Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
May 9th, 2024

Right Place. Right Time. No Light. Right Lens, Again!

Supporting My Efforts Here

If you enjoy and learn from the blog, please consider using one of my affiliate links when purchasing new gear. It will never cost you a single penny. To support my effort here, please order from B&H by beginning your search here. Or, click here, to order from Bedfords and enter the discount code BIRDSASART at checkout to receive 3% cash back to your credit card and enjoy free Second-Day Air Fed-Ex shipping. It is always best to write for advice via e-mail.

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

Live Life to the Fullest

Join an Instructional Photo-Tour. Better yet, sign up for both Homer trips.

What’s Up?

Everyone got to the AirBnB early so we headed out for a free afternoon of instruction. The tide was very low at East Beach but we tried. Steve Shore rented my Sony 600 and an a9ii. It took about six minutes to familiarize him the a9 iii and the Sony system, as advertised. By the next morning he was consistently making sharp, well exposed images at 1200mm. Put him down as another who trusted me on Sony. As I had done last January after a zero afternoon (see the last item below), we stopped under the big bridge. We were rewarded with a handsome Great Blue Heron in fresh juvenal plumage; the bird looked as if it had just left the nest that morning. All enjoyed a seared tuna and guacamole dinner prepared by Chef Morris 🙂

Despite tales of “no birds at DeSoto” for the last several months, we had lots of great opps on Wednesday morning with about tens species of shorebirds, Royal and Sandwich Terns, Brown Pelicans, about six Reddish Egrets including a dancing white morph, Great Blue Heron and Snowy Egret, and White Ibis.

Today is Thursday 9 May 2024. We all hope that you too have a wonderful day.

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

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

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

Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens

Used Gear Page veteran Robert Hollyer is offering a Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens in Like-New condition for a BAA record Low $9,998.00. The sale includes the front lens cap, the rear lens cap, the lens hood, the lens strap, that hard case & strap, the original product box, 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 Bob via e-mail or by phone at 1-206-359-0018 PST.

I purchased my Sony 400mm f/2.8 two years ago to complement my 600mm f/4. Robert is selling his because he rarely uses it, opting instead for the 600mm f/4! It is far easier for me to handhold the 4 ounces lighter, much smaller, and better balanced 400 f/2.8 than it is to handhold the 600mm f/4. The 400 kills in extreme low light and for flight with or without the 1.4X teleconverter. This lens sells new right now for $11,998.00 at B&H and there are used copies going for $10998.00 as well. Act quickly to save a handsome $2,000.00 by grabbing Robert’s might-as-well-be-new 400mm GM lens. And you can’t beat the f/2.8 bokeh! artie

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

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

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

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

ddc 728w

Save 15%!

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

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

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

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



B&H

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

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

Bedfords Simplified

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

Bedfords Amazing BAA Discount Policy

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

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

Gear Questions and Advice

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

This image was created on 7 May (happy 50ieth birthday to my younger daughter Alissa) 2024 at a little known spot outside of Fort DeSoto Park. Seated using the knee-pod technique, I used the handheld Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the rThumb Dial. ISO 1600: 1/500 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead solid perfect. AWB at 7:59:20pm in the shadow of a huge bridge. Sunset would be at 8:09pm.

Tracking Zone/AF-C performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.

Image #1: Great Blue Heron in fresh juvenal plumage with tiny baitfish

First Crack at the Beautiful Young GBH

Using the knee-pod technique, I am confident of making sharp images at 400mm using a shutter speed of 1/500 sec. But that is not fast enough to freeze the action when a heron or egret strikes at a fish. It was fine, however, for making a sharp image of this young bird with its minuscule dinner. The head angle in this image is not quite ideal.

This image was created on 7 May (happy 50ieth birthday to younger daughter Alissa) 2024 at a little known spot outside of Fort DeSoto Park. Seated using the knee-pod technique, I used the handheld Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the rThumb Dial. ISO 3200: 1/1000 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead solid perfect. AWB at 8:00:50pm in the shadow of a huge bridge. Sunset would be at 8:09pm.

Tracking Zone/AF-C performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.

Image #2: Great Blue Heron in fresh juvenal plumage

The Perfect Lens for the Situation

See the Miracle Under the Bridge item below to learn about the last time I checked under the bridge. Even on sunny days, there is little light at this location so the 400mm f/2.8 GM lens is often perfect. As above, sitting and resting my left forearm atop my left knee, I am 100% confident of making sharp images at 1/500 sec. But after I missed the first strike, I doubled both the ISO and the shutter speed so that I might be able to freeze the action if and when the bird struck again. It did, but was angled away. Anyhoo, I was thrilled that I decided literally at the last second to stick the 400 f/2.8 GM in an old lens bag and bring it to DeSoto.

This image of the same bird was created on 7 May (happy 50ieth birthday to younger daughter Alissa) 2024 at a little known spot outside of Fort DeSoto Park. I used the handheld Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the rThumb Dial. ISO 3200: 1/1000 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead solid perfect. AWB at 8:01:10pm in the shadow of a huge bridge. Sunset would be at 8:09pm.

Tracking Zone/AF-C performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.

Image #3: Great Blue Heron in fresh juvenal plumage

Optimization Variation

I’ve said it often here in the past, “If you optimize several images from a series starting each one at scratch, the results will usually vary noticeably even if you are working in the same ambient light. I will admit though, that with Images 1-3, I went for a different look for the background as far as color and texture. Which background do you like best? Why?

This image was created on Thursday 11 January 2024 on a 2 1/2-DAY Fort DeSoto (private) IPT. Standing at full height, I used the handheld Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1250. 1/500 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be perfect (ho hum). AWB at 5:09:47pm on a cloudy-dark afternoon.

Tracking: upper center Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the sharper high-res version.

Image #4 (a re-run): Great Blue Heron, territorial threat display

Miracle Under the Bridge

In January past, I visited the same location after a terrible afternoon and the two folks on the private IPT and I were rewarded by two threat displaying Great Blue Herons. Read the whole story in the Miracle Under the Bridge blog post here.

Typos

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

May 7th, 2024

Killdeers Adults and Chicks are Skittish. What to Do?

Supporting My Efforts Here

If you enjoy and learn from the blog, please consider using one of my affiliate links when purchasing new gear. It will never cost you a single penny. To support my effort here, please order from B&H by beginning your search here. Or, click here, to order from Bedfords and enter the discount code BIRDSASART at checkout to receive 3% cash back to your credit card and enjoy free Second-Day Air Fed-Ex shipping. It is always best to write for advice via e-mail.

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

Live Life to the Fullest

Join an Instructional Photo-Tour. Better yet, sign up for both Homer trips.

What’s Up?

I enjoyed another excellent morning of photography shooting from my SUV here at ILE: Sandhill Cranes, Ospreys, Black-bellied Whistling Ducks, and a Killdeer family with three too-cute chicks.

Today is Tuesday 7 May 2024. I will be heading down to the lake early. Then I need to finish packing and drive over to Tampa Airport to pick up two of the three attendees on the Spring DeSoto IPT. For those two folks, it has been about 30 years since there last IPT! Learning on this IPT will be maximized as four of us are sharing an AirBnB.

Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too are learning and having fun.

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

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

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

This image was created on 5 May 2024 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Working from the driver’s seat of my SUV, I used the 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). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 1250. 1/640 sec. at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be dead solid perfect. AWB at 7:26:18am on sunny morning.

Tracking: Expand Spot/AF-C performed perfectly even at 1200mm. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

Image #1: Killdeer — adult ruffling

Why 1200mm From Your Vehicle?

When photographing wary avian species from your vehicle using the car-as-blind technique, it is a good plan to use your longest focal length. Why? To reduce the angle of declination, the degree to which you are shooting down at the bird. No matter how fast a shutter speed you are using, always be sure to turn off the engine. And if you are working on a BLUBB-, be sure to move the Direct Manual Focus (DMF) switch to the OFF position to avoid throwing off the focusing as you frame the image.

I got lucky with Image #1. I was parked and very still while photographing several Black-bellied Whistling Ducks when this Killdeer approached my SUV and began ruffling.

This image was created on 6 May 2024 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Working from the driver’s seat of my SUV, I used the 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). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 1600. 1/1000 sec. at f/9 (stopped down 1/3-stop) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be perfect. AWB at 7:26:18am on sunny morning.

Tracking: Expand Spot/AF-C performed perfectly even at 1200mm. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

Image #1: Killdeer — 6-day old chick

I Finally Found Them!

After several days of searching near the building by the pier, I found the Killdeer nest on decorative rocks on Wednesday morning. There was one practically lifeless chick and two eggs. Later that morning there were three chicks. When I showed the nest to Clemens Van der Werf that afternoon, there were two chicks, both just lying there in the shade. We took turns with my Canon 180mm macro lens. (I use mine with my a-1 with an adapter — details are in past flower posts). Anyhoo, as fate would have it, when it was Clemens turn both chicks woke up and one lifted its head. Clemens got the best image before they both went back to sleep.

For five days I searched for the hopefully still alive and well three chicks. The parent birds were around near the SW corner of the sand pit. I spotted and photographed two of them and after a while, I realized that all three were in the same spot. I will try for them again this morning.

Flight Photography at Jacksonville Till You Can’t Lift Your Lens!

Join me on the beach at Huguenot Memorial Park to learn about photographing terns in flight. 8,000 pairs of Royal Terns nest there and there are birds in the air all the time, often carrying all kinds of fish and crabs and other invertebrates for their young. Learn about how the relationship between the wind and the sun impacts flight photography and about the best gear for shooting birds in flight. Note that all the images in the video were created with the Sony a1 (and a variety of lenses). Join me on a workshop at Jacksonville this summer. See the details below.

Clockwise from upper left corner around to center: ink-stained Royal Tern with squid for chicks; fluffy white Royal Tern Chick about two weeks old; Royal Tern with shrimp for chicks; 3-4 week old Royal Tern chick; incoming adult Royal Tern with greenback; Royal Tern in flight with juvenile mahi-mahi; large Brown Pelican chick preening; field guide portrait of fresh juvenile Laughing Gull; Royal Tern chick begging for fish from incoming adult.

Join me at Huguenot Memorial Park this July

Join Me

I have an AirBnB checking in on the late afternoon of Saturday 13 July and checking out on Thursday 19 July 2024. If you are looking to improve your bird photography by leaps and bounds while sharing the place with me, please shoot me an e-mail. ASAP.

Clockwise from upper left corner around to center: Royal Tern chick feeding frenzy; Royal Tern nearly fledged chick; ink-stained Royal Tern with squid for chicks; Royal Tern chick begging; Brown Pelican immature tight flight; Royal Tern adult screaming — tight flight; Laughing Gulls mobbing Royal Tern to steal fish; Royal Tern with fish for chicks.

Join me at Huguenot Memorial Park this July

Huguenot Memorial Park in Early Summer

Driving on the beach at Huguenot Memorial Park in early summer is a bird photographer’s delight. You park this side of the last rope on the beach and you are within 100 yards of the Royal Tern colony atop the dunes. There are also many thousand Laughing Gulls and a few Sandwich Terns breeding as well. In some years, there are some Brown Pelican nests on the ground! .

In early July, the tern chicks begin to make their way down to the flats to bathe and drink and get fed by the parents. On the way, they spend a lot of time on the face of the dune where they are easy to photograph at eye level. They may also gather in fairly large groups at the base of the dunes.

Flight photography both in the mornings and the afternoons can be quite excellent as the terns are carrying all manner of marine life to sustain the rapidly growing chicks: the adults are often seen flying around in search of their chicks with all sorts of small baitfish as well as immature fish, large shrimps, baby crabs, and even squid in their bills. The squid will squirt ink on the terns in protest. So if you see an adult Royal Tern flying around with a black necklace you can understand why.

2024 Jacksonville IPT: 4 1/2 DAY option Monday 15 July 2024 through the morning session on FRI 19 JULY — $2299.00 (Limit 4 photographers)

2024 Jacksonville IPT 3 1/2 DAY option: Monday 15 July 2024 through the morning session on THUR 18 July: $1799.00. (Limit 4 photographers)

I do not like to disappoint: each trip will run with only a single participant. If necessary.

I first visited the beach nesting bird colony at Jacksonville in late June 2021. I was astounded. There were many thousands of pairs of Royal Terns nesting along with about 10,000 pairs of Laughing Gulls. In addition to the royals, there were some Sandwich Terns nesting. And there are several dozen pairs of Brown Pelicans nesting on the ground. Flight photography was non-stop astounding. And photographing the tern chicks was relatively easy. Folks could do the whole trip with the Sony 200-600, the Canon 100-500 RF, or the Nikon 500 PF or one of the many nw Z lenses. With a TC in your pocket for use on sunny days. Most of the action is within 100 yards of where we park (on the beach). As with all bird photography, there are times when a super-telephoto lens with either TC is the best tool for the job.

Morning sessions will average about three hours, afternoon sessions at least 1 1/2. On cloudy mornings with favorable winds, we may opt to stay out for one long session and skip the afternoon, especially when the afternoon weather forecast is poor. Lunch is included on all but the last day of each IPT and will be served at my AirBnB. After lunch, we will do image review and Photoshop sessions. My AirBnB is the closest lodging to the park.

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 Jacksonville IPT

  • 1- First and foremast you will learn to become a better flight photographer. Much better.
  • 2-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.
  • 3- You will learn to work in Manual exposure mode even if you fear it.
  • 4- You will learn to evaluate wind and sky conditions and understand how they affect bird photography, especially the photography of birds in flight.
  • 5- You will learn several pro secrets (for each system) that will help you to become a better flight photographer.
  • 6- You will learn to zoom out in advance (because the birds are so close!) 🙂
  • 7- You will learn how to approach free and wild birds without disturbing them.
  • 8- You will learn to spot the good and the great situations.
  • 9- You will learn to understand and predict bird behavior.
  • 10- You will learn to design pleasing images by mastering your camera’s AF system.
  • 11- You will learn to choose the best perspective.
  • 12- You will learn to see and control your backgrounds.
  • 13- You will learn to see and understand the light.
  • 14- You will learn to see and create pleasing blurs in pre-dawn situations.
  • 15- You will learn to be ready for the most likely event.

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.

Flight Photography at Jax

There is a ton of great flight photography at Huguenot. You can use a handheld intermediate telephoto lens or a faster, longer fixed focal length lens mounted on a tripod with a Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro. We will get to photograph the Royal and Sandwich Terns, Laughing and other gulls, and Brown Pelicans, all in flight on most days.

Lenses for Flight Photography at Jax

While a handheld or tripod mounted 500 or 600mm f/4 lens can be quite useful for flight photography on the beach, handhold-able intermediate and zoom telephoto lenses like the Sony 200-600mm G lens, the Canon RF 100-500, and any one of the Nikon intermediate telephotos are often the ticket to success when flight shooting. I did quite well on my last visit handholding the Sony 400mm f/2.8 GM lens usually with the 1.4X teleconverter. This year I will be shooting often with my new Sony 300mm f/2.8 lens with either the 1.4X or 2x TC. And my a9 iii will be there as well.

Typos

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

May 5th, 2024

Striving Not to Be Bored of Sandhill Cranes …

Thanks!

Thanks to Adam, Muhammad (Moe) Arif, and Cliff Beittel for their helpful comments at yesterday’s Lake Blue Cypress — It Ain’t Just Ospreys. Part I blog post here. I often learn a ton from the comments and that was the case yesterday.

Your Call?

After clicking on each to enlarge, which of today’s featured images do you like best? Why?

