We woke early and headed to Okefenokee Swamp NWR for a boat ride. The scenery and vegetation were gorgeous in the early morning light. We had permission to visit a large wading bird rookery. Instead of parking the boat on the far side of the canal, waiting quietly for the birds to return, and having some really good photo chances, we motored past the colony and flushed all the birds. Then we then made a u-turn, motored past the colony, and flushed all the birds again. The boatman said, “We can’t stop because photographers will flush the birds and keep them off their eggs …”
We had a nice lunch at Skippers Fish Camp Restaurant in Darien, GA, the second oldest town in the state. We looked at lots of images after lunch. I had seen some of Christy’s image from the previous night on the back of the camera and wanted to use one of the birds on the roof of the shelter to set the scene for today’s featured image. But she did not have either a card reader or her laptop. Eric Bowles saved the day again by coming up with a solution. We put the card in Christy’s R5, put in one of my Delkin UHS II cards in the other slot, and copied all the images from one card to the other. With all the images on my card, I downloaded them and optimized my favorite of Christy’s rooftop images.
For our afternoon session we spent some time at Harris Neck NWR. Can you say not-too-good?
Today is Wednesday 13 April. I will be leaving very early and headed for Indian Lake Estates. Though I may stop at Huguenot Memorial Park to check on the breeding bird colony, I hope to be home in time for a swim. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day. This blog post took less than an hour to prepare and makes thirty-three days in a row with a new one.
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. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!
John Prine
As has been the case with my obsession for bird photography, my obsession with the words and rock-a-billy music of John Prine has not lessened over time. I listen to every song, concert, and interview that I can find on YouTube. He is so personable and humble that you get the feeling that you are talking to an old friend. His fabulous sense of humor is evident in the lyrics of Your Flag Decal Won’t Get You Into Heaven Anymore , a powerful anti-Vietnam war protest song.
rockabilly: a form of popular music combining features of rock music and bluegrass.
Or, rockabilly is one of the earliest styles of rock and roll music. It dates back to the early 1950s in the United States, especially the South. As a genre it blends the sound of Western musical styles such as country with that of rhythm and blues, leading to what is considered “classic” rock and roll.
Your Flag Decal Won’t Get You Into Heaven Anymore
Song by John Prine
Lyrics:
While digesting Reader’s Digest
In the back of a dirty book store,
A plastic flag, with gum on the back,
Fell out on the floor.
Well, I picked it up and I ran outside
Slapped it on my window shield,
And if I could see old Betsy Ross
I’d tell her how good I feel.
But your flag decal won’t get you
Into Heaven any more.
They’re already overcrowded
From your dirty little war.
Now Jesus don’t like killin’
No matter what the reason’s for,
And your flag decal won’t get you
Into Heaven any more.
Well, I went to the bank this morning
And the cashier he said to me,
“If you join the Christmas club
We’ll give you ten of them flags for free.”
Well, I didn’t mess around a bit
I took him up on what he said.
And I stuck them stickers all over my car
And one on my wife’s forehead.
But your flag decal won’t get you
Into Heaven any more.
They’re already overcrowded
From your dirty little war.
Now Jesus don’t like killin’
No matter what the reason’s for,
And your flag decal won’t get you
Into Heaven any more.
Well, I got my window shield so filled
With flags I couldn’t see.
So, I ran the car upside a curb
And right into a tree.
By the time they got a doctor down
I was already dead.
And I’ll never understand why the man
Standing in the Pearly Gates said…
“But your flag decal won’t get you
Into Heaven any more.
We’re already overcrowded
From your dirty little war.
Now Jesus don’t like killin’
No matter what the reason’s for,
And your flag decal won’t get you
Into Heaven any more.”
This image was created on 11 April 2022 by post-GNPA IPT participant Christy Cox. She used the handheld Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM lens (at 500mm) and the highly touted 45MP Canon EOS R5 Mirrorless Digital camera body. ISO 250. Exposure determined via the in-viewfinder histogram and highlight alert evaluation. 1/2500 sec. at f/7.1 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 7:40;12pm on sunny afternoon.
Tracking/AI Servo AF was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly.
Click on the image to see a high res version.
Image #1: Courting Royal Terns and Laughing Gull on roof of shelter
Thanks Christy!
