Most of the severe itchiness from the fire ant debacle is gone. The 30 welts remain, all greatly reduced in size. Each pustule has a raised, yellow center. It could have been a lot worse. Several decades ago my friend Carl R Sams put his elbow squarely atop a fire ant nest across from the Venice Rookery while lying on the ground to photograph a Green Heron in a tiny creek. His elbow swelled up to the size of a basketball and he wound up in the hospital. At least that is the story as I remember it …
Carl, and wife Jeannie Stoick, of Stranger in the Woods fame, have a great line of children’s books here. Your grandchildren might very well enjoy one or more of them. Please do not ask me why the Amazong logo-link shows $1.20 …
I watched lots of NFL games on Sunday; there were several barn burners. Can you say 49ers/Bengals, Browns/Ravens, or Tampa Bay/Buffalo?
barn burn·er: /bärn ˈbərnər/
noun: barn burner; plural noun: barn burners; noun: barnburner; plural noun: barnburners. An event, typically a sports contest, that is very exciting or intense. Often high scoring with a dramatic ending.
I did make it down to the lake for sunset 🙂
The forecast for today, Monday 13 December 2021, is for clear skies with a north northeast wind. With near ideal conditions, I will get down to the lake early. Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day. This blog post took about 90 minutes to prepare (including the time spent on the image optimization and screen captures) and makes 34 consecutive days with a new one.
Please remember that 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 save 3% 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 wait lists 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 11 December 2021 down by the lake at my home in Indian Lake Estates, FL. While standing two steps up on my Jacksonville IPT stepladder (Werner model S313P-2), I used the no-longer available GIT505XXL Grand Series 5 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 (Body Only). Multi-metering +2.3 stop. AUTO ISO set ISO 3200. 1/1600 sec. at f/8 (wide open) in Shutter Priority mode. AWB at 5:28:32pm on a mostly clear evening.
Tracking: Center Zone AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly by just catching the bill tip of the front ibis. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a larger higher-res version.
Image #1: Wading birds at sunset roost
It’s That Time of Year! I’ll Be Busy at Sunset for the Next Three Months (or more)!
The wading birds began returning to their annual winter evening roost about a week ago. But for San Diego and Homer, I will be heading down to the lake every evening about a half hour before the time of sunset as long as there is a chance for some color in the western sky. I am able to check the sky from my pool deck.
I’ve made things easier by working with my super-tall (no-longer available) GIT505XXL Grand Series 5 Stealth Carbon Fiber Tripod and my Jacksonville IPT stepladder (Werner model S313P-2). This combination makes it a bit easier to get over the reeds as I am about two feet taller than I would be if simply standing on the North Field. A strong wind from the northeast in the evening is perfect as the birds fly higher than thy do when it is fairly still (as it has been the last three nights). In a perfect world, I can enjoy a full half hour or more of exciting flight action. And I have a plan in mind to make may sunset outings even more productive …
Click on the image to view a higher-res version.
Image #1A: AF Points for the Wading birds at sunset roost image
Why So Difficult?
Distant birds landing in bullrushes present a huge challenge for any camera’s AF system. Why? The AF system will often grab the reeds. The AF system of the Sony a1 is head and shoulders above the AF system of any camera I have used previously. As there was no wind last night and the birds were coming in very low, I began experimenting with Tracking: Spot S. I have no idea how the a1 succeeded in tracking the tip of the ibises bill as seen in the screen capture above. But I am thrilled that it did.
SONY Alpha a1 Set-up and Info Group
The SONY Alpha a1 Set-up 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. With another photographer joining yesterday, we are now up to an astounding 99 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 the first e-mail you will receive 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!
All who purchased their Alpha a1 bodies via a BAA affiliate link will receive a free subscription to the Sony Alpha a1 Set-Up and Info Updates group after shooting me their receipts via e-mail. (Note: it may take me several days to confirm B&H orders.) This same service may be purchased by anyone with an a1 body via a $150.00 PayPal sent to birdsasart@verizon.net indicating payment for Alpha a1 Info & Updates. Alternatively, folks can call Jim weekdays at 1-863-692-0906 to pay via credit card. New members will receive composite e-mails that summarize all previous discussions.
Click on the image to better read the fine print.