Supporting My Efforts Here

If you enjoy and learn from the blog, please consider using one of my affiliate links when purchasing new gear. It will never cost you a single penny. To support my effort here, please order from B&H by beginning your search here. Or, click here, to order from Bedfords and enter the discount code BIRDSASART at checkout to receive 3% cash back to your credit card and enjoy free Second-Day Air Fed-Ex shipping. It is always best to write for advice via e-mail.

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

Live Life to the Fullest

Join an Instructional Photo-Tour. Better yet, sign up for both Homer trips.

What’s Up?

Today is Sunday 5 May. I got down to the lake early and everything was pretty much perfect: clear with gorgeous early light and a nice breeze from the east. Early on thing was pretty dead. My best chance was with a preening killdeer — 201 images with the a-1!. By 7:30am there was a bit more activity, but because of a lack of concentration by the operator, I missed two really good chances with the male Osprey perched above the old eagle nest.

When I find a cooperative perched Osprey, I’ve been doing lots of comparisons by switching cameras (the a-1 and the a9 iii) back and forth. This morning, I worked on experimenting with various white balance settings on the a-1.

Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too are learning and having fun.

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

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

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

This image was created on 30 April 2024 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Working from the driver’s seat of my SUV, I used the 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). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 2000. 1/800 sec. at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be dead solid perfect. AWB at 7:23:36am on sunny morning.

Tracking: Expand Spot/AF-C performed perfectly even at 1200mm. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

Image #1: Sandhill Crane post-preening pose

Looking for Different

I head down to the lake most every morning when I am not on the road, and most every morning, there are Sandhill Cranes to photograph. Sometimes I get bored with the cranes. The challenge therefore, is the quest for something new and different, or at least for something perfect. Image #1 fits into the latter category. Most of the cranes are tame. When the adults are foraging, they are difficult to photograph as they are moving constantly. When I see a pair standing in one spot, they are almost always preening; it is easy to drive into point blank range. I’ve made many thousands of images in such situations. Heck, possibly tens of thousands. Is there anything about Image #1 that bug you?

This image was created on 3 May 2024 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Working from the driver’s seat of my SUV, I used the BLUBB-supported Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 800. 1/400 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be perfect. AWB at 7:11:46am as early clouds and fog blocked the sun.

Tracking: Expand Spot/AF-C performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

Image #2: Sandhill Crane adult and young bird-scape with tree and ground fog

Different for Sure

When I headed down to the lake on Friday morning, there were some low clouds to the east and some ground fog on the North Field. I drove past the adult and colt foraging to see if there was any possibility of fire in the mist conditions by shooting back into the soon-to-come sunrise. But the fog was not thick enough. So I made a U-turn to check out the bird-scape opportunities. I stay far back so that I could put the birds in a corner of the frame and include the ground fog. That is when I noticed the tree. As the sun had not broken through the clouds, I was able to shoot south to north as sun angle would not be a problem. Image #2 was the best of the lot.

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 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 purchase Volume I and save $26 by ordering the first five videos in one fell swoop here. #5 was sent last week. 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 and for those familiar with the techniques detailed in the earlier versions of Digital Basics.. Especially Digital Basics II.

Typos

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

May 4th, 2024

Lake Blue Cypress -- It Ain't Just Ospreys. Part I

Apologize for What?

In the To Improve Your Bird (and Nature) Photography By Leaps and Bounds, Be Sure to Bookmark and Study this Page blog post here, I wrote:

I told him right off that the good news is that he is making sharp images and that he had captured some interesting behaviors. But. And there were lots of buts. He made just about every possible beginner mistake, and as you might imagine, most of the images were horrific at best.

We talked about sun angle, getting lower and choice of perspective, seeing the shot, head angle, subject to imaging sensor orientation, and most importantly for him, the fact that the backgrounds in bird photography are often more important than the subject. At times it was difficult for him to grasp what I was talking about, but we stuck with it, and the result was many “Aha-s.

I had him send me two raw files and was not completely surprised to see that they were both huge crops. So, he also needs help on getting closer to his subjects.

After 40 minutes on the phone, he sent me these comments via e-mail:
Thanks for the critique! Lots to learn, for sure. I went out this afternoon to practice paying attention to the backgrounds. It was fun and I’m getting the hang of it. It was too cloudy to practice sun angle. Next time.

Check the comments there; nobody had word one to say about what I said or wrote. Not one word.

In the next blog post, Believe It Or Not, here, I published the e-mail sent to me by the gentleman from Vermont. Most of the many folks who commented stated clearly that I was wrong, that I insulted him and that I should apologize. Like Kevin Hice and Bob Eastman, I just didn’t get it. Should I apologize for being honest? If you paid for a critique, would you like me to be honest with you?

It seems obvious to me that folks were reacting to what the gentleman from Vermont had to say rather than anything that I had said or done … Yet most folks opted to trash me 🙂 You gotta love that.

I did not call the guy any names. I did not insult him. As he requested, I never mentioned his name. Everything that I said in the two posts was 100% true. When we spoke on the phone, I used the word horrific to describe his images as he needed to be shocked. He thought that his photos were pretty good.

When I first read his e-mail, I immediately thought of the Jack Nicholson line from A Few Good Men: You can’t handle the truth!

If you would like to learn how I really feel about this matter, check out my responses to most every comment in the Believe It Or Not blog post here.

Supporting My Efforts Here

If you enjoy and learn from the blog, please consider using one of my affiliate links when purchasing new gear. It will never cost you a single penny. To support my effort here, please order from B&H by beginning your search here. Or, click here, to order from Bedfords and enter the discount code BIRDSASART at checkout to receive 3% cash back to your credit card and enjoy free Second-Day Air Fed-Ex shipping. It is always best to write for advice via e-mail.

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

Live Life to the Fullest

Join an Instructional Photo-Tour. Better yet, sign up for both Homer trips.

Your Call?

Which of today’s four featured images impresses you most? Why? Which of today’s four featured images impresses you the least? Why?

What’s Up?

Clemens Van der Werf and I rented a pontoon boat with a guide on Thursday morning at Lake Blue Cypress. Despite a W/NW breeze that had all the birds flying away from us, we did pretty darned well. If you would like to attend an Osprey/landscape workshop next spring, please LMK via e-mail.

Photography at ILE has continued to be excellent most every morning. I have been striving for different with several Sandhill Crane pairs and families.

Today is 4 May 2024. I will be headed down to the lake early. Whatever you choose to do, I hope that you have fun and get a chance to do some photography.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ddc 728w

Save 15%!

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

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

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

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



B&H

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

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

Bedfords Simplified

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

Bedfords Amazing BAA Discount Policy

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

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

Gear Questions and Advice

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

This image was created on 2 May 2024 on a rented pontoon boat at Lake Blue Cypress. I used the handheld Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS Lens (at 553mm) and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with Exposure Compensation on the Thumb Dial. Multi Metering -1/3 stop. AUTO ISO set ISO 2000: 1/2000 sec. at f/6.3 (wide open) in Shutter Priority mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead solid perfect. AWB at 6:46:49am right after sunrise.

Tracking Zone/AF-C performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.

Image #1: Cypress Trees on a foggy morning at sunrise

Shutter Priority Mode with AUTO ISO When You Have No Clue

In predawn light I often go to Shutter Priority (S) mode with AUTO ISO. I assign Exposure Compensation (EC) to the Thumb Dial. I can go with slow shutter speeds with lots of +EC or with faster shutter speeds for sunrise landscapes. For Image #1 I need -.03 EC to avoid toasting the rim lit clouds. Though it helps to understand exposure theory, it is easier with Sony Zebras; just pick your shutter speed and them adjust the EC until you see only a very few Zebras and you are good to go.

There were a zillion ways to go with the color and processing on this one. WDYT?

This image was also created on 2 May 2024 on a rented pontoon boat at Lake Blue Cypress. I used the handheld Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter (at 420mm) and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 2000: 1/1250 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be perfect. AWB at 6:59:48am on a clear, sunny morning.

Tracking: Expand Spot/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed well. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

Image #2: Spanish Moss hanging from Bald Cypress tree

Early Morning Light

Once the sun broke through the fog, I went with the 300mm f/2.8, the 1.4X, and the a9 iii for Ospreys in flight. The moss-draped cypress trees are exquisite in early morning light. As we motored very slowly by, I saw Image #2 in my mind’s eye, adjusted the exposure, and fired off a few frames. I love the golden tones of the moss and the colors in the water as well.

This image was also created on 2 May 2024 on a rented pontoon boat at Lake Blue Cypress. For this (and the next) image, I used the handheld Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 2x Teleconverter (at 600mm) and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 800: 1/4000 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead solid perfect. AWB at 8:11:25am on a clear sunny morning.

Tracking Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.

Image #3: Osprey landing with talons extended

Oh Well

The wind had been from the south for six days at nearby ILE. The forecast for Thursday morning predicted east winds on Lake Blue Cypress. Though there was not much wind early, it was from the west. Spring 2024 has been a very poor year for the Ospreys breeding at Lake Walk-in-Water near my home. And it has been a relatively poor year at Lake Blue Cypress as well. There are far fewer pairs, many empty nests, and very few pairs with chicks. That said, it is a wondrous place to visit on still mornings. After 8:00 with the sweet light one, the wind slowly swung around to the east, we had a few chances on landing Ospreys. The was still a touch of west in the wind when I created Image #3. That is why the bird’s head is angled very so slightly away. In the original, the front of the bird’s face was not perfectly lit. During the optimization, I lightened the dark feathers at the front of the face using Tim Grey Dodge and Burn. The made the somewhat poor head angle less problematic.

This image was also created on 2 May 2024 on a rented pontoon boat at Lake Blue Cypress. Again, I used the handheld Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 2x Teleconverter (at 600mm) and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1250: 1/4000 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be perfect. AWB at 8:37:44am on a clear sunny morning.

Tracking Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.

Image #4: Osprey screaming while taking flight

The Hand-holdable Sony 600mm f/5.6 GM Lens

Adding the 2X TC to the 300mm f/2.8 lens with an a9 iii in the driver’s seat makes handheld 600mm bird photography a reality for almost everyone. With the foot removed, the rig weighs five pounds, 10.6 ounces with a battery and a flash card. For most folks, it is relatively easy to handhold this combo it all day long for bird photography. Please note that about 40% of the original pixels in Image #4 were cropped away.

As I continue to age, this combo might add five years or more to my photography career. And yours too.

For those who did not use my link to purchase their Sony 300mm f/2.8 GM lens, you can order your a copy here for $209.93.

Click on the image to enlarge and to be able to read the fine print.

The BAA Sony 300mm f/2.8 Lens Guide

Impressed by my Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) images from the last three posts? Use either my Bedfords or B&H affiliate link to purchase your Sony 300mm f/2.8 GM lens and shoot me your receipt via e-mail and request a copy of the first-ever BAA Lens Guide. I thought that it would take only minutes to create this guide, but I was dead wrong. In the process of creating it, I learned a ton about the lens. And even better, I discovered a simple yet potentially fatal flaw that was resulting in sporadically unsharp flight images. The set-up fix is simple. Just be sure to use one of my affiliate links and get the guide for free.

If not, you can purchase a copy here for $209.93. Yes, it never hurts to use my links and it never costs you one penny more. And if you contact me via e-mail before you make a major purchase, I can often save you some money.

Typos

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

May 1st, 2024

Believe It Or Not

Supporting My Efforts Here

If you enjoy and learn from the blog, please consider using one of my affiliate links when purchasing new gear. It will never cost you a single penny. To support my effort here, please order from B&H by beginning your search here. Or, click here, to order from Bedfords and enter the discount code BIRDSASART at checkout to receive 3% cash back to your credit card and enjoy free Second-Day Air Fed-Ex shipping. It is always best to write for advice via e-mail.

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

Live Life to the Fullest

Join an Instructional Photo-Tour. Better yet, sign up for both Homer trips.

What’s Up?

The past few mornings at ILE have been very good. I’ve been working with both the a1 and the a9 iii. I’ve had some neat behavioral chances with several pairs of adult Sandhill Crane chicks and made the most of some but not all of them. The three small colts continue to do well. There are lots of Ospreys and Mottled Ducks around as well.

Today is Wednesday 1 May 2024. I just got back from the lake. It was another great morning. The highlight was a copulating pair of Mottled Ducks; story and one or more photos soon. Believe it or not. I hope that you too have a great day.

The gentleman from Vermont did not appreciate yesterday’s To Improve Your Bird (and Nature) Photography By Leaps and Bounds, Be Sure to Bookmark and Study this Page blog post here as much as I though he might. He sent this e-mail soon after it was published:

Thanks Art – the kingfisher photo looks better, and I will try my best to learn how to get closer to the birds.

I read the blog post, and there is a lot of good information there. However, I don’t appreciate the implication that I am some rich fool who has never learned the basics or simply ignores them. Is that what a teacher calls a student who needs help? I came to you for help, knowing you would be honest and helpful. Did I flaunt my expensive rig and come off as someone who thought they were a good photographer because of my gear? I think not.

And what was the point to providing a detailed inventory and cost of my gear, and then commenting that “he made just about every possible beginner mistake, and as you might imagine, most of the images were horrific at best.” That stung – were trying to make me look like a fool? And calling me a “gentleman” does not minimize the harsh language.

In any event, thanks again for the information and help you provided on the phone call.

How would you have responded to him?

This image was created on 30 April 2024 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Working from the driver’s seat of my SUV, I used the 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). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 2000. 1/2500 sec. at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file exposure was determined to be dead solid perfect. AWB at 8:12:43am on sunny morning.

Tracking: Expand Spot/AF-C performed perfectly even at 1200mm. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

Image #1: Tickseed blossoms with hill and lake in background

Spared from the Mowers

The North and South Fields and the South Peninsula are mowed regularly. I noted the beautiful stand of tickseed blossoms on Monday but there were no birds in the neighborhood. I hoped that they might be spared for a few days. After driving around for an hour and making some neat images, I stopped to created a pattern shot of the flowers, the hill just north of the parking circle, and the distance lake.

Dealing with Bright, Super-saturated Colors

Rarely, you may come across an image that shows zero Ov-Exp pixels in RawDigger (or an image that you are sure is not over-exposed), but when you bring it into ACR, hold down the option key, and put the cursor on the WHITE slider, a given bright, super-saturated color shows as totally over-exposed. That is what happened with the yellow flowers in Image #1. In the past I would move the Highlight slider and the WHITE slider all the way to the left. At times, even that would not eliminate the apparent over-exposure.

Working on a Greater Prairie Chicken image on my recent trip, we encountered the same problem with the bright orange sac of the displaying males. Friend Anita North suggested a possible fix. We tried it and it worked like a charm. The fix will be revealed in the first image of the Digital Basics III Video Series, Volume II, #1.

Digital Basics III, Volume II

Volume II of the Digital Basics III Video Series will consist of 13 individual videos, each with a single image optimization. Each video will be available in the BAA Online Store for $10.00. Or, folks can purchase the baker’s dozen, all 13 videos for only $99.00. This saves you a handsome $31.00. Believe it or not. Details soon.

This image was also created on 30 April 2024 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. On foot and crouching a bit, I used the handheld Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 500: 1/2500 sec. at f/4.5 (stopped down 1/3 stop) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be perfect. AWB at 8:29:26am on a sunny morning.