Huge thanks to post-GNPA IPT participant Christy Cox for allowing me to share her scene-setting image with you here today. I had been on the end of the pier trying to silhouette some of the fly-by pelicans when I noticed Eric and Christy and Deb Dance near the base of the pier. Curious as to what they were doing, I walked back and realized that Eric had discovered a great situation. With the wind from the north, our left, the birds that were landing atop the shelter were perfectly silhouetted. I prayed for a few birds to land. Some did! Thanks Christy and thanks Eric!
This image was created on 11 April 2022. I used the no-longer available Induro GIT304L Stealth Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted-Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). Multi-metering +1.7 stops set AUTO ISO to ISO 1600: 1/2500 sec. at f/8 (wide open) in Shutter Priority Mode. The raw file brightness was one full stop too dark when evaluated in RawDigger. AWB at 7:37:22pm on a clear afternoon.
Tracking: Zone 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 landing
Razor-sharp 1200mm Dynamic Flight
One of the main themes of my first GNPA Keynote was that I switched cameara systems twice in recent years in hopes of becoming a better flight photographer. Despite my somewhat limited strength and stamina and my far from superior hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, I am happy to say that The Sony A1 has made me a much better flight photographer, or at least allowed me to reach my potential. Accurate full screen tracking AF is simply amazing.
What Bugs Me?
One tiny thing bugs me about this very excellent image that I love otherwise. If you think that you know what it is, please leave a comment.
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)
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 early April, the group was up to an astounding 113 lucky and blessed folks. 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 three e-mails instead of the previous 28! You will see 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.
The IPT group enjoyed a lovely orange-glow sunrise on Monday morning and created many fine slow shutter speed tidal pool-scapes. As the tide was dropping, I concentrated on the flocks of skimmers and other birds landing and blasting off from the color on the edge of the surf. I made one huge mistake when trying to create pleasing blurs: rather than relying on AF to track the birds, I relied on manual focus with focus peaking. Never again … I created more than one hundred images at 1/8, 1/15, and 1/30 second. I deleted every single one. Lesson learned: focus peaking is excellent for landscapes and pleasing blurs of the same, but with flocks of birds, the closest bird needs to be in sharp focus. And only AF can deliver that consistently.
We had a long and fruitful laptop learning session at the Marshside Grill in Brunswick, GA, and followed that up with another in our Villas by the Sea unit — Erik Bowles has continued to be a great help to me! That done, we headed out for sunset. At the Jekyll Fishing Pier we had a Great Blue Heron in a creek. On the pier itself, I headed out to the end in search of silhouettes. Eric stayed near the base of the pier with the rest of the group. Curious as to what they were doing, I moseyed over and made some of the very best images of the trip — Royal Terns braking to land on the roof of a shelter with a tangerine-orange sky background. Thank you Eric!
Today is is Tuesday 12 April 2022. The forecast is for cloudy early followed by death of sun and clear skies. I am treating the group to an Okefenokee Boat tour. We will have lunch in Darien, the oldest town in Georgia, and then visit Harris Neck NWR. I drive home on Wednesday morning. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day. This blog post took about an hour to prepare and makes thirty-two days in a row with a new one.
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. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!
Nikon D5 Professional dSLR
BIRDS AS ART Record Low Price
Sigmon Whitener is offering a Nikon D5 (Dual XQD/CF Express Type B) in like-new condition with 55,000 actuations for a BAA record-low $2796.95. The sale includes the original box and everything that came in it including the strap, one battery, the dual battery charger, the manual (Sp and En), the USB connecting cord, and insured ground shipping via major courier to lower-48 US addresses only. Although the D5 has a 20MP sensor, the frame rate and AF tracking are the best (IMO) you can get in a DSLR. Some of my best BIF shots were made with this camera. It’s also great for any type of sports photography. And the low light performance is best of any camera I have owned. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.
Please contact Sigmon via e-mail or by phone at 1-818-239-2403 (Pacific time).
The D5 was my first Nikon camera body. After using it for ten minutes on flying pelicans in San Diego I sold all my Canon gear. The AF system is indeed superb. artie
Nikkor AF-S 80-400mm f4.5-5.6G ED VR Lens
BIRDS AS ART Record Low Price Sold first day of being re-listed.
Sigmon Whitener is offering a Nikkor AF-S 80-400mm f4.5-5.6G ED VR lens in like new condition for a BAA record-low $1096.95. The sale includes the lens, all accessories that came with the original purchase – case, front and rear lens caps, manual, original Nikon lens collar and foot, lens hood, original box. Also included is a Really Right Stuff LC_A13 lens collar with RRS LCF-10B quick release foot. This collar makes for a much more robust and smoother action and sells new for about $250. I do not want to sell without the RRS collar and foot. and insured ground shipping via major courier to lower-48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.
