Which is your favorite image in the video? Why did you make your choice?
Old Like Me?
#HeadOverFoot #EveryStepStronger
If you are getting up there — like me, and your balance is not as good as it used to be — like me, you might want to check out David Weck’s Instagram page here. There is a ton of simple stuff there that can help you today. Heck, I am still exploring. In the short video here, Weck teaches his 81-year old Dad what Dr. Oliver calls “steering wheel walking.” I’ve been doing 1 1/2 miles of that most days for the past two weeks and my balance has already improved noticeably.
What’s Up?
I lucked out yesterday morning when I glanced out the window and spotted a Common Snipe in the grass not 15 feet from me. As it changed position and the sun came in and out briefly, it allowed me to circle around it in my SUV photographing it with the 600mm f/4 on the BLUBB with and without the 1.4X TC. Photos soon.
I was thrilled to learn recently that both Homer Bald Eagle IPTs are now sold out. I will be announcing the 2025 trips here soon. In addition, there are only two spots left on the Morro Bay IPT with another photographer interested.
Today is Friday 5 January 2024.I will be heading down to the lake soon. Wherever you are and whatever you choose to do, I hope that you too have a great day.
Please remember to use the B&H and Amazon links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!
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.
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.
Save 15%!
If you’d like to try out a new lens, or if you need a lens for a specific trip or project (or for an IPT), LensRentals.com is the only way to go. To save 15%, simply click on the logo link above, arrange for your rental, and type in BIRDSASART15. If you type the gear you are looking for in the search box, it will pop right up. LensRentals.com offers affordable insurance. You can decline it, opt for LensCap: Damage Only, or select LensCap: Damage & Theft. Then hit PROCEED TO CHECKOUT. After you enter all of your info but before completing your order, be sure to scroll down to Promo Code box and enter the BIRDSASART15 code to save 15%.
I checked on renting a Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens for a week. The cost is only $122.00. LensCap: Damage Only coverage can be added for a very low $18.00. Going with LensCap: Damage & Theft would be $27.00. The shipping charge varies. They offer an interesting program called Lensrentals HD. By signing up for this shipping discount program ($99.00/year), you’ll get free Standard Shipping on all the orders you place.
Renting a Sony 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens for a week will cost you $536.00. The two coverage options come in at $76.00 or $114.00. Less your 15% discount when you enter the BIRDSASART15 code into the Promo Code box at checkout and enter the BIRDSASART15 codeine the Promo Code box at checkout to save 15%.
Remember, to save the 15% on your rental you must start your search by clicking on the logo above, or on this link: LensRentals.com
Tracking Expand Spot/AF-C performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a larger, sharper, high-res version.
Image #6: Cooper’s Hawk, worn juvenile on The Perch
Wrong Again!
When I posted the image above in the Striving for Different. And Blessed at Indian Lake Estates blog post here, the photo was labeled as a Sharp-shinned Hawk. Oops.
Ryan Sanderson: December 12, 2023 at 10:32pm
What made you decide the hawk was a Sharp-shinned as opposed to a Cooper’s Hawk? It looks like an immature Cooper’s Hawk to me, the biggest point for that to my eye is the rather bulbous head in contrast to what is usually a pretty petite head on a Sharp-shinned Hawk. Also, the outer tail feathers appear to be notably shorter than the more central tail feathers, and those are usually roughly the same length on Sharp-shinned Hawks.
Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART: December 13, 2023 at 9:32am
Thanks, Ryan. You may be correct. When I saw the long tail, I first assumed Cooper’s. In the other images that I kept, the bird does not show the typical Cooper’s square-headed look and appears quite slim (and relatively small on the distant perch). I will consult others more knowledgeable than me and let you know.
with love, artie
David Sibley via e-mail
David kindly answered my Sharpie or Cooper’s e-mail by stating emphatically that the bird was indeed a Cooper’s hawk. Unfortunately, Apple Mail ate his e-mail.
If you live in North America and own one field guide, it should be The Sibley Guide to Birds, 2nd Edition. There is a copy of the first edition on my desk at all times.
From Jim Zipp via e-mail
Good to hear from you. I’d say Coop. Graduated tail feathers, small eyes especially when it’s facing you while sharpies usually look more bug-eyed. If you had one from the front it would be easy with breast markings fairly different between them but I’m pretty sure on Cooper’s.
