On Saturday, I suggested that we erect two perches on the lek for the Greater Prairie Chickens (GPCs). With Kevin’s help, we put one low driftwood perch in place, and a larger vertical perch. That morning, the birds wanted nothing to do with our perches. Even worse, both perches got in our way often. The low perch was so lovely that I made some images of it without a bird on it. At the end of our session, we agreed to remove the vertical perch as it was quite obtrusive. Kevin said that he thought the birds would get up on the low perch “in a day or two.” So on Saturday night, I dreamed of the GPCs posing on the perch.
If you had asked me what were the chances of that happening the next day, I might have said, “I mean miracles can happen, so possibly.”
Early on Sunday morning, a few males were strutting quite close to the low perch, and once or twice they got up on it for a moment. As I was desperate for a shot, I tried a few at ISO 51,000. When the sun finally made an appearance, it turned out that we had gotten lucky; the low perch was perfectly placed between the very long shadows of my blind and Anita’s blind. Then my dreams were answered — several males got up on the handsome perch, and then several females took a liking to it. One hen posed there for about ten minutes; I shot her at 600, 840, and 1200mm. Some of the. males displayed, some of them jumped. By the time we quit at about 8:30am, I had created 8952 images, almost all with the a9 iii that Anita kindly loaned me after mine went on the fritz on Saturday. I kept 396 photos. 185 of those will be used to create an a9 iii “dancing Chicken” movie. Counting all of those as keepers left me with a success rate of 0.44%, less than 1/2 of one percent. Images below.
Today is Monday 15 April. Our plan is to shoot in the wind in the morning, pack up the blinds, vacate our AirBnB and head north to Kevin’s place in Washburn, ND, forty miles north of Bismarck. Whatever you are doing, have fun and breathe deeply.
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.
Your Call?
Which of today’s four featured images do you think is the strongest. Those kind enough to leave a comment are asked to let us know why they made their choice.
“I Mean Miracles Can Happen, So Possibly”
When 12-year old Grace VanderWaal auditioned for America’s Got Talent in 2016, that was her response to Simon when he asked, So, “Do you think you can win?” Howie Mandel hit the Golden Buzzer advancing her to the live show and on September 14, 2016, she did in fact win Season 11.
This image was created on 14 April 2024 at Fort Pierre National Grasslands, SD. Seated on a small camp chair 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 and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. ISO 1600. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/320 second at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was perfect. AWB at 7:04:50am on yet a other clear sunny morning.
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: Greater Prairie Chicken — male jumping up.
Miracle at 1/320 Second!
Once the sun hit the low perch, I had enough light to make sharp images of the GPCs on it. When this bird jumped up to the highest spot, I followed my own advice and pressed the shutter button even though I had little chance of making a sharp image at 1/320 sec. Miracles, however, do come true. (Note: in good conditions I will usually shoot flight at 1/3200 or 1/4000 second, or faster if possible.)
This image was created on 14 April 2024 at Fort Pierre National Grasslands, SD. Seated on a small camp chair 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 and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. ISO 1600. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/400 second at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was perfect. AWB at 7:05:17am on yet a other clear sunny morning.
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: Greater Prairie Chicken — male on log.
Blind Shadow
In both of the first two images, a good part of the background was the shadow of Anita’s blind. Do you like the lighter treatment of the shadow in Image #1, or the darker treatment in Image #2? Note: Images #1 and #2 were created only 27 seconds apart.
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 #3: Greater Prairie Chicken hen on log
1200mm
With lots of chickens getting up on the perch, I worked with the bare 600mm at times, or added the 1.4X TC for a bit more reach. When this hen posed for what seemed like an eternity, I went to the 2X TC. As expected, the sharpness at 1200mm is exceptional.
We were in the blinds early on Saturday and had lots of birds in front of us. At 6:45am, about 25 or 30 birds got spooked by something and flew off to other areas on the huge lek. We looked for the cause, a raptor or a coyote, but did not see a thing. The were a few birds behind us and several dozen to our right, some on a relatively distant hillside also to our right. We did not have the greatest morning.
Then my newly beloved only a9 iii went on the fritz. If you or a friend is using an a9 iii and have had strange, intermittent autofocus problems, please contact me via e-mail.
Today is Sunday 14 April 2024. We headed early to the big Fort Pierre (say “pier”) lek. 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.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
Image #1: Greater Prairie Chicken male boomer displaying
Cooler Morning Light/Small in the Frame
The early morning light on the male chickens really lights up their colors. When the sun comes up, the shadows of the blinds extent about almost 100 yards to the west. The trick is photograph the birds that are left or right of shadows of the blinds and thus, are lit by the warm light of the sun. While showing off for the ladies, the males often erect the pinnated feathers on the sides of their heads. And they raise the feathers on the sides of their necks exposing their orange air sacs. Then they inflate the sacs to create a booming sound while leaning forward and lowering their heads.
Once we get some light, I find that a shutter speed of 1/250 second will freeze most of the movement of a booming chicken. At 1/640th, as with image #1, most images of displaying males will be sharp.
Seeing the Shot
When I saw the three birds walking in the same direction, I got on the closest male and made a series of story-telling, small-in-the-frame images. Image #2 with the female close to being on the same plane as the male in the front, was the best of the lot. In our four days on the lek Kevin has seen three copulations and Anita has seen one. Zero for me. No good mating photos for anyone so far with one day to go.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
Image #2: Greater Prairie Chicken males following hen
Cooler Morning Light/Small in the Frame
Just after sunrise, the low angled light travels through lots of atmosphere. The atmosphere filters out the blue light leaving the red and yellow light to dominate. As the sun rises, the light is not so steeply angled and the cooler, bluer light takes over. Compare the color of the light in the two images.
The dirt mounds are made by the Prairie Dogs.
Why 1/4000 Second?
I was set up for a fight.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
I continue having a great time with the chickens (as Kevin calls them) and learning a ton about the birds and about photographing them from a blind while working off the rear monitor. For those of you who were worried, we took Kevin out to Drifters, a popular Pierre restaurant right on the Missouri River. Both the food and the company were great.
The weatherman promised three days of east winds — none materialized. Today is Saturday 13 April 2024 and Kevin is driving us to the lek. The wind is gentle from the southeast (perfect) but is supposed to switch to south at about 7:30am. Despite the winds from the north and west, each of us have been making some truly fine images every session. Today’s featured image (two versions) was my single favorite from the more than 7500 images I made on Friday morning. Learn about shooting flight off the rear monitor below.
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.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
Image #1: Greater Prairie Chicken braking to land — warm version
Incoming 840mm Flight Off the Tilted a9 iii Rear Monitor!
I am not quite sure how I did it. For three mornings, there were virtually no birds flying at us. Then, just before 8:00am yesterday, I spotted a single chicken flying east over the hill. Working off the titled rear screen with the lens about a foot below my head, I figured, “Why not try?” In the first few images in the series, I cut the bird in half with the top frame edge. Then, I managed to get the incoming bird in the lower left portion of the frame without clipping anything. I kept three frames and this was the best of the lot with the underwings lit evenly and the head not merging with anything.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
Image #1: Greater Prairie Chicken braking to land — BLUER version
The BLUER Version
Image #2 is the same image as Image #1 but was processed cooler to make the sky bluer. Thanks to Anita North for persisting and teaching me to use ACR masks to protect the bird while chasing the color and tonality of the sky.
At first, I liked the bluer version better. After a few hours, I revisited the images and like the warmer version better. This morning, I went back to the cooler version, Image #2.
Which version to you like best, the warmer version, Image #1, or the cooler version, Image #2?
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