Please contact Sigmon via e-mail or by phone at 1-818-239-2403 (Pacific time).
I owned and loved this super-sharp and very versatile lens when I shot Nikon. It was my go-to lens on my bucket-list Emperor Penguin trip to Snow Hill Island, Antarctica. It complements either the 500 PF or the 600 f/4 VR lenses perfectly. As it sells new for $2,296.95, you can save an incredible $1200.00 on Sigmon’s pretty much new lens. artie
This image was also created on 7 July 2021 at Huguenot Memorial Park in Jacksonville, FL. I used the hand held Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 500mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ) The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 640: 1/3200 second at f/7.1 (stopped down 1/3 stop) in Manual Mode. AWB at 6:36:22am on a clear afternoon. RawDigger showed the exposure to be dead-solid perfect.
Tracking: Zone AF-C with Bird Face/Eye Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #1: Royal Tern with Spanish Mackerel for young
Baitfishes and More
One of the funnest things about photographing the tern colony at Jacksonville after the chicks have hatched is the great variety of prey items that they bring in for the young: all manner of immature fish and baitfish, squid, huge shrimp, tiny crabs, and even sand crabs (AKA sand bugs, sand fleas, or mole crabs). The flight photography is non-stop with both the big super-telephoto lenses (tripod-mounted or hand held) and the hand held intermediate telephotos, especially the Sony 200-600, the Canon 100-500, and the Nikon 200-500.
Image #1A: 100% crop of the Royal Tern with Spanish Mackerel for young image
What More Can I Say About the Sony A1?
Apologies if I am sounding like a broken record: Sony Zebra technology for stills allows the competent user to create perfect exposures consistently and the AF system and image quality of the Sony 1 are unmatched by any mirrorless camera body. That said, dSLRs are on the way out. The world ahead is mirrorless. All the above is true only If you are photographing birds in flight and/or animals in action. If you are photographing flowers and scenics and static birds and/or animals there is no need for you to abandon your dSLRs to switch to mirrorless.
Picking Your Keepers
I had kept seven razor-sharp images of this bird in flight with the baby mackerel. I selected Image #1 as the best to be processed for the blog because of the separation of the tail from the bottom jaw of the fish. In the other six (very nice =) images the tail merged with the bottom jaw.
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)
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 early April, the group was up to an astounding 113 lucky and blessed folks. 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 three e-mails instead of the previous 28! You will see 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.
Click on the composite image to enjoy the incredible quality of the hi-res JPEG.
Clockwise from upper left clockwise and back around to the center: Royal Tern in flight with squid for chick; Royal Tern chick on beach; Royal Tern in flight with shrimp for young; Royal Tern chick — double overhead wing stretch; Royal Tern landing with greenback for chick; Royal Tern in flight with juvenile mahi mahi for chick; Brown Pelican — large chick preening; Laughing Gull in fresh juvenal plumage; Royal Tern chick begging; Many Royal Terns with many chicks on face of dune.
Jacksonville IPT: #1: 4 FULL DAYS — the afternoon of 16 June thru the morning of MON 20 June 2022: $2,099.00. (Limit 6 photographers)
Jacksonville IPT #2: the afternoon of FRI 1 JULY thru the morning of TUES 5 July 2022: $2099.00 (Limit 6 photographers)
Jacksonville IPT #3: the afternoon of FRI 15 JULY thru the morning of TUES 19 July 2022: $2099.00 (Limit 6 photographers)
Ride with me: add $200.00. I do not like to disappoint: each trip will run with one participant. If necessary.
I first visited the breeding bird colony at Jacksonville in late June 2021. I was astounded. There were many thousands of pairs of Royal Terns nesting along with about 10,000 pairs of Laughing Gulls. In addition to the royals, there were some Sandwich Terns nesting. And there are several dozen pairs of Brown Pelicans nesting on the ground. Flight photography was non-stop astounding. And photographing the tern chicks was relatively easy. Folks could do the whole trip with the Sony 200-600, the Canon 100-500 RF, or the Nikon 500 PF or 200-500 VR. With a TC in your pocket for use on sunny days. Most of the action is within 100 yards of where we park (on the beach). As with all bird photography, there are times when a super-telephoto lens with either TC is the best tool for the job.
