laughing Gull was removed from the right side of the frame using techniques detailed in Digital Basics II.

This image was created on 9 April while scouting for the 2nd DeSoto IPT. While seated on the sand, I used the knee-pod technique with the handheld Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 500. 1/2500 sec. at f/3.2 (stoped down 1/3-stop) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the exposure was determined to be dead-solid perfect (ho hum). AWB at 9:22:30am as things brightened up a bit on a dark stormy morning. Tracking: Expand Spot S 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 #4: Laughing Gull ruffling

Hard to Believe

When this handsome gull leaned forward and began to ruffle, I pressed and held the shutter button for three seconds and created a 78-frame sequence. I kept 13. This one was my clear favorite. After the second edit, I will likely get down to three or four keepers. Oh, and by the way, every frame was razor-sharp on the bird’s eye.

This image was created on 9 April while scouting for the 2nd DeSoto IPT. While seated on the sand, I used the knee-pod technique with the handheld Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 500. 1/2500 sec. at f/3.2 (stoped down 1/3-stop) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the exposure was determined to be dead-solid perfect (ho hum). AWB at 9:28:06am as things brightened up a bit on a dark stormy 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 #5:Herring Gull taking flight

Dog Running on the Low Wall of the Breakwater

Anita and I had a large group of terns and gulls courting and displaying right in front of us as we were seated on the sand. Suddenly, they all took flight at once and left the scene. We turned to see a lady jogger running with her dog on a leash. The problem was that the dog was running along the top of the low wall. Only the handsome Herring Gull that I had been eyeing remained. It looked nervous ,so I framed and followed it as it took flight to follow the rest of the flock to God-knows-where. The birds never returned.

Anita ran into the lady later on and said “Hi” to the dog and chatted with the woman. She explained that it was breeding season for the gulls and the terns and that the birds were extremely stressed by her bird dog running up on the wall. She asked if the woman might keep the dog on the sidewalk next to her when she saw flocks of birds on the beach while running. She replied, “But, my dog likes to run along the top of the wall.” End of discussion.

Your Call?

Which is the strongest of today’s five featured images. Why did you make your choice.

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 2023 Spring Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo Tours (IPTs)

Spring Fort DeSoto IPT #3: Tuesday 9 May through the morning session on 12 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 spring. 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, with many individuals 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.

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 two and one-half to three 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 noon 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 before and after brunch (included) each of the three full days. That will be followed by Instructor Nap Time. Each of these IPTs will run with only a single registrant as I do not like disappointing anyone. The best 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).

Folks attending this IPT will be out in the field as early as possible and stay out late to take advantage of sunrise and sunset colors; this is pretty much a staple on almost all BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Tours. Doing so will often present unique photographic opportunities, opportunities that will be missed by those who need their beauty rest and those who need to get home for a proper dinner. I really love it when I am leaving the beach at 9:30am 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 $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.

Typos

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

Hard to Believe: 4000!

This blog post is the 4000th published since I began on 3 March 2009. At that time, I decided to phase out the BAA Bulletins and do all of my teaching on the blog. The comments on the introductory first “post,” are quite interesting. You can read them here.

Stuff

As you peruse today’s ten featured images, note the incredible versatility of the Sony 70-200 II with the 2X II TC and the a1.

Your Call

Not all of today’s images could be described as great. The purpose of the post is to open your eyes to the various possibilities when you are faced with wind-against-sun conditions. After enlarging and viewing today’s ten images, all are invited to leave a comment with noting what they think is the strongest image, which they think is the weakest image, and the reason they made each choice.

My Call

Thanks to the several folks left thoughtful comments at Wednesday blog post.

Here are my thoughts:

Image #1 was a small crop from our left and from below. Do you like the wider view in Image #2 or the tighter crop in Image #1? Why?

I wound up liking the wider view, Image #2 as it did give a better sense of an excited chick running at full speed.

Which image was created first? How do you know?

I knew that Image #2 was created before Image #1 because of the position of the shadow.

Which pose do you like best? Why?

For me, it is a tie. I do prefer the action in Image #2, but I do not like that the tip of the bill (in #2) merges with the leading edge of the far wing.

Overall, which image do you like best? Why?