Tracking: Expand Spot/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

Image #2: Sandhill Crane adult head and neck portrait with yellow flower background

Believe It Or Not

After I created Image #1, I spotted a pair of crane walking toward the stand of tickseed blossoms. I left the car parked on the grass, grabbed the 300 with the 1.4X and the a9 iii and approached slowly. When the bird veered to my left away from the flowers, I walked to my left to get in front of it and slowly walked right toward it, forcing it toward the flowers. The bird cooperated nicely.

Have you ever herded a crane?

Anyhoo, I crouched a bit to maximize the amount of yellow behind the bird.

So why did I leave the a1 in my SUV and grab the a9 iii for a static shot? Because I am far more confident in a9 iii bird-eye AF than I am in a1 bird-eye AF.

Typos

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

April 29th, 2024

To Improve Your Bird (and Nature) Photography By Leaps and Bounds, Be Sure to Bookmark and Study this Page

Supporting My Efforts Here

If you enjoy and learn from the blog, please consider using one of my affiliate links when purchasing new gear. It will never cost you a single penny. To support my effort here, please order from B&H by beginning your search here. Or, click here, to order from Bedfords and enter the discount code BIRDSASART at checkout to receive 3% cash back to your credit card and enjoy free Second-Day Air Fed-Ex shipping. It is always best to write for advice via e-mail.

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

Live Life to the Fullest

Join an Instructional Photo-Tour. Better yet, sign up for both Homer trips.

Don’t Look Now

Don’t loo now, but the recent mini-streak ended yesterday.

Confession

If you re-read the last blog post carefully, you will see that I never said exactly that the young lady in the selfie with me was Caitlin Clark. She was not. When I saw the young woman seated nearby, I asked her if she was Caitlin. Smiling and blushing, she said “I am not.” Her friend chimed in, “Everybody asks her if she’s Caitlin!” I know for a fact that I got a few folks, April-Fool’s-Day style.

What’s Up?

You have heard me make this point repeatedly for many years: Many, if not most of the bird photographers whom I run across in the field own ten, twenty, or even $50,000 or more of the best gear available, yet they have virtually no idea as to how to make a good photograph. None, zero, nada. Either they have never learned the basics, or they simply ignore them. The gentleman from Vermont featured in today’s post is a perfect example of what I am talking about. I urge everyone to change their life by joining a BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Tour and to check out everything below. I am not gonna be teaching forever …

I continue to be baffled by folks who think that purchasing an expensive long lens and a great mirrorless camera body will make them a good (or at least better) bird photographer. Instruction, study, and practice are overlooked. And if you do not study seriously or get some good instruction, no amount of practice will help you improve.

Since I got home from North Dakota I watched every hole of the Masters golf tournament — Scottie Scheffler was too good. On Sunday, I watched about ten hours of PBA (Professional Bowler’s Association) events — Kudos to EJ Tackett who was also too good last week. I did get some work done, mostly on this blog post, but other than my swim I took things easy on Sunday. I did not even head down to the lake in the morning despite perfect conditions.

Today is Monday 29 April 2024. I have lots to do. And I will be heading down to the lake at least for a bit to see what’s up. I hope that you too have a great day.

A Life-Changing Phone Critique?

Yesterday, I did a phone critique for a gentleman from Vermont. He posted his ten best images from a recent trip to Texas. He used a Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S lens and the top-of-the line Nikon body, the vaunted Nikon Z9 Mirrorless Camera. At $12,067.90, his rig would not qualify as an inexpensive kit. Oh, I forgot that he uses a Robus RCM-439 4-Section Carbon Fiber Monopod topped by a Wimberley MonoGimbal Head. That brings the total to $12,386.85 plus at least another $500.00 or so for some flash cards.

I told him right off that the good news is that he is making sharp images and that he had captured some interesting behaviors. But. And there were lots of buts. He made just about every possible beginner mistake, and as you might imagine, most of the images were horrific at best.

We talked about sun angle, getting lower and choice of perspective, seeing the shot, head angle, subject to imaging sensor orientation, and most importantly for him, the fact that the backgrounds in bird photography are often more important than the subject. At times it was difficult for him to grasp what I was talking about, but we stuck with it, and the result was many “Aha-s.

I had him send me two raw files and was not completely surprised to see that they were both huge crops. So, he also needs help on getting closer to his subjects. .

After 40 minutes on the phone, he sent me these comments via e-mail:

Thanks for the critique! Lots to learn, for sure. I went out this afternoon to practice paying attention to the backgrounds. It was fun and I’m getting the hang of it. It was too cloudy to practice sun angle. Next time.

I replied:

Thanks. On all but the darkest, cloudiest, dreariest days, the light still has a direction, and you always want that light behind you.

The best news is that the gentleman from Vermont sought help and is looking to improve.

I promised him an improved and expanded version of the previously published list of steps that folks need to master in order to consistently create good images of birds. Here it is:

The Basics That Many Folks Ignore

1- Look for good situations. Learn to see the shot. Don’t just see the beauty of the bird, look for clean backgrounds: birds on small rises or ridges, or those perched on a clean branch or on an elevated rock. When working a group of birds, it is usually best to isolate by getting closer or adding a teleconverter. This skill is best improved by attending one of more Instructional Photo-Tours. And by getting down on the ground when photographing shorebirds!

2- See the background, not just the bird. Cluttered backgrounds, those with sticks and branches, those with unusually light or dark areas, those with crap and crud in the water, and/or those that are close to the bird should be avoided. Look for lots of distance from the subject to the background. As a general rule, the farther the background is from the subject, the softer, more de-focused, and more pleasing it will be.

3- Practice your stalking skills so that you can get learn to get reasonably close to a bird without scaring it off.

4- Strive to position yourself so that the plane of the bird’s body is parallel to the plane of the imaging sensor (or angled to some degree towards it and you). If the bird’s tail is closer to you than its head, you are shooting up the bird’s butt. Such photos are only very rarely successful. IAC, strive to stop down in those situations.

5- Getting down to the bird’s eye level — yes, that often means getting down on the ground, will often clean up otherwise distracting backgrounds. Similarly, shooting up at a bird atop a pole or a tree will usually not produce pleasing images.

6- On sunny days especially, consider the sun/light angle. In general, it is best to have the sun behind you so that your shadow points to within ten or fifteen degrees (at most) of the subject. Remember that on cloudy days, the light still has a direction; you always want that light behind you. Paying attention to sun angle reduces or eliminates distracting shadows.

7- Understand that birds will generally fly into the wind, face into the wind when perched or on the ground, and take off into the wind. Thus, by understanding the relationship between sky conditions and wind direction, it is often possible to know in advance whether you should stay home of get out there. Furthermore, on cloudy days it almost always pays to keep the wind at your back.

8- Set a shutter speed that will allow you to create a sharp image.

9- Select an AF mode or point that will yield the framing that you want, and ultimately, a pleasing composition. If you are using a zoom lens, zoom in or out as needed. For images of the whole bird, be sure to avoid clipping wingtips or feet. And remember, if an object is worth including in the frame, it is generally best to include the whole thing with at lease a small border around it.

10- Set a good exposure by adjusting the ISO.

11- Keep the lens as still as possible. With long fast lenses, using a tripod is often best. If not, try to improvise.

12- Be aware of the bird’s head angle. Depending on the situation, you will usually want the bird’s head turned one to three degrees toward you.

13- Depress the shutter button gently. Do not jab it.

14- Work to improve your post-processing skills.

Many folks state that they want to create prize-winning images of birds in flight and in action. I urge them (and you) to first learn to create excellent static portraits by mastering the 14 points above. Only after you can do that consistently will you be ready to step up to the next level. One step at a time. Don’t be sloppy or careless. Press the shutter button only when you mean it! Exception: when shooting flight and action, shoot aggressively; do NOT wait for perfect.

As for using a tripod, there are many advantages of using a decent tripod topped by a Levered-clamp FlexShooter Pro:

1- Making sharper images at slower shutter speeds (and correspondingly lower ISOs).

2- Slowing you down thus allowing you time to check your exposures and your framing. That said, there are times when one or two seconds can make or break you. The more familiar you are with your gear, the better you will be able to succeed when time is of the essence.

3- The Levered-clamp FlexShooter Pro enables smooth, level panning when on a tripod, especially when doing flight photography on a tripod.

Best Advice

If you can afford an IPT and have some matching free time, sign up ASAP. Check out the possibilities here.

If you cannot afford an IPT and/or to take time off to attend one, consider these suggestions for improving:

1-Subscribe to the blog and read and study it here.

2-Purchase and study the information in the two-book bundle here. Study them. They will become your bird photography bible.

3- Purchase and study the BAA Current Workflow e-Guide (Digital Basics II) here.

4- Join BirdPhotographers.Net here and start posting your images in the Avian Forum.

5- Look at and study as many top notch bird photographs as possible. Ask yourself what it is that you like about each and ask yourself what you do not like.

Typos

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

April 27th, 2024

Bismarck to Orlando Travel Adventure (& Misadventure)

Supporting My Efforts Here

If you enjoy and learn from the blog, please consider using one of my affiliate links when purchasing new gear. It will never cost you a single penny. To support my effort here, please order from B&H by beginning your search here. Or, click here, to order from Bedfords and enter the discount code BIRDSASART at checkout to receive 3% cash back to your credit card and enjoy free Second-Day Air Fed-Ex shipping. It is always best to write for advice via e-mail.

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

Live Life to the Fullest

Join an Instructional Photo-Tour. Better yet, sign up for both Homer trips.

Don’t Look Now

Don’t look now, but this post marks 30 consecutive days with a new educational post written just for you.

What’s Up?

All three of the crane chicks that were alive when I headed to North Dakota are alive and well and are now small colts. The two baby Bald Eagles are now both fledged and flying.

Toady is Saturday 27 April 2024. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope that you enjoy every breath. I will be creating Volume I/Number 5 of the DB III video series tomorrow. It will be distributed on Monday.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ddc 728w

Save 15%!

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

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

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

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



B&H

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

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

Bedfords Simplified

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

Bedfords Amazing BAA Discount Policy

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

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

Gear Questions and Advice

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

Selfie

Bismarck to Orlando Travel Adventure

Does the young woman above remind you of anyone? When I got back to my seat, my laptop, and my Think Tank Bag with my small bag of ($84/pound) shelled pistachio nuts, the woman in the iPhone image was sitting a few seats to my right. The moment I saw her I did a double take and exclaimed, “Are you Caitlin Clark?” She smiled and was quite gracious when I asked her to take a selfie of us. And she did!

Elite 8 Performance

In this year’s Woman’s March Madness Tournament, Caitlin Clark let her team to the championship game for the second year in a row. And for the second year in a row, they were denied by a better team. LSU in 2023, and South Carolina in 2024. In the YouTube video above, she shows off here amazing skills. She was recently drafted by the Indian Fever. WNBA rookie salaries are determined by draft position. Clark’s base salary for her first year in the WNBA will be about $76,000. Her four-year deal is worth a total of $338,056, a mere pittance when compared to NBA rookie contracts. No worries; just this week she signed a $28 million shoe-endorsement deal with Nike.

Bismarck to Orlando Travel Humbling (Misadventure)

We landed a bit early at DFW in the B Terminal. I needed to get to take the train (Skyline) Terminal D for my flight to Orlando. The car I was in was fairly crowded. I stop with my laptop bag resting atop my large Think Tank Rolling Bag. A well-dressed guy in his early 50s looked up at me and asked, “Would you to sit?” When I lived in NYC I rode the subway and the busses often and over the years, offered my seat countless times to little old ladies. This however, was a humbling first for me. I thanked him and said, “I am fine.”

The (New) Remove. Tool!

In the Re-Visiting Cape Coral’s Burrowing Owl’s blog post here, the optimized version of Burrowing Owl chicks at burrow was Image #3. I wanted to share theBefore and After images with you so I created the animated GIF above. In addition to the considerable clean-up work with the Remove Tool (AKA the Dead Grass Removal Too), I did some Eye Doctor work, darkening the pupils of both chicks, and lightening the iris of the out-of-focus bird.

You can learn precisely how to use the Remove Tool (and tons more) in the Digital Basics III Video Series.

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 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 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 and for those familiar with the techniques detailed in the earlier versions of Digital Basics.. Especially Digital Basics II.

Typos

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

April 26th, 2024

More On Kevin Hice and His Wonderful Images

Your Call?

Which two of Kevin’s images are the strongest? Yes, I know that this is a very difficult question. Please leave a comment and let us know why you made your choices. I will share my two favorites with you here tomorrow.

Supporting My Efforts Here

If you enjoy and learn from the blog, please consider using one of my affiliate links when purchasing new gear. It will never cost you a single penny. To support my effort here, please order from B&H by beginning your search here. Or, click here, to order from Bedfords and enter the discount code BIRDSASART at checkout to receive 3% cash back to your credit card and enjoy free Second-Day Air Fed-Ex shipping. It is always best to write for advice via e-mail.

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

Live Life to the Fullest

Join an Instructional Photo-Tour. Better yet, sign up for both Homer trips.

Don’t Look Now

Don’t look now, but this post marks 28 consecutive days with a new educational post written just for you.

What’s Up?

Flights and good connections when flying from Podunk airports — sorry, Bismarck, ND, are often problematic. There were no early flights to anywhere the would get m home so I left BIS on the 1:51pm American Airlines flight, connected at DFW, and got into Orlando at 9:15pm and was home — thanks to Jim, at 11:30pm. While at gate at BIS, I purchased a 2.25 ounce pack of shelled, Vinegar, Lime, and Sea Salted pistachio nuts before my first flight for $7.59. That worked out to a shade under $54.00/pound. At least they were good and relatively healthy.

Today is Friday 26 April 2024. I will head down to the lake to check on the three crane chicks that were alive when I left and see what else is happening. Then I have lot of work to catch up on. Including getting started on my 2023 axes. Whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have fun. There is a slim chance that I might make anther trip out west next year in search of the elusive Sage Grouse. If you know of a dependable lek for that species, Kevin would be thrilled to learn about it via an e-mail to yours truly.

Thanks Kevin!

There is no way that Kevin could he been a more accommodating host and guide. He was beyond helpful. He picked me up a the airport, did all the driving, and dropped us off at the airport yesterday. On Thursday afternoon he walked several miles at two different leks looking for the teleconverter that I lost 🙁 His knowledge of the chickens and the grouse and their leks is monumental. And he generously shared his home in Washburn, ND with us. Thank you Kevin. I hope that you and Colleen can make it to Florida next March so that I can reciprocate a least in part.

This image was created in June 2022 at McKenzie Slough, ND by good friend and multiple IPT veteran Kevin Hice. Working from a homemade floating blind, he used a Wimberley Head V-II-mounted Canon RF 600mm f/4 L IS USM lens, the RF Extender 1.4X, and the Canon EOS R3 Mirrorless Camera. ISO 6400. 1/3200 sec. at f7.1.

Be sure to click on the image to see a larger and sharper high res version.

Image #1: Western Grebe sunrise silhouette
Image courtesy of and copyright 2022: Kevin Hice

Wow!

Kevin routinely gets into the water with his floating blind 40 minutes before the sun comes up. He has an old pair of bins with him and uses them to spot the birds, often in silhouette. He explained that this species is usually very wary of him in his blind once it gets light. Talk about being in the right place at the right time; Kevin’s hard work paid off with this rather amazing image.

This image was created in December 2022 at Yellowstone National Park, MT by good friend and multiple IPT veteran Kevin Hice. He used the handheld Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM lens and the Canon EOS R3 Mirrorless Camera. ISO 3200: 1/2500 sec. at f/8 in Manual mode.

Be sure to click on the image to see a larger and sharper high res version.