Morning sessions will average about three hours, afternoon sessions about 1 1/2 hours. On cloudy mornings with favorable winds, we may opt to stay out for one long session and skip the afternoon, especially when the afternoon forecast is poor. Lunch is included on the first three days of the IPT and will be served at my AirBnB. After the first lunch there will be an introductory program. On days two and three we will do image review and Photoshop after lunch.
We will be based somewhere west and a bit north of Jacksonville where there are many AirBnB possibilities. The deposit is $599.00. Call Jim at the office any weekday at 863-692-0906 to pay by credit card. Balances must be paid by check.
What You Will Learn on a Jacksonville IPT
1- First and foremast you will learn to become a better flight photographer. Much better.
2-You will learn the basics and fine points of digital exposure. Nikon and Canon folks will learn to get the right exposure every time after making a single test exposure, and SONY folks will learn to use Zebras so that they can be sure of making excellent exposures before pressing the shutter button.
3- You will learn to work in Manual exposure mode even if you fear it.
4- You will learn to evaluate wind and sky conditions and understand how they affect bird photography, especially the photography of birds in flight.
5- You will learn several pro secrets (for each system) that will help you to become a better flight photographer.
6- You will learn to zoom out in advance (because the birds are so close!) 🙂
7- You will learn how to approach free and wild birds without disturbing them.
8- You will learn to spot the good and the great situations.
9- You will learn to understand and predict bird behavior.
10- You will learn to design pleasing images by mastering your camera’s AF system.
11- You will learn to choose the best perspective.
12- You will learn to see and control your backgrounds.
13- You will learn to see and understand the light.
14- You will learn to see and create pleasing blurs in pre-dawn situations.
15- You will learn to be always ready for the most likely event.
And the best news is that you will be able to take everything you learn home with you so that you will be a better photographer wherever you are and whenever you photograph.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
I led a Sunday morning GNPA EXPO photo workshop to Jekyll Point on Sunday. We enjoyed a second lovely clear, orange-glow sunrise. Eric Bowles put the group in the perfect spot for tidal pool-scapes. It was windier than last time, so the 8-second or so shutter speeds yielded some really neat patterns in the water. Then we headed a bit farther south to the point proper and did flock and incoming flight silhouettes. With the bright sun and a NW breeze, we were pretty much done by 8:15am so we talked about tripods and heads for a while before heading home.
The post-GNPA EXPO IPT began on Sunday afternoon. We headed to Jekyll Point in less than ideal conditions: clear skies with a southeast wind. We worked hard, worked bit off sun angle to parallel the subjects, and got lucky right before sunset with some birds square to the gorgeous light.
Today is Monday 11 April 2022. The forecast for the morning is for a SW breeze and clear skies. That is pretty good for Jekyll Point so that is where we will be headed. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day. This blog post took about an hour to prepare and makes thirty-one days in a row with a new one.
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. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!
And Please Remember
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.
Brand-New and As-Good-As-Ever Bedfords BAA Discount Policy
Folks who have fallen in love with Bedfords can now use the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout to enjoy a post-purchase, 3% off-statement credit (excluding taxes and shipping charges) on orders paid with a credit card. The 3% credit will be refunded to the card you used for your purchase. Be sure, also, to check the box for free shipping to enjoy free Second Day Air Fed-Ex. This offer does not apply to purchases of Classes, Gift Cards, or to any prior purchases.
Money Saving Reminder
Many have learned that if you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H and would like to enjoy getting 3% back on your credit card along with free 2nd Day Air Fed-Ex Air shipping, your best bet is to click here, place an order with Bedfords, and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If an item is out of stock, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail or on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592 (Central time). Be sure to mention the BIRDSASART coupon code and check the box for Free Shipping. That will automatically upgrade to free 2nd Day Air Fed-Ex. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H and everywhere else. The waitlists at the big stores can be a year or longer for the hard-to-get items. Steve will surely get you your gear long before that. For the past year, he has been helping BAA Blog folks get their hands on items like the SONY a 1, the SONY 200-600 G OSS lens, the Canon EOS R5, the Canon RF 100-500mm lens, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is personable, helpful, and eager to please.
