Friday, our second day of doing the songbird setup, was rain-free but colder with a brisk southwest wind. Can you say wind chill factor? The action was a bit slower than it was on Thursday, and it was difficult working with the constantly changing light with some perches in the sun and some in the shade. To make my life easier, I went to Shutter Priority mode with Auto ISO and Exposure Compensation on the Thumb Dial. I was in a narrow range as everything fell within the -1/3 to +1/3 stop range. We did enjoy 30 really good minutes from about 10:30 to 11:00am when we had about two dozen chickadees and redpolls coming in constantly.
Be sure to scroll down to the last image to see how Anita stole the day!
Today is Saturday 19 February. Anita and I are gonna do an extra day of eagles. 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 (including the time spent on the four image optimizations), and makes 97 days in a row with a new one.
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.
Selling Your Used Photo Gear Through BIRDS AS ART
Selling your used (or like-new) photo gear through the BAA Blog is a great idea. We charge only a 5% commission on items priced at $1,000 or more. With items less than $1000, there is a $50 flat-fee. One of the more popular used gear for sale sites charged a minimum of 20%. Plus assorted fees! Yikes. They went out of business. And e-Bay fees are now up to 13%. If you are interested, please click here, read everything carefully, and do what it says. To avoid any misunderstandings, please read the whole thing very carefully. If you agree to the terms, please state so clearly via e-mail and include the template or templates, one for each item you wish to sell. Then we can work together to get your stuff priced and listed.
Stuff that is priced fairly — I offer pricing advice only to those who agree to the terms — usually sells in no time flat. Over the past years, we have sold many hundreds of items. Do know that prices for used gear only go in one direction. Down. You can always see the current listings by clicking here or on the Used Photo Gear tab on the orange-yellow menu bar near the top of each blog post page.
Canon EF 300mm f/4L IS Lens
BIRDS AS ART Record Low Price
Jim Cash is offering a Canon EF 300mm f/4L IS lens for a BAA record-low $599.00. The sale includes the original box and everything that came in it along with insured ground shipping via major courier to lower-48 US addresses only. Photos are available upon request. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.
Please contact Jim e-mail or by phone (or text) at 1-423-902-7427 (Eastern Standard Time).
When I shot Canon, I loved my 300 f/4L IS lens. With its 4.92′ (1.5 meter) minimum focusing distance and impressive 0.24X magnification, it was great for large flowers, dragonflies, butterflies, and frogs. With or without the 1.4X TC it makes a great auxiliary/flight, or starter lens for any bird photographer. It does very well on birds in flight and in action. I preferred it to my old toy lens, the 400mm f/5.6L lens as it offered Image Stabilization and greater reach at f/5.6 with the 1.4X TC. This great lens is no longer in production. artie
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 17 February 2022 at a frontyard feeder setup in Anchor Point, AK. While standing at full height behind the no-longer-available Induro GIT 304L/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera. IS 1600. The exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/400 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 12:47:55pm on a mostly dreary, drizzly day.
Tracking: Spot S with Bird/Face-Eye Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a higher-res version.
Image #1: Boreal Chickadee
The Strategy
With small songbirds in low light on a dreary day, I opted not to add the 1.4X teleconverter and opted instead to work relatively small-in-the-frame and then crop. That saved me one full stop of ISO. And with the amazing image quality of a sharp 51MP a1file, each image handled the relatively large crop superbly. Images #1-3 represent about 33% of the original pixels, Image #4 & 5, about 66%.
This image was created on 17 February 2022 at a frontyard feeder setup in Anchor Point, AK. While standing at full height behind the no-longer-available Induro GIT 304L/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera. IS 1600. The exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/400 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 12:47:03pm on a dreary, drizzly day.
Tracking: Spot S with Bird/Face-Eye Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a higher-res version.
Image #2: Common Redpoll
AF Strategy
For all the horizontal images, I went with Tracking: Spot S. I begin with the AF point in the center, acquire the bird’s eye, and then recompose as needed as the system sticks to the bird’s eye like glue. With the vertical images (like #4), I used Tracking: Zone with the Zone brackets in the upper center. That also performed beautifully by acquiring and tracking the bird’s eye thus allowing me to move the bird left or right in the frame with ease.
This image was created on 17 February 2022 at a frontyard feeder setup in Anchor Point, AK. While standing at full height behind the no-longer-available Induro GIT 304L/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera. IS 1600. The exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/640 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 12:10:21pm on a dreary, drizzly day.
Tracking: Spot S with Bird/Face-Eye Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a higher-res version.
Image #3: Pine Grosbeak male on snow
Super-High Key Images
Both Anita and I really enjoyed having some good chances to create super-high key images with snow backgrounds. The trick is to totally over-expose the snow so that you come up with a perfect exposure for the darker-than-snow subjects. Such images look a lot like studio portraits shot in soft light with white paper backgrounds.
This image was created on 17 February 2022 at a frontyard feeder setup in Anchor Point, AK. While standing at full height behind the no-longer-available Induro GIT 304L/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera. IS 2000. The exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/400 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 10:15:53am on a dreary, drizzly day.
Tracking: Spot S with Bird/Face-Eye Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a higher-res version.
Image #4: Pine Grosbeak female eating berry
Mountain Ash Berries
Our host collected the Mountain Ash berries and saved them for visiting photographers. The grosbeaks visited them often.
This image was created by Anita North on 17 February 2022 at a frontyard feeder setup in Anchor Point, AK. While standing at full height behind her tripod topped by the Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera. IS 6400. The exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/1600 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 10:152:56am on a dreary, drizzly day.
Image Optimization by BIRDS AS ART.
Photo courtesy of and copyright Anita North
Image #4: Pine Grosbeak male jumping off perch
As Often Happens
As often happens, Anita’s aggressive shooting style and her quest for action shots paid off with the best image of the day. Notice also that she opted for a much higher shutter speed that required a much higher ISO.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
On Thursday, Anita North and I spent about six hours at a feeder set-up in Anchor Point, AK photographing Pine Grosbeak, Boreal Chickadee, Common Redpoll, and Red-breasted Nuthatch. It was cloudy all day with rain showers off and on. We ended up very wet, but we had a ton of fun and made some good images. We have two more days with the songbirds. Photos tomorrow. The first day of the first Homer/Kachemak Bay Bald Eagle IPT is Sunday. Then it will be eagles, eagles, and more eagles. Speaking of which, we had two adult Bald Eagles in the parking lot at Land’s End Resort, and three completely tame and very handsome juveniles foraging in the parking lot at McDonalds.
Today is Friday 18 February 2022. The forecast is for dry! 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 (including the time spent on the two image optimizations), and makes 96 days in a row with a new one.
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.
Recovered Image Alert
Both of the images featured in today’s post were among the 135,000+ recently recovered images. 🙂
Image #1: Photo Mechanic screen capture for the Royal Tern with wings raised image
The Problem
My main problem with this image is the breaking wave just above the bird’s left wing near the right frame edge … Removing the wave would be somewhat problematic as it merged with the bird’s wing.
What’s Remarkable?
I came across this image when I was reviewing the April 2021 folder. Seeing how sharp the image was, I assumed that it was created with the Sony 600 GM and the 1.4X TC. When I checked in A7INFO, I was stunned to learn that it was made with the 200-600 G lens and the teleconverter. Most folks assume incorrectly that images made with a G lens and a teleconverter could never be as sharp as those made with a far more expensive GM (Grand Master) lens and the 1.4X teleconverter. In short, sharpness with the 200-600 G lens and a TC is amazing; it is pretty much impossible to find any differences. That means that when you purchase a 600mm f/4GM lens you are paying for speed (f/4 vs. f/6.3) rather than sharpness.
Working with mirrorless bodies with a 1.4X TC on telephoto zoom lenses is a viable option especially when working with lots of light. Heck, I have published images here made with the Canon R5/RF 100-500/2X III TC and with the Sony A1/200-600 G/2X rigs. All were created in full sun, and all were remarkably sharp.
Image #1A: RawDigger screen capture for the Royal Tern with wings raised image
Near-Perfect
Had this been a perfect exposure, the GREEN histogram would have reached the 8000 2/3 line. Being just short of that, this exposure is within 1/6 stop of being perfect.
RawDigger — not for the faint of heart …
Nothing has ever helped me learn to create 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 several 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 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
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 26 April 2021 at Fort DeSoto Park, Tierra Verde, CA. I used the hand held Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter (at 840mm) with the One, the Sony a1 Mirrorless Camera. ISO 800. Exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the thumb wheel: 1/1600 sec. at f/11 (stopped down 2/3 stop) in Manual mode. RawDigger confirmed that the RAW file was perfect. AWB at 7:55:06am on a sunny day.
Tracking: Spot S Bird Face/Eye Detection AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
Image #1B: Royal Tern with wings raised; the optimized version
The Image Optimization
The image optimization was fairly straightforward. As mentioned above, elminating the breaking wave on the right frame-edge required some care. Working fairly large, I created a Quick Mask about 1/3 of the size of the whitish area. I moved it to the right and added a Regular Layer Mask. Working even larger, I refined the mask by painting the away the mask where it covered the wing. If I painted outside the line, I hit X and painted the background back in as needed. I repeated those steps twice more until the entire whitish area was covered and the merge with the wing looked pretty good. Remember: it is easy to find fault when you know what has been done. 🙂 The last step was to smooth the repaired background by running a 65 pixel Gaussian Blur on the whole image, adding a Hide-all, Black, or Inverse Layer Mask, and painting the blur in on the background with a large 50% opacity brush, being sure to stay well away from the bird. Last was a bit of bill clean-up at the base of the tern’s bill.
The breeding plumage Royal Terns are often the starts of the show on the Spring DeSoto IPTs.
Stuff You Will Learn on an IPT While Creating and Optimizing Images Like This One
The importance of getting your butt damp to move the background farther from the subject so as to create lovely, smooth, out-of-focus backgrounds.
Picking your keepers/looking for that something special — the raised wings in this case.
Head angle fine points (for birds facing you!).
The importance of working on sun angle: Image #2.
Getting close to free and wild birds on the open beach
Isolating the subject
Working with teleconverters
Converting your Raw files: both images.
Creating and using Quick Masks (and lots more Photoshop techniques).
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 5
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.
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.
On the IPT you will learn:
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 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 mornings, 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
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
Anita North and I — Anita did the bulk of the driving — pulled into Land’s End Resort at about 4:00pm on Wednesday after leaving Anchorage at about 10:00am. There was about 8 inches of fresh snow overnight in Anchorage, that followed by lots of slush, some rain, some sun with blue skies, and heavy overcast with rain in Homer. That said, the driving conditions were not bad at all. The hills with snow-covered hemlock and spruce and distant mountain backgrounds made for some beautiful scenery. So after leaving my house at 3:30am Florida time on Tuesday morning, it took me about 31 1/2 hours to get to Homer!
Today is Thursday 17 February 2022. The forecast is for cloudy with rain followed by cloudy and mostly too warm for snow 🙁 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 (including the time spent on the two image optimizations) and makes 95 days in a row with a new one.
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.
Recovered Image Alert
Both of the images featured in today’s post were among the 135,000+ recently recovered images. 🙂
This image was created on the morning of 13 March 2018 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. I used the handheld Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR lens, the Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E III, and my souped up Nikon D850 ISO 800. Matrix metering plus about .7 stops in Manual mode: 1/1600 sec. at f/8. AUTO1 WB at 8:00am on a barely sunny morning.
Nikon Focus Peaking fine-tune value: +1. See the Nikon AF Fine-tune e-Guide here.
Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Sandhill Crane — days old chick swimming
What I’ll Miss While I Am On the Road Again: Part II
Over the years, I have grown attached to several of the crane families at Indian Lake Estates. In most years, one of two of them are actually so trusting that they bring the chicks to me. In most years, three or four families nest in the marshes and several others at various locations in ILE. That said, some pairs are very shy, especially when the chicks are very small. It is highly likely that one or two nests will hatch while I am in Alaska. I will miss them but will make do with the spectacular eagle photography.
This image was created on 1 April 2021 down by the lake at my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. I used the hand held Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 312mm), and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ) ISO 1600. Exposure determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/1000 sec. at f/6.3 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 7::57:44am on a then-sunny morning.
One of my favorite shooting situations involves walking down the slope to the edge off the canal to the left of the pier. That puts you right at the crane’s level and offers several great perspectives.
Things to Note
1- The great versatility of the Sony 200-600 G lens.
2-The dead-solid-perfect head angle.
Stay tuned as once I get back and check things out, I will be offering Crane Chicks and Colts In-the-Field Sessions during March and April.
The BAA Middle of Florida Photographic Site Guide
You can purchase your copy here in the BAA Online Store.
The BAA Middle of Florida Photographic Site Guide
126 pages, 87 photographs by Joe Przybyla and Arthur Morris.
The PDF for this e-Guide is an electronic download sent via e-mail.
I had thought about doing a guide to some of the great but little-known photo hotspots around central Florida for about a decade, but those plans never came to fruition. I met Joe online in the Avian Forum at BirdPhotographer’s.Net about two years ago. Joe’s photography has improved tremendously over the past few years; he credits the BAA blog, my books and PDFs, and his participation on BPN. The one thing that I learned right from the get-go about Joe is that he is a hard and tenacious worker, always striving to improve his skills and to grow his knowledge base. As he knew of more than a few good spots in central Florida, I broached the idea of us doing a photographic site guide that covered many of the little-known photographic hotspots from Brandon to Lakeland to Joe Overstreet Road to Indian Lake Estates (my Florida home for the past 20 years or so). After more than many, many dozens of hours of effort, The BIRDS AS ART Middle of Florida Photographic Site Guide is now a reality. Thanks to Joe’s wife Dottie for her review of our writing. We all learned once again that writing is a process, a back and forth process. All thanks to the white pelicans of Lakeland. Here are the locations that are detailed in this e-Guide:
Indian Lake Estates: Sandhills Cranes with chicks and colts, lots of vultures, and Ospreys up the kazoo!
Gatorland, Kissimmee: Learn to make great images of wading birds in a cluttered rookery.
The Brandon Rookery: Great for nesting Wood Storks, Great Egrets, and more.
Circle Bar B Reserve, Lakeland: Here you will find a great variety of avian subjects in a great variety of habitats.
Lake Morton, Lakeland: There are lots of silly tame birds here including and especially American White Pelican during the colder months.
Lake Mirror, Lakeland: Tame Anhingas, Limpkins, and a zillion White Ibises at times.
West Lake Parker, Lakeland: Here you will have a chance for two difficult birds, Snail Kite, and Purple Gallinule.
Joe Overstreet Road, Kenansville: Crested Caracara, meadowlarks, Loggerhead Shrike, and much more on the fenceposts and barbed wire.
Each location includes a map, a detailed description of the best spots, best season, light and time of day instructions, the expected species, and an educational and inspirational gallery that is designed to open your eyes as to the possibilities.
You can purchase a copy 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.
After waking at 2:50am Florida time on Tuesday, I got into Anchorage 20 minutes “late” at 3:50pm (Alaska time). Considering that door to door was about 18 hours, things went quite well. I grabbed my rental vehicle and headed to the nearby Lakefront Anchorage for an expectedly fitful night’s sleep. I got to bed at 7:30pm Alaska time and got out of bed at 3:30am. I spent a lot of time reading (and listening to) Ken Follet’s Hornet Flight. Both of my flights, totaling more than ten hours in the air, were blessedly uneventful. I did spend about nine hours culling image files. I was quite brutal and wound up deleting a hefty 210 GBs of images. No worries, I am running my Time Machine back-ups as I type.
I had some major realizations as I worked on images from the past few years:
1- Auto White Balance with the Sony A1 is far superior to AWB with the Sony a9, the a9 II, the a7R IV, the Nikon D850, and the Canon R5.
2- My exposures have improved by leaps and bounds since I began evaluating my images in RawDigger and fine-tuning my SONY Zebras strategies.
More than half of the images I deleted would have been improved had I not been too lazy to get on the ground for a lower perspective.
My processing skills continue to improve.
Topaz DeNoise AI is fast and the results are amazing
It’s a shame that the Gatorland Photographer’s Pass program no longer exists …
Today is Wednesday 16 February. I will be driving down to Homer today, leaving about mid-morning. In good conditions, the trip is about 4 1/2 hours. In a blizzard? Good luck! The last time I drove it took me more than nine hours (Homer back to Anchorage). And the roadsides were littered with overturned trucks of all types! The forecast for the next few days is for mixed snow and rain.
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 two image optimizations) and makes 94 days in a row with a new one.
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.
Recovered Image Alert
Both of the images featured in today’s post were among the 135,000+ recovered images. 🙂
Other MacBook Pros with M1 Chip & Retina Display Options
As below, you do not need to spend $7K to enjoy the new super-fast M1 chip technology. There are 13.3, 14.2, and 16.2 sizes. There are two colors: Space Gray and Silver. And each can be configured as you wish as far as RAM (Memory), Storage, and Graphics configuration. To explore the many less expensive options, please start by clicking here, and then do a search for “MacBook Pro M1.”
As always, using my affiliate links will not cost you one penny and is a great way to thank BAA for the information and stories that you read here on the blog every day.
Less Expensive Souped Up MacBook Pro with M1 Max Chip Options
I am totally in love with my new laptop. The speed is totally amazing, especially with Topaz Sharpen AI. The set-up is almost complete. The only thing I need to download and install is Sony Imaging Edge (and that is not very important at all). I have my workflow down pat on the 16.2″ MacBook Pro with M1 Max Chip (Late 2021, Space Gray): Apple M1 Max 10-Core Chip (Processor), 64GB Unified RAM (Memory, 8TB SSD (Storage), and the 32-Core GPU (Graphics configuration), and things are really humming. Really serious photo folks can save $1200 by dropping down to the totally souped up 4TB SSD model, this one: Apple 16.2″ MacBook Pro with M1 Max Chip (Late 2021, Space Gray) Those who do not keep their images on their laptops would save another $600.00 and do quite well with the totally souped up 2TB model, the Apple 16.2″ MacBook Pro with M1 Max Chip (Late 2021, Space Gray). All three of these amazingly fast machines feature the Apple M1 Max 10-Core Chip (Processor), 64GB of Unified RAM (Memory), and the 32-Core GPU (Graphics configuration).
With all due respect, B&H will get you the new MacBook Pro with M1 Max Chip of your choice a lot faster and more reliably than Apple … Be sure to add 3 years of Apple Care.
This image was created on 11 April 2021 at Fort DeSoto. I used the hand held Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens(at 529mm), and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ) ISO 1250. Exposure determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/1000 sec. at f/6.3 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 8:12:31am on a cloudy morning.
Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #1: Red Knot beginning to molt into breeding plumage
Stuff to Learn
Whether on an Instructional Photo-Tour (IPT) or during an In-the-Field Instructional Session, spending time in the field photographing with me will make you a much better photographer. And that is true no matter how smart or how good you are. Sorry, just the facts … After more than 38 years, I have figured out a few things. Below Image #2 is a partial list of what you would learn in the field with me while creating images like those featured today. He said modestly.
This image was created on 11 April 2021 at Fort DeSoto. I used the hand held Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens(at 529mm), and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ) ISO 800. Exposure determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/2000 sec. at f/6.3 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 8:22:16am on a then-sunny morning.
Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #2: Short-billed Dowitcher beginning to molt into breeding plumage
Stuff You Will Learn
Subject-to-sensor plane orientation: both images.
Getting the right exposure in soft light (Image #1) and in full sun (Image #2). In all systems, those are two completely different animals.
Image design basics: both images.
Executing the perfect crop: both images.
Recognizing great situations
Picking your keepers/looking for that something special — the raised foot in both images.
Head angle fine points: both images.
(Shorebird) identification and aging: both images.
The importance of wave placement: Image #2.
Working on sun angle: Image #2.
Getting close to free and wild birds: both images.
Isolating the subject: both images
Converting your Raw files: both images.
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 5
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.
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.
On the IPT you will learn:
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 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 mornings, 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
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
Jim and I, very, very early. We left for Orlando Airport at 3:29am for my 7:15am flight to Seattle. I have a perfect just-under two-hour layover and am scheduled to arrive in Anchorage at 3:15pm local time. I will be staying the night and driving down to Homer on Wednesday.
Folks who own or who purchase the BAA Middle of Florida Photographic Site Guide are invited to shoot me an e-mail with proof of purchase to learn the exact location of the very photographable eagle nest featured in this and other recent blog posts.
Today is Tuesday 15 February 2022. 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 93 days in a row with a new one.
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.
Wanting a Nikon Z9?
If you are hot to get a Nikon Z9, your best bet is almost surely to go with Bedfords. Tip: joining Nikon Professional Services and getting your NPS number to Steve Elkins will get advance you to the top of the list!
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.
Packing Your Photo Gear for Air Travel
I finished packing my two checked bags, my Think Tank roller, and my Think Tank Urban disguise on Monday afternoon, way ahead of my usual schedule. I was thrilled to be able to get everything into the smaller of my two Think Tanks rollers, the Airport InternationalTM V2.0 rolling bag (AIRB).
I place the three lens hoods in one of my checked bags. The 600mm f/4 goes into the center of the AIRB without a cover. The 200-600 G lens and 70-200mm f/2.8 II go into hockey socks with the ends sewn shut, gifts from many years ago. I place one of the zooms on either side of the 600. Everything else goes into one or two Carhartt Men’s Knit Cuffed Beanies. One of my a1 bodies has the batter grip, the other does not. Each is placed in double beanies. I am traveling with three 1.4X TCs and two 2X TCs, each protected with a single beanie. Each of the four extra batteries is placed in a single hat. Remember that you cannot place lithium batteries in a checked bag. The last item that I slip in is the Delkin CF Memory Tote with my extra flash cards and a one of my three SanDisk 4TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD V2back up drives 🙂 One goes in my camera bag, one in my laptop bag, and one in a checked bag. Yes, Now I have locked the barn.
Amazingly, everything above fit comfortably in the bag that weighed in at only 35 1/2 pounds. The carry-on limit for US flights is 40 pounds. Do remember that I remove and discard all of the padded dividers. You can learn all about the Think Tank bags, receive a free gift when you purchase at least $50 of gear, and enjoy free ground shipping and the best customer service in the industry by clicking here.
Carhartt Men’s Knit Cuffed Beanie
Most folks know that I have been protecting my gear with Carhartt Watch Caps for decades. They are far less costly than the LensCoat stuff, offer far more protection in terms of absorbing shock during travel by air or by car, and better protection against moisture as well. I double the hats for my camera bodies. You can buy thinner, cheaper watch caps, but they simply do not do the job. Best of all, the beanies come in 17 colors; well-organized folks can color-code their gear by using one color for TCs, a different one for camera bodies, etc., etc., etc.
When rain threatens, I make sure to have an extra cap in my fanny pack. If it starts to drizzle or rain, I simply place the beanie over my camera body. They are thick and in addition, they repel the raindrops. I have never had a problem with a lens in the rain. Camera bodies, you ask? Well yes. But never when protected by a Carhartt beanie 🙂
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 February 2022 down by the lake at ILE> Standing on my tall step ladder, I used the no-longer-available Induro GIT 505X04L/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 800. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/500 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 7:33:48am just as the sun peeked through on a mostly cloudy morning.
Tracking: Spot S AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed very well. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
Bald Eagle adult feeding large chick in the nest
What I’ll Miss Most While On the Road Again Part I
This bird was hatched on or about 7 February. Young eagles grow very quickly (see the blog post here) and leave the nest anywhere from eight to 14 weeks after hatching. Most can fly at 10 to 12 weeks. As I get back on 5 March, it is likely that this eaglet, assuming that it survives, will likely still be in the nest for at least a few days. I am hoping to get one decent image of the young bird exercising its wings by flapping vigorously on the edge of the nest.
Good luck, not-so-little guy; I will miss seeing you.
The FlexShooter Pro Video
Click on the Play Arrow above to view this 17 1/2 minute instructional video. Note: Most folks — including and especially me — prefer the levered clamp model to the original FlexShooter Pro (that sells for $100.00 less).
Levered-clamp FlexShooter Pros Heads Back in Stock
The world’s greatest tripod head, the Levered-clamp FlexShooter Pro, has been back in stock for several days. For good reason, they are selling like the proverbial hotcakes. Learn lots more about this amazing head in the blog post here.
The BAA Middle of Florida Photographic Site Guide
You can purchase your copy here in the BAA Online Store.
The BAA Middle of Florida Photographic Site Guide
126 pages, 87 photographs by Joe Przybyla and Arthur Morris.
The PDF for this e-Guide is an electronic download sent via e-mail.
Shoot me an e-mail with proof of purchase to learn the exact location of the very photographable eagle nest featured in this and other recent blog posts.
I had thought about doing a guide to some of the great but little-known photo hotspots around central Florida for about a decade, but those plans never came to fruition. I met Joe online in the Avian Forum at BirdPhotographer’s.Net about two years ago. Joe’s photography has improved tremendously over the past few years; he credits the BAA blog, my books and PDFs, and his participation on BPN. The one thing that I learned right from the get-go about Joe is that he is a hard and tenacious worker, always striving to improve his skills and to grow his knowledge base. As he knew of more than a few good spots in central Florida, I broached the idea of us doing a photographic site guide that covered many of the little-known photographic hotspots from Brandon to Lakeland to Joe Overstreet Road to Indian Lake Estates (my Florida home for the past 20 years or so). After more than many, many dozens of hours of effort, The BIRDS AS ART Middle of Florida Photographic Site Guide is now a reality. Thanks to Joe’s wife Dottie for her review of our writing. We all learned once again that writing is a process, a back and forth process. All thanks to the white pelicans of Lakeland. Here are the locations that are detailed in this e-Guide:
Indian Lake Estates: Sandhills Cranes with chicks and colts, lots of vultures, and Ospreys up the kazoo!
Gatorland, Kissimmee: Learn to make great images of wading birds in a cluttered rookery.
The Brandon Rookery: Great for nesting Wood Storks, Great Egrets, and more.
Circle Bar B Reserve, Lakeland: Here you will find a great variety of avian subjects in a great variety of habitats.
Lake Morton, Lakeland: There are lots of silly tame birds here including and especially American White Pelican during the colder months.
Lake Mirror, Lakeland: Tame Anhingas, Limpkins, and a zillion White Ibises at times.
West Lake Parker, Lakeland: Here you will have a chance for two difficult birds, Snail Kite, and Purple Gallinule.
Joe Overstreet Road, Kenansville: Crested Caracara, meadowlarks, Loggerhead Shrike, and much more on the fenceposts and barbed wire.
Each location includes a map, a detailed description of the best spots, best season, light and time of day instructions, the expected species, and an educational and inspirational gallery that is designed to open your eyes as to the possibilities.
You can purchase a copy 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
How many spoonbills do you see in today’s featured image, Image #1A?
What’s Up?
I forgot to mention that like today’s featured image, both of the Royal Tern images featured in yesterday’s blog post were among the 135,000+ recovered images 🙂
It rained all morning on Sunday and I opted to stay in that afternoon. I got a ton of work done packing for Homer. Today is Monday 14 February. I woke early and watched the second half of the Super Bowl. As I was rooting for the Bengals, I wound up feeling that the commercials were better than the game. I was especially glad for two really classy Ram’s players: game MVP Cooper Kupp (“I do not feel deserving of this award”) and NFL Man of the Year Andrew Whitworth — 16 years to attain his first Super Bowl victory. The Bengals put up a good fight but in the end the Rams star players and their defensive line were too much to overcome. In short, the better team won the game.
The forecast for this morning is a clear and relatively cool 45° with a northwest breeze, a perfect morning to stay in and finished packing! 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 and makes 92 days in a row with a new one.
Sony Rewards
Via e-Mail from BAA-Friend Dane Johnson
On 30 January I ordered a backup Sony a1 camera body from Bedford’s. The camera purchase was charged to the Sony Visa card. The camera arrived a week ago. After a few days, I went to the Sony Rewards app (rewards.sony.com) and submitted a request (along with a copy of the invoice from Bedford’s) for the 5X bonus points. Today I received an email from Sony Rewards that the bonus points and purchase cred have been approved. For the Sony a1, that worked out to a $284.20 credit applied to my Sony Visa account!. That was a 4.37% discount. If this is combined with the 3% back to your credit card when using the BIRDSASART discount code at Bedfords checkout, the result is a combined savings of about $500 off the price of the a1!
You can sign up for a Sony Rewards credit card here.
Canon 70-200mm f/4L IS USM Lens & Canon 1.4x EF Extender II
Price Reduced $100 on 14 February 2022
BAA-friend Mark Berney is offering a Canon 70-200mm f/4L IS USM lens and a Canon 1.4x EF Extender II (both in excellent condition for) for a silly low $349.00 (was $449.00) via cashiers check only. The sale includes the original product boxes and everything that came in them along with insured ground shipping via major courier to lower-48 US addresses only. Your items will not ship until the check is good to go.
The versatile 70-200mm f/4 lenses have long been big favorites of many nature photographers. They are great for landscapes. I owned and used this lens when I shot Canon to create bird-scapes and pre-dawn blast-off blurs at Bosque del Apache NWR in New Mexico. They are relatively fast and sharp and have 1000 uses. The 70-200 f/2.8 lenses are a specialty lens for bird photographers. Like the bad little child, when they are good, they are really, really good! I’ve used mine mostly for flight photography at point blank range where their performance is unmatched, especially in low light. I’ve killed with these lenses on the gannet boat in the UK, in Homer for eagles, for pre-dawn and blizzard blast-offs at Bosque, and at Merritt Island on feeding sprees right next to the road. Lenses in this class are easily hand holdable by just about everyone and do well with the 1.4X TC. artie
ps: To see what the 70-200 zoom lenses can do, see the blog post here.
Via e-mail from Morris Herstein
I never thought that I could make in-flight photos of birds successfully. That goal was accomplished during the recent workshop at Stick Marsh only because I listened to your advice and instructions. For the first time I realized how important sun angle was, teachings that you had been communicated for a long time. The result of two days shooting produced the most satisfying images of Roseate Spoonbills I ever could have imagined.
Stay well and safe. Thank you. Morris
Via e-mail from Joe Usewicz
Wow. So many photos to go through. Stick Marsh was a great learning experience. Positioning. Wind impact. Landing zones. Working on backgrounds. I clipped too many incredible reflections. Great fun. Just amazing opportunities.
Warmest Regards, Joe
Click on the composite image to enjoy the incredible quality of the hi-res JPEG.
Clockwise from upper left back around to the center: spoonbill with mangrove background; spoonbill head and shoulders portrait; spoonbill braking to land; spoonbill dramatic landing pose; adult Black-crowned Night-Heron; spoonbill with nesting material; Great Egret returning to nest; incoming spoonbill; and Limpkin landing.
Stick Marsh IPT: #1: WED 9 March thru the morning of SUN 13 March 2022: $2,299.00. (Limit 6 photographers/Openings: 5)
Stick Marsh IPT #2: MON 14 March thru the morning of FRI 18 March 2022: $2299.00 (Limit 6 photographers)
Do both IPTs back to back and enjoy a $200 discount: protect your travel and time investments against bad weather by signing up for both IPTs for $4398.00.
Stick Marsh, where the living is easy. Photograph incoming Roseate Spoonbills in flight at point blank range with intermediate telephoto zoom lenses. This year I will be trying the new Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 lens, often with the 1.4X TC. Longer lenses either on a tripod or hand held are best for the green background stuff. There will be endless flight photography opportunities with a variety of species; in addition to the spoonbills, we should have some excellent chances on Limpkin, Great Egret, Cattle Egret, Great Blue Heron, Little Blue Heron, Double-created Cormorant, Anhinga, Black and Turkey Vultures, and more. Folks with 500 and 600mm f/4 lenses will have lots of opportunities to hone their skills whether they are working on a tripod or hand holding.
There will be five morning photo sessions averaging four hours. We start in the pre-dawn. The first four morning sessions will be followed by a working brunch. The cost of brunch is included. There will be two after-brunch photo sessions on sunny days (averaging about an hour) to try for bathing spoonbills, usually centered around 1:30pm. There will be one after-brunch photo critique session (probably on DAY 3). And there will be one Image Processing session after brunch.
We will be based in or near Vero Beach. There are AirBnB possibilities for folks who register early. 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 Stick Marsh IPT
1- 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..
2- You will learn to work in Manual exposure mode even if you are scared of it.
3- You will surely learn to evaluate wind and sky conditions and understand how they affect bird photography.
4- You will learn the pro secrets that will help you to become a better flight photographer.
5- You will learn to zoom out in advance (because the birds are so close!) 🙂
6- You will learn how to approach free and wild birds without disturbing them.
7- You will learn to spot the good and the great situations.
8- You will learn to understand and predict bird behavior.
9- You will learn to design pleasing images by mastering your camera’s AF system.
10- You will learn to choose the best perspective.
11- You will learn to see and control your backgrounds.
12- You will learn to see and understand the light.
12- You will learn to see and create pleasing blurs in pre-dawn situations.
12- You will learn to be ready for the most likely event at all times.
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.
This image was created on 6 April 2021 at Stick Marsh. I used the hand held Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens(at 362mm), and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ) ISO 2500. Exposure determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/3200 sec. at f/6.3 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 7:32am on a sunny morning.
Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #1: This JPEG represents the original Roseate Spoonbill breaking to land image
Scroll down to see the optimized version
The Good and the Bad
I had never given this image a second look until yesterday. I generally do not like images with the rock wall in the background. And the bird is much too large in the frame. But the out-of-focus background grew on me. I loved the early morning light. The image is super-sharp on the eye. And best of all, the underwings are perfectly lit with not a single shadow to be seen anywhere. Below, see Image #1A, the optimized version.
This image was created on 6 April 2021 at Stick Marsh. I used the hand held Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens(at 362mm), and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ) ISO 2500. Exposure determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/3200 sec. at f/6.3 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 7:32am on a sunny morning.
Tracking: Zone AF/C with Bird Face/Eye detection.
Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #1A: Roseate Spoonbill breaking to land
The Optimized Version
I converted the image a bit cooler by reducing the color temperature. With the .TIF file open in Photoshop, I ran Topaz DeNoise as the first step. Then I leveled the image. The most important step was to add canvas on all four sides, especially left and below. I filled in the new canvas in that same step with Content-Aware Fill — make sure to have the boxes for Delete Cropped Pixels and Content-Aware checked before executing the crop. Next, I used the Patch Tool to eliminate a very few repeating patterns. I still was not thrilled with the color so I fiddled around with the YELLOWs a bit in Hue Saturation. Better, but still not what I was after. Then I remembered a neat trick from Digital Basics, the “Average Blur Color Balance Trick.” I remembered how to begin but could not remember all the steps so I opened the Digital Basics II PDF in Preview. It all came back to me and did the job beautifully.
The BIRDS AS ART Current Workflow e-Guide (Digital Basics II).
You can order your copy from the BAA Online Store here, by sending a PayPal for $40 here, or by calling Jim or Jennifer weekdays at 863-692-0906 with your credit card in hand. Be sure to specify Digital Basics II.
The BIRDS AS ART Current Workflow e-Guide (Digital Basics II)
The techniques mentioned above (including the Average Blur Color Balance trick) and tons more great Photoshop tips and techniques — along with all of my personalized Keyboard Shortcuts — are covered in detail in the BIRDS AS ART Current Workflow e-Guide (Digital Basics II), an instructional PDF that is sent via e-mail. Learn more and check out the free excerpt in the blog post here. While the new e-Guide reflects my MacBook Pro/Photo Mechanic/DPP 4/Photoshop workflow, folks using a PC and/or BreezeBrowser will also benefit greatly by studying the material on DB II. Note: folks working on a PC and/or those who do not want to miss anything Photoshop may wish to purchase the original Digital Basics along with DB II while saving $15 by clicking here to buy the DB Bundle.
Folks who learn well by following along rather than by reading can check out the complete collection of MP 4 Photoshop Tutorial Videos by clicking here. Note: all of the videos are now priced at an amazingly low $5.00 each.
You can learn how and why I converted all of my Canon digital RAW files in DPP 4 in the DPP 4 RAW Conversion Guide here. More recently, I became proficient at converting my Nikon RAW (NEF) files in Adobe Camera Raw. About three years ago I began converting my Nikon and Sony RAW files in Capture One and did that for two years. You can learn more about Capture One in the Capture One Pro 12 Simplified MP4 Video here. The next step would be to get a copy of Arash Hazeghi’s “The Nikon Photographers’ Guide to Phase One Capture One Pro e-Guide” in the blog post here.
You can learn advanced Quick Masking and advanced Layer Masking techniques in APTATS I & II. You can save $15 by purchasing the pair.
Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #1B: Roseate Spoonbill breaking to land
Sony Alpha 1 AF
What can I say about a1 autofocus? With today’s featured image, it nailed accurate focus on the eye in a super-difficult situation — a too large in the frame bird flying right at you.
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. The group is now up to an astounding 109 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 all who wish, can request 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. I finally finished the consolidated Sony a1 CAMSETA2 INFO & GUIDE and distributed it yesterday. New a1 folks will now receive three e-mails instead of the previous 28! It is a lot easier on me and is an incredible resource for folks new to the a1.