From Julian Hough via e-mail
My first reaction was Cooper’s hawk. Could be wrong, but looks long-tailed and head shape looks OK for a coop.
Strange But True
In the recent blog post here, I shared 24 of my favorite images from 2023. I was shocked to note that none had been created with one of my favorite lenses, the Sony 200-600mm. The truth is that the 400mm f/2.8 and the 200-600 actually overlap to some degree with the 400mm f/2.8 landing smack dab in the middle of the zoom range of the 2-6. Of course, the 400 is far heavier (6.4 pounds versus 4.65 pounds, the latter much heavier than I thought when I did the video), far more expensive, $11,998.00 as compared to $1,998.00, and 2 1/3 stops faster than the 200-600 at the long end. The 200-600 is of course a lot easier to handle and a lot more versatile than the 400 f/2.8.
It is important to remember that last year the 400mm f/2.8 was a brand new toy so I went out of my way to play with it as much as possible.
Anyhoo, in the new video above I share 50 of my pretty darn good photos made last year with the 200-600. Plus two student images. Thanks to Mike Lavigne, new BAA friend from near Seattle, Washington for inspiring this video.
ISO 400. Exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/320 sec. at f/9 (wide open). When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be 1/2 stop too dark. AWB at 8:47:55am on a partly sunny morning.
Tracking: Zone with Bird Face/ye detection enabled performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
Image #1: Peregrine Falcon stretching
Image courtesy of and copyright Steve Murdock 2023
Image Optimization by BIRDS AS ART
Student’s Work
In the video I shared two images created by IPT participants using the 200-600. The cormorant on the beach photo was created by Paul Marbourg (no “h”) and the Dunlin image by Andrew Schonbek. Apologies to Steve Murdock for failing to include his fine Peregrine image created with the 200-600/1.4X TC/a-1 rig on a tripod. Learn more in the Science Fiction-Like AF with the Sony a1/200-600/1.4X TC! blog post here.
The Digital Basics III Video Series
The Digital Basics III Video Series
I realized about a year ago that my digital workflow had changed significantly and was toying with the idea of writing a Digital Basics III. More recently, I have learned and begun working with two great new Photoshop Tools, the Remove Tool and the Luminance Targeted Adjustment Tool. The former is like a smarter Spot Healing Brush Tool on steroids and the latter is a huge step up from the fabulous Color Mixer Tool. During that same time frame, I came up with a new and improved 2-step noise reduction technique. I still use Divide and Conquer, Quick Masks, Layer Masks, an expanded array of personalized keyboard shortcuts, and tons of other stuff from both versions of Digital Basics.
As soon as I realized that I did not want to take on another large writing project, I realized that by creating a series of videos I could much more easily share all the details of my current digital workflow and much more easily incorporate additional new tips, techniques, and tools as I went. And so, The Digital Basics III Video Series was born. You can check out Volume I/#1 here.
You might opt to purchase single videos or to subscribe to Volume I and save $26 by ordering the first five videos in one fell swoop. You can purchase the five videos in Volume I by clicking here. The videos will be most valuable for folks using the latest version of Photoshop (2024) or Lightroom along with Topaz DeNoise AI and Topaz Sharpen AI.
Retroactive Discount Savings
If you have previously purchased a single video and learned a lot, you can upgrade to the complete DB III Volume I series and save $26.00 by calling Jim at 863-692-0906 weekdays, Monday through Friday at noon.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
This infrared image was created on a Palouse IPT with the hand held Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM lens and a Canon EOS 5D Mark II converted to infrared at 720nm. ISO 400. Evaluative metering +2/3 stop: 1/320 sec. at f/9. Custom White Balance off the green grass.
The AF point to the left and below the center AF point/One Shot/Rear Focus AF as framed. Click here to see the latest version of the Rear Focus Tutorial. Click on the image to see a larger version.
Old Grain Elevator
This image was created many years ago on Thanksgiving Day at Bosque del Apache NWR with the handheld Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens (at 278mm) and my Kolari Vision-converted EOS-5D Mark II. ISO 800. Evaluative metering +2 stops: 1/800 sec. at f/5.6. Custom WB.