All things considered, I’ll go with Image #2 for the sense of speed it provides.

Was I lucky? Why or why not? Are there any “buts”?

I was very lucky to be in just the right spot when the chick began to run. But, my knowledge of bird behavior allowed me to have all the right settings while anticipating the best possible course of events.

DeSoto #2

To learn about the late registration discount for the 2nd DeSoto IPT (Tuesday 11 April through the morning session on 14 April 2023. 3 1/2 Days: $1899.00 includes three working brunches. Limit six photographers/Openings: 5), call me at 863-221-2372. If I do not pick up, please shoot me a text.

What’s Up?

I created one really good image of an Osprey in flight with a fresh-caught Black Crappie down by the lake on Tuesday morning. It was returning to the new natural nest in a dead tree at the north end of the lakefront.

Yesterday was Friday 7 April 2023. When originally published, I ad just got back from my morning photo session. I had gotten a late start due to the fog; the sun broke through at about 7:45am. I had driven around for a while without accomplishing much other than a few snaps of the large colt at the north end. I was about to head home early to finish this post, but then, I spotted one of the young Crested Caracaras. Working from the front seat of my SUV at 840mm working off the BLUBB, I made my best field guide portraits of the bird that had been in the nest less than a week ago. When the bird flew off, it landed atop a big bush in the marsh. I followed and saw that it was being harassed by Boat-tailed Grackles. I set up the 600 on the tripod and just before the caracara flew off.

This blog post took at least three hours to prepare including the time spent on the image optimizations. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great 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.

This image was created on 2 April at Fort DeSoto Park. 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 (at 226mm), and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. The exposure was determined via Zebras. ISO 1000: 1/2500 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 8:31:23am on a variably sunny morning. Tracking: Expand Spot AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #1: Brown Pelican ready to dive

Wind Against Sun — “What to Do?” I

If you are faced with a sunny morning with the sun behind you and the wind blowing in your face, be on the lookout for subjects that are flying the “wrong” way, those that for one reason or another, are not flying (or facing) into the wind. The adult pelican in Image #1 flew the “wrong” way as it was after the school of baitfish that was right up against the pier.

This image was created on 2 April at Fort DeSoto Park. 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 (at 400mm), and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. The exposure was determined via Zebras. ISO 500: 1/3200 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 8:42:00am on a variably 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: Royal Tern wheeling in flight

Wind Against Sun — “What to Do?” II

When faced with wind-against-sun conditions, study the flight patterns of fishing birds. Some of the terns and gulls were flying away from me into the wind, but would rock up and turn left after a missed strike. That had them flying at me to some degree.

This image was created on 2 April at Fort DeSoto Park. 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 (at 400mm), and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. The exposure was determined via Zebras. ISO 800: 1/4000 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 8:45:34am on a variably sunny morning. Tracking: Zone AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #3: Royal Tern dorsal view flight shot

Wind Against Sun — “What to Do?” III

In the same situation as in #2, there were some birds that were diving from right to left toward the proper sun angle. Bingo!

This image was created on 2 April at Fort DeSoto Park. 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 (at 400mm), and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. The exposure was determined via Zebras. ISO 500: 1/4000 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 8:55:46am on a variably cloudy morning. Tracking: Zone AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #4: Brown Pelican with sky silhouette

Wind Against Sun — “What to Do?” IV

When dealing with wind-against-sun conditions, another strategy that can pay off nicely is to turn around and look at the backlit subjects between you and the sun. Do understand that with a few clouds in the eastern sky, the sky in the properly exposed raw file for this image was white. The sky color is introduced during the raw conversion in Photoshop.

This image was created on 2 April at Fort DeSoto Park. 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 (at 400mm), and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. The exposure was determined via Zebras. ISO 1600: 1/4000 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 8:56:41am on a variably cloudy morning. Tracking: Zone AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #5: Brown Pelican backlit B&W emerging after dive

Wind Against Sun — “What to Do?” V

Note that this backlit image was created less than one minute after the previous image. Using the same shutter speed and aperture, only the ISO changed. Chalk another one up to Sony Zebra technology for stills. By studying the EXIF data for all ten of today’s featured images, you can see just how valuable Zebras can be when the light is changing almost constantly.