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.
If you have a Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM with Extender 1.4x lens in excellent or better condition sitting on a shelf gathering dust and would like to unload it for a fair price, please contact me via e-mail. I have a reliable buyer.
Less Expensive MacBook Pro with M1 Max Chip Options
The new laptop is really humming. Set-up is almost complete. This is the first blog post that was created entirely on the week-old, totally souped up 16.2″ MacBook Pro with M1 Max Chip (Late 2021, Space Gray): Apple M1 Max 10-Core Chip (Processor), 64GB Unified RAM (Memory, 8TB SSD (Storage), and the 32-Core GPU (Graphics configuration). Really serious photo folks can save $1200 by dropping down to the totally souped up 4TB SSD model, this one: Apple 16.2″ MacBook Pro with M1 Max Chip (Late 2021, Space Gray) Those who do not keep their images on their laptops would save another $600.00 and do quite well with the totally souped up 2TB model, the Apple 16.2″ MacBook Pro with M1 Max Chip (Late 2021, Space Gray). All three of these amazingly fast machines feature the Apple M1 Max 10-Core Chip (Processor), 64GB of Unified RAM (Memory), and the 32-Core GPU (Graphics configuration).
What’s Up?
Saturday dawned totally foggy; visibility was barely half a block as I drove down to the lake. I kept two images of foggy Cattle Egrets on the pier railing and one of the eagle nest tree in the fog scenic. Sunset was a bust as well.
I was glad to learn that first-timer Peter Dominowski will be joining me on the first Stick Marsh IPT.
Yesterday, I began packing my cold weather gear checked bag; I am almost finished. It looks as if I might squeeze by with just two checked bags. I will begin packing the second one today. Speaking of today, it is Sunday 13 February 2022, Super Bowl Day. Like many, I think that the Rams have the stronger team but will be rooting for the cocky gunslinger, Joe Burrow and his underdog Cincinnati Bengals. 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 and makes 92 days in a row with a new one.
Do check your schedule and see if you can join me on the 2022 DeSoto Spring IPT.
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 5
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.
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.
On the IPT you will learn:
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 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 mornings, 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.
This image was created on 12 April 2021. While seated on the damp sand, I used the no-longer-available Induro GIT 304L/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera. IS 2000. The exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/1000 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 7:45:05am on a mostly sunny morning.
Tracking: Zone AF-C performed very well. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a higher-res version.
Image #1: Royal Tern pair: pre-copulatory stand
The Situation
When you see a pair of Royal Terns standing alone on the beach and one bird is circling around the other, that is a sign that the hanky-panky is about to begin. As we headed out to the outer section of the sandbar, I alerted the group to what I thought might be a great situation. We all hustled and got into position. I opted to sit behind my lowered tripod. I blasted away and noticed that I was a bit too close as I was clipping wingtips in every other frame as the male flapped his wings. I took a gamble and decided to move back about 10 yards. On the way I decided to go with a lower perspective so I flattened the tripod. I put on my reading glasses and worked off the tilted rear monitor. In those situations, I need to trust the AF system 100% as I cannot see the tiny AF point moving around. Image #2, below, was created from the lower perspective.
This image was created on 12 April 2021. While seated on damp sand, I used the no-longer-available Induro GIT 304L/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera. IS 2000. The exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/1000 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 7:45:42am on a mostly sunny morning.
Tracking: Zone AF-C performed very well. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a higher-res version.
Image #2: Royal Tern pair: copulating
Which is the Better Perspective?
The last image made while I was seated was at 7:45:16am. The first image from the lower perspective was created at 7:45:41am. That means that I changed position and flattened the tripod in less than 25 seconds. In my haste, I had inadvertently hit the shutter speed dial, accidentally raising the shutter speed from 1/1000 second to 1/2000 second. I was so excited that I did not notice that in the field. All in all, the birds were engaged for almost two full minutes.
Was flattening the tripod a bad choice? In other words, do you like the higher perspective in Image #1 or the lower perspective in Image #2? Please leave a comment and let us know why you made your choice.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
Which of today’s two featured images do you like best? Please leave a comment and let us know why you made your choice.
What’s Up?
On Friday morning I made a few nice images of the young eagle in the nest getting fed. I was thrilled to learn that six of Steve Zarate’s listed Canon gear items sold on the first day. I pretty much have everything running on the new machine, but was having trouble with Topaz DeNoise. Anita North suggested that I delete the App, log in at the Topaz Labs website, and then re-install the app. That worked! Once I download and install the NIK collection I will be good to go on the new machine.
Several folks kindly offered suggestions that did not work. I was thrilled when Long ago Nickerson Beach In-the-Field participant Dennis Miller texted me on how to get my Actions and my Keyboard Shortcuts from the old machine to the new. The key was getting access to the Library folder. I had not realized that not having access to the Actions and Keyboard Shortcuts completely paralyzes one’s Photoshop workflow. Setting up both of those important items is covered in detail in Digital Basics II.
I headed down to the lake at 5:40pm after I noted a nice east wind on the WINDY App on my iPhone and was reward with some nice sky color and some nice images.
Today is Saturday 12 February 2022. The forecast for the morning is for cloudy turning sunny with a very gentle southwest breeze. I will get down to the lake for a while and then must begin packing my cold weather gear suitcase for Homer. I leave the house at about 3:30am this coming Tuesday. 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 and makes 91 days in a row with a new one.
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.
Wanting a Nikon Z9?
If you are hot to get a Nikon Z9, your best bet is almost surely to go with Bedfords. Tip: joining Nikon Professional Services and getting your NPS number to Steve Elkins will get advance you to the top of the list!
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.
Crested Caracara juvenile in rib cage.
Image courtesy of and copyright 2022: Alan Murphy
On Switching to Mirrorless
When I saw that Alan Murphy had begun working with the Nikon Z9 Mirrorless Camera, was very impressed with the AF system, and had made some amazing flight shots, I sent him this short e-mail:
Welcome to the amazing world of mirrorless. As I have long been saying, “Younger, stronger, more skilled folks with superior hand eye coordination, reflexes, and fine motor skills will be in the best position to take advantage of the new AF technologies. You are further proof of that.”
Note: Alan saw the carcass on a roadside and brought it by truck to the blind. He made another great images of a pair of caracaras copulating on top of it. What a strange bed! When it comes to set-ups, Alan is the world’s reigning genius.
The Laguna Seca Caracara Experience
Both of today’s featured images were created at Laguna Seca Ranch in Texas (by Alan Murphy). The ranch owner, Gene Gwin, was a top-gun fighter pilot who flew McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom IIs and McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagles in the US Air Force for 21 years. After that, he worked as a commercial pilot, first for America West, and then for American Airlines for 15 years. He has owned and operated Laguna Seca Ranch for the past 13 years. He developed the ranch as a superb destination for local and visiting bird photographers. Early on, he sought and took advice from Alan Murphy and other professionals; as a result, distant backgrounds and smartly designed blinds rule the roost at Laguna Seca.
Inca Dove in flight in the rain
Image courtesy of and copyright 2022: Alan Murphy
Alan Murphy on Nikon Z9 Autofocus
I’ve been shooting the Z9 now for a few weeks now and wanted to share my experience with the autofocus for those that might be interested. First off, my experience is not necessarily a Nikon one, but more that’s it’s mirrorless. I was shooting next to Sony and Canons during my workshop, comparing how to auto-focus on small birds flying short distances with extremely dark skies (we had basically 4 days of rain). The backgrounds were somewhat out of focus, but still a challenge for any DLSR ; I know, as I’ve tried.
You can read anything on the internet if you dig deep enough. I read that the Z9 is not good at focus acquisition in low light. I can tell you that was not my experience. You can’t tell in the images below, but it was very dark; I was shooting at 4000 to 10,000 ISO wide open on my 300/2.8. I was using the FTZ || adapter while hand holding. I adjusted the ISO to keep my shutter speed at 1/4000 second.
I experimented with both 3D and Wide L auto-focus modes. when trying to focus on a bird that’s already flying, Wide L works best. If a bird is on a staging perch and preparing to fly, then 3D is best.
Northern Cardinal flight composite
Image courtesy of and copyright 2022: Alan Murphy
Northern Cardinal Flight Composite
In the frames above of a Northern Cardinal the bird decided during mid flight to abort and took a sharp dive down to the ground. Yet in each frame the bird is sharp, even in the last image where he’s almost out of the frame. This could never be done with the D5 or the D850.
Long-billed Thrasher flight composite
Images courtesy of and copyright 2022: Alan Murphy
Northern Cardinal Flight Composite
I’ve been photographing birds in flight for about 30 years and feel comfortable panning birds as they fly pass, but these were totally different situations and difficult challenges at best. Using 3D I would allow the small auto-focus square to settle on the bird before he launched from the perch. I re-composed by putting the bird on the far right of the frame (still with the auto-focus square on the bird).
Without any notice, the bird would fly to the landing setup. I had less than a second to take images and as you can see in the frames above, I over-panned almost losing the bird as he landed. Amazingly, the 3D auto-focus point stayed right on the bird, no matter where it was within the frame. Each frame of the Long-billed Thrasher is tack sharp.
Alan’s e-Books and Videos
Alan offers a great variety of e-Books and videos that can teach you to be a better bird photography. Click here to see all of the titles. Be sure to see The Guide to Songbird Setup Photography.
The first video in the series will cover topics that include:
How to look for, find and choose the right perch
What perches do not work and why
How to match the perch for a particular species
How to trim a perch
How to support the perch
How many perches?
Working with mounds, stumps and elevated perches
How to choose a good background
How to deal with background challenges
How to break up a flat background so that it’s mottled
How to find and use gradient backgrounds
How far should the background be from the perch?
Should you wear camo?
Working from a blind
How to set up your lens and tripod for blind work
Is concealment important?
Plus, many tips for being a better bird photographer
This Hi Definition MP4 video can be either downloaded to your dropbox, computer, tablet, mobile device, or can be streamed. Total run time: 1 hour.
This second video in the series is now available and covers topics that include:
How to prepare your backyard for photography
How to work with backyard feeders
Which feeders work best for bird photography
How to get birds from your feeders onto perches
How to set up a water drip
How to work with berry perches
How to make and use home made suet
How to bring in woodpeckers
Which food works best for what species
How to set up perches around feeders
Photo blinds for the backyard
The video can be downloaded to your Mac or PC, streamed to your favorite device, or saved to your Dropbox Account.
This third video in the series is now available and covers topics that include:
How to do ambient light hummingbird photography
How to setup for multi-flash hummingbird photography
How to photograph songbirds in flight using a tiny feeder
How to setup and use a PhotoTrap trigger system
How to make and use a decoy owl for photographing raptors in flight
What gear and settings work best
Blind construction and camo for flight photography
Flight photography techniques that will help you succeed
The video can be downloaded to your Mac or PC, streamed to your favorite device, or saved to your Dropbox Account.
Total run time: 1 hour: More than 1.5 hours.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
Thanks to kind, knowledgeable, and helpful readers all of the computer problems below no longer exist.
What’s Up?
I enjoyed a nice Thursday morning photographing at Lakeland with friends. See the A Strange Morning at Lakeland item below. Also, below, I need some help with Photoshop on the new MacBook Pro M1.
I’ve been watching lots of Short Track Speed Skating and have been amazed at how many skaters have been penalized so that Chinese skaters could advance (and win gold medals). In the worst case, a Chinese skater who was behind grabbed the lead skater with two hands right at the finish line but still could not pass him. To the amazement of the announcers, the Hungarian skater who had been leading was disqualified!!!
Today is Friday 11 February 2022. The forecast for this morning at ILE is for cloudy with a breeze from the northeast. I will head down to the lake to check on the baby eagle when I finish this blog post. Then it will be back to work on the new laptop. I have downloaded and installed Topaz DeNoise and Sharpen AI as well as RawDigger. 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 90 days in a row with a new one.
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.
An e-mail conversation with Lynn Stone
Lynn’s excellent photographs in Birder’s World magazine more than 40 years ago inspired me to get started with bird photography.
AM: Hi Lynn, Thanks for taking the time to get in touch. Re:
LS: I know it’s business, but I wanted you to know that I appreciate your hosting the Used Gear Page.
AM: I am glad for that, and thanks for your kindness.
LS: My experience has been that buyers and sellers alike can profit by utilizing your listings.
AM: I agree. And thanks of course for realizing that. I strive to come up with prices that will leave the seller satisfied and the buyer very happy. That of course, is a very fine line. With love, artie
Selling Your Used Photo Gear Through BIRDS AS ART
Selling your used (or like-new) photo gear through the BAA Blog is a great idea. We charge only a 5% commission on items priced at $1,000 or more. With items less than $1000, there is a $50 flat-fee. One of the more popular used gear for sale sites charged a minimum of 20%. Plus assorted fees! Yikes. They went out of business. And e-Bay fees are now up to 13%. If you are interested, please click here, read everything carefully, and do what it says. To avoid any misunderstandings, please read the whole thing very carefully. If you agree to the terms, please state so clearly via e-mail and include the template or templates, one for each item you wish to sell. Then we can work together to get your stuff priced and listed.
Stuff that is priced fairly — I offer pricing advice only to those who agree to the terms — usually sells in no time flat. Over the past years, we have sold many hundreds of items. Do know that prices for used gear only go in one direction. Down. You can always see the current listings by clicking here or on the Used Photo Gear tab on the orange-yellow menu bar near the top of each blog post page.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV with Extras!
BIRDS AS ART Record Low Price
Steve Zarate is offering a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV (with extras) in excellent condition for a BAA record-low $1296.00. The camera shows some signs of wear. It recently underwent the 18-point Canon maintenance service at 82,000 actuations. The sale includes the front lens cap, the strap, the original and one extra battery, the charger, four 32GB compact flash cards, and insured ground shipping via major courier to lower-48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears or other arrangements are made.
Please contact Steve via e-mail or by phone at 949 697-8194 (Pacific time zone).
What can I say? The 5D IV was my favorite-ever Canon digital dSLR. I owned and used three of them while my 1DX II sat on the shelf in my garage for the most part. A new 5D Mark IV, with its 30.4MP full-frame CMOS sensor, sell new for $2399.00. If you have been dreaming of a 5D IV, grab Steve’s camera body right now and save well more than $1,103.00! artie
Canon EOS 7D Mark II with Extras!
Sold on DAY 1
Steve Zarate is offering an EOS 7D Mark II in excellent condition for $449.00 The camera shows some signs of wear. It recently underwent the 18-point Canon maintenance service at 82,000 actuations. The sale includes the front lens cap, the strap, the original and one extra battery, the charger, four 32GB compact flash cards, a LensCoat BodyBag, and insured ground shipping via major courier to lower-48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears or other arrangements are made.
Please contact Steve via e-mail or by phone at 949 697-8194 (Pacific time zone).
Both Patrick Sparkman and I used and loved the 7D Mark II until about two years ago when we both committed to using full-frame Canon bodies. We both made some truly great images with it. Two of my three 2016 Nature’s Best honored entries were created with the 7D II, one still, and one video. The 7D Mark II is one of the greatest-ever values in a digital camera body. artie
Canon EOS 7D Mark II with Extras!
Steve Zarate is offering an EOS 7D Mark II in excellent condition for $399.00 The camera shows some signs of wear. It recently underwent the 18-point Canon maintenance service at 175,000 actuations. The sale includes the front lens cap, the strap, the original and one extra battery, the charger, four 32GB compact flash cards, a LensCoat BodyBag, and insured ground shipping via major courier to lower-48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears or other arrangements are made.
Please contact Steve via e-mail or by phone at 949 697-8194 (Pacific time zone).
Both Patrick Sparkman and I used and loved the 7D Mark II until about two years ago when we both committed to using full-frame Canon bodies. We both made some truly great images with it. Two of my three 2016 Nature’s Best honored entries were created with the 7D II, one still, and one video. The 7D Mark II is one of the greatest-ever values in a digital camera body. artie
Canon EF 16-35mm f2.8L II Zoom Lens
Steve Zarate is offering a Canon EF 16-35mm f2.8L II zoom lens in like-new condition for $599.00. The sale includes the front and rear lens caps, the lens pouch, the lens shade, an 82mm Hoya UV filter, and insured ground shipping via major courier to lower-48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears or other arrangements are made.
Please contact Steve via e-mail or by phone at 949 697-8194 (Pacific time zone).
This workhorse wide-angle zoom lens is beloved by many serious landscape shooters. The version III sells new for $2,199.00! artie
Canon EF 24-105mm f4L IS USM II Zoom Lens
Sold on DAY 1
Steve Zarate is offering a Canon 24-105mm f4L IS USM II zoom lens in near-mint condition for $649.00. The sale includes the front and rear lens caps, the lens pouch, the lens shade, a 77mm Hoya UV filter, and insured ground shipping via major courier to lower-48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears or other arrangements are made.
Please contact Steve via e-mail or by phone at 949 697-8194 (Pacific time zone).
When I shot Canon, the original version of this lens was my never-leave-home-without-it all purpose zoom lens. Whenever I would leave it in the car I would get 50 yards away and wished that I had had it with me. It sells new for $1299.00 and is back-ordered in most places. artie
Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS II Zoom Lens with Extras
BIRDS AS ART Record Low Price Sold on DAY 1
Steve Zarate is offering a Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS II Zoom Lens in excellent condition for a BAA record-low $649.00. The sale includes the front and rear lens caps, the lens case, the lens shade, a 77mm B&W UV filter, a Wimberley P-20 plate (a more than $50.00 value), and insured ground shipping via major courier to lower-48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears or other arrangements are made.
Please contact Steve via e-mail or by phone at 949 697-8194 (Pacific time zone).
The versatile 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses have long been big favorites of many nature photographers. They are great for landscapes especially with fall color peaking in many areas. I have used this lens with Canon and Nikon and SONY. I used my Canon version to photograph granddaughter Maya’s dance recitals and to create bird-scapes and pre-dawn blast-off blurs at Bosque del Apache NWR in New Mexico. They are fast and sharp and have 1000 uses. The 70-200 f/2.8 lenses are a specialty lens for bird photographers. Like the bad little child, when they are good, they are really, really good! I’ve used mine mostly for flight photography at point blank range where their performance is unmatched, especially in low light. I’ve killed with these lenses on the gannet boat in the UK, in Homer for eagles, for pre-dawn and blizzard blast-offs at Bosque, and at Merritt Island on feeding sprees right next to the road. Lenses in this class are easily hand holdable by just about everyone. artie
ps: To see what the 70-200 zoom lenses can do, see the blog post here.
