rockdog Loc: Berkeley, Ca.

If I imagine the perfect wildlife shooting situation it would include the following: being in a target rich environment with my favorite DSLR, a long lens mounted on a tripod and a comfortable position (read chair) and the time for me to allow my subjects to accommodate to my presence and come to me. To paraphrase John Muir the magic happens when you sit quietly and allow the chipmunk to run across your boot and Chickadee to land on a nearby perch.
In reality perhaps 90% of my UHH posts have been taken from my car or truck. I have a long history of visiting wildlife refuges that require visitors to remain in their vehicles. http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-428057-1.html. A few things I have learned: drive slowly and use the turnouts to stop, turn off your engine and be patient, use a padded, partially raised window as a camera rest. My dear wife is an excellent spotter and driver and in some situations, I sit in the back seat which allows me to shoot from both sides of the car. Shooting through the windshield may have its problems but clean glass helps. Be considerate of other visitors, read the signs and follow the rules. Raptors and migratory waterfowl seem to grow very tolerant of moving or stopped vehicles on these refuges but even opening a door can send thousands of birds into energy wasting flight.
Wishing you enjoyment of our public lands and wildlife refuges!

(Download)


(Download)


(Download)


(Download)


(Download)


(Download)

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Get the shots when you can - inside a car or out.

I love that vulture on the Hiking sign. That should be a poster.

novnan Loc: bucks county, pa

good advice, gotta love that vulture!

RE Loc: California

Where were these taken, id like to visit it. The Kern refuge is also a drive through expierence, very enjoyable.

alandg46 Loc: Boerne, Texas

Would you mind if I download your buzzard on the sign photo?

Dixiegirl Loc: Alabama gulf coast

Great advice, Phil. It's amazing how many wonderful shots one can get from the car windows as you've shown here.

rockdog Loc: Berkeley, Ca.

Hi Jerry, thanks for the visit. I think the vulture may have been offering some wisdom here.
Phil

rockdog Loc: Berkeley, Ca.

I appreciate your comment novnan, thank you.
Phil

rockdog Loc: Berkeley, Ca.

Hi Rena, these were taken at the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge, a complex with multiple sites near Willows and Colusa in the northern Sacramento valley. There is a link in my narrative above. Thank you for the visit.
Phil

RE Loc: California

Thanks Phil, we will have to take a trip out there!

rockdog Loc: Berkeley, Ca.

Hi alandg46, I appreciate you asking. I post my photos with download available for better viewing. Enjoy the download and if you wish to use the image for any purpose please PM me. Thank for the visit.
Phil

rockdog Loc: Berkeley, Ca.

Thanks for the visit Donna. Cars make excellent shooting blinds...and they have heaters!
Phil

rockdog Loc: Berkeley, Ca.

They have an excellent website.

Doddy Loc: Barnard Castle-England

what a fantastic variety..you did good, shooting in those conditions.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Awesome message and wonderful photos. Thanks so much, Phil!