Image #2: Bull Elk
Image courtesy of and copyright 2022: Kevin Hice

Blowing Snow!

Blowing snow from a huge snow plow that was clearing the road softened up the background for Kevin’s image of this majestically handsome bull elk. He heard the plow coming and thought that the elk would bolt, but it remained bedded down peacefully!

This image was also created in December 2022 at Yellowstone National Park, MT by good friend and multiple IPT veteran Kevin Hice. He used the handheld Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM lens (at 400mm) with the Canon EOS R3 Mirrorless Camera. ISO 12800: 1/5000 sec. at f/7.1 in Manual mode.

Be sure to click on the image to see a larger and sharper high res version.

Image #3: Bull Moose
Image courtesy of and copyright 2022: Kevin Hice

Too Excited

In the excitement of the moment, a handsome bull Moose posing in the snow, Kevin lost track of both ISO and shutter speed. I have done the same thing many times. The good news is that the image was sharp and properly exposed. And the high ISO noise was easily controlled.

This image was created in May 2023 near Washburn, ND by good friend and multiple IPT veteran Kevin Hice. Working from a homemade floating blind, he used the Wimberley Head V-II-mounted Canon RF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM lens and the Canon EOS R5 Mirrorless Camera. ISO 2500: 1/1600 sec. at f/2.8 in Manual mode.

Be sure to click on the image to see a larger and sharper high res version.

Image #4: Wood Duck drake floating with its reflection
Image courtesy of and copyright 2022: Kevin Hice

Floating Blind Work

After Kevin explained the difficulties involved with working from a floating blind, I had no desire at all to try this technique even though the super low perspectives are to die for. Even as spring gets close to summer, the water in the sloughs is quite cold. Though Kevin dresses warmly and wears heavy duty chest waders, the longest he can deal with the cold water is about 90 minutes. Not to mention that the only thing that is floating is the blind that supports his big lens. Kevin is always kneeling or standing in depths ranging from one to four feet, almost always slogging through deep muck. And if the wind comes up during the morning, getting himself and the blind out safely is always touch and go. Perhaps I wil get to try it before on a very calm day before they put me in a box.

The Purple Cheek Patch

Images of male Wood Ducks that do not feature the purple cheek patch will always be relegated to the runner up category. That is possible on sunny days only rarely.

This image was also created was created in May 2023 near Washburn, ND by good friend and multiple IPT veteran Kevin Hice. Working from a homemade floating blind, he used the Wimberley Head V-II-mounted Canon RF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM lens and the Canon EOS R5 Mirrorless Camera. ISO 1600: 1/1600 sec. at f/2.8 in Manual mode.

Be sure to click on the image to see a larger and sharper high res version.

Image #5: Blue-winged Teal on log
Image courtesy of and copyright 2022: Kevin Hice

The Speculum Feathers

In a similar fashion, Blue-winged Teal photos that do not reveal the blue and green speculum feathers will never win any contests. These feathers are often revealed in flight photographs or images of stretching birds. A note on the very handsome perch: Kevin found it in Alaska on a road trip by truck and brought it back to North Dakota. He anchored it in his favorite slough; it has paid off quite handsomely.

This image was created in June 2023 near Washburn, ND by good friend and multiple IPT veteran Kevin Hice. Working from a homemade floating blind, he used the Wimberley Head V-II-mounted Canon RF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM lens and the Canon EOS R5 Mirrorless Camera. ISO 500: 1/4000 sec. at f/2.8 in Manual mode.

Be sure to click on the image to see a larger and sharper high res version.

Image #6: Mallard blasting off
Image courtesy of and copyright 2022: Kevin Hice

What’s to Love About This Image?

1- The incredible splash.
2- The well timed press of the shutter button.
3- The perfect look-back head angle.
4- The ultra-low perspective.
5- The wings fully down takeoff pose.
6- The great view of the duck’s blue speculum.
7- The soft background and the soft green reflections.
8- The mirror image reflection.

Does anything about this image bug you? There is one thing that bugs me. I will share it here soon.

This image was created in July 2023 near Washburn, ND by good friend and multiple IPT veteran Kevin Hice. Working from a homemade floating blind, he used the Wimberley Head V-II-mounted Canon RF 600mm f/4 L IS USM lens and the Canon EOS R5 Mirrorless Camera. ISO 2000: 1/3200 sec. at f/6.3 in Manual mode.

Be sure to click on the image to see a larger and sharper high res version.

Image #7: Ruddy Duck in breeding plumage on log
Image courtesy of and copyright 2024: Kevin Hice

Luscious Colors

A male Ruddy Duck at the absolute peak of breeding plumage is a sight to behold. The chestnut red upperparts, the white face, the black cap, and the incredible azure-blue bill combine to make him one of the handsomest, showiest drakes in town each spring.

Note that with eye tracking, mirrorless camera bodies enable you to recompose as needed while continuing to track the bird’s eye. Be sure to move the lens slowly to avoid screwing up the tracking. Kevin properly recomposed by pointing his lens to the right to place the bird on the left side of the frame when the bird preened and looked back to our right.

This image was also created in July 2023 near Washburn, ND by good friend and multiple IPT veteran Kevin Hice. Working from a homemade floating blind, he used the Wimberley Head V-II-mounted Canon RF 600mm f/4 L IS USM lens and the Canon EOS R5 Mirrorless Camera. ISO 1250: 1/2500 sec. at f/5.6 in Manual mode.

Be sure to click on the image to see a larger and sharper high res version.

Image #8: Redhead hen with brood
Image courtesy of and copyright 2024: Kevin Hice

Same Rock, Different Cast of Characters

A week after Kevin made Image #7 (above), a hen Redhead with a brood of 15 chose to sit on the same rock in about 18 inches of water. When you’ve got a good horse, ride it! The clutch size for this species is usually 7-8 eggs, up to fourteen on occasion. In addition, they will often lay more eggs in the nests of as many as ten different species. And when another duck lays eggs in a Redhead’s nest (nest dumping), the hen will raise those ducklings along with their own. Even stranger, several Redheads hens may lay eggs in a dump nest, a nest that is never incubated. The record is 87 eggs in a single dump nest. This species nests in large marshes and builds bulky nests of dead grasses and reeds and lined with soft feathers. Sounds comfy.

Typos

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

April 25th, 2024

Do You Like Sun or Clouds for Bald Eagle Photography?

Your Call?

Do you prefer Image #1 or Image #2? Why?

Supporting My Efforts Here

If you enjoy and learn from the blog, please consider using one of my affiliate links when purchasing new gear. It will never cost you a single penny. To support my effort here, please order from B&H by beginning your search here. Or, click here, to order from Bedfords and enter the discount code BIRDSASART at checkout to receive 3% cash back to your credit card and enjoy free Second-Day Air Fed-Ex shipping. It is always best to write for advice via e-mail.

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

Live Life to the Fullest

Join an Instructional Photo-Tour. Better yet, sign up for both Homer trips.

Don’t Look Now

Don’t look now, but this post marks 27 consecutive days with a new educational post written just for you.

What’s Up?

Conditions were perfect for our last morning on the sharp-tailed lek. The birds, however, did not cooperate. As many as five females stayed on the far side of the ridge just out of photographic range. All in all it was a great trip. Huge thanks to Kevin Hice for the invite and his efforts on getting us in the blinds in great position. With perfect weather in South Dakota we did fabulously well with the Greater Prairie Chickens. We did not do quite as well with the sharp-taileds in North Dakota as we had too much wind at times, some clouds, and due to the fact that the grouse are more difficult to photograph than the chickens. That said, we all got some beautiful stuff on both species. Thanks to Anita North for helping Kevin setting up and taking down the blinds.

Today is Thursday 25 April 2024. I fly from Bismarck, ND to Dallas (DFW) to Orlando. If all goes well I should be landing at MCO at about 9:15pm. Jim and I will not get home till 11:30 or so. I hope that you have a great day.

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

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

This image was created on 16 February 2024 at Kachemak Bay on a Homer Bald Eagle IPT. I used the handheld Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. The exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1600: 1/2500 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 11:53:15am on a cloudy morning.

Tracking: Zone AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

Image #1: Bald Eagle braking to land

Cloudy With Snow on the Ground for Underwing Detail

You cannot beat snow on the ground and soft light for revealing the detail in the dark underwings of Bald Eagles of any age. Be sure to expose far to the right to maximize detail in the dark tones without toasting the white feathers of the heads of the adults. Remember that only RawDigger can properly evaluate the brightness of exposure of your raw files. Most importantly, the snow acts as a giant reflector that evenly illuminates each and every feather with zero shadows.

Cloudy White RGB Values

Out of curiosity, I opened the TIFF file in Photoshop and checked the RGB values for the brightest whites on the head. For image #1 they were nearly balanced perfectly: 251, 251, 250. In theory, there should not be a color cast on the underwings. At times, however, there may be a small magenta or green cast in an eagle’s dark feathers. There are lots of way to deal with those.

Variable Lighting Conditions in Homer

On a Homer IPT, you will learn to make perfect exposures on sunny days and cloudy days, no matter the system you are using.

Exposure Question

How many more stops of light was I dealing with on the sunny day as compared to the cloudy day? Do the math and leave a comment.

This image was created on 27 February 2024 at Kachemak Bay on a Homer Bald Eagle IPT. I used the handheld Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens (at 200mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. The exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 500: 1/4000 sec. at f/4 (stopped down one stop) in Manual mode. AWB at 4:04:19am on a sunny morning.

Tracking: Zone AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

Image #2: Bald Eagles dorsal view flight

Sunny and Blue Skies for Dorsal Flight

I am glad that there are more cloudy days than sunny days in winter at Homer as we can shoot all day and not have to worry about the wind direction. Sunny days, however, when the wind is right, can yield some brilliant images. Unless you are exactly on sun angle and the bird has its wing spread perfectly, sunny days will produce harsh underwing shadows. But when an eagle begins to dive, the top of the wings will almost always be lit perfectly by the sun. Results like Image #2 are to be expected on sunny days.

Sunny White RGB Values

Next, I opened the TIFF file for Image #2 in Photoshop and checked the RGB values for the brightest whites on the head. For image #2 they were R = 250, G = 241, B = 235. With more RED, the late afternoon light is beautifully warm and rich. Just as it was and just as I wanted it in the image. The decision on how to render the color belongs to the photographer. Sometimes I will cool the warm light a bit or warm up the cool light.

No Homer IPT Price Increase!

Despite that fact that the hourly boat fee has been increased by 33%, I have decided not to raise the price of the 2025 Homer IPTs. Note that similar trips with 40% less time on the boat cost $5800!

2025 Homer/Kachemak Bay Bald Eagle IPTs

IPT #1: FRI 14 FEB 2025 through the full day on TUES 18 FEB 2025. Five days/20 hours on the boat: $5500.00. Limit 5 photographers/Openings 2.

IPT #2: WED 19 FEB 2025 through the full day on SUN 23 FEB 2025. Five days/20 hours on the boat: $5500.00. Limit 5 photographers/Openings 1.

Register for both trips to maximize your travel dollars and enjoy a $1000 discount while you are at it. In 2024, three of the five participants did both trips!

This trip features non-stop flight photography as well as many opportunities to create both environmental and point-blank portraits of one of North America’s most sought-after avian subjects: Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). Other reliable subjects will include Sea Otter, Glaucous-winged and Short-billed (formerly Mew) Gulls.

In addition, we should see Common Murre, Black Guillemot, Pelagic Cormorant, two or three species of loons, and a smattering of ducks including two species of merganser, all three scoters, Common and Barrow’s Goldeneyes, Bufflehead, Harlequin, and Long-tailed Ducks. Close-range photographic chances for these species will require some good luck. Some of these species, especially when in flocks, can, however, often be used effectively when pleasing creating bird-scapes.

If we need to be out early, we will be the first boat out. If the conditions are great, we will stay out. And when there is a chance for sunset silhouettes, we will be in the right spot.

We will be traveling through gorgeous wilderness country; landscape and scenic opportunities abound.

Also featured is a professional leader, often referred to as the world’s most knowledgeable bird photography trip leader and instructor. He 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 images by fine-tuning your compositions, 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 trips Homer trips available where you will not be simply put on the birds and told to have fun. You will learn to be a better photographer.

All images from Kachemak Bay in 2022!

What You Will Learn

You will learn practical and creative solutions to everyday photographic problems. You will learn to see the shot, to create dynamic images by fine-tuning your compositions, 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 trips Homer trips available where you will not be simply put on the birds and told to have fun. You will learn to be a better photographer.

You will learn to get the right exposure when it is sunny, when it cloudy-bright, when it is cloudy, when it is cloudy-dark, or when it is foggy. Not to mention getting the right exposure when creating silhouettes. You will learn to make pleasing blurs working in manual mode and to create silhouettes working in Shutter Priority mode. Most importantly, you will learn to pick your best flight photographs from tens of thousands of images.

You will enjoy working with the best and most creative boat captain on his sturdy, photography-spacious, seaworthy, open-deck watercraft.

There will be only five photographers (not the usual six), plus the leader.

Small group Photoshop, Image Review, and Image Critiquing sessions.
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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 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.

Important Notes

We toss frozen herring chunks to bring the eagles into photographic range. The late Jean Keene, the Eagle Lady, fed the eagles in Homer for many decades and brought the population back from the brink of extinction.

On great days, the group may wish to photograph for more than four hours. If the total time on the boat exceeds 20 hours for the five-day trips the group will share the additional expense at a rate of $300.00/hour. The leader will pay for the bait.

Some folks may wish to rent their own vehicle to take advantage of local photographic opportunities around Homer. In 2024 those included Moose, Sea Otter, a variety of sea ducks in the harbor, and Great Grey and Short-eared Owl.

Deposit Information

A $3000 non-refundable deposit/trip is required. You may pay your deposit with credit card or by personal check (the latter made out to BIRDS AS ART) and sent via US mail only to Arthur Morris. PO Box 7245. Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855. Your balance, due 90 days before the date of departure, is payable only by check.

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 these two trips is to sign up for both of them. If you have any questions, or are good to go for one or both of these great trips, please let me know 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.

April 24th, 2024

Sharp-tailed Grouse -- Tough Customers! Mint Canon 600 II

Supporting My Efforts Here

If you enjoy and learn from the blog, please consider using one of my affiliate links when purchasing new gear. It will never cost you a single penny. To support my effort here, please order from B&H by beginning your search here. Or, click here, to order from Bedfords and enter the discount code BIRDSASART at checkout to receive 3% cash back to your credit card and enjoy free Second-Day Air Fed-Ex shipping. It is always best to write for advice via e-mail.

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

Live Life to the Fullest

Join an Instructional Photo-Tour.

Don’t Look Now

Don’t look now, but this post marks 26 consecutive days with a new educational post written just for you.

Your Call?

Which of today’s four featured images impresses you most? Why? Which of today’s four featured images impresses you the least? Why?

Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II Lens

Steve Vige is offering a Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II lens in near-mint to like-new condition for a very low $5,675.00. The sale includes the front lens cover, the rear lens cap, the lens trunk, the lens strap, and insured ground shopping via major courier to lower 48 addresses. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Please contact Steve via e-mail at e-mail.

The 600mm f/4 lenses have been the state of the art super-telephotos for birds, nature, wildlife, and sports for many decades. When I was using Canon and could get it to my location, my 600 II was always my go-to weapon. It is fast and sharp and deadly alone or with either TC. With both the 600 III and the RF 600mm f/4 going for $12,999.00, and used 600mm versions IIs very hard to find, you’d do well to grab Steve’s pretty much new lens ASAP. Add the EF to RF adapter and you will kill with any Canon mirrorless body. artie

What’s Up?

