Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART

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What’s Up

It did not take me long in North Dakota to figure out that Sharp-tailed Grouse are a lot more difficult to photograph than the Great Prairie Chickens. The chickens look skyward just before they jump. The sharp-tailed give no clues. And the chickens jump a lot higher. We moved to a much cleaner lek with many fewer birds, but with our first cloudy morning and little action we did not do very well.

With 20-25 mph winds forecast for Monday afternoon, we had to take the blinds down. Today is Tuesday 22 April and we will be up earlier than usual as we have to set the blinds back up. It is supposed to be windy again today so I am hoping that we get in a morning session. Whatever you are doing, have a great time.

Don’t Look Now

Don’t look now, but this post marks 25 consecutive days with a new educational post.

This image was created on 31 March 2024 at Cape Coral, FL. Standing at full height I used the Robus RC-5558 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. Exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/30 sec. at f/4 (wide open). AWB at 7:10:32am in the shade. Tracking: Zone/AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the larger version. Image #1: Burrowing Owl on erected perch

White Wall of House Background

I had collected a few halfway decent perches while driving around Cape Coral the previous afternoon. Any thing is better than the white PVC pipes that are used to cordon off the nesting burrows with string. I stuck the perch into a pipe that evening and was delighted to see one of the adults sitting on it early the next morning when I arrived.

The white wall of the house in complete shade provided a clean blue background. I could have easily rendered the wall white but I liked the look.

Extreme Shutter Speed

With a still subject, I am confident of creating sharp images at 1/60 sec. with the 600 on a tripod. Have been for more than 30 years. Making them sharp at 1/30 sec. is pushing it. The new, improved optical steady shot and image stabilization systems do not seem to make much of a difference — easily sharp at 1/60 sec., quite problematic below that down to an occasional sharp one at 1/15th sec.

This image was created on 31 March 2024 at Cape Coral, FL. Standing at full height I used the Robus RC-5558 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 3200. Exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/60 sec. at f/4 (wide open). AWB at 7:11:49am in the shade. Tracking: Zone/AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the larger version. Image #2: Burrowing Owl chick with quizzical look on face

1/60 sec. at 840mm

Somewhat surprisingly the situation is the same when I add the 1.4X TC to the 600: sharp at 1/60 sec. but much more difficult below that. Your sharpness techniques — the way you have your hands on the lens, have a lot to do with making them sharp at 1/60th. Join an IPT to learn the pro secrets.

This image was created on 31 March 2024 at Cape Coral, FL. Standing at full height I used the Robus RC-5558 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 2000. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/80 second at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was dead solid perfect. AWB at 7:29:16am in the shade. Tracking: Expand Spot S/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version. Image #3: Burrowing Owl chicks at burrow

Those Weird Out-of-Focus Eyes

At Cape Coral, I noted that whenever I created a juxtaposition with both of the owls having their eyes open, that the eyes of the more distant bird were rendered strangely out of focus.

This image was created on 31 March 2024 at Cape Coral, FL. Standing at full height I used the Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). ISO 800. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/500 second at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was dead solid perfect. AWB at 8:14:20am on a then sunny morning. Expand Spot/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed perfectly even at 1200mm. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #4: Burrowing Owl chubby chick

Another Square Crop

When discussing the use of square crops here recently, I forgot to mention another use: If you are shooting verticals and you wind up leaving much too much room above the subject, a square crop can be effective. Heck, this baby owl is so chubby and fluffy it is almost square. Note that once the sun cleared the houses to the east, adding the 2X TC became a viable option.

This image was created on 31 March 2024 at Cape Coral, FL. I got a lot lower by pulling out the front leg of the tripod. Crouching quite a bit I used the Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). ISO 800. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/500 second at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was dead solid perfect. AWB at 8:25:14am on a then sunny morning. Tracking: Expand Spot/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed perfectly even at 1200mm. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #5: An Older Burrowing Owl chick

Wise Old Owl at a Young Age

To me, this large Burrowing Owl chick looks quite erudite.