Canon EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM Zoom Lens with Extra
BIRDS AS ART Record Low Price
Steve Zarate is offering a Canon EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM zoom lens in excellent condition with a nice extra for BAA record-low $1,199.00. The sale includes the front and rear lens caps, the lens case, the lens shade, a 77mm B&W UV filter, a RRS LCF 54 foot (a more than $100.00 value), and insured ground shipping via major courier to lower-48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears or other arrangements are made.
Please contact Steve via e-mail or by phone at 949 697-8194 (Pacific time zone).
This incredibly versatile zoom lens — with its amazing .98 meter close focus — was my favorite Canon telephoto zoom lens ever. By far. It is easy to hand hold, great for tight portraits, for birds in flight, for quasi-macro stuff, and lots more. For flight, it is fabulous with an R5! The lens sells new for $2399.00 so you can save an even $1,200.00 by grabbing Steve’s copy now. artie
Canon EF 400mm f4L DO II Lens with Extra
BIRDS AS ART Record Low Price Sold on DAY 1
Steve Zarate is offering a Canon EF 400mm f4L DO II lens with a nice extra in excellent condition for a BAA record low $3498.00. The sale includes the front and rear lens caps, the lens case, the lens shade, a 77mm B&W UV filter, a RRS LCF 52 foot (a more than $100.00 value), and insured ground shipping via major courier to lower-48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears or other arrangements are made.
Please contact Steve via e-mail or by phone at 949 697-8194 (Pacific time zone).
I owned and used and loved the 400 DO II when I shot with Canon and found a way to take it on most trips. I took it to Scotland and Nickerson Beach and San Diego. It served me well as my (lighter!) big gun on several Galapagos and Southern Ocean (the Falklands and South Georgia) trips. It is a killer for flight photography with or without the 1.4X III TC. It is razor-sharp with the 2X on static subjects and skilled folks have had amazing success hand holding it with the 2X III TC for flight and for action. artie
Canon Extender EF 1.4x III (1.4X III Teleconverter)
Sold on DAY 1
Steve Zarate is offering a Canon Extender EF 1.4x III (1.4X III Teleconverter) in excellent condition for a very low $229.00. The sale includes the front and rear caps, the lens pouch, and insured ground shipping via major courier to lower-48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears or other arrangements are made.
Please contact Steve via e-mail or by phone at 949 697-8194 (Pacific time zone).
Regular readers know teleconverters are so important to what I do that I travel with back-ups for each one. I actually bring three 1.4X TCs on every trip! artie
Canon Extender EF 2X III (2X III Teleconverter)
Sold on DAY 1
Steve Zarate is offering a Canon Extender EF 2X III (2X III teleconverter) in near-mint condition for a very low $239.00. The sale includes the front and rear caps, the lens pouch, and insured ground shipping via major courier to lower-48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears or other arrangements are made.
Please contact Steve via e-mail or by phone at 949 697-8194 (Pacific time zone).
Regular readers know teleconverters are so important to what I do that I travel with back-ups for each one. artie
Tracking: SPOT S AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
American White Pelican tight face portrait
A Strange Morning at Lakeland
I met David Pugsley and his friend Alan Gambrell in Lakeland before the sun came up on Thursday morning. There were several dozens pelicans well to the east of their usual haunts. A very loud Lakeland street sweeper vehicle circled often. Many of the birds flew off each time it drove by, and those that remained were unusually skittish. We had a few chances for pre-dawn head shots with nice yellow reflections in the background, and then the street sweeper came by again.
With all the pelicans gone, we worked the lakeshore. We had a very nice female Anhinga and a handsome, tame Great Blue Heron. The great blue was in a perfect spot and depending on the perspective, offered a nice variety of backgrounds. The problem was that the bird had its head turned away from us 99% of the time. And when I am working low off the rear monitor it is difficult for me to see the head angle (even when I have my glasses on as I did yesterday). I made 100 images and kept two with the head barely square to the imaging sensor.
Then we noticed that some pelicans had climbed up on their favorite bulkhead farther to the west. They turned out to be very accepting. Since there were about six photographers there, I opted to stay back and work at 1200mm. That said, I was the closest one to the birds and did so without even meriting a look from the birds. I headed home to get some work done exactly at 9am. Note that framing an image this tight requires great care to avoid clipping the feathers about the top of the bird’s head.
New Computer Photoshop Help Needed
The MacBook Pro M1 setup frustrations continue. Late yesterday I was unable to activate the two Topaz plug-ins that I had installed. Kath Prashaw, Support Specialist for Topaz Labs solved those problems via e-mail early this morning.
I had planned to optimize three American White Pelican images for this blog post but I could not get Topaz DeNoise up and running (as noted above), and worse, I tried to grab my Actions, Keyboard Shortcuts, and Workspaces from my old computer and get them in place on the new computer. First I tried many solutions offered by Google and the Adobe website. Then I called Adobe directly and got to technical support. I could barely understand the guy because of his accent. When I was able to get him to understand the problem, he tried to do a screen share but the setup file that I downloaded was corrupted. Then he sent that to me via an e-mail that never arrived. Yes, frustrating. So I said, “Talk to you tomorrow.” I will follow up unless someone on the blog can help.
I tried several of the seemingly relevant approaches suggested by the Adobe Help website here. By carefully following the instructions under Export and import presets, I was able to get my Workspaces into Photoshop on the new computer. The problem was that when the Preset Export list appeared, my Actions and my Keyboard Shortcuts were not on the list :(. If you can help, please get in touch via e-mail or try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.
When I followed the instructions under Save and load presets, only Contours and Tools appeared at the Preset Type dropdown menu. Again, my Actions and my Keyboard Shortcuts did were not on the list? Please help as above.
When I tried the stuff under Manually copy settings last night, I was able to find the user name in Finder, but the Library folder did not appear … This morning I could not even find my user name in Finder. Regressing. And of course, somewhat frustrated.
Again, if you can help, please get in touch via e-mail or try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
After seven failed attempts due to our slower-than-a-snail WiFi, I finally downloaded and installed Word and Excel for Mac on the new machine. The rest of the day went smoothly: Photo Mechanic, Photoshop, Raw Digger, Camtasia, and DPP 4 were all downloaded and installed seamlessly. More, including and especially Topaz DeNoise AI & Sharpen AI, will fall tomorrow. I headed down to the lake just before sunset. It was not very good. I Ingested my first images on the new machine using Photo Mechanic (as I always do) and kept four not very good ones.
Today is 10 February 2022. The Lakeland forecast for this morning is for clear skies with a northwest breeze. It had been showing northeast all day 🙁 Anyhoo, I am meeting good friend and a1 Group member David Puglsely and a friend at about 7:15am.
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 and makes 89 days in a row with a new one.
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.
Sony Alpha 1 Bodies in Stock at Bedfords/free card offer!
Steve Elkins of Bedfords let me know recently that he had several Sony a1 bodies in stock. If one of them has your name on it, please click here and be sure to enter the BIRDSASART coupon code check the box for free shipping to enjoy free Second Day Air Fed-Ex. Right now, in lieu of the 3% credit refunded to the card you used for your purchase, you will receive a Sony 160GB CFexpress Type A TOUGH Memory Card, a $399.99 value!
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.
Image courtesy of and copyright 2022: Adam Rubenstein.
Snowy Owl on broken shore ice
Adam’s Snowy Owl on Ice
When I first saw this image, I thought, “What a cool image?” Who would’a thunk that there would be so much ice in Connecticut!
Adam has been active on the blog for more than a year. I always find his comments interesting. Sometimes we disagree. But each of us usually winds up learning something good. See the excellent rolling shutter article below; Adam sent me the link via e-mail.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ice Shoves
An ice shove, also known as an ice surge, ice push, ice heave, shoreline ice pileup, ice piling, ice thrust, ice tsunami, ice ride-up, or ivu in Inupiat, is a surge of ice from an ocean or large lake onto the shore. Ice shoves are caused by ocean currents, strong winds, or temperature differences pushing ice onto the shore and creating piles up to 12 meters (40 feet) high. Ice shoves can be caused by temperature fluctuations, wind action, or changing water levels and can cause devastation to coastal Arctic communities. Climate change will also play a role in the formation and frequency of ice shove events; a rise in global temperatures leads to more open water to facilitate ice movement and low pressure systems to destabilize ice sheets and send them shoreward.
More On Understanding Rolling Shutter
After mentioning rolling shutter in the A Real Showstopper of an Image! blog post here, several folks sent links to explanatory articles accompanied by videos. All but one of those was confusing and at least in part, inaccurate.
Blog regular Adam Rubenstein sent me a link to a pretty good article by Lynn Puzzo on the Mosaic website. It is entitled The effects of rolling shutter vs global shutter camera. You can read it here.. Mosaic is — in their own words — a 360° camera hardware and services company based in Prague, Czech Republic. Most of the article is crystal clear with great illustrative GIFs, but I did get lost in a few spots (that mostly on me).
From the technically brilliant Arash Hazeghi via text message
Shutter speed has no effect on rolling shutter phenomena, but since the wings become blurry at slow speeds, this artifact may be hidden behind the blur.
In other words, increasing the shutter speed used with Sasan’s great bee-eater image (here, again) from 1/3200 to 1/5000 or even 1/6400 second would not have reduced or eliminated the rolling shutter artifacts.
Arash’s Qualifications
Arash Hazeghi, Ph.D. is a principal electron device engineer. He received his Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering in 2011, from Stanford University, Stanford, California. His pioneering research on Carbon Nanotubes has been cited many times. In the past decade, Arash Hazeghi has been a major contributor to the research and the development of some of the most cutting-edge technologies introduced by Silicon Valley’s most reputable names including Intel and Apple.
In addition, Arash is an incredibly skilled photographer. He specializes in hand held flight photography, often with the Sony 600mm f/4 GM lens, the 2X TC, and an Alpha 1. He is a skilled, valuable, helpful, and much-appreciated moderator in the Avian Forum on BPN. And a good friend.
Unsolicited, via e-mail, from Fernando Ramos
The excellent Canon EOS R5/R6 Camera User’s e-Guide is unlike anything I’ve encountered. Your detailed instruction supported by excellent reasoning is exactly what I needed to help me set-up my Canon EOS R5. Thank you for sharing your expertise with me; as a result, you saved me immeasurable time. Fernando
Unsolicited, via e-mail, from Joel Eade
Thank you so much for the R5/R6 guide and I am honored to have had an image included! It is a wonderfully written, extremely comprehensive document that would benefit any R5 user. It is evident that a tremendous amount of time and effort was required to create it. After reading through, I can say it that flows in a logical fashion and that each item is carefully described in a way that is not difficult to follow. I agree with 99% of your set up suggestions 🙂 Joel
Cover Image courtesy of and Copyright 2021 Brian Sump (Sump scores!)
The BIRDS AS ART Canon EOS R5 Camera User’s e-Guide: $75.00
Purchase your RF body and or lenses using either my B&H links or from Bedfords, using the BIRDSASART code at checkout, and enjoy a discount on this great guide. You’ll earn a $1 discount for very $10 you spend.
The guide is 82 pages long: 21,458 words. There are more than 50 DPP 4 Autofocus-depicting screen captures. And a 31 minute 44 second educational video. This guide took three and a half months of hard work and a ton of help from at least seventeen very helpful and generous folks.
The guide covers — in great detail — all Menu Items that are relevant to bird, nature, and wildlife photography. It does not cover video. The section on AF methods and the AF Gallery has been expanded from the R5/R6 AF e-guide. It remains one of the great strengths of this guide. I share my thoughts on what I am sure is the single best AF Method for photographing birds in flight. As most of you know, the guide includes a simple and easy way to change AF Methods that was introduced to me by Geoff Newhouse. In the AF Gallery you will see exactly how Face Detection plus Tracking AF works. In the Educational R5 Gallery video, I share my favorite R5 images along with dozens of bird photography tips and techniques.
In addition, I teach you how to get the best exposures with your R5. Detailed instructions on using the great In-camera HDR and Multiple Exposure features will be appreciated by creative folks who like to have fun. The three shutter modes are explained in detail as well. Bruce Dudek solved the can’t-get-to-Auto ISO problem that had stumped everyone at Canon. This information is of course shared in the guide. You will learn how to set up your EVF (Electronic Viewfinder) and Screen toggle options. Not to mention that the mysterious performance of the Q Button is revealed and simplified. Brian Sump’s images reveal how well you can do when using the R5 with EF lenses using one of the three Canon EF-EOS R Mount Adapters (as Donna did with Image #1 below). You will learn how I use Customize Dials to put either ISO or EC on the Thumb Dial and how to set up and save Custom Shooting Modes (C1-C3) that can remember both your Customize Dial and Customize Button settings! That is something that none of the SONY bodies do. 🙁 Near the end of the guide I share my all-important MY MENU items with you.
Like all BAA educational materials, the R5 guide is written in my informal, easy-to-follow style. I am quite proud of this guide and look forward to hearing your thoughts on our hard work.
You can purchase your copy of the BIRDS AS ART Canon EOS R5 Camera User’s e-Guide for $75.00 here in the BAA Online Store or by calling Jim in the office weekday afternoons at 863-692-0906 with your credit card in hand.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
On Tuesday morning I did well setting up the new computer once Apple Care Senior Advisor Andrew got me logged into my iCloud account. My Keychain and my e-mail settings came along with that. I have PhotoShop and Photo Mechanic up and running and Jen worked on Word and Excel for Mac in the afternoon. I have seen the recovered images and have backed up the recovery hard drive, but have yet to copy the recovered data to the new machine.
I was glad to learn of the pending sale of all three of Sandra Calderbank’s three listed Canon items on the first day of listing.
Scroll down to read the recent Stick Marsh e-mail conversation I had with Alexander Kropp, NE Region Wildlife Diversity Biologist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). I was glad to learn that my efforts led to some positive changes.
Today is Wednesday 9 February 2022. Again, the forecast does not matter as I have too much work to do. Today I will be working on installing my Topaz stuff and some additional Apps including RawDigger, DPP 4, Sony Imaging Edge Desktop, Sony Catalyst Browse, Capture One, A7INFO, and others. We have super-slow internet here at ILE; right now that is the best option … Updating the operating system for the new laptop took more than four hours. Downloading and installing Photoshop took more than three. Office for Mac more than two.
Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day. This blog post took about 8 weeks (the Stick Marsh stuff …) and 90 minutes to prepare and makes 88 days in a row with a new one.
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.
Click on the composite image to enjoy the incredible quality of the hi-res JPEG.
Clockwise from upper left back around to the center: spoonbill with mangrove background; spoonbill head and shoulders portrait; spoonbill braking to land; spoonbill dramatic landing pose; adult Black-crowned Night-Heron; spoonbill with nesting material; Great Egret returning to nest; incoming spoonbill; and Limpkin landing.
Stick Marsh IPT: #1: WED 9 March thru the morning of SUN 13 March 2022: $2,299.00. (Limit 6 photographers)
Stick Marsh IPT #2: MON 14 March thru the morning of FRI 18 March 2022: $2299.00 (Limit 6 photographers)
Do both IPTs back to back and enjoy a $200 discount: protect your travel and time investments against bad weather by signing up for both IPTs for $4398.00.
Stick Marsh, where the living is easy. Photograph incoming Roseate Spoonbills in flight at point blank range with intermediate telephoto zoom lenses. This year I will be trying the new Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 lens, often with the 1.4X TC. Longer lenses either on a tripod or hand held are best for the green background stuff. There will be endless flight photography opportunities with a variety of species; in addition to the spoonbills, we should have some excellent chances on Limpkin, Great Egret, Cattle Egret, Great Blue Heron, Little Blue Heron, Double-created Cormorant, Anhinga, Black and Turkey Vultures, and more. Folks with 500 and 600mm f/4 lenses will have lots of opportunities to hone their skills whether they are working on a tripod or hand holding.
There will be five morning photo sessions averaging four hours. We start in the pre-dawn. The first four morning sessions will be followed by a working brunch. The cost of brunch is included. There will be two after-brunch photo-sessions on sunny days (averaging about an hour) to try for bathing spoonbills, usually centered around 1:30pm. There will be one after-brunch photo critique session (probably on DAY 3). And there will be one Image Processing session after brunch.
We will be based in or near Vero Beach. There are AirBnB possibilities for folks who register early. 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 Stick Marsh IPT
1- 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..
2- You will learn to work in Manual exposure mode even if you are scared of it.
3- You will surely learn to evaluate wind and sky conditions and understand how they affect bird photography.
4- You will learn the pro secrets that will help you to become a better flight photographer.
5- You will learn to zoom out in advance (because the birds are so close!) 🙂
6- You will learn how to approach free and wild birds without disturbing them.
7- You will learn to spot the good and the great situations.
8- You will learn to understand and predict bird behavior.
9- You will learn to design pleasing images by mastering your camera’s AF system.
10- You will learn to choose the best perspective.
11- You will learn to see and control your backgrounds.
12- You will learn to see and understand the light.
12- You will learn to see and create pleasing blurs in pre-dawn situations.
12- You will learn to be ready for the most likely event at all times.
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.
Selling Your Used Photo Gear Through BIRDS AS ART
Selling your used (or like-new) photo gear through the BAA Blog is a great idea. We charge only a 5% commission on items priced at $1,000 or more. With items less than $1000, there is a $50 flat-fee. One of the more popular used gear for sale sites charged a minimum of 20%. Plus assorted fees! Yikes. They went out of business. And e-Bay fees are now up to 13%. If you are interested, please click here, read everything carefully, and do what it says. To avoid any misunderstandings, please read the whole thing very carefully. If you agree to the terms, please state so clearly via e-mail and include the template or templates, one for each item you wish to sell. Then we can work together to get your stuff priced and listed.
Stuff that is priced fairly — I offer pricing advice only to those who agree to the terms — usually sells in no time flat. Over the past years, we have sold many hundreds of items. Do know that prices for used gear only go in one direction. Down. You can always see the current listings by clicking here or on the Used Photo Gear tab on the orange-yellow menu bar near the top of each blog post page.
Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS USM Super Telephoto Lens
BAA-friend Mark Berney is offering a Canon 400mm f/4 DO IS USM lens (original DO lens) in near-mint condition for $1,499.00 (via cashiers check only). The sale includes the original box and everything that came in it including the 400B case (AKA the lens trunk), the leather front lens cover, the rear lens cap, the lens strap, a LensCoat, and insured ground shipping via major courier to lower-48 US addresses only. Your items will not ship until the check is good to go.