All 9 AF points/AI Servo/Shutter Button AF was active at the moment of exposure (as is always best when hand holding). Click on the image to see a larger version.
Red-winged Blackbird flock in front of mountains/IR
Canon EOS 5D Mark III/24-105 Infrared Rig with Many Extras!
Morro Bay IPT veteran Dane Johnson is offering a Canon EOS 5D Mark III (converted to infrared, as noted below) in near-mint conditions with the BG-E11 battery grip (in like-new condition) and a Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM lens (also in near-mint condition) for a ridiculously low $999.00. The Super Color Infrared (590nm) conversion was performed by Life Pixel in November 2017 and included a custom lens focus calibration. The shutter count is approximately 12,330. The sale includes everything above, the front body cap, the front and rear lens caps, the EW-83H lens shade, all the items that came in the original boxes (camera strap, battery charger, cables, manuals, etc.), the original product boxes, a Canon RS-80N3 Remote Switch (cable release), two RRS L-plates (for the camera and for the battery grip), three extra LP-E6 batteries, four Delkin 32GB CF 700X UDMA 6 compact flash cards, a Hoodman loupe for checking focus in the rear panel in live-view mode, a Photoshop action for channel switching the color channels (loaded on the CF card in the camera), 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 Dane via e-mail or by phone at 1-559-593-0989 (Pacific time zone).
As you can see above, I dabbled in IR for a while. I had some good results from Bosque and the Palouse. Dane’s offer above has so many extras that you could toss the camera and still come out ahead! artie
What’s Up?
There is an only one spot left on the first Homer IPT. Please e-mail for late-registration discount e-mail. I am willing to practically give the spot away for free to fill the boat. Homer #2 is sold out.
Thanks to the many who commented on my twenty-four favorite 2023 images in the previous blog post. It’s not too late to chime in if you missed doing so. I will share my top three with you here in the next post.
Sun with a NW wind on Tuesday morning went as expected — not too good. I did spend some time photographing a young Red-shouldered Hawk that sat on The Perch for two consecutive mornings. And there were a zillion Cattle Egrets feeding on the South Peninsula — actually about 200. The Forster’s Tern flock was up to 45 birds. And on my way yesterday afternoon, there were two Bonaparte’s Gulls swimming alongside the pier.
Today is Wednesday 3 January. As the forecast is calling for mostly cloudy skies with a NE breeze. — pretty good, I will head down to the lake with some rotten, smelly fish carcasses and heads when this offering is posted. Wherever you are and whatever you choose to do, I hope that you too have a great day.
Please remember to use the B&H and Amazon links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!
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.
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.
Save 15%!
If you’d like to try out a new lens, or if you need a lens for a specific trip or project (or for an IPT), LensRentals.com is the only way to go. To save 15%, simply click on the logo link above, arrange for your rental, and type in BIRDSASART15. If you type the gear you are looking for in the search box, it will pop right up. LensRentals.com offers affordable insurance. You can decline it, opt for LensCap: Damage Only, or select LensCap: Damage & Theft. Then hit PROCEED TO CHECKOUT. After you enter all of your info but before completing your order, be sure to scroll down to Promo Code box and enter the BIRDSASART15 code to save 15%.
I checked on renting a Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens for a week. The cost is only $122.00. LensCap: Damage Only coverage can be added for a very low $18.00. Going with LensCap: Damage & Theft would be $27.00. The shipping charge varies. They offer an interesting program called Lensrentals HD. By signing up for this shipping discount program ($99.00/year), you’ll get free Standard Shipping on all the orders you place.
Renting a Sony 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens for a week will cost you $536.00. The two coverage options come in at $76.00 or $114.00. Less your 15% discount when you enter the BIRDSASART15 code into the Promo Code box at checkout and enter the BIRDSASART15 codeine the Promo Code box at checkout to save 15%. .
Remember, to save the 15% on your rental you must start your search by clicking on the logo above, or on this link: LensRentals.com
B&H Simplified
To ensure that I get credit for your B&H purchases, you can always click here. The tracking is invisible but greatly appreciated. And, you can use your PayBoo card. You must use the website to order. B&H will reopen on Fri April 14. Thanking me for the past 4000 educational blog posts could not be any easier and will not cost you one penny. Please shoot me your B&H receipt for major purchases.