I could have gone either way with the image optimization, but opted to go for the “Victory at Sea” look.

This image was created on 2 April at Fort DeSoto Park. 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 (at 400mm), and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. The exposure was determined via Zebras. ISO 1600: 1/4000 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 8:57:21am on a variably cloudy morning. Tracking: Zone AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #6: Brown Pelican backlit emerging after dive with bill pouch distended

Wind Against Sun — “What to Do?” VI

As the bird in this image was not lined up with the sun as was the bird in #5, I opted to process it to show the true colors of the pelican, in part because I like the light coming through the distended bill pouch.

This image was created on 2 April at Fort DeSoto Park. 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 (at 400mm), and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. The exposure was determined via Zebras. ISO 800: 1/4000 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 9:10:40am on a variably cloudy morning. Tracking: Expand Spot AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #7: Royal Tern flying away

Wind Against Sun — “What to Do?” VII

On wind-against-sun days, it never hurts to pray for clouds as they open up a variety of possibilities. Those include dorsal views of birds flying away from you like the Royal Tern in #7, and several of the previous images. Yes, this image would have been stronger if the bird had looked back at me just a bit more.

This image was created on 2 April at Fort DeSoto Park. Crouching a bit, I used the handheld Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens with the Sony FE 2x teleconverter (at 400mm), and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. The exposure was determined via Zebras. ISO 800: 1/4000 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 9:10:40am on a variably cloudy morning. Tracking: Expand Spot AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #8: Great Egret white sky silhouette

Wind Against Sun — “What to Do?” VIII

When things are looking dire, turning around and facing the sun can work quite well. This Great Egret provided fodder for a pleasing silhouette. Again, the properly exposed raw file featured a white sky. To provide the potential of color, you will want to place the subject as close to the filtered sunlight as possible without including the sun in the frame.

This image was created on 2 April at Fort DeSoto Park. 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 (at 400mm), and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. The exposure was determined via Zebras. ISO 1600: 1/4000 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 9:17:10am on a variably cloudy morning. Tracking: Expand Spot AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #9: Laughing Gull dorsal flight

Wind Against Sun — “What to Do?” IX

This one is similar to #7. A but more of a head turn would have revealed the gull’s red bill. But, I do love the patterns and shapes revealed by the dorsal view, especially with the tail.

This image was created on 2 April at Fort DeSoto Park. 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 (at 400mm), and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. The exposure was determined via Zebras. ISO 1600: 1/3200 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 9:27:09am on a variably cloudy morning. Tracking: Zone AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #10: Laughing Gulls chasing Sandwich Tern with baitfish

Wind Against Sun — “What to Do?” X

With a ton of bait in the water, midair fights occurred fairly frequently. Right before I made this image, there was a point blank fracas not twenty feet in front of me. I did not even have time to zoom out and raise my lens. The full cloud cover was prefect for #10. Here’s a tip for photographing these midair battles: frame the image, acquire focus, and keep the shutter button depressed until the action if over. Do not worry about image design — you can sort things out after the fact on your computer.

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 2023 Spring Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo Tours (IPTs)

Spring Fort DeSoto IPT #2: Tuesday 11 April through the morning session on 14 April 2023. 3 1/2 Days: $1899.00 includes three working brunches. Limit six photographers/Openings: 4.

Spring Fort DeSoto IPT #3: Tuesday 9 May through the morning session on 12 May 2023. 3 1/2 Days: $1899.00 includes three working brunches. Limit six photographers/Openings: 5.

Fort DeSoto, located just south of St. Petersburg, FL, is a mecca for terns and gulls, wading birds, and shorebirds in spring. 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, with many individuals 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.

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 two and one-half to three 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 noon 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 before and after brunch (included) each of the three full days. That will be followed by Instructor Nap Time. Each of these IPTs will run with only a single registrant as I do not like disappointing anyone. The best 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).

Folks attending this IPT will be out in the field as early as possible and stay out late to take advantage of sunrise and sunset colors; this is pretty much a staple on almost all BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Tours. Doing so will often present unique photographic opportunities, opportunities that will be missed by those who need their beauty rest and those who need to get home for a proper dinner. I really love it when I am leaving the beach at 9:30am 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 $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.

Typos

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