Image #1C: RawDigger screen capture for the Wading birds at sunset roost image
The RawDigger Screen Capture
As Patrick Sparkman and I point out in the RawDigger e-guide, it is exceedingly rare for the RED channel to be farther to the right than the GREEN channel, even with richly colored sunrise and sunset images. The pink histogram for today’s feature image is one of those rare exceptions. Note that even at +2.3 stops this image was about 1/3 stop too dark. I define such exposures as very good.
RawDigger — not for the faint of heart …
Nothing has ever helped me learn to create consistency excellent or perfect exposures to the degree that RawDigger has. I think that many folks are reluctant to learn that most of their images are underexposed by one or more full stops and that highlight warnings in Photoshop, Lightroom, Capture One, and your in-camera histogram are completely bogus as they are based on the embedded JPEGs. Only your raw files tell the truth all the time. Heck, I resisted RawDigger for many years … Once you get over that feeling, RawDigger can become your very best exposure-friend no matter what system you are using. On the recent IPTs and In-the-Field sessions, we have consistently demonstrated that fact. Convincingly.
The RawDigger (pink) Adapted Histogram
In the RawDigger e-Guide, you will learn exactly how to set up the Adapted “pink” RawDigger Histogram and how to use it to quickly and easily evaluate the exposure or raw file brightness of images from all digital cameras currently in use. RawDigger was especially helpful to me when I struggled with R5 exposures and when learned my new camera body, the Sony Alpha a1.
RawDigger e-Guide with Two Videos
Dead-Solid Perfect!
As seen on the cover above, images where the G channel gets 2/3rds of the way from the 8000 to the 16000 line are perfect exposures. Images where the G channel gets right up to the line are dead-solid perfect.
The RawDigger e-Guide with Two Videos
by Arthur Morris with Patrick Sparkman
The RawDigger e-Guide was created only for serious photographers who wish to get the absolute most out of their raw files.
Patrick and I began work on the guide in July 2020. At first we struggled. We asked questions. We learned about Max-G values. We could not figure out why the Max G values varied by camera system. IPT veteran Bart Deamer asked lots of questions that we could not answer. We got help from RawDigger creator Iliah Borg. We learned. In December, Patrick came up with an Adapted Histogram that allows us to evaluate the exposures and raw file brightness for all images created with all digital camera bodies from the last two decades. What we learned each time prompted three complete beginning to end re-writes.
The point of the guide is to teach you to truly expose to the mega-Expose-to-the-Right so that you will minimize noise, maximize image quality, best utilize your camera’s dynamic range, and attain the highest possible level of shadow detail in your RAW files in every situation. In addition, your properly exposed RAW files will contain more tonal information and feature the smoothest possible transitions between tones. And your optimized images will feature rich, accurate color.
We teach you why the GREEN channel is almost always the first to over-expose. We save you money by advising you which version of RawDigger you need. We teach you how to interpret the Max G values for your Canon, Nikon, and SONY camera bodies. It is very likely that the Shock-your-World section will shock you. And lastly — thanks to the technical and practical brilliance of Patrick Sparkman — we teach you a simple way to quickly and easily evaluate your exposures and raw file brightness using an Adapted RawDigger histogram.
The flower video takes you through a session where artie edits a folder of images in Capture One while checking the exposures and Max-G values in RawDigger. The Adapted Histogram video examines a series of recent images with the pink histograms and covers lots of fine points including and especially how to deal with specular highlights. The directions for setting up the Adapted Histogram are in the text.
If we priced this guide based on how much effort we put into it, it would sell it for $999.00. But as this guide will be purchased only by a limited number of serious photographers, we have priced it at $51.00. You can order yours here in the BAA Online Store.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
Today is Sunday 12 December 2021. I was up and out early. I was working the edge of the lake, walking around in about a foot of water. I felt a few insects biting my legs, but ignored them until I couldn’t. When I got back to my SUV I realized that I was being attacked by fire ants. So I quickly took of my slacks and began rubbing the attackers off my lower legs with my hands. Soon I had my socks and surf booties off. I headed home, itching like crazy, took two Benadryl, and then a hot shower. At that point, I had about three dozen large welts, most only my lower legs. Along with a few on my thighs, one on my left butt-cheek, and several on my right hand and forearm. The latter bites probably because of my efforts to get the ants off of my bare legs. I applied some Exinol that I had in a bathroom drawer and that helped a lot.