I used and loved both the original 400 DO and the version II. I never really saw many differences in the image files … Both versions are very sharp and relatively small and light and do very with either the 1.4X or the 2X tele-converter. Most folks can hand hold a 400 DO without a problem. Grabbing Mark’s lens would be a great and inexpensive way for folks (especially R5/R6 users) to get into super-telephoto photography. As the version II sells for $6899.00, you can save a fortune by getting in touch with Mark ASAP. artie
Canon 70-200mm f/4L IS USM Lens & Canon 1.4x EF Extender II
BAA-friend Mark Berney is offering a Canon 70-200mm f/4L IS USM lens and a Canon 1.4x EF Extender II (both in excellent condition for) for a silly low $449.00 (via cashiers check only). The sale includes the original product boxes and everything that came in them along with insured ground shipping via major courier to lower-48 US addresses only. Your items will not ship until the check is good to go.
The versatile 70-200mm f/4 lenses have long been big favorites of many nature photographers. They are great for landscapes. I owned and used this lens when I shot Canon to create bird-scapes and pre-dawn blast-off blurs at Bosque del Apache NWR in New Mexico. They are relatively fast and sharp and have 1000 uses. The 70-200 f/2.8 lenses are a specialty lens for bird photographers. Like the bad little child, when they are good, they are really, really good! I’ve used mine mostly for flight photography at point blank range where their performance is unmatched, especially in low light. I’ve killed with these lenses on the gannet boat in the UK, in Homer for eagles, for pre-dawn and blizzard blast-offs at Bosque, and at Merritt Island on feeding sprees right next to the road. Lenses in this class are easily hand holdable by just about everyone and do well with the 1.4X TC. artie
ps: To see what the 70-200 zoom lenses can do, see the blog post here.
Sony a9 Mirrorless Camera Body
BIRDS AS ART Record Low Price
Used Gear regular and BAA-friend Anthony Ardito is offering a SONY a9 mirrorless camera body and the SONY VG-C3EM vertical grip (a $398.00 value) in like-new condition for a BAA Record-low $2,049.00. The sale includes the grip, the original boxes and everything that came in it 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.
The a9, the original AF king, offers superb autofocus that absolutely kills for bird photography; virtually every image is sharp on the eye. Many feel that the AF system on the a9 ii is no better. As the a9 ii sells new for $4498.00 you can save an incredible $2651.00 by grabbing Anthnoy’s a9 right now! artie
SONY FE 70-200mm f2.8 GM OSS Lens
BIRDS AS ART Record Low Price
Anthony Ardito is offering a SONY FE 70-200mm f2.8 GM OSS lens in like-new condition for a BAA record-low $1,347.00. the original box and everything that came in it 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.
The versatile 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses have long been big favorites of many nature photographers. They are great for landscapes. I have used this lens with Canon and Nikon and SONY. I used my Canon version to photograph granddaughter Maya’s dance recitals and to create bird-scapes and pre-dawn blast-off blurs at Bosque del Apache NWR in New Mexico. They are fast and sharp and have 1,000 uses. The 70-200 f/2.8 lenses are a specialty lens for bird photographers. Like the bad little child, when they are good, they are really, really good! I’ve used mine mostly for flight photography at point blank range where their performance is unmatched, especially in low light. I’ve killed with these lenses on the gannet boat in the UK, in Homer for eagles, for pre-dawn and blizzard blast-offs at Bosque, and at Merritt Island on single birds from huge feeding sprees right next to the road.
This super-fast lens weighs only 3.26 pounds and is easily hand holdable by just about everyone. As it sells new right now for $2,298.00, you can save a cool $800.00 by grabbing Anthony’s lens ASAP. artie
ps: To see what the 70-200 zoom lenses can do, see below, and also see the images in the blog post here. artie
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 🙂
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.
Tracking: Zone AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
Image #1: Roseate Spoonbill landing atop colony with one foot raised
An e-Mail Conversation with Alexander Kropp, NE Region Wildlife Diversity Biologist, FL Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
AM: Hi Alex,
Thanks for getting back to me. I was beginning to lose faith in humanity 🙂
AK: Sorry for the late response.
AM: Me too. I had serious laptop problems that are now resolved.
AK: I’m catching up on some older e-mails since the holidays. Feel free to call me if you would like to discuss further.
AM: Thanks for that.
AK: I was contacted by Audubon FL (through their communication with you) about this issue just prior to the holidays, so thank you for bringing this issue to our attention.
AM: That is good to know as Florida Audubon ignored all but one of my many e-mails and all of my phone messages …
AK: In response, just before the holidays, I organized a meeting with our FWC CWA biologist, FWC Avian Conservation biologist, and SJRWMD engineers working on the S-96 project. The two key protections afforded to wading birds at this site are: 1) protections associated with Critical Wildlife Areas (CWAs), and 2) protections given to state-threatened wading birds.
In this case, the boundaries of the CWA are well outside the zone of this project, so we determined no CWA entry permit was necessary for work at S-96. Since the CWA harbors threatened wading birds, protections associated with Species Conservation Measures and Permitting Guidelines for Threatened wading birds also need to be considered. In most cases, these guidelines assume “take” (harm or harassment) of wading birds is avoided when construction activities are at least 330 feet away from active nesting areas. We determined that all S-96 construction areas were just outside the 330 ft. buffer listed in guidelines. However, portions of the west staging area (where materials are stored) were determined to be within 330 ft.
AM: I would agree that there was lots of big stuff stored “within 330 feet.”
AK: SJRWMD staff sent us a proposal over the holidays for reducing disturbance at the project site by reducing the size of the western staging area. After reviewing their proposal, we believe it is sufficient to avoid “take” of threatened wading birds nesting at Stick Marsh CWA. Therefore, at this time, we are not recommending they apply for an incidental take permit.
AM: That was a good idea. I visited on 2 February and noted the nice new orange plastic fencing to keep the workers from parking at the bottom of the slope closest to the colony.
Here is some good news from a recent blog post:
Stick Marsh was better than expected. Just before sunrise there were about 20 Roseate Spoonbills on the North Rookery Island. Most of those birds flew off at about 7:15am. Soon thereafter, there were spoonies flying in and out until about 8:15am. The birds were displaying, courting, and pulling leaves (but not sticks or branches). They seemed not to be disturbed at all by the big construction project. All in all, I would say that things are looking good for a successful breeding season.
So thanks for that 🙂
AK: Having said this, we are continuing to monitor the site and are encouraging SJRWMD staff and others to report any signs that “take” is occurring as a result of project activities. For example, if nesting birds are observed repeatedly flushing from the CWA in response to project activities, additional actions will be necessary to either reduce disturbance or mitigate for take via an FWC incidental take permit.
AM: Right now, as noted above, things are looking good.
AK: Feel free to call me at the number below if you have additional questions or concerns. Thank you again for bringing this issue to our attention.
AM: YAW and thanks again.
With love, artie
ps: If you ever need any bird photographs for educational purposes, LMK and I would be glad to send some along gratis.
Tracking: Zone AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
Image #2: Roseate Spoonbill landing at colony
Glad to Have Made an Impact
I was glad to see that some substantive changes were made and that some eyes were opened as a result of my sticking my nose into the S-96 project. It did, however, take quite a while. I was buoyed by what I observed on my 2 February visit. The spoonbills are are actually early and again, things are looking good for a successful breeding season.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
If you have a Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM with Extender 1.4x lens in excellent or better condition sitting on a shelf gathering dust and would like to unload it for a fair price, please contact me via e-mail. I have a reliable buyer.
What’s Up?
Well, after being in data recovery mode for more than a week, and in FedEx hell since last Friday, the second package finally arrived yesterday. You can read the whole (and somewhat continuing) story below.
I was glad to learn that Ellen Mack’s 7D Mark II sold instantly.
Today is Tuesday 8 February 2022. The forecast for this morning does not matter because I am far too busy (as below) to even think about heading down to the lake. This blog post took a week and a half to live out and several hours to write. 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 87 days in a row with a new one.
Selling Your Used Photo Gear Through BIRDS AS ART
Selling your used (or like-new) photo gear through the BAA Blog is a great idea. We charge only a 5% commission on items priced at $1,000 or more. With items less than $1000, there is a $50 flat-fee. One of the more popular used gear for sale sites charged a minimum of 20%. Plus assorted fees! Yikes. They went out of business. And e-Bay fees are now up to 13%. If you are interested, please click here, read everything carefully, and do what it says. To avoid any misunderstandings, please read the whole thing very carefully. If you agree to the terms, please state so clearly via e-mail and include the template or templates, one for each item you wish to sell. Then we can work together to get your stuff priced and listed.
Stuff that is priced fairly — I offer pricing advice only to those who agree to the terms — usually sells in no time flat. Over the past years, we have sold many hundreds of items. Do know that prices for used gear only go in one direction. Down. You can always see the current listings by clicking here or on the Used Photo Gear tab on the orange-yellow menu bar near the top of each blog post page.
Canon EOS 7D Mark II
IPT veteran Sandra Calderbank is offering a Canon EOS 7D Mark II in like-new condition with only 4250 shutter actuations for a very low $599.00. The sale includes one battery and the charger, the strap, the original product box and everything that came in it, a Really Right Stuff Modular Sliding L-Plate (RTS B702-L Set — about a $150.00 value), 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 Sandra via e-mail or by phone at 1-828-412-1047 Eastern time zone.
Both Patrick Sparkman and I used and loved the 7D Mark II until about two years ago when we both committed to using full-frame Canon bodies. We both made some truly great images with it. Two of my three 2016 Nature’s Best honored entries were created with the 7D II, one still, and one video. One thing is for sure: the 7D Mark II is one of the greatest-ever values in a digital camera body. artie
Canon 70-200mm IS L II Lens
BIRDS AS ART Record Low Price
IPT veteran Sandra Calderbank is offering a Canon 70-200 IS L II lens in like-new condition for a BAA record low $746.00. The sale includes the original product box and everything that came in it, a Really Right Stuff Quick Release plate (about a $75 value), 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 Sandra via e-mail or by phone at 1-828-412-1047 Eastern time zone.
The versatile 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses have long been big favorites of many nature photographers. They are great for landscapes especially with fall color peaking in many areas. I have used this lens with Canon and Nikon and SONY. I used my Canon version to photograph granddaughter Maya’s dance recitals and to create bird-scapes and pre-dawn blast-off blurs at Bosque del Apache NWR in New Mexico. They are fast and sharp and have 1000 uses. The 70-200 f/2.8 lenses are a specialty lens for bird photographers. Like the bad little child, when they are good, they are really, really good! I’ve used mine mostly for flight photography at point blank range where their performance is unmatched, especially in low light. I’ve killed with these lenses on the gannet boat in the UK, in Homer for eagles, for pre-dawn and blizzard blast-offs at Bosque, and at Merritt Island on feeding sprees right next to the road. Lenses in this class are easily hand holdable by just about everyone. artie
ps: To see what the 70-200 zoom lenses can do, see the blog post here.
Canon 100-400mm IS L II Lens
BIRDS AS ART Record Low Price Currently Back-ordered at B&H
IPT veteran Sandra Calderbank is offering a Canon 100-400L IS II lens in like new condition for a BAA record-low $1296.00. The sale includes the original product box and everything that came in it, a Really Right Stuff Quick Release plate (about a $75 value), 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 Sandra via e-mail or by phone at 1-828-412-1047 Eastern time zone.
This incredibly versatile zoom lens — with its amazing .98 meter close focus — was my favorite Canon telephoto zoom lens ever. By far. It is easy to hand hold, great for tight portraits, for birds in flight, for quasi-macro stuff, and lots more. For flight, it is fabulous with an R5! The lens sells new for $2399.00 so you can save a very nice $1103.00 by grabbing Sandy’s copy right now. artie
The Whole Gory Story With a _ _ _ _ _ Ending
The evening before I left San Diego in mid-January, I ran a Carbon Copy Cloner (CCC) back-up. Though that was my only backup, I felt safe and secure (as I had been feeling for several years). That turned out to be a big mistake in thinking.
Here is how things developed beginning last Saturday, January 29th. I was working on my MacBook Pro consolidating folders in Photo Mechanic. Things were going a bit slow, so I decided to reboot, something I rarely do. I try to avoid rebooting (and updating), always figuring, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Anyhoo, when the machine rebooted, my Digital Photographs folder, my Downloaded Images sub-folder, and many, many dozens of additional sub-folders had disappeared, seemingly into thin air. I rebooted again hoping that the images would come back, but they did not. Next, I checked Finder and got the really bad news: the folders were gone. The strangest thing is that Storage was showing 2.11TB used, 1.89TB free. That seemed to indicate that the photos were still on the drive. Somewhere.
Next I spent two hours on the phone with Apple. I got connected to a senior advisor and he could not find the images either. During that phone call, I got sort of frantic and plugged in my very recent and only Carbon Copy Cloner (CCC) back-up. That turned out to be the kiss of death because CCC was programmed to “run when attached.” So it quickly copied the seemingly wrecked drive (with the 1.7 TB of “missing” photos) and wrote over my backup. Nice. It took me a while to realize the impact of what I had done. And as I got more and more frantic, I force ejected the backup drive several times. I would learn later that I wrecked all the files on that 4-TB Solid State Drive. This is what I got from Apple: We are never ever responsible for lost data. Period. It is your responsibility to create current multiple backups.
Apple recommended two data recovery services. For no particular reason, I called DriveSavers Data Recovery. After speaking to two nice and seemingly competent folks, I received a pre-paid Fed-Ex overnight label, prepared the package (with both the laptop and the backup drive), and headed into town to tender the package at the Lake Wales Fed Ex depot only to find out that it is closed on Saturday. The package was picked up on Monday and delivered to Novato, CA the next day. I called them at 5pm on Tuesday and learned that there was a chance for data recovery. They were pretty sure they would be able to save the approximately 136,478 or so images, but that there was a chance that I would get a backup drive with only images arranged by date (rather than in the original folders …) That would be OK, but would have been a nightmare that required several months of work to rearrange them as well as I could. When I spoke to them again on Wednesday, I learned that it seemed that the folders (and images) disappeared because of a “logic board error.” I gave them approval for expedited service.
Realizing that Apple would never have my laptop “fixed” any time soon, and certainly not before I leave for Homer on 15 February, I decided to order the new computer that I had been looking at for months.
With 11 minutes to spare so that I could get overnight Fed Ex shipping to arrive on Friday, I ordered a totally souped up 16.2″ MacBook Pro with M1 Max Chip (Late 2021, Space Gray): Apple M1 Max 10-Core Chip (Processor), 64GB Unified RAM (Memory), 8TB SSD (Storage), and the 32-Core GPU (Graphics configuration).
(Note: “souped up” is correct. From Rob Bignell’s website here:
Souped up is the correct spelling (and gets more search engine hits than suped up, at that). The term souped up predates the invention of superchargers (for cars) and initially referred to any horse that had been injected with something to increase its speed. In fact, any concoction that packed a lot of power – including nitroglycerine – was called a “soup.”
Anyhoo, that turned out to be a nightmare on its own. With lots of bad weather in the northeast, I did not get the computer on Friday. But I did get an e-mail from B&H stating that the parcel was now slated for “Saturday delivery.” Great. I checked the tracking number all day on Saturday and it kept saying, “Out for Delivery.” Fantastic. If both packages arrived as they were supposed to, on Saturday, I would at least have Sunday to start setting up the new laptop. I sat by the door all day, even skipping my swim. That parcel did not arrive on Saturday.
Back to the Data Recovery
I spoke to DriveSavers on Thursday and got what turned out to be great news. They were able to recover all of my images “In Structure.” That meant that all of my file folders and image names were recovered exactly as I had last seen them. Intact. Whew. And all of that for only $4490.00! In any case, I was thrilled but was still anxious to actually see the images on a hard drive, and then to see them in Photo Mechanic on the new machine.
I hope that you did not think at this point that it would be smooth sailing from here. I paid extra for Priority FedEx “Hold at FedEx Ship Center for pickup” (on Friday morning). Tracking showed that this package too was seriously delayed; but it showed, “will arrive today.” So at 5pm I confidently drove to town to pick up the package only to learn that it was still in Greensboro, NC.
So I called DriveSavers and had them call FedEx to do a trace (re-routing) of the package and make it for Saturday Delivery to my home. They did. The tracking for that package showed “Delayed until Monday 7 February.” At 6:30pm on Saturday, a very nice lady FedEx driver rang my doorbell and handed me a large parcel that I assumed was the new computer. Imagine my surprise when I opened the package and found my old laptop with the recovery disk. The parcel that was “delayed until Monday” arrived on Saturday, but the package that was “on the truck for Saturday delivery” did not arrive that day …
DriveSavers had told me in no uncertain terms that I should not plug the drive with the data recovery on it into the (possibly corrupt) old MacBook Pro. So I would not be able to plug in the drive to see if the photos were really there until I got the new machine set up.
The FedEx Nightmare Continues
The lady at the FedEx Ship Center had told me on Friday afternoon that if the parcels from DriveSavers did not show up on Saturday “I could come back to the FedEx place at 8:55am and grab it off the truck.” Well, they could, not me. So I sent Jim with a note and my driver’s license to finally grab the new laptop. He called me at 9:08am and told me that the truck had left and that we would get the delivery that morning “before noon.” Then I saw an e-mail notice from FedEx stating that delivery had been attempted at 7:36am that morning and that we could have it delivered on Wednesday or drive to town again that afternoon to get it. There was no call tag on my front door, and, the e-mail also said “Will be delivered between 9am and noon. Whoever heard of Fed-Ex coming at 7:36am. I had been in the back office and did not hear the doorbell, and Jim had been in the shower.
So I called FedEx and got to talk to a human (a near-impossibility, BTW), got to speak to the Case Manager, and told him that he needed to call the Ship Center and tell them to call the driver and tell him to deliver the package. I waited while he made that contact — sorry Mr. Morris, they hung up on me six times. Finally, he came back on the line and said, It will be delivered before noon.” Jim called me while I was at the eye doctor (“Your eyes look like the eyes of a 40-year old non-diabetic” thank you very much) and told me that the new computer had been delivered at 11:30am. Hooray.
When I finally got home at about 1:30pm, I plugged in the new machine and began to set it up. I always have problem with technology, often feeling that I am somehow electronically jinxed. I got to about the fifth set-up screen where it said, “Sign In with Apple ID.” I typed in my Apple ID, turned to the Keychain on the old machine that was running right beside it, and then carefully typed in my password. Your password is incorrect. So I typed it again and again and again and again. After about 36 tries, I called Apple Care for help. After thirty minutes he was baffled — “I’ve never seen anything like this.” So we gave up and decided to update the operating system. With our super-slow internet, that took several hours. At one point it looked as if the download had failed, stuck at “10 minutes remaining.” Then a screen popped up that said “Restart.” The took 15 minutes. Amazingly, when the machine restarted, it showed that macOS Monterey V12.2 had been successfully installed.