Though it was a bit colder on Tuesday morning, and much windier than the previous day; it turned out to be our best session with the Sharp-tailed Grouse. But they are very difficult to photograph. After the first edit, I kept about 1% of the 8000+ images I made. When I do the second edit, I will probably get down to 30 or so as I kept lots of similars that need to be more closely evaluated. I had several good chances for fights where I got the birds in the center of the frame and sharp, but the NW wind pretty much wrecked all of them 🙁

Today is Wednesday 24 April 2024. It is supposed to be sunny with no wind this morning so we are hoping to do even better than yesterday. As I fly home on Thursday, this will be my last day in the blind. I Have learned a ton about both species and a ton about working out of a pop-up blind — not my usual style. Decades ago I did an article for Birder’s World magazine entitled “No Reason to Hide.” On the other side of the pond, a blind is called a hide.

Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a wonderful day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Save 15%!

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

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

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

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



B&H

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

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

Bedfords Simplified

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

Bedfords Amazing BAA Discount Policy

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

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

Gear Questions and Advice

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

This image was created on 21 April 2024 near Mercer, ND. Seated in a large pop-up blind, I used the lowered Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. ISO 2000. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/320 second at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the raw file brightness was perfect. AWB at 6:45:51am just after sunrise in the shadow of the blind.

Tracking: Expand Spot/AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the larger version.

Image #1: Sharp-tailed Grouse — tight head, face & neck shot

Headhunting

I’ve been a headhunter for forever. I pride myself at being able to get close enough to free and wild birds to create tight images showing the details of the face, head, bill, and neck. Yes, long lenses and teleconverters help. One of the big challenges when creating these types of images is getting the perfect head angle, generally perfectly square to two or three degrees towards. Another challenge occurs when you include a bit of the front end of the bird’s body in the image. The best policy in those cases is to use a smaller aperture so that you have enough depth of field to cover the body feathers. Image #2 would have benefitted from a bit more d-o-f but I did not have much light to work with.

It goes without saying that when the sun is shining that you want to be right on sun angle — when the light is bright, think tight!

This image was created on 21 April 2024 near Mercer, ND. Seated in a large pop-up blind, I used the lowered Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. ISO 2000. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/320 second at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the raw file brightness was perfect. AWB at 6:45:51am just after sunrise in the shadow of the blind.

Tracking: Expand Spot/AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the larger version.

Image #2: Sharp-tailed Grouse squabble

Difficult, Difficult, Difficult

Yes, sharp-tailed are much more difficult to photograph than the prairie chickens. Two males will sit facing each other for minutes at a time. They do not give any dependable signs that they are about to battle. When the sun is shining, you need to be fairly close to sun angle (as I was for Image #2) else there will be horrific shadows. As though things are not hard enough, the relentless wind from the NW has ruined dozens of otherwise excellent images as the birds in the air will almost always be facing away from the light :-(.

Getting two fighting birds in the middle of the frame in no way guarantees success; I did get lucky here by getting at lease a look at the faces of both of the battling birds.

This image was created on 22 April 2024 near Mercer, ND. Seated in a large pop-up blind, I used the lowered Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. ISO 12800. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/30 second at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the raw file brightness was perfect. AWB at 6:32:46am just before sunrise.

Tracking: Expand Spot/AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the larger version.

Image #3: Sharp-tailed Grouse on hillside in predawn light

Pushing the Limits

As we saw recently, 1/30 sec. is just about at the bottom of the range of shutter speeds for creating sharp images with the 600 lenses. And ISO 12800 is just about the upper limit for ISO (except when I need to go higher).

My double noise reduction technique worked beautifully with this high ISO (12,800!) image; the TIF is clean as a whistle. As detailed in the Digital Basics III video series. I will be creating the fifth and last video in Volume I this coming weekend and will be distributing it on Monday. Thanks to all for their patience. Volume II will be coming soon.

This image was created on 22 April 2024 near Mercer, ND. Seated in a large pop-up blind, I used the lowered Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. ISO 3200. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/3200 second at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the raw file brightness was dead solid perfect. AWB at 8:02:30am on a cloudy morning.

Tracking: Expand Spot/AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the larger version.

Image #4: Sharp-tailed Grouse aggressive wing spread display

Confession

I removed a bird on the right of this frame. The Photoshop work is somewhat obvious. On Tuesday morning, I got the a similar pose with only a single bird in the frame. With the sun out.

Typos

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

April 23rd, 2024

Re-Visiting Cape Coral's Burrowing Owls

Supporting My Efforts Here

If you enjoy and learn from the blog, please consider using one of my affiliate links when purchasing new gear. It will never cost you a single penny. To support my effort here, please order from B&H by beginning your search here. Or, click here to order from Bedfords and enter the discount code BIRDSASART at checkout to receive 3% cash back to your credit card and enjoy free Second-Day Air Fed-Ex shipping. It is always best to write for advice via e-mail.

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

Live Life to the Fullest

Join an Instructional Photo-Tour.

What’s Up

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

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

Don’t Look Now

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

This image was created on 31 March 2024 at Cape Coral, FL. Standing at full height I used the Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ISO 1600. Exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/30 sec. at f/4 (wide open). AWB at 7:10:32am in the shade.

Tracking: Zone/AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the larger version.

Image #1: Burrowing Owl on erected perch

White Wall of House Background

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

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

Extreme Shutter Speed

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

This image was created on 31 March 2024 at Cape Coral, FL. Standing at full height I used the Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ISO 3200. Exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/60 sec. at f/4 (wide open). AWB at 7:11:49am in the shade.

Tracking: Zone/AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the larger version.

Image #2: Burrowing Owl chick with quizzical look on face

1/60 sec. at 840mm

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

This image was created on 31 March 2024 at Cape Coral, FL. Standing at full height I used the Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. ISO 2000. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/80 second at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was dead solid perfect. AWB at 7:29:16am in the shade.

Tracking: Expand Spot S/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.

Image #3: Burrowing Owl chicks at burrow

Those Weird Out-of-Focus Eyes

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

This image was created on 31 March 2024 at Cape Coral, FL. Standing at full height I used the Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). ISO 800. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/500 second at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was dead solid perfect. AWB at 8:14:20am on a then sunny morning.

Expand Spot/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed perfectly even at 1200mm. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

Image #4: Burrowing Owl chubby chick

Another Square Crop

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

This image was created on 31 March 2024 at Cape Coral, FL. I got a lot lower by pulling out the front leg of the tripod. Crouching quite a bit I used the Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). ISO 800. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/500 second at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was dead solid perfect. AWB at 8:25:14am on a then sunny morning.

Tracking: Expand Spot/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed perfectly even at 1200mm. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

Image #5: An Older Burrowing Owl chick

Wise Old Owl at a Young Age

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

Getting the Clean Background

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

Typos

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

April 22nd, 2024

Catching Up Again in Reverse; The Best Way To Learn

Supporting My Efforts Here

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

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

Live Life to the Fullest

Join an Instructional Photo-Tour.

What’s Up

We had another good (but too cold) morning with the Sharp-tailed Grouse. I learned that the Greater Prairie Chickens are only a bit larger than the sharp-taileds. The latter are surely faster and more frenetic than the GPCs. We are moving to a new lek tomorrow as there were too many birds and too many rocks on the one we have been working.

Today is Monday 21 April 2024. We will be up early and heading to a new sharp-tailed lek. Whatever you opt to do, I hope that you too have a ton of fun.

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

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

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

This image was created on 22 March 2024 in North Dakota by good friend and multiple IPT veteran Kevin Hice. He used the tripod-mounted Canon RF 600mm f/4 L IS USM Lens, an Canon Extender RF 1.4x, and the Canon EOS R5 Mirrorless Camera. ISO 2000: 1//3200 sec. at f/4 in Manual mode.

Be sure to click on the image to see a larger and sharper high res version.

Image #6: Sharp-tailed Grouse fighting
Image courtesy of and copyright 2024: Kevin Hice

Kevin Hice

In the Canon Shooter Kevin Hice is One Smart, Tough, Hardworking, Determined Guy and One Fine Photographer here, I wrote: All are invited to leave a comment on the quality of Kevin’s images. Please let him know which of his images you like best and why you like them.

I feel that each of Kevin’s images is of outstanding artistic and technical quality. My very favorite was Image #6, the Sharp-tailed Grouse fighting image above. I appreciate that one even more since trying to photograph them on Saturday morning! Next up for mw was the beautiful Bighorn Sheep ram, Image #2.

This image was created on 29 June 2021 at Huguenot Memorial Park on a Jacksonville, FL IPT. Standing at full height I used the handheld Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 200mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ) The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 640. 1/3200 second at f/7.1 (stopped down 2/3-stop) in Manual Mode. AWB at 9:16:26am on a sunny morning. RawDigger showed the exposure to be dead solid perfect.

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: Royal Tern screaming in flight

Square Crops

In the It’s Not Always Easy to Get it Exactly Right in Bird Photography. What Do You Think of Square Crops? And How are Those Two Related? blog post here, I far preferred Image #1 above, to Image #2 because of the neat expression on the tern’s face. Not everyone agreed. As far as square crops in general, I am fine with them. Each of us is the artist, we get to do what we think is best with our images. I try to avoid boxy crops, but will not hesitate going that route when I think that it is best for the image. In the same vein, some images shine with a pano crop.

Best of all, square crops can be used to salvage images where one or two wings have been clipped. And the results are often quite excellent.

This image was created on 9 MAY 2023 on a DeSoto IPT. While seated on damp sand, I used the toe-pod technique with the handheld the Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens
the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 640. 1/5000 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the exposure was determined to be dead solid perfect. AWB at 8:19:38am on a sunny morning.

Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

Image #1: Little Blue Heron with tiny baitfish

DeSoto in Spring

In the Fort DeSoto May Highlights Part I — It’s Not Too Late! blog post here, my favorite image by a slim margin was the pied Little Blue Heron. I love the soft color tones, the sweet light, the low perspective, the beautiful and somewhat unusual plumage, the tiny fish, and the perfect head angle. Four of the five images received mention as being the strongest.

This image was created on 14 April 2024 at Fort Pierre National Grasslands, SD. Seated on a small camp chair working off the rear monitor in a large pop-up blind, I used the lowered Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter, and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 2000. 1/4000 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be perfect. AWB at 7:48:42am on sunny morning.

Tracking Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed perfectly even at 1200mm. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

Image #4: Greater Prairie Chicken male on log

Ah, the Miracle of the Low Perch!

In the Greater Prairie Chicken Miracles Can Happen! blog post here, my favorite by a small margin was #4. I was thrilled the day after we put the perch in place that so many birds obliged us. its #4, my only wish was a complete view of the far foot.

Typos

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

April 21st, 2024

Like Trying to Photograph a Herd of Frenetic Mice!

Supporting My Efforts Here

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

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

Live Life to the Fullest

Join an Instructional Photo-Tour.

What’s Up?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ddc 728w

Save 15%!

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

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

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

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



B&H

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

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

Bedfords Simplified

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

Bedfords Amazing BAA Discount Policy

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

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

Gear Questions and Advice

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

This image was created on 20 April 2024 near Washburn, ND. Seated on the ground and working off the rear monitor in a large pop-up blind, I used the lowered Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter, and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 1600. 1/3200 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead-solid perfect. AWB at 7:28:54am on a cold, sunny morning.

Tracking Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed perfectly even at 1200mm. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

Image #1: Sharp-tailed Grouse male displaying

Like Trying to Photograph a Herd of Frenetic Mice!

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

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

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

This image was created on 20 April 2024 near Washburn, ND. Seated on the ground and working off the rear monitor in a large pop-up blind, I used the lowered Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 2500. 1/2000 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead-solid perfect. AWB at 7:11:42am on a cold, sunny morning.

Tracking Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

Image #2: Sharp-tailed Grouse — rear view of tail of male — a 96% crop!

Don’t Try This With Your Sony a9 iii

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

Aptly Named

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

Typos

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

April 20th, 2024

Canon Shooter Kevin Hice is One Smart, Tough, Hardworking, Determined Guy and One Fine Photographer

Supporting My Efforts Here

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

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

What’s Up?

It is 6:30pm on Friday 19 April 2024 as I type. It is cold and very windy. We are headed out to position the blinds as that would be impossible to do in the dark tomorrow morning. The wind is supposed to finally abate tonight (good) but it is supposed to be 24° F in the morning (bad). We got all three blinds in place and were headed back to Kevin’s place exactly at 9:00pm as Kevin had planned. We said blessings over the blinds hoping that they would not blow away before morning ,,,

Before that, again thanks to the high winds, Friday was another day of Photoshop, of rest, and of too much eating.

Today is Saturday 20 April 2014. We’ll be leaving for two of Kevin’s local sharp-tailed leks at 5:30am. I gotta get to bed soon. Whatever you are doing today, I hope that you too opt to have fun.

This image was created on 8 May 2020 in North Dakota by good friend and multiple IPT veteran Kevin Hice. He used the tripod-mounted Canon 500mm f/4L IS II lens, a 1.4X III TC, and the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III. Evaluative metering +0.7 stop in Aperture Priority (AV mode). ISO 1600: 1/2500 sec. at f/7.1.

Be sure to click on the image to see a larger and sharper high res version.

Image #1: White-faced Ibis in breeding plumage
Image courtesy of and copyright 2020: Kevin Hice

Kevin Hice

Kevin was born in Cincinnati, OH in 1954. He spent most of his time in the woods and by the creeks near his home, searching for box turtles and salamanders. He thought about photographing nature in his late thirties but with not wanting to have to deal with film and having kids to take care of, his interest was postponed. When I did a seminar for the Photographic Society of Chattanooga, Kevin attended and was smitten. He bought a Canon 300mm f/2.8 and a 5D Mark II and was off to the races. He had signed up for a SW Florida IPT soon afterwards, but a huge ice storm in Atlanta put the kibosh on those plans. He says, ” I would have gotten a lot better a lot faster if I had made that one. He attended a Homer IPT in 2022 — created more than 25,000 images during a single morning session. He often recommends that his Canon friends purchase my EOS R5/R6 Camera Users Guide but they always respond, “What do I need that for?” He credits me with finally learning to expose far to the right and thus greatly reducing noise. Kevin has been a member of Bird Photographer’s.Net since 2013. To this day, he posts often in BPN’s Avian Forum. At first he was intimidated, but persevered and received tons of advice, especially with Photoshop. He singles out Andreas Liedmann of Dortmund, Germany as having been exceedingly helpful. Kevin says, ‘Had I not joined BPN, it would have taken me many more years more to get to where I am today.”

Kevin has lived in Ohio, Indiana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and California. He has enjoyed two distinctly different careers: he was a welder (in a nuclear power plant!) for a decade and followed that up with 30 years as a nurserymen. Now retired, Kevin is a world class falconer who hunts his two gyr/Peregrine hybrids with his sleek and beautiful English Pointer Sage. You have never seen a dog run as fast or as far as Sage. He is now living with His significant other, Colleen, Parrill in Washburn, ND. They will be moving to a beautiful new home on a spacious natural lot outside of Indianapolis Indiana.

All are invited to leave a comment on the quality of Kevin’s images. Please let him know which of his images you like best and why you like them.

Nothing for Me …

I am especially envious of Image #1 because I have nothing at all on breeding plumage Glossy Ibis, the eastern conspecific species of white-faced.