All in a morning’s work for a nature photographer. 🙂
If you are hoping to receive a Sony a1 as a holiday gift, be sure to scroll all the way down to the Sony a1 Bird-Eye/Face Detection item. Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day. This blog post took more than four hours to prepare (including the time spent on the new YouTube video), and makes 33 consecutive days with a new one.
Please remember that 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 save 3% 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 wait lists 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.
Image #1: 600 f/f GM lens and a1 body on pillow in SUV
Oops, I Forgot My Blubb
While driving slowly along the lakefront on the North Field on Saturday morning past, I noted a handsome Great Blue Heron sitting on The Perch II. Having left my BLUBB in the garage, I set a pillow on the window frame to support my big lens rig. I began working with the a1’s rear screen with my lens supported on the pillow. There are many lessons to be learned from this I-Phone screen capture. Be sure to watch the video to learn those.
Verticals Using the Titled Rear Screen …
The rear screen on the Sony a1 is designed to tilt up when working with horizontals. I started with the rear screen on this foggy morning working in horizontal format. Then I realized that by moving the car farther from The Perch, and going to vertical, I would be able to create vertical images with a strip of green marsh grasses and bullrushes at the bottom of the frame. I could not raise the window to get my eye to the viewfinder because I was working on a pillow; it would not have been any where near as stable as if I had been using the BLUBB.
So I sat low in my seat and worked on the tilted rear screen while doing verticals even though that is not what you are supposed to be doing; the reason screen is to be used when working horizontally. But in this situation, I quickly realized that it was the best solution.
The fact that the rear screen of the a1 tilts only horizontally is one of the big negatives this great camera body. In most (but not all) vertical situations it is impossible to use the titled screen. I pride myself in being able to invent stuff in short order, in the field, on a regular basis. Being able to quickly solve sticky logistical/practical problems will enable you to create better images consistently.
This image was created on 11 December 2021 down by the lake near my home in Indian Lake Estates. Working off a pillow placed on the window frame of my SUV (I left my BLUBB in the garage …), I used the Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. AUTO ISO set ISO 2000 for this, the third in an auto-bracketed series. Multi metering +2.7 stops; the base exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/500 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 7:17:22am on a foggy-bright morning.
Tracking: Upper Right Zone AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
Image #2: Great Blue Heron on The Perch in the fog
The Optimized Version
Notice that from the dull, washed out, seemingly over-exposed raw file, you wind up with a lovely pretty much noise-free image with vibrant colors that still maintains a foggy morning look. As I have been saying here for years, most of your raw files should look dull and dreary both on the back of your camera and when first viewed on your computer.
Why Expose to the Right
As regular readers know, I try to push my exposures as far to the right as possible without over-exposing the highlights. Why? To minimize noise, maximize image quality, best utilize your camera’s dynamic range, and attain the highest possible level of shadow detail in your RAW files in every situation. In addition, your properly exposed RAW files will contain more tonal information and feature the smoothest possible transitions between tones. And your optimized images will feature rich, accurate color.
Why Bracket?
Most folks routinely under-expose virtually all of their images. That is true especially when doing white birds in low light, when creating silhouettes against brightly colored skies, when working on cloudy days, and when working in foggy conditions as with today’s featured image. Only RawDigger can teach you to get things right. So when I began studying RawDigger, I began to bracket in 1/3 stops when photographing static subjects. When you evaluate the raw files in RawDigger, you cannot help but to learn a ton.
When Not to Auto-Bracket With Birds?
You never want to auto-bracket when photographing birds in flight or in action. Why? It is virtually guaranteed that the image with the worst exposure will be the one with the best pose or the best wing position. In addition, with most systems, you must release the shutter button after each three frame sequence is completed.
When to Auto-Bracket With Birds?
So when is it OK to auto-bracket when photographing birds?
#1- When working in low light as detailed in #2.
#2- When working with less-than-action-stopping shutter speeds with relatively high ISOs. For example, in today’s situation, I was at 1/500 sec., fast enough to make sharp images off the silly pillow. And I was already at a high ISO — 2000. But 1/500 sec. is generally not fast enough to make sharp images of a bird in flight (or a bird taking off…)
#3: When you are learning RawDigger, or when you want to learn to (properly) mega-expose to the right.
Note that there are different ways to set up auto-bracketing with different camera systems and even with different bodies. Th a1 is as convenient as it gets. I simply spin the dial on the top left from H+ to BRK (bracket). I have the camera set up to bracket in 1/3-stop increment: the base exposure, 1/3 darker, and 1/3 lighter. In the video you will see that the brightest exposure was the best. It was +2.7 stops off the image as framed. When was the last time that you made an image at +2.7?