Overnight, using the new machine, as suggested by DriveSavers, I made a back up copy of the recovery drive. Today I will try to straighten out the Apple ID problem and get at least PhotoShop and Photo Mechanic up and running. And try to get e-mail up on the new machine. There is a catch-22 situation in that I want to AirDrop my Keychain from the old machine to the new machine so that I can log into my Adobe and Camera Bits (Photo Mechanic) accounts but I cannot do that because I need to be signed in to Apple ID /i-cloud. For me, setting up a new laptop is always a huge challenge … Heck, I just tried to log into my Adobe account, carefully and correctly typed my password (as viewed in Keychain on the old machine), but again it came up as “That’s an incorrect password. Try again.” As I said, I get the feeling that I am technologically and electronically jinxed …
Resetting the Passwords
Many may be wondering why I do not simply reset the passwords. Remember, I do not have e-mail set up on the new machine because I cannot sign in to I-cloud. In addition, I am worried that if I change the password on the new machine I may be locked out of a given App on the old machine …
The Story With a Happy Ending
Though it cost me nearly $12,000.00, I now have all of my folders and images intact and backed up. I am thrilled. First off, almost $7,000.00 of that was for the new computer that I was probably gonna get anyway. Soon, hopefully today, I will be able to view the recovered images in Photo Mechanic on the new laptop.
Fortunately, for me, the money does not bother me one bit. I really could care less. Ironically, it did not make any financial sense at all to go to the expense of recovering the images. Why? My raw files are basically worthless; we rarely sell an image anymore (though we did make a nice sale at the end of last year to National Geographic Books). The blog, which you are reading right now, drives the business. All I need for that is JPEGs. And nearly all of my best images would have been available as large JPEGs as they are stored online in Word Press.
So why was I so anxious to get the images back? The main reason was personal satisfaction. If I did not recover the images, there would be many great photos and many great trips that I would miss re-living and enjoying. I have dozens of really special images that I can now look forward to sharing with you on the blog. And I will be able to create slide-show sized images of the last year or two of new photos for use in future Keynote presentations.
All I need to do in the next few days is get the new machine up and running with all of my Apps functioning.
This Just In
9:24am
I had the pleasure of spending 45 minutes with an Apple Care Senior Advisor Andrew. The guys was incredibly knowledgeable and amazingly helpful. He helped me change my iCloud password on the new machine, the old machine, and my iPhone. My samandmayas e-mail is up and running on the new machine and I am importing mailboxes as we speak. And Photoshop is being installed right now!
Other MacBook Pros with M1 Chip & Retina Display Options
You do not need to spend $7K to enjoy the new super-fast M1 chip technology. There are 13.3, 14.2, and 16.2 sizes. There are two colors: Space Gray and Silver. And each can be configured as you wish as far as RAM (Memory), Storage, and Graphics configuration. To explore the many less expensive options, please start by clicking here, and then do a search for “MacBook Pro M1.”
As always, using my affiliate links will not cost you one penny and is a great way to thank BAA for the information and stories that you read here on the blog every day.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
A single photographer needs to leave Homer early (due to new, even more restrictive travel rules for Canadian citizens). This opens up two (or possibly three) pro-rated (with a late-registration discount) days aboard my 2022 eagle boat. This would seem to be a great opportunity for folks living in Anchorage or elsewhere in Alaska, or for folks who will be visiting the region soon. Please contact me via e-mail to staffbaa@att.net or try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. See below for details.
I visited the eagle family on a dreary Sunday morning. I did not do any photography at the nest, but I did take a very few while sky Osprey flight images with the hand held 600 f/4. The rest of the day was spent catching up on samandmayasgrandpa@att.net e-mails. After my swim and an early dinner, I really enjoyed watching the Winter Olympics.
Today is Monday 7 February 2022. The forecast for the morning is for cool and mostly cloudy with a breeze from the northeast. In bird photography terms, that means not too good. 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 86 days in a row 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 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.
Selling Your Used Photo Gear Through BIRDS AS ART
Selling your used (or like-new) photo gear through the BAA Blog is a great idea. We charge only a 5% commission on items priced at $1,000 or more. With items less than $1000, there is a $50 flat-fee. One of the more popular used gear for sale sites charged a minimum of 20%. Plus assorted fees! Yikes. They went out of business. And e-Bay fees are now up to 13%. If you are interested, please click here, read everything carefully, and do what it says. To avoid any misunderstandings, please read the whole thing very carefully. If you agree to the terms, please state so clearly via e-mail and include the template or templates, one for each item you wish to sell. Then we can work together to get your stuff priced and listed.
Stuff that is priced fairly — I offer pricing advice only to those who agree to the terms — usually sells in no time flat. Over the past years, we have sold many hundreds of items. Do know that prices for used gear only go in one direction. Down. You can always see the current listings by clicking here or on the Used Photo Gear tab on the orange-yellow menu bar near the top of each blog post page.
Canon EOS 7D Mark II
Ellen Mack is offering a Canon EOS 7D Mark II in excellent condition for $549.00. The sale includes the BG-E16 Battery Grip ($120 value), the original product box with the CDs, the front body cap, the battery charger, one LP-E6N battery, the manual, the camera strap, and insured ground shipping via UPS to lower-48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears or next day if payment is via PayPal.
Please contact Ellen via e-mail or by phone at 1-707-292-0393 (Pacific time zone). zone).
Both Patrick Sparkman and I used and loved the 7D Mark II until about two years ago when we both committed to using full-frame Canon bodies. We both made some truly great images with it. Two of my three 2016 Nature’s Best honored entries were created with the 7D II, one still, and one video. One thing is for sure: the 7D Mark II is the greatest value ever in a digital camera body. artie
Canon EOS 7D Mark II dSLR (with extras!)
Price Reduced $100.00 on 6 February 2022 BIRDS AS ART Record Low Price
BAA-friend and BPN member Ravi Hirekatur is offering a Canon EOS 7D Mark II in excellent condition for $497.00 (was $597.00). The shutter count is 167,000; the body was recently cleaned and checked via Canon’s 18 point service and has not been used since. The 7D II is rated for 200,000 shutter actuations. The extras include the Battery Grip BG-E16 (a roughly $130.00 value), the Kirk L clamp BL-7DIIG (a roughly $80.00 value), and the Canon Remote Release Canon RS-80N3 (a roughly $50.00 value). The sale also includes the original product box, the front body cap, the battery charger, a total of two well-used Canon batteries LP-E6N, the manual, the camera connecting cord, and insured ground shipping via UPS to lower-48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.
Please contact Ravi via e-mail or by phone at 1-608-217-9593 (Central time).
Both Patrick Sparkman and I used and loved the 7D Mark II until about two years ago when we both committed to using full-frame Canon bodies. We both made some truly great images with it. Two of my three 2016 Nature’s Best honored entries were created with the 7D II, one still, and one video. One thing is for sure: the 7D Mark II is the greatest value ever in a digital camera body. artie
Sony Alpha 1 Bodies in Stock at Bedfords/free card offer!
Steve Elkins of Bedfords let me know recently that he had several Sony a1 bodies in stock. If one of them has your name on it, please click here and be sure to enter the BIRDSASART coupon code check the box for free shipping to enjoy free Second Day Air Fed-Ex. Right now, in lieu of the 3% credit refunded to the card you used for your purchase, you will receive a Sony 160GB CFexpress Type A TOUGH Memory Card, a $399.99 value!
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 13 January 2022 down by the lake near my home in Indian Lake Estates. Standing as tall as possible just outside my SUV, I used the no-longer available GIT 304L/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted BLUBB-supported Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. ISO 1250. The exposure was determined perfectly by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/500 sec. at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 7:45:49am on a sunny morning.
Tracking: Spot S AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
Image #1: Bald Eagle adult feeding week-old chick (full frame at 1200mm)
Aging Eagle Chicks
The photo above appeared on the blog on 14 January 2022. My best guess, based on the behavior of the adult and the lack of the egg tooth, is that the egg hatched on or about 7 January (2022 of course).
In doing research for this blog post, I learned that Bald Eagles lay from one to three eggs, with two being the average clutch size. The clutch is incubated for 35 days after the last egg is laid. The young grow quickly and leave the nest anywhere from eight to 14 weeks after hatching. Most can fly at 10 to 12 weeks.
I came across an amazing story that detailed (with photos!) how a Red-tailed Hawk chick wound up in a Bald Eagle nest in British Columbia’s Shoal Harbour Migratory Bird Sanctuary and was raised till fledging by the adult eagles! Read the whole story here.
This image was created on 4 February 2022 down by the lake near my home in Indian Lake Estates. Standing as tall as possible just outside my SUV, I used the no-longer available GIT 304L/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.. ISO 500. The exposure was determined perfectly by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/500 sec. at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 8:35:57am on a mostly sunny morning.
Tracking: Spot S AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
Image #2: Bald Eagle — month-old chick in nest
My, How Fast They Grow!
I’ve never seen the splotchy plumage of a young Bald Eagle. How would you describe the bird? Doofy? Disheveled?
Based on the estimate of the date of hatching, the eaglet in Image #2 is just about four weeks old. I was amazed at how fast it had grown in the three weeks since I created Image #1. For the past few days, I’ve watched it raise one wing at a time while resting at the bottom of the nest. In a few weeks, it will be standing on the edge of the nest flapping both wings to strengthen the wing muscles. As I get back from Homer late on 4 March, right at eight weeks, I may miss some or all of that.
All images from Homer or Kachemak Bay, AK
Pro-rated/Late Registration Discounted DAYs on the Second 2022 Homer/Kachemak Bay Bald Eagle IPT
IPT #2: SAT 26 & SUN 27 FEB 2022: $900.00 per day (reduced from $1,100/day). (Friday 25 FEB is possible offering the chance for a 3-DAY IPT) This trip features non-stop flight photography as well as many opportunities to create point-blank portraits of one of North America’s most sought-after avian subjects: Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus).
Also featured are a professional leader, often referred to as the world’s most knowledgeable bird photography trip leader who is conversant in Canon, Nikon, and SONY. You will learn practical and creative solutions to everyday photographic problems. You will learn to see the shot, to create dynamic image designs, to best utilize your camera’s AF system, and how to analyze the wind, the sky conditions, and the direction and quality of the light. This is one of the very few Homer trips available where you will not be simply put on the birds and told to have fun. You will actually learn to be a better photographer.
The best and most creative boat captain.
A sturdy, spacious, sea worthy, open-deck craft.
The only Bald Eagle workshop with an incredibly helpful, full time, professional first mate.
Small group Photoshop, Image Review, and Image critiquing sessions.
All images from Homer or Kachemak Bay, AK
What’s Included
One four hour or two two-hour boat trips every day (weather permitting), all boat fees and boat-related expenses (excluding tips), ground transportation to and from the dock and back to the hotel each day, in-the-field instruction and guidance, pre-trip gear advice, small group post-processing and image review sessions, and a thank you dinner for all well-behaved participants.
What’s Not Included
Your airfare (if necessary) to and from Homer, AK (via Anchorage), the cost of your room at Land’s End Resort, all personal items, all meals and beverages, and tips for the boat captain and/or the first mate.
Please Note
On great days, the group may wish to photograph for more than four hours. If the total time on the boat exceeds 8 hours for two pro-rated days or 12 hours for three pro-rated days, you will share the additional expense at a rate of $225/hour.
Deposit Information
Payment in full is due now via credit card or by personal check made out to BIRDS AS ART and sent to us via US mail.
In Closing
I have been going to Homer off and on for close to two decades. Every trip has been nothing short of fantastic. Many folks go in mid-March. The earlier you go, the better the chances for snow. The only way to assure that you are on the best of the two trips is to sign up for both. If you have any questions or are good to go for one or for both trips, please get in touch via e-mail or give me a call on my cell phone at 863-221-2372.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
I headed down to the lake on Saturday morning in totally dreary conditions. The two adult eagles were in the nest tree and the chick was sitting up. Two hours later I returned after it had gotten brighter, but the chick was hunkered down a bit in the nest. I had brought my ladder, but never even tried. I spent the rest of the day waiting for two important FedEx packages. The one that was supposedly delayed until Monday, arrived at 6:30pm in the dark after I had given up. The one that was showing “Out for Delivery,” never showed up. Assuming that I get my hands on that package on Monday, I will share the whole gory laptop story with you here this coming Tuesday.
Today is Sunday 6 February 2022. The forecast for the morning is for cool and cloudy with a 10mph northeast wind. You know what I will be doing for sure. 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 85 days in a row with a new one. Thanks to BPN friend Joe Przybyla for getting Sasan Nejadi’s featured image to me via e-mail. I could not figure out how to grab it on the PC in the office.
Image courtesy of and copyright 2019: Sasan Nejadi Photography. Click on the image to enjoy a larger version.
European Bee-Eater catching bee in midair
A Real Showstopper!
Without any images or even a computer of my own to work on, I spent several hours on Saturday doing critiques in the Avian Forum on BirdPhotographers.Net. I trashed some images and praised others. Near the bottom of the page — I had not been on BPN in a while …, I clicked on the thumbnail for today’s featured image. I was floored. Astounded. You can learn a bunch and see what I and others had to say about this amazing bee-eater image here. I had several questions for Sasan, but he has not responded when Sunday’s post was published.
The image was created by Sasan Nejadi, a very, very good photographer from Iran. His first love is for raptors. You can see his most recent bird-of-prey post, a very fine image of a White-tailed Eagle striking, here. And you can see more of his work here on Instagram.
Your Call?
What do you like about this image? Any suggestions for improvement?
Of Interest
If you are working on a computer with a good monitor and/or if you view the (larger) bee-eater image on BPN, you can see evidence of the rolling shutter phenomenon on the edges of the primary feathers of the far wing. Rolling shutter is a fairly well known concept with video, but can occur with still photography with mirrorless cameras like the Canon R5, the Sony a9 ii, and others. In today’s featured image the rolling shutter effect is seen as a series of small horizontal lines along the edges of the feathers (as above). My (crude) understanding is that they are due to the fact that the camera body cannot write the image to the card fast enough. Please feel free to either correct me or to provide a clearer explanation.
Note: there is no visible rolling shutter with the Sony a1.
Unsolicited, via e-mail, from Fernando Ramos
The excellent Canon EOS R5/R6 Camera User’s e-Guide is unlike anything I’ve encountered. Your detailed instruction supported by excellent reasoning is exactly what I needed to help me set-up my Canon EOS R5. Thank you for sharing your expertise with me; as a result, you saved me immeasurable time. Fernando
Unsolicited, via e-mail, from Joel Eade
Thank you so much for the R5/R6 guide and I am honored to have had an image included! It is a wonderfully written, extremely comprehensive document that would benefit any R5 user. It is evident that a tremendous amount of time and effort was required to create it. After reading through, I can say it that flows in a logical fashion and that each item is carefully described in a way that is not difficult to follow. I agree with 99% of your set up suggestions 🙂 Joel
Cover Image courtesy of and Copyright 2021 Brian Sump (Sump scores!)
The BIRDS AS ART Canon EOS R5 Camera User’s e-Guide: $75.00
Purchase your RF body and or lenses using either my B&H links or from Bedfords, using the BIRDSASART code at checkout, and enjoy a discount on this great guide. You’ll earn a $1 discount for very $10 you spend.
The guide is 82 pages long: 21,458 words. There are more than 50 DPP 4 Autofocus-depicting screen captures. And a 31 minute 44 second educational video. This guide took three and a half months of hard work and a ton of help from at least seventeen very helpful and generous folks.
The guide covers — in great detail — all Menu Items that are relevant to bird, nature, and wildlife photography. It does not cover video. The section on AF methods and the AF Gallery has been expanded from the R5/R6 AF e-guide. It remains one of the great strengths of this guide. I share my thoughts on what I am sure is the single best AF Method for photographing birds in flight. As most of you know, the guide includes a simple and easy way to change AF Methods that was introduced to me by Geoff Newhouse. In the AF Gallery you will see exactly how Face Detection plus Tracking AF works. In the Educational R5 Gallery video, I share my favorite R5 images along with dozens of bird photography tips and techniques.
In addition, I teach you how to get the best exposures with your R5. Detailed instructions on using the great In-camera HDR and Multiple Exposure features will be appreciated by creative folks who like to have fun. The three shutter modes are explained in detail as well. Bruce Dudek solved the can’t-get-to-Auto ISO problem that had stumped everyone at Canon. This information is of course shared in the guide. You will learn how to set up your EVF (Electronic Viewfinder) and Screen toggle options. Not to mention that the mysterious performance of the Q Button is revealed and simplified. Brian Sump’s images reveal how well you can do when using the R5 with EF lenses using one of the three Canon EF-EOS R Mount Adapters (as Donna did with Image #1 below). You will learn how I use Customize Dials to put either ISO or EC on the Thumb Dial and how to set up and save Custom Shooting Modes (C1-C3) that can remember both your Customize Dial and Customize Button settings! That is something that none of the SONY bodies do. 🙁 Near the end of the guide I share my all-important MY MENU items with you.
Like all BAA educational materials, the R5 guide is written in my informal, easy-to-follow style. I am quite proud of this guide and look forward to hearing your thoughts on our hard work.
You can purchase your copy of the BIRDS AS ART Canon EOS R5 Camera User’s e-Guide for $75.00 here in the BAA Online Store or by calling Jim in the office weekday afternoons at 863-692-0906 with your credit card in hand.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
A single photographer needs to leave Homer a bit early (due to new, even more restrictive travel rules for Canadian citizens). This opens up two (or possibly three) pro-rated (with a late-registration discount) days on my 2022 eagle boat. This would seem to be a great opportunity for folks living in Anchorage or elsewhere in Alaska, or for folks who will be visiting the region soon. Please contact me via e-mail to staffbaa@att.net or try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. See below for details.
I had another good chance on the baby Bald Eagle sitting up in the nest on Friday morning. It seemed to have grown in a single day. Because of two delayed-by-bad-weather FedEx flights and an additional screw-up by Federal Express, I will not be able to share the whole gory laptop story with you here until this coming Tuesday. If my old computer is returned today — it has been upgraded to Saturday delivery, I may or may not have access to my samandmayasgrandpa@att.net e-mail today. There are often many related inconveniences after you shoot yourself in the foot. 🙂
After last week’s cold snap, it has been ridiculously warm here; yesterday’s high temperature was 86 degrees! I’ve been getting in the pool every day recently and doing my usual 44 lengths (1/2 mile). With a mildly injured right wing (shoulder), I have been doing lots of kicking and little actual swimming. I enjoyed a still, gorgeous sunset last night but there were very few birds.