This image was created on 12 November 2020 in Badlands National Park, South Dakota by good friend and multiple IPT veteran Kevin Hice. He used the tripod-mounted Canon 500mm f/4L IS II lens, a 1.4X III TC, and the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III. Evaluative metering +0.7 stop in Aperture Priority (AV mode). ISO 6400: 1/640 sec. at f/7.1.

Be sure to click on the image to see a larger and sharper high res version.

Image #2: Bighorn Sheep ram (flehmen response)
Image courtesy of and copyright 2020: Kevin Hice

Flehmen Response

Flehmen Response: (from German flehmen, to bare the upper teeth, and Upper Saxon German flemmen, to look spiteful), also called the flehmen position, flehmen reaction, flehmen grimace, flehming, or flehmening, is a behavior in which an animal curls back its upper lip exposing its front teeth, inhales with the nostrils usually closed, and then often holds this position for several seconds. The primary function of the flehmen response is intra-species communication. By transferring air containing pheromones and other scents to the vomeronasal organ (VNO), an olfactory-chemosensory organ located between the roof of the mouth and the palate, animals can gather chemical “messages”.

What’s Not to Like?

I love the ram’s attitude and the lovely clean background. If I remember, Kevin got lost of help in BPN’s Wildlife Forum when optimizing this one. It turned out great.

This image was created on 9 April 2012 in the Nebraska Sandhills by good friend and multiple IPT veteran Kevin Hice. He used the tripod-mounted Canon 500mm f/4L IS II lens, a 1.4X III TC, and the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III. Evaluative metering +0.7 stop in Aperture Priority (AV mode). ISO 1600: 1/3200 sec. at f/7.1.

Be sure to click on the image to see a larger and sharper high res version.

Image #3: Greater Prairie Chickens fighting on lek
Image courtesy of and copyright 2021: Kevin Hice

Addicted

Kevin has long been addicted to game birds, the prairie chickens and the Sharp-tailed Grouse. He lusts for a decent Sage Grouse lek. He routinely arises way too early even for me in order to get in a blind to photograph his favorite subjects at least 45 minutes before sunrise. He is good at what he does and I will be forever thankful for his invite as the Greater Prairie Chickens were a first for me and tomorrow should be my first time with the sharp-taileds (if our blinds do not blow away overnight …)

Thanks, Kevin. And we still have almost a week to go!

This image was created on 28 July 2022 in Haines, AK by good friend and multiple IPT veteran Kevin Hice. He used the tripod-mounted Canon RF 600mm f/4 L IS USM lens and the Canon EOS R3 Mirrorless Camera. ISO 3200: 1//2500 sec. at f/6.3 in Manual mode.

Be sure to click on the image to see a larger and sharper high res version.

Image #4: Trumpeter Swan pair
Image courtesy of and copyright 2022: Kevin Hice

Sicker than Sick

Kevin had COVID when he created this image. He had pulled a trailer all the way to AK in hopes of photographing Brown Bears (grizzles). As he and Colleen drove into Haines, Kevin spotted a pair of Trumpeter Swans in a small pond. He grabbed his gear, lay face down on a rocky slope, and photographed the pair for an hour. He finished the session squatting in three feet of cold water in order to get low. The good news is that he did not die.

This image was created on 4 December 2022 in Yellowstone National Park, Montana by good friend and multiple IPT veteran Kevin Hice. He used the handheld Canon RF 600mm f/4 L IS USM lens and the Canon EOS R3 Mirrorless Camera. ISO 3200: 1//4000 sec. at f/6.3 in Manual mode.

Be sure to click on the image to see a larger and sharper high res version.

Image #5: Coyote in snow
Image courtesy of and copyright 2022: Kevin Hice

Smart Always Works

Kevin was driving his truck around Yellowstone in search of subjects when he spotted this coyote walking along a small river right towards him. He grabbed his gear, and using his truck as a blind, hid behind it. The beautiful animals in a pristine setting walked by him. With a combination of good spotting and excellent photographic and field skills, Kevin was justifiably rewarded.

This image was created on 22 March 2024 in North Dakota by good friend and multiple IPT veteran Kevin Hice. He used the tripod-mounted Canon RF 600mm f/4 L IS USM lens and the Canon EOS R5 Mirrorless Camera. ISO 2000: 1//3200 sec. at f/4 in Manual mode.

Be sure to click on the image to see a larger and sharper high res version.

Image #6: Sharp-tailed Grouse fighting
Image courtesy of and copyright 2024: Kevin Hice

Just Enough Snow

Kevin is smart, strong, and tough, seemingly impervious to fatigue or cold. He is mechanically gifted. He can figure stuff out and fix pretty much anything. He can hike for miles in the dark carrying heavy loads of gear. He has gotten lost in white-outs and fog, but always finds his blind. He is persistently addicted to grouse and prairie chickens. He has hiked in blizzards through drifts 3, 4, and 5 feet deep. He has hiked through mud a foot or two deep. Recently, he rescued a blind from a very cold farm pond. He simply will not be deterred.

Less than a month before my visit, he headed out to a local sharp-tailed lek and with just enough now on the ground, created this lovely image of two male Sharp-tailed Grouse going at it. I love the sharpness, the soft light, and the dorsal view of the attacking bird that kindly turned its head to the right just as Kevin fired off a long series. Best of all are the dried grasses just peeling through the snow cover.

Photography Notes

Because Kevin is so strong, he uses a Wimberley head and an Induro GIT 504 XL tripod, a real brute. For several years he worked in Av mode but finally and correctly switched to Manual mode in 2022 when he realized that he was losing many images as the background tonality changed. He is the only Canon shooter I know who prefers the R5 to the R3 for its higher quality, more detailed raw files.

Typos

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

April 19th, 2024

It's Not Always Easy to Get it Exactly Right in Bird Photography. What Do You Think of Square Crops? And How are Those Two Related?

Jax

If you are interested in sharing an AirBnB with me near Huguenot Memorial Park east of Jacksonville, FL during the second week of July, or in doing an IPT that week, please stop what you are doing and shoot me an e-mail. Big discount for the person who shares the AirBnB with me. IPT details below. Here’s wishing you great light and better photography.

Flight Photography at Jacksonville Till You Can’t Lift Your Lens!

Join me on the beach at Huguenot Memorial Park to learn about photographing terns in flight. 8,000 pairs of Royal Terns nest there and there are birds in the air all the time, often carrying all kinds of fish and crabs and other invertebrates for their young. Learn about how the relationship between the wind and the sun impacts flight photography and about the best gear for shooting birds in flight. Note that all the images in the video were created with the Sony a1 (and a variety of lenses). Join me on a workshop at Jacksonville this summer. See the details below.

What’s Up?

The high winds continue in west/central North Dakota. Thursday was another rest day and Friday will be more of the same. On Thursday afternoon we visited the home of Kevin’s friend, Lugene Gerber and her significant other, Doug Kitzan. Lujene loves to photograph birds but loves cooking great food and serving friends even more. Included were salad with a scrumptious homemade ranch dressing, a killer spinach dip, roasted smoked turkey that tasted like a Christmas ham, Italian shrimp, and olive and pickle plate, her aptly named “Funeral” potatoes, and tasty, greasy fried chicken that was much better than the colonels! Most folks ate two desserts one of which was the hugely popular lemon pudding cake. I limited myself to one slice of chocolate-drizzled coffee cheesecake (AKA Caramel Machiatto cheesecake). Suffice to say, I needed a lot of extra insulin after that amazing meal.

Today is Friday 19 April 2024. If the forecast does not change, it is likely that we will be transporting the blinds to the Sharp-tailed Grouse lek about 30 minutes from Kevin’s home.

Clockwise from upper left corner around to center: ink-stained Royal Tern with squid for chicks; fluffy white Royal Tern Chick about two weeks old; Royal Tern with shrimp for chicks; 3-4 week old Royal Tern chick; incoming adult Royal Tern with greenback; Royal Tern in flight with juvenile mahi-mahi; large Brown Pelican chick preening; field guide portrait of fresh juvenile Laughing Gull; Royal Tern chick begging for fish from incoming adult.

Join me at Huguenot Memorial Park this July

Join Me

I have an AirBnB checking in on the late afternoon of Saturday 13 July and checking out on Thursday 19 July 2024. If you are looking to improve your bird photography by leaps and bounds while sharing the place with me, please shoot me an e-mail. ASAP.

Clockwise from upper left corner around to center: Royal Tern chick feeding frenzy; Royal Tern nearly fledged chick; ink-stained Royal Tern with squid for chicks; Royal Tern chick begging; Brown Pelican immature tight flight; Royal Tern adult screaming — tight flight; Laughing Gulls mobbing Royal Tern to steal fish; Royal Tern with fish for chicks.

Join me at Huguenot Memorial Park this July

Huguenot Memorial Park in Early Summer

Driving on the beach at Huguenot Memorial Park in early summer is a bird photographer’s delight. You park this side of the last rope on the beach and you are within 100 yards of the Royal Tern colony atop the dunes. There are also many thousand Laughing Gulls and a few Sandwich Terns breeding as well. In some years, there are some Brown Pelican nests on the ground! .

In early July, the tern chicks begin to make their way down to the flats to bathe and drink and get fed by the parents. On the way, they spend a lot of time on the face of the dune where they are easy to photograph at eye level. They may also gather in fairly large groups at the base of the dunes.

Flight photography both in the mornings and the afternoons can be quite excellent as the terns are carrying all manner of marine life to sustain the rapidly growing chicks: the adults are often seen flying around in search of their chicks with all sorts of small baitfish as well as immature fish, large shrimps, baby crabs, and even squid in their bills. The squid will squirt ink on the terns in protest. So if you see an adult Royal Tern flying around with a black necklace you can understand why.

2024 Jacksonville IPT: 4 1/2 DAY option Monday 15 July 2024 through the morning session on FRI 19 JULY — $2299.00 (Limit 4 photographers)

2024 Jacksonville IPT 3 1/2 DAY option: Monday 15 July 2024 through the morning session on THUR 18 July: $1799.00. (Limit 4 photographers)

I do not like to disappoint: each trip will run with only a single participant. If necessary.

I first visited the beach nesting bird colony at Jacksonville in late June 2021. I was astounded. There were many thousands of pairs of Royal Terns nesting along with about 10,000 pairs of Laughing Gulls. In addition to the royals, there were some Sandwich Terns nesting. And there are several dozen pairs of Brown Pelicans nesting on the ground. Flight photography was non-stop astounding. And photographing the tern chicks was relatively easy. Folks could do the whole trip with the Sony 200-600, the Canon 100-500 RF, or the Nikon 500 PF or one of the many nw Z lenses. With a TC in your pocket for use on sunny days. Most of the action is within 100 yards of where we park (on the beach). As with all bird photography, there are times when a super-telephoto lens with either TC is the best tool for the job.

Morning sessions will average about three hours, afternoon sessions at least 1 1/2. On cloudy mornings with favorable winds, we may opt to stay out for one long session and skip the afternoon, especially when the afternoon weather forecast is poor. Lunch is included on all but the last day of each IPT and will be served at my AirBnB. After lunch, we will do image review and Photoshop sessions. My AirBnB is the closest lodging to the park.

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 Jacksonville IPT

  • 1- First and foremast you will learn to become a better flight photographer. Much better.
  • 2-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.
  • 3- You will learn to work in Manual exposure mode even if you fear it.
  • 4- You will learn to evaluate wind and sky conditions and understand how they affect bird photography, especially the photography of birds in flight.
  • 5- You will learn several pro secrets (for each system) that will help you to become a better flight photographer.
  • 6- You will learn to zoom out in advance (because the birds are so close!) 🙂
  • 7- You will learn how to approach free and wild birds without disturbing them.
  • 8- You will learn to spot the good and the great situations.
  • 9- You will learn to understand and predict bird behavior.
  • 10- You will learn to design pleasing images by mastering your camera’s AF system.
  • 11- You will learn to choose the best perspective.
  • 12- You will learn to see and control your backgrounds.
  • 13- You will learn to see and understand the light.
  • 14- You will learn to see and create pleasing blurs in pre-dawn situations.
  • 15- You will learn to be ready for the most likely event.

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 29 June 2021 at Huguenot Memorial Park on a Jacksonville, FL IPT. Standing at full height I used the handheld Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 200mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ) The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 640. 1/3200 second at f/7.1 (stopped down 2/3-stop) in Manual Mode. AWB at 9:16:26am on a sunny morning. RawDigger showed the exposure to be dead solid perfect.

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: Royal Tern screaming in flight

It’s Not Always Easy to Get it Exactly Right in Bird Photography

If you knew that I was using a zoom lens for Image #1, most would react by saying, “You should have zoomed out wider.” As we often get greedy as far as wanting to get as many pixels on the subject as possible, clipping wings and feet and heads is a common occurrence when photographing birds especially birds in flight and in action. Until yesterday, I had long stared at this image thinking of a way to salvage it; I love the bird’s expression. And I had long assumed that I had simply failed to zoom out. That was until I was working on this blog post and saw that the focal length was 200mm, the widest possible.

I gave up trying to think of a way to repair the badly clipped wing and instead, turned to a square crop. WDYT of Image #1?

This image was created on 29 June 2021 at Huguenot Memorial Park on a Jacksonville, FL IPT. I used the Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 800. 1/2000 sec. at f/10 (stopped down 2/3-stop) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead solid perfect. AWB at 9:49:3am 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. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

Image #2: Royal Tern with wings raised

What Do You Think of Square Crops?

Lots of folks think that the-out-of-the-camera 3X2 and 2X3 proportions are sacrosanct and that anything else is heresey. I disagree wholeheartedly. Many images scream out for a square copy, often images with two centered subjects like the Ospreys below. Strangely, I try to avoid boxy crops unless they are the only option.

Framing at 1200mm Ain’t Easy

Especially when you are standing atop an eight foot ladder. I badly mis-framed the original capture for Image #2; the bird on our left was almost touching the frame edge. A square crop resulted in a useable image.

How are Less than Perfect Images and Square Crops Related?

As we have seen in both Image #1 and Image #2, a square crop can often be used to save images that seem to be destined for the trash heap. Or a square crop might be perfect for perfectly executed images, as immediately below.

This image was created on 18 March 2024 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Standing outside my vehicle near the old eagle nest, I used the handheld Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1250: 1/3200 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was pretty darned good. AWB at 9:00:06 on a cloudy morning.

Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

Ospreys near nest: serendipitous synchronous flight

Bingo!

So, was this image the result of pure luck or the right gear?

Actually, it was a combination of both. And more. Note that I had the perfect lens in my hands and the perfect camera body with the perfect settings. But without knowledge of the wind and sky conditions and the necessary skills, I would have come up empty.

With the wind from the SW in the morning, I was lucky that it was totally overcast. If you are trying for flight on cloudy days, simply position yourself with the wind behind you. And I followed my own advice: if you are photographing a bird in flight and a second bird flies into the frame, press the shutter button and hold it down until they separate. But don’t quit entirely as one of the two might provide additional good chances. That is exactly what happened in this case; I kept nine additional images of the bird with the stick landing at the nest. None, however, were anywhere near as good as the “Bingo” shot.

I was lucky to witness the behavior; I had never seen anything remotely like it in 47 years of birding. But I was patient :-). And I was lucky that at the magic moment that the faces of both birds were on the exact same plane.

Note, however, that even if you are the luckiest bird photographer in the world and amazing behaviors happen often right in front of you, you will wind up with nothing unless you have mastered the basics needed to consistently create sharp, nicely designed, properly exposed images. Consider joining a BIRDS AS ART IPT.