Bedfords Simplified
Click here to start your search. Choose standard shipping, and when you get to the payment page, enter BIRDSASART in the discount code box and hit apply. You will be upgraded to free second day air Fed-Ex and receive 3% cash back on your credit card once your stuff ships. Either is greatly appreciated by yours truly.
B&H
Many folks have written recently stating that they purchased a Sony a1 from B&H and would like their free membership in the Sony 1 Info and Updates Group, a $150.00 value. When I check my affiliate account, their orders have not been there. When I let them know that they get credit for B&H purchases only if they use one of the many B&H affiliate links on the blog or begin their searches with this link, they are always disappointed. If in doubt, please contact me via e-mail and request a BH link. I am always glad to help and to guide you to the right gear.
Bedfords Amazing BAA Discount Policy
Folks who have fallen in love with Bedfords can now use the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout to enjoy a post-purchase, 3% off-statement credit (excluding taxes and shipping charges) on orders paid with a credit card. The 3% credit will be refunded to the card you used for your purchase. Be sure, also, to check the box for free shipping to enjoy free Second Day Air Fed-Ex. This offer does not apply to purchases of Classes, Gift Cards, prior purchases.
Visit the Bedfords website here, shoot Steve Elkins an e-mail, or text him on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592.
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 on the right side of each blog post page). My affiliate link works fine 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. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often save you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.
This image was created on 1 January 2024 down by the lake at ILE. I used the handheld Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 448mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ) The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1250: 1/3200 second at f/6.3 (wide-open) in Manual Mode. AWB at 8:32:14am on a sunny morning. RawDigger showed the exposure to be dead-solid perfect (ho hum for Sony).
Tracking: Zone AF-C with Bird Face/Eye Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #1: Bald Eagle 4-year old in flight
The Situation
On the morning of the first day of the year, it was mostly sunny with a breeze that was switching from the northeast to the southeast. Driving around, I spotted the 4-year old Bald Eagle sitting on the grass on the North Field. Set up at 1200mm on the BLUBB, my heart rate increased as I drove slowly into position. In the early sunlight, the bird looked huge and regal. Then it flew off, harassed by the caracaras.
I put out some fish scraps and as I made my way back to the car, the sub-adult eagle swooped in followed quickly by the caracaras. I came up empty, sat on a pillow on the grass right by the car, and had a few good chances. The eagle flew by several times; today’s two feature images were made in the same second on the bird’s best approach. Though it never came down to the yummy salmon head, I was glad to create a few decent flight shots.
I did not stay long once the Black Vultures took over. I went back to patrolling in my SUV and again spotted the 4-year eagle on the grass near the caracara nest tree. This time I stayed farther back. As I got on sun angle, both caracaras dived on the eagle and drove it away. I’ve been trying for chase flight shots but so far have come up empty.
This image was created on 1 January 2024 down by the lake at ILE. I used the handheld Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 448mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ) The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1250: 1/3200 second at f/6.3 (wide-open) in Manual Mode. AWB at 8:32:14am on a sunny morning. RawDigger showed the exposure to be dead-solid perfect (ho hum for Sony).
Tracking: Zone AF-C with Bird Face/Eye Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #2: Bald Eagle 4-year old in flight
Consecutive Frames
As the 4-year eagle flew by, I got on it as quickly as possible. The first two frames, _A1G0822 & _A1G0823, were clearly the best as they were the only ones made before the bird turned away to the west. As expected with a 30 fps body, the two images were created in the same second. Both are excellent
Your Call?
Though obviously very similar, I believe that one of the two images has a more dynamic flight pose, and that the other one has slightly better sky color.
Do your best to take care of your health. Spend some time laughing, smiling, thinking, and crying every day. (Thanks to Jim Valvano.) Get out as much as possible to do some photography. It is my fervent wish that each of you attends a BAA Instructional Photo-Tour this coming year. I will be there 🙂
Your Call?
2023 was a great year for me. Below, I share 24 of my favorite images from last year. All are invited to leave a comment letting us know which are their three favorite image and why they made their choices.
An Invitation
All are invited to send me their two best images made in 2024 for a free, short critique. Please send sharpened 2000 pixel tall or wide JPEGs as e-mail attachments to me here. If you send three or more, I will delete your e-mail no matter how good the images.