Important Note
As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small percentage when you purchase from Amazon after using any of the Amazon links on the blog (including the logo-link immediately above). My link works with Amazon Prime and using it will not cost you a single cent. Huge thanks, BTW 🙂
Please Remember Also
Please, if you enjoy and learn from the blog, remember to use one of my two affiliate programs when purchasing new gear. Doing so just might make it possible for me to avoid having to try to get a job as a Walmart greeter and will not cost you a single penny more. And if you use Bedfords and remember to enter the BIRDSASART code at checkout, you will (still!) save 3% on every order and enjoy free second-day air shipping. In these crazy times — I lost about fifty thousand dollars in income due to COVID 19 — remembering to use my B&H link or to shop at Bedfords will help me out a ton and be greatly appreciated. Overseas folks who cannot order from the US because of import fees, duties, and taxes, are invited to help out by clicking here to leave a blog thank you gift if they see fit.
Gear Questions and Advice
Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are–out of ignorance–using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads… Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.
This image was created on 8 April 2022 at Jekyll Point, Jekyll Island, GA. I used the hand held Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 200mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ) The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 640 1/2500 second at f/6.3 (wide open) in Manual Mode. AWB at 6:42:37pm on a clear afternoon. 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 #1: Black Skimmer and Laughing Gull S-curved flock
S-Curved Flock
I worked this flock for about twenty minutes as it blasted off and re-landed on the beach. When I saw the S-curve I used Tracking: Single Spot and moved it to the lower right corner of the frame so that I could focus on the closest bird, the forward-most skimmer in the lower right portion of the frame. When I saw the Laughing Gull in flight over the ocean, I created several images and chose the one with the best wing position. The pano crop was an obvious choice. I like creating this type of image wide open so that sharp focus falls off in the distance and gives a sense of depth to the flock.
Tip: when photographing flocks of birds, it is almost always best to focus on the closest bird.
This image was also created on 8 April 2022 at Jekyll Point, Jekyll Island, GA. I used the hand held Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 430mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ) The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 640 1/3200 second at f/6.3 (wide open) in Manual Mode. AWB at 6:43:54pm on a clear afternoon. RawDigger showed the exposure to be dead-solid perfect.
Tracking: Zone AF-C with Bird Face/Eye Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #2: Laughing Gull in elegant flight
What One Thing Bugs Me?
One thing bugs me in one of today’s two featured images. And I am not saying which one. Please leave a comment about anything that bugs you in either image. I will follow up.
Sony 200-600 Usability and Versatility
Being able to make some very good images while leaving the 600mm f/4 and the tripod behind and taking only the 200-600 gives me great pleasure. Hand holding the 2-6 makes it fast and easy to get in position and opt for the very best perspective. As for versatility, note the different focal lengths used to create today’s featured images. I had to move back for the flock shot to fit all the birds into the frame at 200mm. At present, if you are using another system, you need to strongly consider going to the 200-600 with either an a9II or an Alpha 1. Did I forget to mention that once you learn to set and use Zebras correctly and put ISO on the Thumb Dial, you will be coming up with perfect and near perfect exposures quickly, easily, and consistently? Using Bedfords or my B&H links to purchase your new Sony gear will earn you either a large discount or a free SONY Guide.
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 2022 DeSoto Spring IPT/April 26 through the morning session on April 29, 2020. 3 1/2 DAYS: $2099.00. Limit: 6 photographers/Openings 2
Fort DeSoto, located just south of St. Petersburg, FL, is a mecca for breeding terns and gulls and wading birds in spring. 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.
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.
Lots of Tame Birds
We will also get to photograph a variety of other shorebirds including Black-bellied, Semipalmated, Wilson’s, and Piping Plovers, Willet, Dunlin, Short-billed Dowitcher, 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 luck, we might get to photograph one of Florida’s most desirable species: Roseate Spoonbill. And we will almost 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 the DeSoto IPT you will learn the following:
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 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- How and when to access the magical sandbar safely.
11- More than you could ever imagine.
You’ve 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.
Morning sessions will run at least three hours, afternoon sessions 2 1/2. There is never a set schedule on an IPT — we adapt to the conditions. On cloudy morning when the photography is excellent, we may opt to extend the morning session and skip the afternoon, especially if the afternoon weather is not looking too good. There will be a Photoshop/image review session after lunch (included) each day. That will be followed by Instructor Nap Time. This IPT will run with only a single registrant (though that is not likely to happen). 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 — Gulfport in this case, rather than at home or at a friend’s place a good distance away.
Folks attending this IPT will be out in the field early and stay 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.
Credit cards are OK for your $500 deposit. You can register by calling Jim or Jennifer during weekday business hours at 863-692-0906 with a credit card in hand. After you leave the deposit, you will receive an e-mail with your balance statement and instructions for sending your balance check. 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 a month before the trip. Please shoot me an e-mail if you plan to register or if you have any questions.
Typos
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