Typos

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

April 18th, 2024

Fort DeSoto May Highlights Part I -- It's Not Too Late!

Your Call?

Which is the strongest of today’s five featured images? Which is the weakest of today’s five featured images? Why for each?

Used Gear Pipeline

I have a Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II lens coming up for sale. If you might be interested in purchasing it, shoot me an e-mail.

On a related note, I was pleased to learn that my third Sony a-1 sold within hours of being listed yesterday. Folks know that I price my stuff to sell quickly.

What’s Up?

Kevin has been hard at working repairing the two badly damaged blinds. The high winds continue, with gusts over 40mph today. We should be good to get back to work and try for Sharp-tailed Grouse on Saturday.

Today is Thursday 18 April 2024. We will be visiting a friend of Kevin’s in Bismarck this afternoon. She likes birds and has a kit camera but is physically limited. I’ve heard that she is a great cook and am looking forward to dinner. Whatever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too choose to have fun.

It’s Not Too Late

It’s not too late to join me on the 2024 May DeSoto IPT, coming up in less than three weeks. May is a wonderful time to visit this always productive location. Info below. Call 863-221-2372 or shoot me an e-mail if you have any questions.

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 2024 Spring Fort DeSoto Instructional Photo Tour (IPT)

The Spring Fort DeSoto IPT: Wednesday 8 May through the morning session on SAT 11 May 2023. 3 1/2 Days: $1899.00 includes three working brunches. Limit six photographers. Openings: 4.

Fort DeSoto, located just south of St. Petersburg, FL, is a mecca for terns and gulls, wading birds, and shorebirds in springtime. Though DeSoto can be great any day of the year, spring is my very favorite time to be there as many of the birds will be in full breeding plumage. Simply put, DeSoto is the new Ding Darling. 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, especially with the Brown Pelicans.

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.

In Addition!

We should also get to photograph a variety of other shorebirds including Black-bellied, Semipalmated, Wilson’s, Snowy, and Piping Plovers, Willet, Dunlin, Short-billed Dowitcher, Marbled Godwit, and most especially, Red Knot. On the May trip, many of the shorebirds will be 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 just a bit of luck, we may get to photograph one of Florida’s most desirable species: Roseate Spoonbill. And we will 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. I almost forgot to mention — Laughing Gulls in breeding plumage are to die for!

You do NOT need a fast super-telephoto lens to do this trip!

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.

What You Will Learn on a DeSoto IPT

  • 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 various 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- 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.

The Details

Morning sessions will run about two and one-half hours; afternoon sessions about two. There is never a set schedule on an IPT — we adapt to the conditions. On cloudy mornings with the right wind, we may opt to photograph till 11:30 or so and skip the afternoon session. That especially when the afternoon weather is looking iffy. We may opt to visit a great North Tampa rookery if conditions warrant that.

There will be a Photoshop/Image Review session during and after brunch (included) each of the three full days. That will be followed by Instructor Nap Time. This IPT will run with only a single registrant as I do not like disappointing anyone. 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 (rather than at home or at a friend’s place a good distance away). For folks who register soon, the is an excellent chance that we can share an AirBnb to reduce lodging and meal costs and maximize your learning opportunities.

Folks attending this IPT will be out in the field as early as possible and stay out late to take advantage of sunset colors. 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.

Your non-refundable $599 deposit is due now. Credit cards are OK for that. You can register by calling Jim or Jennifer during weekday business hours at 863-692-0906 with a credit card in hand. Once you leave a deposit, you will receive an e-mail with your balance statement and instructions for sending your balance check three months before the trip begins. 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 two months before the trip. Please shoot me an e-mail if you plan to register or if you have any questions.

IPT veterans and couples or friends signing up together may e-mail for discount information. If you have any questions, or are good to go for one of these great trips, please let me know via e-mail or give me a call on my cell phone at 863-221-2372 for more info.

Typos

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

This image was created on 9 MAY 2023 on a DeSoto IPT. While seated on damp sand, I used the toe-pod technique with the handheld the Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens
the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 640. 1/5000 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the exposure was determined to be dead solid perfect. AWB at 8:19:38am on a sunny morning.

Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

Image #1: Little Blue Heron with tiny baitfish

“Pied” Little Blue Heron

At about one year old, juvenile Little Blue Herons (pure dusky white before then) begin to molt in some blue adult feathers and assume a “pied” look. They are quite handsome at this stage. As with the white juvenile, note the thicker bill (as compared to Snowy Egret) that is light blue at the base with a dusky tip and the greenish yellow legs. This is a plumage stage not a phase or a morph. There are usually one or two to be found on a walk at DeSoto in May.

This image was created on 9 MAY 2023 on a DeSoto IPT. While seated on damp sand, I used the toe-pod technique with the handheld Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ISO 500. Exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/2500 sec. at f/5.6 (stopped down one stop — don’t ask me why). AWB at 6:33:10am on a sunny afternoon.

Tracking: Zone/AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the larger version.

Image #2: Snowy Egret — adult with foot raised

Adult Snowy Egret

Adult Snowy Egrets have legs that are totally black front and back. The back of the legs of a one-year-old snowy are yellow. The prize in April and May is an adult at the peak of breeding plumage that features bright, cherry-red lores. The lores is the skin that covers the area in front the eye to the base of the upper mandible. The brightest colors are present only on birds that are actively breeding and lasts only a very few days before beginning to fade to pink.

This image was created on 11 MAY 2023 on a DeSoto IPT. Seated on damp sand I used the lowered, Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. ISO 1000. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/2500 second at f/6.3 (stopped down 1/3 stop — don’t ask me why) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the raw file brightness was perfect. AWB at 7:47:12am on sunny morning.

Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.

Image #3: Snowy Plover — male flapping after bath (band removed)

Snowy Plover

In April and May of 2023 I saw more Snowy Plovers than ever before at DeSoto, often a dozen or more on some mornings. Several pairs bred successfully on Outback Key. This guy landed right in front of me and took a bath in a rising tidal pool along with dozens of other shorebirds.

This image was created on 11 MAY 2023 on a DeSoto IPT. Crouching a bit, I used the handheld Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 600mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ) The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 800. 1/1250 second at f/10 (stopped down about 1 1/3 stops) in Manual Mode. AWB at 9:51:15am on a sunny morning. RawDigger showed the raw file brightness to be perfect.

Tracking: Spot Expand Spot/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

Image #4: Ruddy Turnstone in breeding plumage on jetty

Photographing Late on a Sunny Morning

Two hours after sunrise the light is cooler and harsher than it was earlier. The trick to making successful images is to work tight and get as close to right on sun angle as possible. The sun in this image is coming from high right. Because I was fairly close to a large in the frame subject I opted to stop down in an effort to render the whole bird sharp. The danger was bringing up too much background detail (by stopping down) but the rock behind the bird was distant enough to minimize that problem.

This image was created on 11 MAY 2023 on a DeSoto IPT. Crouching just a bit, I used the handheld Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 600mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ) The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1000. 1/2500 second at f/6.3 (wide open) in Manual Mode. AWB at 6:03:29pm on a sunny afternoon. RawDigger showed the raw file brightness to be perfect.

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 #5: Whimbrel taking flight

Topaz Sharpen AI for Motion Blur

1/2500 second combined with a less than ideal panning rate (aka operator error) led to lots of motion blur on this otherwise very nice image. In Topaz Sharpen AI I painted a mask (thanks to Commander Jon Hoiles for that lesson), checked both AUTO boxes, and hit APPLY. The plug-in suggested Normal but the motion blur was still quite evident. So I over-rode the system and went with Motion Blur and applied that on a separate layer. Working large, I noted that the sharpening effect was over-done so I reduced the Opacity of the Sharpen AI layer to 80%. The result was quite excellent and the image is fine for web presentation.

Typos

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

April 17th, 2024

Announcing the July 2024 Jax Royal Terns and More IPT

Jax

If you are interested in sharing an AirBnB with me near Huguenot Memorial Park east of Jacksonville, FL during the second week of July, or in doing an IPT that week, please stop what you are doing and shoot me an e-mail. Big discount for the person who shares the AirBnB with me. IPT details below. Here’s wishing you great light and better photography.

Sony a-1 Mirrorless Camera Body

Arthur Morris, yours truly, is offering a Sony a-1 Mirrorless Camera Body in Excellent condition for a very low $4,500.00. The camera will have my settings on it and your purchase will include membership in my Sony a-1 Set-up and Info Group. I own three a-1 bodies; this one, the newest and least used, is the pick of the litter. The body has not been used since it was cleaned and checked by Sony LA a few months ago. The sale includes the original product box and everything that came in it, the front body cap, the strap, the original battery, and insured ground shipping to lower 48 addresses.

Flight Photography at Jacksonville Till You Can’t Lift Your Lens!

Join me on the beach at Huguenot Memorial Park to learn about photographing terns in flight. 8,000 pairs of Royal Terns nest there and there are birds in the air all the time, often carrying all kinds of fish and crabs and other invertebrates for their young. Learn about how the relationship between the wind and the sun impacts flight photography and about the best gear for shooting birds in flight. Note that all the images in the video were created with the Sony a1 (and a variety of lenses). Join me on a workshop at Jacksonville this summer. See the details below.

What’s Up?

Today is Wednesday 17 April 2024. After our great successes down in South Dakota, we are currently on a weather hold with winds of 25mph or more forecast through this coming Friday. It is impossible to use the large pop up blinds in high winds. We will be doing lots of image reviews along with some Photoshop. I will he headed to Underwood, ND about 15 minutes away to pick up my replacement a9 iii. As always, Steve Elkins of Bedfords takes care of his customers. Whatever you are doing, I hope that you too choose to have fun.

Don’t look now, but this blog post makes eleven days in a row with a new educational post just for you. You know the drill; please use my affiliate links or patronize the BAA Online Store.

Clockwise from upper left corner around to center: ink-stained Royal Tern with squid for chicks; fluffy white Royal Tern Chick about two weeks old; Royal Tern with shrimp for chicks; 3-4 week old Royal Tern chick; incoming adult Royal Tern with greenback; Royal Tern in flight with juvenile mahi-mahi; large Brown Pelican chick preening; field guide portrait of fresh juvenile Laughing Gull; Royal Tern chick begging for fish from incoming adult.

Join me at Huguenot Memorial Park this July

Join Me

I have an AirBnB checking in on the late afternoon of Saturday 13 July and checking out on Thursday 19 July 2024. If you are looking to improve your bird photography by leaps and bounds while sharing the place with me, please shoot me an e-mail. ASAP.

Clockwise from upper left corner around to center: Royal Tern chick feeding frenzy; Royal Tern nearly fledged chick; ink-stained Royal Tern with squid for chicks; Royal Tern chick begging; Brown Pelican immature tight flight; Royal Tern adult screaming — tight flight; Laughing Gulls mobbing Royal Tern to steal fish; Royal Tern with fish for chicks.

Join me at Huguenot Memorial Park this July

Huguenot Memorial Park in Early Summer

Driving on the beach at Huguenot Memorial Park in early summer is a bird photographer’s delight. You park this side of the last rope on the beach and you are within 100 yards of the Royal Tern colony atop the dunes. There are also many thousand Laughing Gulls and a few Sandwich Terns breeding as well. In some years, there are some Brown Pelican nests on the ground! .

In early July, the tern chicks begin to make their way down to the flats to bathe and drink and get fed by the parents. On the way, they spend a lot of time on the face of the dune where they are easy to photograph at eye level. They may also gather in fairly large groups at the base of the dunes.

Flight photography both in the mornings and the afternoons can be quite excellent as the terns are carrying all manner of marine life to sustain the rapidly growing chicks: the adults are often seen flying around in search of their chicks with all sorts of small baitfish as well as immature fish, large shrimps, baby crabs, and even squid in their bills. The squid will squirt ink on the terns in protest. So if you see an adult Royal Tern flying around with a black necklace you can understand why.

2024 Jacksonville IPT: 4 1/2 DAY option Monday 15 July 2024 through the morning session on FRI 19 JULY — $2299.00 (Limit 4 photographers)

2024 Jacksonville IPT 3 1/2 DAY option: Monday 15 July 2024 through the morning session on THUR 18 July: $1799.00. (Limit 4 photographers)

I do not like to disappoint: each trip will run with only a single participant. If necessary.

I first visited the beach nesting bird colony at Jacksonville in late June 2021. I was astounded. There were many thousands of pairs of Royal Terns nesting along with about 10,000 pairs of Laughing Gulls. In addition to the royals, there were some Sandwich Terns nesting. And there are several dozen pairs of Brown Pelicans nesting on the ground. Flight photography was non-stop astounding. And photographing the tern chicks was relatively easy. Folks could do the whole trip with the Sony 200-600, the Canon 100-500 RF, or the Nikon 500 PF or one of the many nw Z lenses. With a TC in your pocket for use on sunny days. Most of the action is within 100 yards of where we park (on the beach). As with all bird photography, there are times when a super-telephoto lens with either TC is the best tool for the job.

Morning sessions will average about three hours, afternoon sessions at least 1 1/2. On cloudy mornings with favorable winds, we may opt to stay out for one long session and skip the afternoon, especially when the afternoon weather forecast is poor. Lunch is included on all but the last day of each IPT and will be served at my AirBnB. After lunch, we will do image review and Photoshop sessions. My AirBnB is the closest lodging to the park.

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 Jacksonville IPT

  • 1- First and foremast you will learn to become a better flight photographer. Much better.
  • 2-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.
  • 3- You will learn to work in Manual exposure mode even if you fear it.
  • 4- You will learn to evaluate wind and sky conditions and understand how they affect bird photography, especially the photography of birds in flight.
  • 5- You will learn several pro secrets (for each system) that will help you to become a better flight photographer.
  • 6- You will learn to zoom out in advance (because the birds are so close!) 🙂
  • 7- You will learn how to approach free and wild birds without disturbing them.
  • 8- You will learn to spot the good and the great situations.
  • 9- You will learn to understand and predict bird behavior.
  • 10- You will learn to design pleasing images by mastering your camera’s AF system.
  • 11- You will learn to choose the best perspective.
  • 12- You will learn to see and control your backgrounds.
  • 13- You will learn to see and understand the light.
  • 14- You will learn to see and create pleasing blurs in pre-dawn situations.
  • 15- You will learn to be ready for the most likely event.

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 17 June 2021 at Huguenot Memorial Park east of Jacksonville, FL. Again, standing at full height, I used the handheld Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 600mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ) The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 500. 1/1250 second at f/7.1 (stopped down 1/3-stop) in Manual Mode. AWB at 7:36:07am on a mostly sunny morning.

Tracking: Expand Spot/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

Image #1: Laughing Gull in freshjuvenal plumage on dune

Juvenile Laughing Gulls

Juvenile Laughing Gulls are quite handsome. Even in mid-July, we will see some smaller, unfledged chicks. Gulls are generally cooperative subjects and are fairly easy to approach. They make great practice subjects. When you point your lens at a gull, they will often do something neat. This one sat atop the dune and did not do much, but he was so handsome that I could not resist. I did get a nice frame of this bird preening and am not sure whether it was published here previously.

The Sony 200-600 is great at Jax for flight, action, and portraits.

This image was created on 16 July 2021 on a Jax IPT at Huguenot Memorial Park. I used the Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 800. 1/2000 sec. at f/10 (stopped down 2/3-stop) in Manual mode. AWB at 8:59:16am on a sunny morning.

Tracking: Expand Spot S/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.