Getting the Clean Background

As the sun rose, I was surprised to see that the baby owls were keeping their eyes wide open, and they were quite accepting of my presence. I inched forward slowly and got lower by pulling out the front leg of the tripod. that effectively moved the background farther from the subject and resulted in the beautifully blurred backgrounds.

Typos

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

Supporting My Efforts Here

If you enjoy and learn from the blog, please consider using one of my affiliate links when purchasing new gear. To support my effort here, please order from B&H by beginning your search here. Or, click here to order from Bedfords and enter the discount code BIRDSASART at checkout to receive 3% cash back to your credit card and enjoy free Second-Day Air Fed-Ex shipping. It is always best to write for advice via e-mail.

In many instances, I can help you save some serious dollars.

Live Life to the Fullest

Join an Instructional Photo-Tour.

What’s Up?

It was as cold as promised on Saturday morning. I was dressed to the max and did not get really cold until we got out of the blinds at about 8:20am. The increasing wind was the culprit. Tomorrow morning is again looking at a frosty 24° F.

Today is Sunday 21 April 2024. We will again be headed early to two different sharp-tailed leks. Whatever you are doing, be sure to have fun.

If you plan on purchasing a Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera (or anything else for that matter), please remember to use or write for either my Bedfords discount code or my B&H affiliate link. Folks who use one of my two affiliate links to purchase the a9 III will receive my .DAT settings (the complete camera set-up) along with a Buttons and Dials Guide.

Please remember to use the B&H links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!

If an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.

Join me in Little Rock, Arkansas this May for a great weekend of learning and fun. You can check out any and all of the latest/greatest photo gear. If you know any good nearby spots for bird photography, and/or if you would like a free (5-image) portfolio review, shoot me an e-mail.

Little Rock Photo EXPO
A Bedford Event: Inspire, Learn, Discover
HUGE TWO DAY INTERACTIVE TRADE-SHOW
May 17-18, 2024
State House Convention Center
101 E. Markham St., Little Rock, Arkansas

​Don’t miss the Photo Expo in Little Rock! Regardless of your experience level, join hundreds of photographers, as we take over Little Rock on May 17-18, 2024. The Little Rock Photo Expo offers a remarkable experience packed with presentations, hands-on demonstrations, and a massive trade show featuring all the major photographic companies. Explore the latest gear, trade in your old camera equipment, and gain valuable insights from our experts. Get up close and personal with world-renowned keynote speakers and seize countless unique photo opportunities. Bring your camera and get ready for a weekend of fun, learning, and inspiration to elevate YOUR photography to new heights.

Click here to learn more and follow the links to see the schedule of events and/or register. Use this discount code at checkout to save $20.00: VIPEXPO24.

Save 15%!

If you’d like to try out a new lens or if you need a lens for a specific trip or project (or for an IPT), LensRentals.com is the only way to go. To save 15%, simply click on the logo link above, arrange for your rental, and type in BIRDSASART15. If you type the gear you are looking for in the search box, it will pop right up. LensRentals.com offers affordable insurance. You can decline it, opt for LensCap: Damage Only, or select LensCap: Damage & Theft. Then hit PROCEED TO CHECKOUT. After you enter all of your info but before completing your order, be sure to scroll down to Promo Code box and enter the BIRDSASART15 code to save 15%.

I checked on renting a Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens for a week. The cost is only $122.00. LensCap: Damage Only coverage can be added for a very low $18.00. Going with LensCap: Damage & Theft would be $27.00. The shipping charge varies. They offer an interesting program called Lensrentals HD. By signing up for this shipping discount program ($99.00/year), you’ll get free Standard Shipping on all the orders you place.

Renting a Sony 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens for a week will cost you $536.00. The two coverage options come in at $76.00 or $114.00. Less your 15% discount when you enter the BIRDSASART15 code into the Promo Code box at checkout and enter the BIRDSASART15 code in the Promo Code box at checkout to save 15%.

Remember, to save the 15% on your rental you must start your search by clicking on the logo above, or on this link: LensRentals.com

B&H

To ensure that I get credit for your B&H purchases, you can always click here. The tracking is invisible but greatly appreciated. And, you can use your PayBoo card. You must use the website to order. B&H will reopen on Fri April 14. Thanking me for the past 4000 educational blog posts could not be any easier and will not cost you one penny. Please shoot me your B&H receipt for major purchases.