Stats
The average focal length for all 24 images was 598mm, well within range of the Sony 200-600. Surprisingly, none of the images below were created with one of my favorite lenses, the relatively inexpensive, incredibly versatile Sony 2-6.
Five of the 24 images were created with my 70-200 GM II lens; long focal lengths are not a necessity. Only three of the photos were created at 1200mm. Eleven in all were made with my beloved 600mm f/4 (either bare or with a TC). And an additional eight (again, all either with the bare lens alone or with a TC) were created with my relatively new 400mm f/2.8. I surely am glad that I purchased it. Surprisingly, the images below represent photos made with only three lenses.
Image #1: Ring-necked Duck, San Diego, CA
Santee Lakes
Each San Diego IPT visits Santee Lakes at just the right time. We try for fire-in-the-mist, and then enjoy photographing the ducks at close range. My faves are the ring-necked, the Woodk Ducks, and the Cinnamon Teal.
Image #2: 2-year old Pacific-race Brown Pelican stretching wings, San Diego, CA
Sub-Adult Pelican Plumages
I always marvel at the widely variable plumages of all ages of the Pacific-race Brown Pelicans in San Diego.
Image #3: Pacific-race Brown Pelican resting, tight, San Diego, CA
Point Blank Range
On the rare cloudy, windy, sometimes stormy day with winds from the west or the southwest, there is a spot where you can consistently get very close to the pelicans. Join me on a San Diego IPT to learn where.
Image #4: Bald Eagle vertical banking flight, Kachemak Bay, Homer, AK
Vertical Banking Flight
Most (but not all) vertical bank shots of birds in flight are — as Image #4 was — cropped from horizontal originals. On the wind is just right on the Homer IPTs, I will teach the group to shoot vertical originals of banking Bald Eagles. There is one spot left on the first IPT; please e-mail for late-registration info.
Image #5: Bald Eagle braking to land in soft light, Kachemak Bay, Homer, AK
70-200 f/2.8 Lenses in Homer
Most of the 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses are extremely valuable on a Homer IPT. The lone exception is the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 lens which was inexplicably designed not to accept either teleconverter.. I use my Sony version II most often with the 1≥4X TC.
Image #6: Bald Eagle raising wings for take-off, Kachemak Bay, Homer, AK
The Sony 400mm f/2.8 GM Lens
After railing against the use of any 400mm f/2.8 lens for bird photography for nearly four decades, On a Homer IPT in 2022, I briefly borrowed one from participant from Harry Lerner and fell in love instantly. Though I still love my 600mm f/4 GM lens, the 400mm f/2.8 is the perfect lens in many situations.
Image #7: Coyote on snow-covered hillside, Kachemak Bay, Homer, AK
With the 1.4X TC
The 400mm f/2.8 lens with the 1.4X TC and an a-1 has become my favorite walk-around lens at Fort DeSoto. It turned out to be perfect in Homer when this handsome Coyote made its way down a snow-covered hillside. The super wide aperture allowed me to work at reduced ISOs in low light situations.
Image #8: Bald Eagle adult — tight flight, sweet light, Kachemak Bay, Homer, AK
560mm Again!
On the 2023 Homer IPTs, I used the 400mm f2.8 extensively, even when the sun was out.
Image #9: Snowy Egret — flight, full downstroke, Fort DeSoto Park, Pinellas County, FL
I often walk around with the 70-200mm/2X/a-1 rig at my favorite morning back-up location to take advantage of its extreme close focusing ability — yes, the birds are very tame there. This image was created on a Fort DeSoto IPT.
Image #10: Breeding Plumage Snowy Egret with crest blowing, Fort DeSoto Park, Pinellas County, FL
Snowy Egret Max Colors
For a very few days each spring, Snowy Egrets that are actively involved in breeding sport bright pink to cherry red lores. These dramatic colors do not last long.
Image #11: Royal Terns copulating and more, Fort DeSoto Park, Pinellas County, FL
The North Far Bar
Royal Tern courtship and breeding behaviors were spectacular last season at the New Far Bar on Outback Key. This one was created with the 400mm f/2.8 alone with the a-1.