Image #2: Royal Tern non-breeding adult calling

Long Focal Lengths

I’ve always loved going in clean, tight, and graphic, especially on sunny days. I’ve always been a head hunter, and always will be. If you sit on the beach and approach the birds carefully, you can often get close enough for head shots with shorter focal length lenses. And on sunny days, you can add a 1.4X TC to your intermediate telephoto zoom lenses for more reach.

This image was also created on 16 July 2021 on a Jax IPT at Huguenot Memorial Park. I used the Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. ISO 500. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/3200 second at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was perfect. AWB at 10:12:29am on sunny morning.

Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.

Image #3: Royal Tern with juvenile Mahi Mahi for chicks

Flight Photography at Jax

There is a ton of great flight photography at Huguenot. You can use a handheld intermediate telephoto lens or a faster, longer fixed focal length lens mounted on a tripod with a Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro. We will get to photograph the Royal and Sandwich Terns, Laughing and other gulls, and Brown Pelicans, all in flight on most days.

Lenses for Flight Photography at Jax

While a handheld or tripod mounted 500 or 600mm f/4 lens can be quite useful for flight photography on the beach, handhold-able intermediate and zoom telephoto lenses like the Sony 200-600mm G lens, the Canon RF 100-500, and any one of the Nikon intermediate telephotos are often the ticket to success when flight shooting. I did quite well on my last visit handholding the Sony 400mm f/2.8 GM lens usually with the 1.4X teleconverter. This year I will be shooting often with my new Sony 300mm f/2.8 lens with either the 1.4X or 2x TC. And my a9 iii will be there as well.

Typos

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

April 16th, 2024

Birding Under the Influence, by Dorian Anderson

Birding Under the Influence/Cycling Across America in Search of Birds and Recovery

With several days of rain and high winds in the forecast, we left our AirBnb in Pierre, SD a day early and headed north to Kevin’s house in Washburn, ND, 45 minutes past and slightly west of Bismarck. We had tremendous luck in South Dakota with sunny mornings and lots of Greater Prairie Chickens. Huge thanks to both Kevin and Anita for making my life easy by setting up, taking down, and transporting the blinds.

When the bad weather abates, we will try for Sharp-tailed Grouse. When we got to Kevin’s home, I looked around for something to read and found a copy of Dorian Anderson’s Birding Under the Influence: Cycling Across America in Search of Birds and Recovery. I simply could not put the book down and spent most of the next 25 hours engrossed in the book. Dorian is an incredibly gifted writer and shares the tale of his year long pursuit of birds on his bicycle. Through bone chilling cold and searing heat, up and down punishing mountains and across deserts, the book is filled with birds and birding, with adventure, with life-threatening danger, with challenges and accomplishment. Dorian broad knowledge base is evident as he shares of the lives and habitats of the birds he sought, the land he rode through, and the great variety of folks he met along the way. All interspersed with meaningful and insightful social commentary.

Dorian, a recovering alcoholic and drug addict, attended Stanford, Harvard, and NYU. He took a year off from his job at Mass General as neuroscience researcher and set off on his bike for one year in effort to find 600 bird species, himself, and sobriety, and to reunite with the love of his life. Can you say molecular and cellular biology and embryology? His incredible, heck, barely believable journey leads to a new and much fuller life. Best for me, however, was the intertwined love story that left me in tears.

You can purchase your copy here.

ps: Not mentioned in the book is the fact that Dorian is also a world class bird photographer.

I Am Not the Only One Who Loved This Book

“One hell of a ride.”—Nick Offerman, actor, woodworker, New York Times bestselling author.

“Candid and often moving reflections . . . make for absorbing reading. . . . [This is] a memoir of a journey that was more than just a chase after numbers.”—Booklist

“What an incredible story! Dorian’s adventure is an inspiration for birders and non-birders alike.”―David Lindo, author of The Urban Birder

“This is no ordinary Big Year birding book, as Dorian’s story supersedes birds and reveals how a year of contemplation, biking, and birding helped him to overcome his inner struggles of addiction and broken relationships that are all too relatable for many of us. Many of us are reluctant to hit the ‘pause’ button on life, afraid of what that might lead to, but Dorian’s example of setting aside a year to process his thoughts, relationships, and future is an example for us, and birding might just be the adventure we need, even for a day or two.”―Luke Safford, Director of Engagement and Education, Tucson Audubon

“Birding Under the Influence is an adrenaline hit for birders and adventure junkies. It’s also a surprisingly tender story of redemption, as Dorian Anderson faces down his addictions and reinvents his career. Having eagerly awaited this book after Anderson’s 2014 Big Year, I read it in a blissful, all-out binge―as will anyone with a taste for birds and inspiring journeys.”―Noah Stryker, Associate Editor of Birding magazine and author of Birding Without Borders

“A story led by the bike and fueled by his tenacity, Dorian colorfully articulates the depth to which putting in the work―both physically on the bike, and emotionally on oneself―reaps infinite rewards.”―Tiffany Kirsten, birding guide and past Lower 48 U.S. Continental Big Year record holder

“Dorian tells it like it is: don’t let life happen to you, no matter what your tendencies and what well-worn grooves you slide into. Life is what you create, accepting your faults and challenges, and realizing that the path forward is not how you plan it―instead, it happens how you least imagined it. And as in any wonderful, gripping story, great birding was involved!”―Alvaro Jaramillo, owner and guide, Alvaro’s Adventures

“[Anderson] is a marvelous writer and, boy, does he have a tale to tell.”―The Denver Post “In the Know”

“There are many big year novels, as birders tell how they tried to see as many species of birds in a year as they can, but Anderson’s self-powered attempt covers novel challenges and encounters. Among the physical and mental challenges of birding and biking across the country, Anderson also recounts his experience finding sobriety – another tale of nature’s many cures.”―Portland Press Herald

“Recounting a starkly different kind of ‘Big Year’ Dorian details an unlikely saga that takes a toll on him, physically and mentally. So often birding is a quest, and in this memoir Dorian Anderson seeks birds but also some sense of self. At times throwing himself on the mercy of his fellow Americans, he finds his way through and across the country, enlisting a colorful cast of characters as he goes. For this one year his only commitment is to his bicycle. His bike both frees and imprisons him simultaneously, but eventually it delivers him, along with a unique story. America’s sweetest wildlife spectacles light a path that would otherwise be strewn with 40-ounce bottles of malt liquor and rails of cocaine. From Snowy Owls in Boston to Yellow-footed Gulls in California’s Salton Sea, saddle up for a modern journey that harkens back to classic birding adventures, like those of Pete Dunne in The Feather Quest or to Wild America by Roger Tory Peterson and James Fisher.”―George Armistead, founder and guide, Hillstar Nature

In Birding Under the Influence, Dorian Anderson, a neuroscience researcher on a pressure-filled life trajectory, walks away from the world of elite institutions, research labs, and academic publishing. In doing so, he falls in love and discovers he has freed himself to embrace his lifelong passion for birding.

A North American Big Year—a continent-spanning adventure in which a birder attempts to see as many species as possible in twelve months—is a massive undertaking under any circumstances. But doing it on a bike while maintaining sobriety? That’s next level.

As Dorian pedals across the country, describing the birds he sees, he confronts the challenges of long-distance cycling: treacherous weather, punctured tires, speeding cars, and injury. He encounters eccentric characters, blistering blacktop, dreary hotel rooms, snarling dogs, and an endless sea of smoking tailpipes. He also confronts his past struggles with alcohol, drugs, and risky behaviors that began in high school and followed him into adulthood.

Birding Under the Influence is a candid, honest look at Dorian’s double life of academic accomplishment and addiction. While his journey to recovery is simultaneously poignant and inspiring, it is ultimately his love of birds and nature that provides the scaffolding to build a new and radically different life. Chelsea Green Publishing

Typos

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

April 15th, 2024

Greater Prairie Chicken Miracles Can Happen!

What’s Up?

On Saturday, I suggested that we erect two perches on the lek for the Greater Prairie Chickens (GPCs). With Kevin’s help, we put one low driftwood perch in place, and a larger vertical perch. That morning, the birds wanted nothing to do with our perches. Even worse, both perches got in our way often. The low perch was so lovely that I made some images of it without a bird on it. At the end of our session, we agreed to remove the vertical perch as it was quite obtrusive. Kevin said that he thought the birds would get up on the low perch “in a day or two.” So on Saturday night, I dreamed of the GPCs posing on the perch.

If you had asked me what were the chances of that happening the next day, I might have said, “I mean miracles can happen, so possibly.”

Early on Sunday morning, a few males were strutting quite close to the low perch, and once or twice they got up on it for a moment. As I was desperate for a shot, I tried a few at ISO 51,000. When the sun finally made an appearance, it turned out that we had gotten lucky; the low perch was perfectly placed between the very long shadows of my blind and Anita’s blind. Then my dreams were answered — several males got up on the handsome perch, and then several females took a liking to it. One hen posed there for about ten minutes; I shot her at 600, 840, and 1200mm. Some of the. males displayed, some of them jumped. By the time we quit at about 8:30am, I had created 8952 images, almost all with the a9 iii that Anita kindly loaned me after mine went on the fritz on Saturday. I kept 396 photos. 185 of those will be used to create an a9 iii “dancing Chicken” movie. Counting all of those as keepers left me with a success rate of 0.44%, less than 1/2 of one percent. Images below.

Today is Monday 15 April. Our plan is to shoot in the wind in the morning, pack up the blinds, vacate our AirBnB and head north to Kevin’s place in Washburn, ND, forty miles north of Bismarck. Whatever you are doing, have fun and breathe deeply.

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

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

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

Your Call?

Which of today’s four featured images do you think is the strongest. Those kind enough to leave a comment are asked to let us know why they made their choice.

“I Mean Miracles Can Happen, So Possibly”

When 12-year old Grace VanderWaal auditioned for America’s Got Talent in 2016, that was her response to Simon when he asked, So, “Do you think you can win?” Howie Mandel hit the Golden Buzzer advancing her to the live show and on September 14, 2016, she did in fact win Season 11.

This image was created on 14 April 2024 at Fort Pierre National Grasslands, SD. Seated on a small camp chair working off the rear monitor in a large pop-up blind, I used the lowered Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. ISO 1600. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/320 second at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was perfect. AWB at 7:04:50am on yet a other clear sunny morning.

Tracking: Zone/AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the larger version.

Image #1: Greater Prairie Chicken — male jumping up.

Miracle at 1/320 Second!

Once the sun hit the low perch, I had enough light to make sharp images of the GPCs on it. When this bird jumped up to the highest spot, I followed my own advice and pressed the shutter button even though I had little chance of making a sharp image at 1/320 sec. Miracles, however, do come true. (Note: in good conditions I will usually shoot flight at 1/3200 or 1/4000 second, or faster if possible.)

This image was created on 14 April 2024 at Fort Pierre National Grasslands, SD. Seated on a small camp chair working off the rear monitor in a large pop-up blind, I used the lowered Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. ISO 1600. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/400 second at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was perfect. AWB at 7:05:17am on yet a other clear sunny morning.

Tracking: Zone/AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the larger version.

Image #2: Greater Prairie Chicken — male on log.

Blind Shadow

In both of the first two images, a good part of the background was the shadow of Anita’s blind. Do you like the lighter treatment of the shadow in Image #1, or the darker treatment in Image #2? Note: Images #1 and #2 were created only 27 seconds apart.

This image was created on 14 April 2024 at Fort Pierre National Grasslands, SD. Seated on a small camp chair working off the rear monitor in a large pop-up blind, I used the lowered Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter, and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 2000. 1/800 sec. at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be about perfect. AWB at 7:19:11am on sunny morning.

Tracking Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed perfectly even at 1200mm. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

Image #3: Greater Prairie Chicken hen on log

1200mm

With lots of chickens getting up on the perch, I worked with the bare 600mm at times, or added the 1.4X TC for a bit more reach. When this hen posed for what seemed like an eternity, I went to the 2X TC. As expected, the sharpness at 1200mm is exceptional.

This image was created on 14 April 2024 at Fort Pierre National Grasslands, SD. Seated on a small camp chair working off the rear monitor in a large pop-up blind, I used the lowered Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter, and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 2000. 1/4000 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be perfect. AWB at 7:48:42am on sunny morning.

Tracking Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed perfectly even at 1200mm. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

Image #4: Greater Prairie Chicken male on log

The Sun Rises Quickly on the Prairie

By 7:45am on sunny days, there is enough light to use fast shutter speeds for action with reasonable ISO settings.

Typos

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

April 14th, 2024

Warm Large-in-the-Frame and Cool Small-in-the-Frame

Live Life to the Fullest

Join an Instructional Photo-Tour.

What’s Up?

We were in the blinds early on Saturday and had lots of birds in front of us. At 6:45am, about 25 or 30 birds got spooked by something and flew off to other areas on the huge lek. We looked for the cause, a raptor or a coyote, but did not see a thing. The were a few birds behind us and several dozen to our right, some on a relatively distant hillside also to our right. We did not have the greatest morning.

Then my newly beloved only a9 iii went on the fritz. If you or a friend is using an a9 iii and have had strange, intermittent autofocus problems, please contact me via e-mail.

Today is Sunday 14 April 2024. We headed early to the big Fort Pierre (say “pier”) lek. Whatever you are doing, be sure to have fun.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ddc 728w

Save 15%!

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

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

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

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



B&H

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

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

Bedfords Simplified

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

Bedfords Amazing BAA Discount Policy

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

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

Gear Questions and Advice

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

This image was created on 12 April 2024 at Fort Pierre National Grasslands, SD. Seated on a small camp chair working off the rear monitor in a large pop-up blind, I used the lowered Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter, and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. ISO 3200. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/640 second at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was perfect. AWB at 7:10:28am on a clear sunny morning.

Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.

Image #1: Greater Prairie Chicken male boomer displaying

Cooler Morning Light/Small in the Frame

The early morning light on the male chickens really lights up their colors. When the sun comes up, the shadows of the blinds extent about almost 100 yards to the west. The trick is photograph the birds that are left or right of shadows of the blinds and thus, are lit by the warm light of the sun. While showing off for the ladies, the males often erect the pinnated feathers on the sides of their heads. And they raise the feathers on the sides of their necks exposing their orange air sacs. Then they inflate the sacs to create a booming sound while leaning forward and lowering their heads.

Once we get some light, I find that a shutter speed of 1/250 second will freeze most of the movement of a booming chicken. At 1/640th, as with image #1, most images of displaying males will be sharp.

Seeing the Shot

When I saw the three birds walking in the same direction, I got on the closest male and made a series of story-telling, small-in-the-frame images. Image #2 with the female close to being on the same plane as the male in the front, was the best of the lot. In our four days on the lek Kevin has seen three copulations and Anita has seen one. Zero for me. No good mating photos for anyone so far with one day to go.

This image was created on 12 April 2024 at Fort Pierre National Grasslands, SD. Seated on a small camp chair working off the rear monitor in a large pop-up blind, I used the lowered Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter, and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. ISO 1250. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/4000 second at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was perfect. AWB at 8:07:50am on a clear sunny morning.

Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.

Image #2: Greater Prairie Chicken males following hen

Cooler Morning Light/Small in the Frame

Just after sunrise, the low angled light travels through lots of atmosphere. The atmosphere filters out the blue light leaving the red and yellow light to dominate. As the sun rises, the light is not so steeply angled and the cooler, bluer light takes over. Compare the color of the light in the two images.

The dirt mounds are made by the Prairie Dogs.

Why 1/4000 Second?

I was set up for a fight.

Typos

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