That brings us to today, Saturday 5 February 2022. The forecast for today, and for the next ten days as well — until I leave for Anchorage early on the 15th, is calling for cloudy, cooler (but not cold) days, with the winds predominately from somewhere out of the north. 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 84 days in a row 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 earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.
This image was made with the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS lens, the 1.4X II TC, and the EOS-1D Mark IV. Not bad for Canon 🙂
Bald Eagle top shot sunset silhouette
IPT Daily Schedules
Whenever folks on an IPT ask, “What’s today’s schedule?,” I chuckle. Why? Aside from the time and place to meet, the daily schedule on an IPT s never set in stone. We are always flexible depending on the sky conditions and the wind direction. Though I always have a plan, such plans are changed often in response to the conditions. At Kachemak Bay, the weather can change in a moment so are often changing the schedule during the day. When the chances are for sun in the afternoon, we will usually try to arrange things so that we are in place for some sunset silhouette opportunities, as seen in the image above.
As everyone almost always under-exposes colorful sky silhouettes, be sure to expose to the right by adding more light than you think you need and ignoring the RED channel of the in-camera histogram.
All images from Homer or Kachemak Bay, AK
Pro-rated/Late Registration Discounted DAYs on the Second 2022 Homer/Kachemak Bay Bald Eagle IPT
IPT #2: SAT 26 & SUN 27 FEB 2022: $900.00 per day (reduced from $1,100/day). (Friday 25 FEB is possible offering the chance for a 3-DAY IPT) This trip features non-stop flight photography as well as many opportunities to create point-blank portraits of one of North America’s most sought-after avian subjects: Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus).
Also featured are a professional leader, often referred to as the world’s most knowledgeable bird photography trip leader who is conversant in Canon, Nikon, and SONY. You will learn practical and creative solutions to everyday photographic problems. You will learn to see the shot, to create dynamic image designs, to best utilize your camera’s AF system, and how to analyze the wind, the sky conditions, and the direction and quality of the light. This is one of the very few Homer trips available where you will not be simply put on the birds and told to have fun. You will actually learn to be a better photographer.
The best and most creative boat captain.
A sturdy, spacious, sea worthy, open-deck craft.
The only Bald Eagle workshop with an incredibly helpful, full time, professional first mate.
Small group Photoshop, Image Review, and Image critiquing sessions.
All images from Homer or Kachemak Bay, AK
What’s Included
One four hour or two two-hour boat trips every day (weather permitting), all boat fees and boat-related expenses (excluding tips), ground transportation to and from the dock and back to the hotel each day, in-the-field instruction and guidance, pre-trip gear advice, small group post-processing and image review sessions, and a thank you dinner for all well-behaved participants.
What’s Not Included
Your airfare (if necessary) to and from Homer, AK (via Anchorage), the cost of your room at Land’s End Resort, all personal items, all meals and beverages, and tips for the boat captain and/or the first mate.
Please Note
On great days, the group may wish to photograph for more than four hours. If the total time on the boat exceeds 8 hours for two pro-rated days or 12 hours for three pro-rated days, you will share the additional expense at a rate of $225/hour.
Deposit Information
Payment in full is due now via credit card or by personal check made out to BIRDS AS ART and sent to us via US mail.
In Closing
I have been going to Homer off and on for close to two decades. Every trip has been nothing short of fantastic. Many folks go in mid-March. The earlier you go, the better the chances for snow. The only way to assure that you are on the best of the two trips is to sign up for both. If you have any questions or are good to go for one or for both trips, please get in touch via e-mail or give me a call on my cell phone at 863-221-2372.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
On Thursday morning I photographed a Turkey Vulture, a Sandhill Crane, and the young Bald Eagle in the nest. To say that the eaglet has grown incredibly fast would be a big understatement. Sunset was not bad with some nice sky color. Stay tuned for the news on the attempted data recovery. The whole gory story will be detailed in tomorrow’s blog post.
I was glad to learn that all three of Mark Hardymon’s listed Sony items sold very quickly, as did Peter Noyes’ a7R iv. If you need to get in touch with me before I get my laptop back and running, please shoot an e-mail to staffbaa@att.net with the “ATTN: artie” as the Subject Line. Or try me on my cell at 863-221-2372.
Today is Friday 4 February 2022. The forecast of for clear and sunny with a southeast breeze. Needless to say, I headed 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 ninety minutes to prepare and makes 83 days in a row 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 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.
Sony Alpha 1 Bodies in Stock at Bedfords/free card offer!
Steve Elkins of Bedfords let me know recently that he had several Sony a1 bodies in stock. If one of them has your name on it, please click here and be sure to enter the BIRDSASART coupon code check the box for free shipping to enjoy free Second Day Air Fed-Ex. Right now, in lieu of the 3% credit refunded to the card you used for your purchase, you will receive a Sony 160GB CFexpress Type A TOUGH Memory Card, a $399.99 value!
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 24 January 2022 at La Jolla, CA. I used the hand held Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter (at 708mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ISO 640. Exposure determined via Zebras with ISO on the Thumb Wheel: RawDigger showed that the raw file brightness was dead solid-perfect: 1/640 sec. at f/9 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 9:14:17am on a clear sunny morning.
Tracking: Spot S/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to view the high-res version.
Image #1: Brown Pelicans tandem bathing
My #1 Pick. And Why.
In the Four Very Excellent Reasons to Add the Sony FE 1.4X Teleconverter to the Sony 200-600/a1 Combo blog post here, I wrote:
Which of today’s four featured images is the strongest? Please leave a comment and let us know why you made your choice. I feel that two of the images are far stronger than the other two, and of those two, I have a very clear favorite. Comments on the two best are of course welcome.
When I saw the short series of images of the two bathing pelicans, I thought, “This is a Rembrandt.” I got to see The Night Watch (or The Militia Company of Captain Frans Banning Cocq) 1642, oil on canvas, on display at the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam while on a tulip photography IPT. If you are at all interested in art, you can learn about the very interesting history of this painting here.
The colors (to some degree) and the somber mood and the tonalities in Image #1 are — to me, quite reminiscent of those in The Storm on the Sea of Galilee, the only seascape Rembrandt ever painted. (Click on the image file to close it.)
In addition, I love that there are two birds bathing side by side and splashing at the same time. It’s a plus that the two pelicans are just about parallel to each other; in the frames that followed the first one, the second bird turned away. Note also, that though images created when you are shooting down at a steep angle are not supposed to work, all who commented chose Image #1 as the best of the four. And I agree completely.
This image was created on 24 January 2022 at La Jolla, CA. I used the hand held Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter (at 840mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ISO 1000. Exposure determined via Zebras with ISO on the Thumb Wheel: RawDigger showed that the exposure was dead-solid perfect: 1/1600 sec. at f/9 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 9:42:57am on a clear sunny morning.
Tracking: Spot S/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to view the high-res version.
Image #4: Brown Pelican in mega-breeding plumage/preening head portrait
My Second Favorite. And Why.
Simply put, Image #2 defines the classic BIRDS AS ART style: clean, tight, and graphic (with a ton of dramatic color as well). And I just love the shade of the Pacific-blue background.
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. Last week, two folks in the group ordered a third a1! I am envious. The group is now up to an astounding 104 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 all who wish, can request 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. I finally finished the consolidated Sony a1 CAMSETA2 INFO & GUIDE and distributed it yesterday. New a1 folks will now receive three e-mails instead of the previous 28! It is a lot easier on me and is an incredible resource for folks new to the a1.
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.
Stick Marsh was better than expected. Just before sunrise there were about 20 Roseate Spoonbills on the North Rookery Island. Most of those birds flew off at about 7:15am. Soon thereafter, there were spoonies flying in and out until about 8:15am. The birds were displaying, courting, and pulling leaves (but not sticks or branches). They seemed not to be disturbed at all by the big construction project. All in all, I would say that things are looking good for a successful breeding season. I finally heard from FWC and will share some good info when I get my laptop back. I worked on the tripod at 1200mm and likely got at least one really good flight image.
Today is Thursday 3 February. The forecast for this morning is for clear skies with a southeast breeze. I will be heading down to the lake early, keeping all of my images on a single card until I am back in business. The data recovery is on-going. I learned yesterday that my MacBook Pro will almost surely need to be repaired or replaced. If you need to get in touch with me before I get my laptop back and running, please shoot an e-mail to staffbaa@att.net with the “ATTN: artie” as the Subject Line. Or try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day. This blog post took about ninety minutes to prepare and makes 82 days in a row 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 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.
Songs About Love #1
Which song do you like best, Bette Midler’s The Rose?
Songs About Love #2
Or John Denver’s Perhaps Love (with Placido Domingo)?
Tracking: Spot S AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed very well in a difficult situation. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
Image #2: Brown Pelican Pacific-race adult face portrait
My Favorite
The following appeared in the Clean, Tight, Graphic (and Abstract) blog post here:
I’ve made many hundreds of images like the one above over the past decade, but I’d never made one of a bird in the complete shade. Two things make this image very special to me. If you think that you know what they are, please leave a comment.
Like me, BPN member Kevin Hice liked Image #2 the best. He agreed that the matte gray background was superb. I am not sure if the background was water or the far cliff wall. In addition, I loved the unique combination of the single white feather and the smaller single gray feather on the top of the bird’s head.
This image was created on 19 January 2022. Standing at full height, I used the no-longer-available Induro GIT 304L/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). IS 400. The exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/2500 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 8:52:04am on a mostly sunny morning.
Tracking: upper center Zone AF-C performed very well. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a higher-res version.
Image #3: Brown Pelican vertical front-end flight take-off
Head Angle (Very) Fine Point
In the When Something Unexpected Happens blog post here, I wrote, with regards to the image above, Only one tiny thing bugs me about this image and keeps it from being perfect. If you think that you know what it is, please leave a comment.
Though the pelican’s head is pretty much square to the sensor, i.e., to the back of the camera, it is slightly turned away from the line of its body. For me, that makes it a poor head angle.
To better explain. The bird’s body in flight is angled slightly toward me. Imagine yourself in a helicopter well above the bird. Now draw a line from the center of the bird’s tail to the top of its head. In a perfect world, the tip of the bill would be on the same line. It is however, turned slightly away. Yes, that is a very fine point, but it bugged me. What was the cause? The wind was from the northeast and that determined the light path as it lifted off into the breeze. The bird, however, was just beginning to turn left heading for the feeding spree to the southwest … So it goes.
Re-writing for Clarity
Thanks to David Policansky (AKA Doctor Fish)
In the Understanding Depth-of-Field with Telephoto Lenses blog post here, I wrote:
If you are at a given aperture and focal length the d-o-f will be identical only if and when the subject is the same size in the frame. So if you are at 400mm and you get twice as close to the bird, the d-o-f will be identical; only the angle of view will change. Your frame will include much more background at the shorter focal length; the image will look totally different, but the degree of sharpness of the background will be identical.
If you are photographing a given bird in a given situation with the same rig at the same aperture and you zoom out, d-o-f will increase dramatically according to the laws of optics as we saw above. And the same is true if you move away from the subject; d-o-f is a function of the distance to the subject: the closer you are, the less the d-o-f. And the farther away you are, the greater the d-o-f.
David Policansky/February 1, 2022 at 10:57am
Artie: I am having a hard time understanding this from you. Is there another way to say it? “If you are at a given aperture and focal length the d-o-f will be identical only if and when the subject is the same size in the frame. So if you are at 400mm and you get twice as close to the bird, the d-o-f will be identical; only the angle of view will change. Your frame will include much more background at the shorter focal length; the image will look totally different, but the degree of sharpness of the background will be identical.”
Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART: February 1, 2022 at 8:48pm
Hey David, I see that the problem is with some poor writing by me. I need to hit the sack and will get back to you with a re-write soon.
with love, artie
Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART/February 2, 2022 at 6:34am
Hey David, Is this any better:
If you are at a given aperture and work at two different focal lengths, the d-o-f will be identical if and only if the subject is the exact same size in the frame. If you are at 400mm and you get twice as close to the bird working at 200mm, the d-o-f will be identical.
The angle of view, however, will change. Your frame will include much more background at the shorter focal length; being a lot wider, the image will look totally different, but the degree of sharpness of the background will be identical.
LMK if that works and I will go back and change the text in the blog post. If not, call me this afternoon 🙂
thanks with love, artie
David Policansky/February 2, 2022 at 3:16pm
Thanks, Artie. That’s clear, but as you would say, only 100%. 🙂 David
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
I headed out for a short session on Tuesday morning. I photographed the usual ILE suspects: Cattle Egret, Turkey Vulture, and Sandhill Crane. I am pretty sure that I got one very nice crane image. With no laptop, I will not know for sure for at least a while. I spoke to the data recovery spokes late on Tuesday but there was not much news. There is a chance of recovering photos from the laptop. I gave them permission to expedite the process. I should learn more tomorrow. If you need to get in touch with me before I get my laptop back, please shoot an e-mail to staffbaa@att.net with the “ATTN: artie” as the Subject Line. Or try me on my cell at 863-221-2372.
Today is Wednesday 2 February 2022. The forecast for this morning is for mostly sunny with an east wind. I will likely be heading to Stick Marsh early for a look around. 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 82 days in a row with a new one.
If you use a vertical (battery) grip on your camera, you are invited to leave a comment letting us know which camera body and sharing your thoughts on the good and the bad. If not, leave a comment and let us know why not.
Image courtesy of and copyright 2022: Dieter J. Schaefer
artie using the vertical grip at La Jolla, CA
The Vertical Grip in Action
For the most part, I used the vertical grip when I am using the big lens on a tripod as seen above. When hand holding, I use my second a1, the one without the vertical grip.
Note that you cannot see the Sony 70-200 f/2.8 II lens with the 1.4X TC and an a1 hanging on my right shoulder via a Black Rapid Curve Breathe Camera Strap. Note also the advanced sharpness technique that I am using by checking out the position of my left forearm and the positioning of the fingers on my left hand.
Upper Center Zone Continuous AF was active at the moment of exposure and nailed focus on the eye.
Image #1: Wood Stork head and neck portrait
Click on the image to see a larger, sharper version.
Coming to Grips with Vertical Grips
Most Canon and Nikon pro bodies have built in vertical grips that often accommodate powerful batteries that are larger in size than those used with the prosumer model camera bodies. Examples of those would be the Canon 5D Mark IV and the Nikon D-850. Most mirrorless camera bodies do not have vertical grips. Those would include all of the high end Sony and Canon bodies. The exception would be the new Nikon Z9 that has a built-in vertical grip.
Wide AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly.
Image #2: Little Blue Heron, fresh juvenile on rock
The Two Main Advantages of Vertical Grips
1- Vertical grips allow users to rotate the camera to vertical either when hand holding or on a tripod without having to twist their wrists by offering the same set of controls they would enjoy when shooting horizontally. Good ones offer a perfect duplicate of the button and dials on the top right of the camera body (that match the controls that you have at hand — or at finger — when the camera is held horizontally). Poorly designed vertical grips often leave folks frustrated when the configuration and/or the size of the buttons do not quite match up with the horizontal controls …
Without a vertical grip, users most often will twist their wrists 90 degrees counter-clockwise; their right index finger never leaves the shutter button. Some folks choose to rotate their wrists clockwise while still keeping their trigger finger on the shutter button. That always seemed quite awkward to me when hand holding. On a tripod, it is a reasonable alternative. If you are shooting with, slightly behind, and in close proximity to another photographer who is shooting vertically, their elbow often be in your shot. If they are on a tripod, you might request that they rotate their lens in a clockwise rather than in a counter-clockwise direction. No more elbow. Having done this on several occasions, I am always surprised when the other photographer invariably responds. “I never thought of doing it that way.”
2- Most vertical grips allow for the use of two batteries, or for the use of a single, larger, more powerful battery. I am pretty sure that the performance of the camera body does not improve with more or larger batteries. The big advantage on the battery side of things with a vertical grip is that you do not have to carry an extra battery or stop to change batteries while the action is hot.
This image was created on 15 January 2022, my first morning in La Jolla. Standing at full height on the sidewalk, I used the no-longer-available Induro GIT 304L/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). IS 640. The exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/320 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 8:45:17am on a mostly sunny morning.
Tracking: Spot S AF-C performed very well. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a higher-res version.
Image #2: Brown Pelican shaking off rain
The Disadvantage of All Vertical Grips
The biggest disadvantage that comes with using a battery grip is that they make your camera heavier. When I was using two 5D Mark IV bodies or two Nikon D850 bodies, I’d always have a grip on one body but not the other. Nearly all the time I would go with the gripped body when using a big lens on a tripod, and the body without the grip when hand holding an intermediate telephoto lens or a telephoto zoom lens for the obvious reason: keeping my hand held rig as light as possible.
When I was using the Sony a7R iii, the a7R iv, the a9, or the a9 II, I never used the battery grip. With my Sony Alpha 1 bodies, I purchased one Sony VG-C4EM Vertical Grip and use the gripped body almost exclusively when I am using the big lens (the 600mm f/4 GM) on the tripod.
This image was created on 19 January 2022. Standing at full height, I used the no-longer-available Induro GIT 304L/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). IS 400. The exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/2500 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 8:52:04am on a mostly sunny morning.
Tracking: upper center Zone AF-C performed very well. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a higher-res version.
Image #1: Brown Pelican vertical front-end flight take-off
The Disadvantages of the Sony VG-C4EM Vertical Grip
While looking for images to illustrate this blog post, I was shocked at how difficult it was for me to find vertical photographs; it seemed as if 98% of my images were horizontals. Anyhoo, I have two problems with the Sony VG-C4EM Vertical Grip:
#1: The positioning and sizes of the buttons and dials on the vertical grip are slightly different than those on the camera body when it is held horizontally. Thus, I need to look at the controls when I need to make changes. Working with the camera in horizontal format, I never need to look at the back of the camera. My biggest problem with the grip for the a1, however, is that it is somewhere between very difficult and almost impossible to reach the Thumb Wheel (AKA the Control Dial) on the back of the camera.
#2: This next issue is unique to those using the 600mm f/4 GM lens (and probably the 400mm f/2.8 GM lens as well). The grip increases the torque on the lens when you are working vertically. The big Sony GM lenses rotate so smoothly in the tripod collars that when you rotate the camera and the lens counter-clockwise to get to vertical, the lens will tend to rotate clockwise as the torque from the weight of the grip is greater than the force of the friction. It is necessary to tighten the tripod collar a bit to keep the lens from turning CW. If you level the rig with the electronic level and let go, the lens will spin a bit. When you tighten the tripod collar to keep the lens square to the world, it is more difficult to get back to horizontal format in a hurry when you need to.
