I guess I’ll call this 700mm day at Ridgefield! That’s the set up I used to shoot all the images on today’s blog post. Canon’s 500mm + Canon’s 1.4x III teleconverter. These are shots from Oct. 23, 2013, another rare fall sunny day in the Pacific NW, after the fog lifted at about 10:30 a.m. We had a string of sunny days this fall for some reason but next week it’s back to gray skies and showers.
[Please click on these thumbnails once to enjoy a larger, more detailed view of the images.]
There were a gazillion of these spider webs with dew on them as I passed tall grasses and teasels. Canon 5D Mark III, 1/800, f5.6, ISO 1600, 700mm. (10:15 a.m.)
This Pied-billed Grebe made a catch in the foggy waters between markers #9 & 10. Canon 5D Mark III, 1/800, f5.6, ISO 1600, 700mm. (10:33)
Across the water between markers #11 & 12, I again spotted this tail-less raccoon just resting there on the bank. Canon 5D Mark III, 1/1000, f5.6, ISO 1600, 700mm. (10:51)
After rounding the corner at marker #12, I noticed some Western Meadowlarks on the same perch that an American Kestrel used for a photo back in August, just after getting the new lens. This one didn’t come out as nice as the kestrel due to lighting and I’m a little soft on the focus. But heck, I had to post since it’s Oregon’s state bird! Canon 5D Mark III, 1/1600, f5.6, ISO 800, 700mm. (11:04)
Suddenly, a female Northern Harrier does a fly-by. Canon 5D Mark III, 1/1600, f5.6, ISO 1600, 700mm. (11:06)
Near the Ducks Unlimited sign, I spot a pretty Red-tailed Hawk resting and drying out. Canon 5D Mark III, 1/2000, f5.6, ISO 800, 700mm. (11:31)
A calm Pied-billed Grebe relaxes in the water near marker #11. Canon 5D Mark III, 1/2000, f5.6, ISO 800, 700mm. (11:38)
The Great Egrets were out today. Here’s one of many shots I took of them. Canon 5D Mark III, 1/5000, f5.6, ISO 800, 700mm. (3:13 p.m.)
Some Cackling Geese fly overhead. Canon 5D Mark III, 1/2500, f5.6, ISO 800, 700mm. (3:32)
A Great Egret shot taken at relatively close range from near marker #11. Canon 5D Mark III, 1/2500, f5.6, ISO 800, 700mm. (3:34)
These next two Egret shots were part of a landing series as I was parked on the eastern edge of Rest Lake. I was trying to shoot through grass as the birds were coming in for a landing way out on the lake. Canon 5D Mark III, 1/2500, f5.6, ISO 800, 700mm. (3:42)
The touchdown.
While I was shooting the egret, a few Sandhill Cranes flew overhead. I’m seeing lots of these at the refuge but they are almost always way too far out in the fields to get a decent image. The closest I’ve been able to get is when they fly close by. Canon 5D Mark III, 1/2000, f5.6, ISO 800, 700mm. (3:43)
Again I turn my attention to way out on Rest Lake where the egret activity continues. Interesting reflection here split by the different water texture. Canon 5D Mark III, 1/2000, f5.6, ISO 800, 700mm. (3:48)
Immediately after the above shot, up to three Northern Harriers were doing some kind of sky acrobatics. Here are two of them. Too bad they weren’t facing me. Canon 5D Mark III, 1/2500, f5.6, ISO 800, 700mm. (3:48)
This lovely Savannah Sparrow posed for me on a sticker bush. Canon 5D Mark III, 1/2000, f5.6, ISO 800, 700mm. (4:04)
I’m back around the loop just past marker #11 where the setting sun is behind me when I’m facing the water. Here are some shots of Great Egrets. Canon 5D Mark III, 1/5000, f5.6, ISO 800, 700mm. (4:39)
Canon 5D Mark III, 1/5000, f5.6, ISO 640, 700mm. (4:43)
This is a full-frame shot (except for a bit cropped off on the left).
Canon 5D Mark III, 1/8000, f5.6, ISO 640, 700mm. (4:49)
And, a last shot of a Harrier as the sun was setting behind me. Canon 5D Mark III, 1/1250, f5.6, ISO 1600, 700mm. (5:30)
While there wasn’t a huge variety of species today, I was pleased with my progress with getting used to my new lens with the 1.4X attached. I’m really amazed at how well it can do with BIF shots, too. Attaching either teleconverter slows the AF operation some but it still works well enough in most situations.
Thanks for stopping by and take care until the next time!