Image #12: Royal Terns copulating, Fort DeSoto Park, Pinellas County, FL
More 400mm f/2.8!
Same spot, same lens. I love how the background was incorporated in this image. Had I been using the 600mm f/4, the angle of view would have been much narrower and the image far less appealing. At least for me.
Image #13: American Oystercatcher chick eating pregnant mole crab, Nickerson Beach Park, Lido Beach, NY
1200mm!
At times, slapping the 2X on the 600mm f/4 can pay huge dividends. Aside from the 24X magnification that comes in handy working with sensitives subjects, working at 1200mm gives you more leeway as far as sun angle is concerned. I will be announcing one or two 2024 Nickerson Beach IPTs — late July and early August.
Image #14: Common Tern chick killing wayward chick from another nest, Nickerson Beach Park, Lido Beach, NY
Murder on the Beach
Sitting behind the colony ropes behind the tripod-mounted 600mm f/4 turned out to be a great decision when this adult Common Tern repeatedly attacked a tiny tern chick from a nearby nest.
Image #15: Red-throated Loons/courtship or fighting? Iceland.
Why Would an Experienced Professional Pay to go on a Trip?
Professional tour leaders like Greg Downing often visit outstanding locations year after year. And thus, they learn all the hotspots. As the next few images show, I was very happy that I spent the money to attend a trip run by a former student.
Image #16: Black-legged Kittiwake screaming flight, Grimsey Island, Iceland.
Grieving in Flight
This kittiwake kept flying in to feed its chick in a nest on a cliff. The chick was dead, and therefore, did not respond when the parent landed at the nest and offered food. The bird would fly out to sea a bit and returned several times screaming in an effort to wake the dead. With the handheld 70-200mm GM III/1.4X/a-1 combo at 280mm.
Image #17: Atlantic Puffin with fish for chicks in nest, Grimsey Island, Iceland.
This might be my favorite Iceland image. I created many thousand of images of puffins in flight with sandeels in their bills, but this one is special for many reasons. In part, I love the out-of-focus cliff background. With the tripod-mounted 600 alone.
Image #18: Black Guillemot in flight, Grimsey Island, Iceland.
Zebra the Sky!
To come up with a perfect exposure on a white sky day, I set the exposure to completely over-expose the sky and then turned Zebras off so that I could see the guillemots as they flew into the nesting rocks.
Image #19: Atlantic Puffin, partial body flight with fish for chicks in nest, Grimsey Island, Iceland.
400mm f/2.8 Handheld in the Wind
This image was created on a mega-windy afternoon as hundreds of puffins held still in the wind right in front of me. If you would like to explore the possibility of visiting Iceland with Greg this July, please get in touch with me via e-mail.
Image #20:Snowy Egret stretching, Fort DeSoto Park, Pinellas, County, FL
Subject in Shade, Background in Sun
Though such situations are rare, they are always worth exploring. Join me on a DeSoto IPT in 2024 to learn a ton and become a much better bird photographer.
Image #21:Osprey beginning dive, Sebastian Inlet, FL
Sebastian Inlet
I visited Sebastian Inlet more in 2023 that I had in the previous years combined. I had one really good day with the Ospreys. This one with the 600mm f/4/1.4X TC/a-i on the tripod at full height.
Image #22: Mottled Duck flapping after bath, Indian Lake Estates, FL
Another Hard-to Approach Subject
There are lots of Mottled Ducks in the lake, usually just south of the pier. As they are difficult to impossible to approach, I stayed in my vehicle and worked with the 2X on the 600mm, supporting the lens on the BLUBB. Perfect images of ducks flapping after a bath are few and far behind. This in one of them.
Image #23: Sandhill Crane playing with dried grasses, Indian Lake Estates, FL
Unexpected Success
I was taking a walk with the 70-200mm f/2.8 II/2X TC/a-1 when I came across this crane playing in the sand box. When it grabbed some dried grasses, I fired off a very few frames not expecting anything even decent. I was surprised.
Image #24: Sandhill Crane in flight, full downstroke, Indian Lake Estates, FL
Not a Vulture
This crane flew in curious about the activity at my road kill cafe. When it took flight, I reduced the exposure by two clicks and again, somewhat unexpectedly, created a winner.
Typos
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