Many folks have written recently stating that they purchased a Sony a1 from B&H and would like their free membership in the Sony 1 Info and Updates Group, a $150.00 value. When I check my affiliate account, their orders have not been there. When I let them know that they get credit for B&H purchases only if they use one of the many B&H affiliate links on the blog or begin their searches with this link, they are always disappointed. If in doubt, please contact me via e-mail and request a BH link. I am always glad to help and to guide you to the right gear.

Bedfords Simplified

Click here to start your search. Choose standard shipping, and when you get to the payment page, enter BIRDSASART in the discount code box and hit apply. You will be upgraded to free second day air Fed-Ex and receive 3% cash back on your credit card once your stuff ships. Either is greatly appreciated by yours truly.

Bedfords Amazing BAA Discount Policy

Folks who have fallen in love with Bedfords can now use the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout to enjoy a post-purchase, 3% off-statement credit (excluding taxes and shipping charges) on orders paid with a credit card. The 3% credit will be refunded to the card you used for your purchase. Be sure, also, to check the box for free shipping to enjoy free Second Day Air Fed-Ex. This offer does not apply to purchases of Classes, Gift Cards, prior purchases.

Visit the Bedfords website here, shoot Steve Elkins an e-mail, or text him on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592.

Gear Questions and Advice

Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are — out of ignorance — using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often stave you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.

This image was created on 20 April 2024 near Washburn, ND. Seated on the ground and working off the rear monitor in a large pop-up blind, I used the lowered Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter, and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 1600. 1/3200 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead-solid perfect. AWB at 7:28:54am on a cold, sunny morning. Tracking Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed perfectly even at 1200mm. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #1: Sharp-tailed Grouse male displaying

Like Trying to Photograph a Herd of Frenetic Mice!

The sharp-tailed lek was tiny compared to the huge Greater Prairie Chicken lek that we photographed on near Pierre, SD. It is perhaps 20 yards wide by 30 yards deep. With more than 30 birds in such a small place, there were often too many birds in the frame, along with too many rocks. The GPCs in SD were spread out over many, many acres. That was the largest lek Kevin has ever seen. Since there were so many obstacles on the sharp-tailed lek this morning, framing a clean shot was difficult.

Not to mention that the Sharp-tailed Grouse are smaller and much faster moving than the Greater Prairie Chickens. When they display, the air sac is purple and smaller than the yellow/orange sac in GPC. Two male sharp-tails will often sit down on the prairie facing each other for minutes at a time before exploding into battle. As there were many birds on the lek at close range, Anita and Kevin were, for the most part, using shorter focal lengths than I was — 300mm and 400mm respectively. Seeing too many birds and too many rocks I quickly went to 840mm for greater isolating power and a lower angle of declination. In addition, I was able to get beyond the shadow of the blind and work birds at the back of the lek.

Working with both the a1 and the a9 iii on Saturday morning, I created 3675 Sharp-tailed Grouse images. After a second edit that afternoon, I wound up keeping only 28 raw files. That works out to .0076% keepers, less than 1%. Talk about challenging photography.

This image was created on 20 April 2024 near Washburn, ND. Seated on the ground and working off the rear monitor in a large pop-up blind, I used the lowered Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with 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. 1/2000 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead-solid perfect. AWB at 7:11:42am on a cold, sunny morning. Tracking Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #2: Sharp-tailed Grouse — rear view of tail of male — a 96% crop!

Don’t Try This With Your Sony a9 iii

Image #2 represents slightly less than 4% of the pixels in the original capture. Sharp a1 images can stand up to relatively huge crops. I routinely execute small crops with my a9 iii images, but would never attempt anything like this.

Aptly Named

Sharp-tailed Grouse has a white-edged, wedge-shaped tail with two long central feathers that give it an elongated, spiky appearance. I actually rescued the raw file for this image from the trash. I brought up the detail in the WHITEs with a 15% linear burn layer after reducing the YELLOW Saturation.

Typos

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