SONY and artie
Switching to SONY, first with the a9 and the a9 II, and then to the remarkable a1, has enabled me (and others, like Mike De Rosa as seen a while ago in the blog post here), to create images of birds in flight and in action that I could never even dreamed of when using Canon for 33 years, and then Nikon for more than two. Most of the time I am using one of two AF methods that together, cover about 99% of the commonly-encountered bird photography situations. At present, I am experimenting beyond those … Learn more by joining the group! (I’ve recently switched to two other AF Methods!)
From long-time group member Craig Elson who has helped me often and immensely by answering some tough a1 questions, via e-mail
Artie, Thanks so much for consolidating and re-organizing all of the threads. I can only imagine how helpful this will be to someone opening the box on their new a1, not to mention your CAMSETA2.DAT file. And I think that was the first, and likely the last, time, that I will be referred to as “the estimable!”
Larry Master via e-mail:
I bought an a1 and associated lenses a year ago. I love it, esp. with the 200-600 w/1.4X TC, as my standard set-up. I use all of Artie Morris’ settings, causing almost all images, esp. flight shots, to be razor sharp on the eye. And exposure is easily nailed using the control wheel to dial the ISO. I have never had such a great bird photography camera!
From Long-ago IPT veteran Keith Kennedy via e-mail
Absolutely great information. I am calling Jim in a few minutes to order a couple of Delkin 128GB UHS-II cards. Your timely email has saved me a ton of money! Many thanks
In the same vein, via e-mail from John LeClair
Well, e-mail #21 alone was worth the price of admission!
From Pamela Viale, after receiving artie’s a1 settings along with detailed instructions on how to copy them to her SONY a1 via e-mail
This e-mail group has been an incredible boon to me! Thank you so much!
From Joe Barranco via e-Mail
Thanks for your great ideas on the A1 set up. I have been getting MANY more keepers doing things your way!
From Barbara White via e-Mail
Wow, I just gotta say – I learn so much from the SONY Alpha a1 Set-up and Info group! My camera is on my desk, and I’m always picking it up and changing something that I’ve read about in the e-mails.
Thanks, Barbara
From Janet Horton via e-Mail
Hi Artie, Mystery solved. Yes, I was able to replicate what you did. I forgot that you have to set self-timer using the upper dial. I am used to that being a MENU selection.
Thanks much, Janet
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. Last week, two folks in the group ordered a third a1! I am envious. The group is now up to an astounding 104 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 all who wish, can request 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. I finally finished the consolidated Sony a1 CAMSETA2 INFO & GUIDE and distributed it yesterday. New a1 folks will now receive three e-mails instead of the previous 28! It is a lot easier on me and is an incredible resource for folks new to the a1.
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.
My MacBook Pro (and the almost surely messed-up back-up drive) are on the way to the data recovery outfit in California by Fed-Ex Overnight Priority. I should find something out late today or early on Wednesday. My fingers still crossed. I will spare you the details when I learn more.
If you need to get in touch with me before I get my laptop back, please shoot an e-mail to staffbaa@att.net with the “ATTN: artie” as the Subject Line. Or try me on my cell at 863-221-2372.
Today is Tuesday February 1 2022. It is 10 degrees warmer than it was yesterday with clear skies and little wind. Though I have no place to put my images right now, I will head down to the lake by 7:30am. Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day. This blog post took about ninety minutes to prepare and makes 81 days in a row 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 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.
Sony Alpha 1 Bodies in Stock at Bedfords/free card offer!
Steve Elkins of Bedfords let me know recently that he had several Sony a1 bodies in stock. If one of them has your name on it, please click here and be sure to enter the BIRDSASART coupon code check the box for free shipping to enjoy free Second Day Air Fed-Ex. Right now, in lieu of the 3% credit refunded to the card you used for your purchase, you will receive a Sony 160GB CFexpress Type A TOUGH Memory Card, a $399.99 value!
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.
Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens
BIRDS AS ART Record Low Price
Good friend and multiple IPT veteran Mark Hardymon is offering a Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens in near-mint condition for the BAA record-low price of $1,348.00. The sale includes the front and rear lens caps, the factory soft case, the strap, the original box, the manuals, and insured ground shipping via major courier to lower 48 U.S. addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.
The versatile 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses have long been big favorites of many nature photographers. They are great for landscapes. I have used this lens with Canon and Nikon and SONY. I used my Canon version to photograph granddaughter Maya’s dance recitals and to create bird-scapes and pre-dawn blast-off blurs at Bosque del Apache NWR in New Mexico. They are fast and sharp and have 1,000 uses. The 70-200 f/2.8 lenses are a specialty lens for bird photographers. Like the bad little child, when they are good, they are really, really good! I’ve used mine mostly for flight photography at point blank range where their performance is unmatched, especially in low light. I’ve killed with these lenses on the gannet boat in the UK, in Homer for eagles, for pre-dawn and blizzard blast-offs at Bosque, and at Merritt Island on single birds from huge feeding sprees right next to the road.
This super-fast lens weighs only 3.26 pounds and is easily hand holdable by just about everyone. As it sells new right now for $2,298.00, you can save a cool $800.00 by grabbing mark’s lens asap. artie
ps: To see what the 70-200 zoom lenses can do, see below, and also see the images in the blog post here. artie
Tracking: Spot S AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #1: Brown Pelican sitting on dirt ridge on cliff
The Consensus Favorite
In the Eight Seconds Later and 165mm Wider blog post here, I posted the image above and the image below. Everyone who commented preferred the large-in-the-frame pelican image above to the habitat shot of the same bird below. Several folks trashed Image #2:
With the small in frame (subject), the bird seems to be lost.
#1 because I want to see the bird, not a busy, out-of-focus environmental shot.
#1, for the exact same reasons as the previous poster.
I actually liked Image #2 a lot, for several reasons. It helps to tell the whole story. It gives viewers a good idea of the setting. It gives the viewer an idea of the distance from the subject to the background. It shows the great versatility of all 70-200mm lenses. I thought that the o-o-f birds on the far wall provided an interesting background, and did not find the background very distracting at all. Lastly, when presented with Image #1 above, I saw the opportunity to teach a good lesson on depth-of-field, a topic that many bird photographers have serious misconceptions about.
Do understand that I respect the thoughts of the folks who did not like Image #2, and as always, am glad that they posted a comment. Above I am just sharing my two cents on the image.
Tracking: Spot S AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #2: Brown Pelican sitting on dirt ridge on cliff/bird-scape
Trying Yet Again to Explain the Relationship Between Depth of Field and Focal Length
In the Eight Seconds Later and 165mm Wider blog post here, I wrote:
Though I was standing in just about the same spot when I created both images, why are the birds in the background so much more sharply defined in Image #2 than in Image #1?
The question generated a series of comments (in part, below):
Adam: January 28, 2022 at 10:05am
To your question about DOF, the answer is that assuming you didn’t change the distance to the subject or aperture, the absolute DOF remains the same. The apparent DOF appears greater because you are zoomed out and smaller images appear sharper because they are more numerous and contrast is more apparent. However, if you were to enlarge/crop the second image to match the first image, the background would appear nearly the same.
Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART: January 28, 2022 at 2:34 pm
Thanks for commenting, Adam. You wrote, in part:
“To your question about DOF, the answer is that assuming you didn’t change the distance to the subject or aperture, the absolute DOF remains the same”
That would be true if and only if the size of the subject in the frame was the same. Cropping will not get you there. You are missing something important 🙂 with love, artie
Adam: January 28, 2022 at 4:24pm
Yes, how could I forget focal length? It must have been Covid-brain?
Next up was good friend and a many multiple IPT veteran John Dupps: January 28, 2022 at 3:49pm
You changed the focal length so the depth-of-field changed.
Morris/BIRDS AS ART: January 28, 2022 at 3:51pm
Hi John, I am glad that someone has been paying attention :).
with love, artie
John is of course, correct. Standing in roughly the same spot, the d-o-f increased dramatically. How dramatically? With a full frame camera body and an aperture of f/4, and assuming that I was about 10 feet from the subject, the d-o-f behind the bird for image #1 was about .48 inches. From the same spot, zooming out from 280mm to 115mm, the d-o-f behind the bird increased to 6.36 inches. Thus, the d-o-f increased by a factor of 13.25. And that explains why the birds on the far wall were more sharply defined than the few birds in the background in Image #1.
Some suggested that they might have liked Image #2 better had the birds on the far wall been in sharp focus. That shows a complete lack of understanding of d-o-f with telephoto lenses. The smallest aperture available with the gear in question is f/32. Going to f/32 would have required a much higher ISO along with a tripod and a much slower shutter speed. But here is the bigger problem: the far limit of d-o-f would have been about 12.7 feet, but the wall behind the birds was well more than 150 feet away. As they say frequently in Japan, “Not possible!”
The data above is from the excellent PhotoPills website here.
The Main Lesson
If you are at a given aperture and work at two different focal lengths, the d-o-f will be identical if and only if the subject is the exact same size in the frame. If you are at 400mm and you get twice as close to the bird working at 200mm, the d-o-f will be identical.
The angle of view, however, will change. Your frame will include much more background at the shorter focal length; being a lot wider, the image will look totally different, but the degree of sharpness of the background will be identical..
Related Telephoto Depth-of-Field Lessons
Probably 90% or more of my bird photography is done at the wide open aperture. Why? I love those creamy, dreamy backgrounds. Consider the following advice:
1- Unless you can verbalize a specific reason for stopping down to a smaller aperture, shoot wide open.
2- That said, understand that when you wish to create those smooth backgrounds, the distance from the subject to the background is at least as important as the f/stop.
3- Since depth-of-field is a function of the distance to the subject, the time to work with smaller apertures is when you are working near the minimum focusing distance of the lens with a large-in-the-frame subject.
4- Remember that WYSIWYG: what you see is what you get. If the whole subject looks completely sharp in the viewfinder, that means that it is covered by the d-o-f. In those case, there is no need to stop down at all.
5- That said, do understand that in such situations with long focal lengths d-o-f is measured in tiny fractions of an inch. Stopping down, therefore, will not help a ton.
6- As flying birds are generally a good distance away, you should — as a general rule, shoot flight at the wide open aperture so that you can maximize shutter speed at a given ISO.
As always, questions and comments are welcome.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
I was unable to get my MacBook Pro (and the almost surely messed-up back-up drive) for shipment to the data recovery outfit by Fed-Ex Overnight on Saturday afternoon; the Fed Ex depot in Lake Wales was closed when I got there. It will ship today. Fingers still crossed. I will spare you the gory details until I learn more.
If you need to get in touch with me, please shoot an e-mail to staffbaa@att.net with the “ATTN: artie” as the Subject Line. Or try me on my cell at 863-221-2372.
The favored Kansas City Chiefs destroyed the upstart Cincinnati Bengals in the first half, leading 21-3. They botched the last few seconds of the second quarter, leaving a bit of a sour taste in fans’ mouthes, but what could go wrong? Well, pretty much everything. Led by cocky young gunslinger Joe Burrow, the Bengals took the lead late in the game. The quarterback of the “Dynasty of One,” Patrick Mahomes, led the Chiefs to a trying field goal at the end of the fourth quarter. Ominously for the Bengals, the Chiefs won the overtime coin toss as they had in their miraculous come-from-behind win over the Buffalo Bills last weekend. But the Bengals intercepted a deflected Mahomes’ pass and drove for the point-blank game-winning field goal.
The Bengals are on to their first Super Bowl since 1988 to face the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams beat their long-time rivals, the San Francisco 49ers, with the second second-half comeback of the day. San Fran had beaten the Rams in the last six games they had played over the past three seasons. So much for winning streaks.
In the Super Bowl, to be played on Sunday February 13, I will be pulling for the cocky young gunslinger. I fly to Anchorage for the Homer IPTs on the 15th.
Today is Monday 31 January 2022. Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day. It finally got below freezing here today: 30 degrees! It is supposed to warm up this week. This blog post took about two hours to prepare and makes 80 days in a row with a new one.
Again, please realize that having three back-ups of your images should be mandatory (he said after the horses may have escaped from the barn …)
My Recent Comment at the “Disaster Pending” blog post here:
Thanks all for your comments and suggestions. I may be getting back to some of you for help when the smoke clears. As far as the expense of data recovery, that is fortunately pretty much irrelevant to me. The laptop should be fine, unless the Fed Ex plane crashes.
Mentally, I am in pretty good shape and will be, no matter the outcome, that thanks to The Work of Byron Katie. As far as cloud storage and backup, one of the problems here at ILE is that we have very slow internet with lots of promises but zero options at present. Please correct me if upload and download speeds have nothing to do with cloud storage.
Tracking: Zone AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly. Click on the image to see a larger version.
Image #2A: Osprey rising after missed strike — re-crafted as a vertical!
The Things That I Hate About the World’s Best Bird Photography Camera, the Sony Alpha 1
I love the quality of color of the Sony a1 raw files. I love the fine-feather detail of the sharp 51MP images. And most of all, I love that the remarkable AF system of the a1 with its Bird Eye/Face Detection feature has enabled me to become both a better flight photographer, and a better all-around bird and nature photographer as well.
There are however, several things that I strongly dislike about this great mirrorless camera body. Keep reading to learn about my pet a1 peeves.
Your Favorite Camera Body
If anything really bugs you about your favorite camera body, consider leaving a comment and sharing that information with us. Be sure specify your camera system and the particular body you use, and let us know what pisses you off.
Tied for First: Why Image Playback Forever?
When you press the Playback button to review an image, you must either press the Playback button again or half-press the shutter button to get back to active Shooting mode. If you forget to press the Playback button again or half-press the shutter button, you will see the image in the viewfinder when you raise the camera to your eye. Then you must either press the Playback button again or half-press the shutter button to clear the viewfinder. If you were after an action shot, sorry Bud, you missed it. If you were after a particularly nice pose that lasted only an instant, you were screwed again.
I first complained to Sony about this with the a9 and then with the a9 II. The folks at Sony said, “Don’t worry about it. It will become second nature.” Well, three years later, it has not. It continues to happen to me several times during most shooting sessions. I have suggested often to Sony that a simple Firmware update could give users the option of having the reviewed image turn off automatically after three, five, or even 10 seconds. Or Never, if anyone out there would like that option. Obviously, I could never understand why anyone would want the reviewed image to be displayed forever, or understand why that is the default in the first place.
Tied for First: What AF Method Was I Using?
With camera bodies from every major camera manufacturer that I know of, you are able to examine a raw file on your computer and determine what AF Method was used. Period. And simple. Sony’s Imaging Edge software, though a pain to use, allows you to see the location of the active AF point, but it does not tell you whether you were using Spot S, Tracking: Zone, or Tracking Spot S. How are you supposed to learn about the AF system of the a1 (or the AF systems of any of the other Sony bodies for that matter), if you are not able to determine after the fact which AF Method you used to create a given image?
This situation is utterly ridiculous; Sony should be embarrassed.
Third: Why Can’t Custom Key Settings Be Saved With Memory Recall?
Like most camera bodies, the a1 allows you to register different groups of settings that can be recalled almost instantly by choosing 1, 2, or 3 on the mode dial. On most cameras, this is a great time-saving feature that allows you to switch tracks quickly and easily. Like this, from the Sony a1 Help Guide:
Memory Recall (MR): Recall Camera Settings. You can call up frequently used modes and numerical value settings that have been registered in advance.
The huge Memory Recall problem with the a1 is that you cannot save Custom Key Settings when using MR. When I go from shooting in M (Manual mode) to working in S (Shutter Priority Mode), as I do often when creating pleasing blurs (or trying to), I first set AUTO ISO and then go to Custom Key Settings and assign Exposure Compensation to the Thumb Wheel. When I go back to working in Manual Mode I need to retrace my steps by going back to Custom Key Settings and assign ISO to the Thumb Wheel.
It would be nice, not to mention super-convenient, to be able to save both of the above configurations as say MR 1 and MR 2 so that that could be accessed by turning the mode dial. But Sony MR does not save Custom Key Settings. This is not something that I would expect or hope for with a $6500.00 camera body.
Fourth: Why No Vertically Tilting Rear Monitor?
I love shooting ground level images using the tilted rear monitor (especially when I have my reading glasses with me). I’ve done this with the camera body and/or the lens on the ground, with my rig mounted on a Panning Ground Pod or a splayed tripod, using the ankle-pod technique, or recently, in San Diego, simply holding the camera below me in midair while I was seated. With the a1, however, you are pretty much restricted to working in horizontal format. There have been dozens of times when I’ve wished that the a1 had an articulating screen that could be used to shoot both horizontals and verticals at ground level.
Fifth: Why Only +/- Two Stops on the Analog Exposure Scale in Manual Mode?
When you are working in an automatic exposure mode like S (shutter priority), A (Aperture Priority), or P (Program), the analog exposure scale at the bottom of the viewfinder is active from -5 stops to + five stops. When you are working in M (Manual mode) as I do for more than 95% of my bird photography, the analog exposure scale is active only for -2 to +2 stops. If you are at +2 stops and you add one click more of light, the indicator jumps to off scale plus with the right-facing triangle on the right end of the scale flashing to indicate more than 2 stops of over-exposure (rather than indicating the exact amount from +2 1/2 to +5 stops).
Why? Again, this makes zero sense to me and seems like something that could easily be fixed with a firmware update.
Sixth: Shutter Closing on Power Off Too Slow
The a1 offers a great Menu item that gives users the option to have the camera close the shutter when it is turned off. This helps keep the sensor clean. The problem is that it takes five seconds (and sometimes longer, possibly related to the battery power), for the shutter to close. So when you are in a situation where you need to add or remove a teleconverter right now, this instant, folks will often forget to wait to hear the soft clunk that signifies that the shutter has closed. Summing up, this is a great feature. I just wish that it were a lot faster, perhaps instantaneous.
Seventh: A Recommendation for the Manufacturers of all Digital Camera Bodies
I have thought of this one for well more than a decade. When you are working in an automatic exposure mode such as Tv (time value or shutter priority), or Av (aperture value or priority), all camera bodies record the Exposure Compensation (EC). You know if you were working at +2 stops or -1/3 stop. At present, however, it is not possible to know the EC when you are working in Manual mode (unless you happened to be looking at the analog exposure scale at the moment the image was made and either remembered or wrote down the EC value).
When you are working in Manual mode, all digital and mirrorless camera bodies know the exact difference between the exposure suggested by the camera and the actual exposure at the instant each and every photograph is created. If the cameras could record the data from the analog exposure scale and record it in the EXIF, users could access that information and learn more about exposure than ever before. Just a thought.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