Also of note is the fact that with the a1 most folks will wind up shooting far fewer exposures of static subjects. Why? Instead of 30 fps with compressed raw shooting, you will be limited to 3-frame bursts!
RawDigger e-Guide with Two Videos
The RawDigger e-Guide with Two Videos
by Arthur Morris with Patrick Sparkman
The RawDigger e-Guide was created only for serious photographers who wish to get the absolute most out of their raw files.
Patrick and I began work on the guide in July 2020. At first we struggled. We asked questions. We learned about Max-G values. We could not figure out why the Max G values varied by camera system. IPT veteran Bart Deamer asked lots of questions that we could not answer. We got help from RawDigger creator Iliah Borg. We learned. In December, Patrick came up with an Adapted Histogram that allows us to evaluate the exposures and raw file brightness for all images created with all digital camera bodies from the last two decades. What we learned each time prompted three complete beginning to end re-writes.
The point of the guide is to teach you to truly expose to the mega-Expose-to-the-Right so that you will minimize noise, maximize image quality, best utilize your camera’s dynamic range, and attain the highest possible level of shadow detail in your RAW files in every situation. In addition, your properly exposed RAW files will contain more tonal information and feature the smoothest possible transitions between tones. And your optimized images will feature rich, accurate color.
We teach you why the GREEN channel is almost always the first to over-expose. We save you money by advising you which version of RawDigger you need. We teach you how to interpret the Max G values for your Canon, Nikon, and SONY camera bodies. It is very likely that the Shock-your-World section will shock you. And lastly — thanks to the technical and practical brilliance of Patrick Sparkman — we teach you a simple way to quickly and easily evaluate your exposures and raw file brightness using an Adapted RawDigger histogram.
The flower video takes you through a session where artie edits a folder of images in Capture One while checking the exposures and Max-G values in RawDigger. The Adapted Histogram video examines a series of recent images with the pink histograms and covers lots of fine points including and especially how to deal with specular highlights. The directions for setting up the Adapted Histogram are in the text.
If we priced this guide based on how much effort we put into it, it would sell it for $999.00. But as this guide will be purchased only by a limited number of serious photographers, we have priced it at $51.00. You can order yours here in the BAA Online Store.
This image was created on 11 December 2021 down by the lake near my home in Indian Lake Estates. Working off a pillow placed on the window frame of my SUV (I left my BLUBB in the garage …), I used the Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. AUTO ISO set ISO 2000 for this, the third in an auto-bracketed series. Multi metering +2.7 stops; the base exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/500 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 7:17:22am on a foggy-bright morning.
Tracking: Upper Right Zone AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
Image #2A: The AF point for the Great Blue Heron on The Perch in the fog image
Sony a1 Bird-Eye/Face Detection
When I write most days that Tracking: this or that AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly, the screen capture above, again shows exactly what I am talking about.
SONY Alpha a1 Set-up and Info Group
The SONY Alpha a1 Set-up 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. With another photographer joining yesterday, we are now up to an astounding 99 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 the first e-mail you will receive 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!
All who purchased their Alpha a1 bodies via a BAA affiliate link will receive a free subscription to the Sony Alpha a1 Set-Up and Info Updates group after shooting me their receipts via e-mail. (Note: it may take me several days to confirm B&H orders.) This same service may be purchased by anyone with an a1 body via a $150.00 PayPal sent to birdsasart@verizon.net indicating payment for Alpha a1 Info & Updates. Alternatively, folks can call Jim weekdays at 1-863-692-0906 to pay via credit card. New members will receive composite e-mails that summarize all previous discussions.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
Which of today’s featured images do you like best, the loosely framed image, #1, or the tightly framed image, #2? Please let us know why you made your choice.
Do you prefer the warmer tones in Image #1 or the somewhat cooler tones in Image #2?
What’s Up?
Yesterday, I continued trying to gather additional information regarding the permitting of the rehabilitation of Structure S-96 project at Stick Marsh. Gretchen Kelley, Senior Professional Engineer, Bureau of Projects and Construction, St. Johns River Water Management District, thoughtfully answered the questions in my most recent e-mail. My first contact was with FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission); they got back to me quickly and gave me wrong information. No one from Florida DEP (Department of Environmental Protection, Audubon Florida, or the USFWS (United States Fish and Wildlife Service) has yet responded to my numerous e-mails and/or phone messages.
