You know, it’s like pulling teeth getting shots this time of year. Occasionally, I’ll luck out and get a bunch of decent opportunities in summer but today (Sep. 18), I spent six hours and only shot 300 frames. I’m really looking forward to fall migration and the return of the raptors and getting the opportunity to put the 500mm through its paces. Nevertheless, it’s a lot of fun hoping something pops out around the next corner on the auto tour at the refuge!
Let’s start off with a shot of a real common bird this time of year, the Greater Yellowlegs. Canon 5D Mark III, 1/1600, f4, ISO 800, 500mm. (7:45 a.m.)
[Click once on the thumbnails to get a large more detailed view of the images].
The Savannah Sparrows are still very numerous but they seem to be feeding in flocks on the ground instead of being ‘loners.’ In Spring, I would see this sparrow perched on almost every refuge sign along the road, and I don’t recall them hanging around in small groups. They just seem a lot more skittish this time of year and it’s harder to get a shot. This guy below stayed long enough in the brush for me to get this image. Canon 5D Mark III, 1/2000, f4, ISO 800, 500mm. (7:56)
This little bird surprised me when it popped out of the brush for a few fleeting seconds. I’m thinking that it might be a juvenile Orange-crowned Warbler, but I’m not sure. Canon 5D Mark III, 1/1600, f4, ISO 800, 500mm. (8:00)
This little one took flight just as I was snapping in burst mode.
Red-winged Blackbirds are returning and the males are strutting their stuff! Canon 5D Mark III, 1/1600, f4, ISO 1250, 500mm.
This Northern Harrier was a good hundred feet away…not the best quality but I like the pose and these birds are so beautiful. Canon 5D Mark III, 1/1000, f4, ISO 1600, 500mm. (8:36)
This shot is almost full frame as the bird was about 40 feet away and up on a branch about 10 feet high. Great Blue Heron. Canon 5D Mark III, 1/1000, f4, ISO 1600, 500mm. (8:53)
A female Red-winged Blackbird. These birds can be every bit as pretty as the males. Canon 5D Mark III, 1/1000, f4, ISO 1000, 500mm. (9:38)
And, another shot of the Greater Yellowlegs showing me its best side. Canon 5D Mark III, 1/2500, f5.6, ISO 1000, 700mm. (12:00)
A short and sweet post for today! Thanks for dropping by and take care!