Considering that Roseate Spoonbill is protected both by the U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act and as a State-designated Threatened species by Florida’s Endangered and Threatened Species Rule, I continue to be baffled on all accounts. I will share my findings with you here very soon.
Today is Saturday 11 December 2021. I enjoyed a fine morning down by the lake as the fog was not as thick as it had been the past four days. I had a Great Blue Heron on The Perch before the sun broke through and came up with a new technique for using the a1’s tilt screen for shooting verticals from the car. I will share that you with you here soon. And once the sun came out, I had a ton of fun at the vulture tree. Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day. This blog post took about two hours to prepare and makes 32 consecutive days with a new one.
Please remember that 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 save 3% 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 wait lists 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 10 December 2021 down by the lake near my home in Indian Lake Estates. Standing, I used the hand held Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. ISO 500. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/2500 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 9:01:32am on a foggy bright morning.
Tracking: Center Zone AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
Image #1: Great Egret in marsh with rodent prey
Why Not?
As had been the case on Thursday, Friday morning was very, very foggy. I did not head down to the lake until after 8:00am. I started with some foggy tree-scapes. Oh, BTW, the female eagle has been on eggs for more than a week, sitting low in an old Osprey nest. Then I did some foggy vulture flight and — in the process — had a revelation regarding Sony Alpha 1 autofocus with birds in flight. I will be sharing my findings with the group in SONY Alpha a1 Set-up and Info Notes e-mail #25 this weekend. After the vultures, I headed home. Just before turning right on Park Drive, I considered driving the North Field and checking the marsh. Why not?, I thought.
Just before the canal, I came across a Great Egret with a rodent in its bill. I sensed that the bird would be somewhat accepting of my presence, and I needed to get higher to get over the grasses so I grabbed the naked 600mm f/4, approached slowly, and made more than 70 images, the last at 9:01:32am. Then I decided to add the 2X TC and grab the tripod.
Tracking: Upper Center Zone AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection in action!
Image #1A: Great Egret in marsh with rodent prey
Sony a1 Bird-Eye/Face Detection
When I write most days that Tracking: Center Zone AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly, the screen capture above shows exactly what I am talking about.
This image was created on 10 December 2021 down by the lake near my home in Indian Lake Estates. Standing, I used the hand held Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. ISO 500. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/1250 sec. at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 9:03:07am on a foggy bright morning.
Tracking: Center Zone AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
Image #2: Great Egret in marsh with rodent prey (1200mm)
Working at 1200mm
Note that I had no problem hand holding the bare 600mm f/4 GM lens, but when I added the 2X TC, I did not hesitate to get my rig on the tripod ASAP. Understand that errors of equipment shake are multiplied by a factor of four when the focal length is doubled. I made about a dozen images before the bird flew a short distance, landed behind a big bush, and swallowed its prey whole (as herons and egrets always do).
It took me less than two minutes to walk back to my SUV, add the 2X, set up the tripod, mount the rig, and get back in position to photograph. The more familiar you are with your gear, the better your images will be.
Marsh Rice Rat?
Some internet surfing on Saturday morning revealed that the prey item is likely to be Marsh Rice Rat, Oryzomys palustris. If you can confirm or correct that identification, please leave a comment.
Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #2A: tight vertical crop of the Great Egret in marsh with rodent prey (1200mm) image
Sony Alpha 1 Image Quality at 1200mm
I am always amazed at how well sharp a1 image files can stand up to very large crops. And that is true of images created at 1200mm. In short: astounding.
SONY Alpha a1 Set-up and Info Group
The SONY Alpha a1 Set-up 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. With another photographer joining yesterday, we are now up to an astounding 99 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 the first e-mail you will receive 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!
All who purchased their Alpha a1 bodies via a BAA affiliate link will receive a free subscription to the Sony Alpha a1 Set-Up and Info Updates group after shooting me their receipts via e-mail. (Note: it may take me several days to confirm B&H orders.) This same service may be purchased by anyone with an a1 body via a $150.00 PayPal sent to birdsasart@verizon.net indicating payment for Alpha a1 Info & Updates. Alternatively, folks can call Jim weekdays at 1-863-692-0906 to pay via credit card. New members will receive composite e-mails that summarize all previous discussions.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
