Despite the August Heat...
Sep 8, 2022 16:23:48 #
Southern California's Autumn heat wave has reduced the time spent out in the field, but those willing to spend some time in the early morning and as the day heats up have succeeded in capturing some very nice photo opportunities. The attached photos were gathered in the coastal wetlands in Huntington Beach and in the nearby San Joaquin Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary. The autumn migration is just starting so there should be new opportunities for bird photos coming soon. All of the attached were taken using my Nikon D500 and a Nikkor 200-500 telezoom, handheld, mostly at around f/10 at 1/1600 sec. ISO is set to Auto.
The initial sequence of a Great Blue Heron in flight are all of the same bird. The morning light was very flattering.
The next photo shows a Virginia Rail and Sora, both of which are shy birds and often difficult to capture in decent light, and then the Sora (far left) appears with a group of Long-billed Dowitchers in Winter plumage.
The pair of Red-tailed Hawks are residents of the UC Natural Reserve in Irvine, CA, but we were lucky to catch them in nice, early morning sunlight on this perch in the middle of the reserve. Originally, the top bird was facing left before turning 180 degrees and stretching its wings. Several minutes later, it took flight and landed far to the East on its most common perch, followed several minutes later by its partner/mate.
The next to last photo shows a Cinnamon Teal, in non-breeding plumage, surrounded by Red-necked Phalaropes, also in their winter garb.
The final photo of a butterfly was taken at the Brookhurst Marsh in Huntington Beach during our monthly bird survey this past Monday. Can someone help me ID this small insect? It was only about 1/2" across with wings closed. Hundreds of these small butterflies were flitting through the salt marsh ground cover. Getting a sharp photo of this subject was a matter of luck.
jak
The initial sequence of a Great Blue Heron in flight are all of the same bird. The morning light was very flattering.
The next photo shows a Virginia Rail and Sora, both of which are shy birds and often difficult to capture in decent light, and then the Sora (far left) appears with a group of Long-billed Dowitchers in Winter plumage.
The pair of Red-tailed Hawks are residents of the UC Natural Reserve in Irvine, CA, but we were lucky to catch them in nice, early morning sunlight on this perch in the middle of the reserve. Originally, the top bird was facing left before turning 180 degrees and stretching its wings. Several minutes later, it took flight and landed far to the East on its most common perch, followed several minutes later by its partner/mate.
The next to last photo shows a Cinnamon Teal, in non-breeding plumage, surrounded by Red-necked Phalaropes, also in their winter garb.
The final photo of a butterfly was taken at the Brookhurst Marsh in Huntington Beach during our monthly bird survey this past Monday. Can someone help me ID this small insect? It was only about 1/2" across with wings closed. Hundreds of these small butterflies were flitting through the salt marsh ground cover. Getting a sharp photo of this subject was a matter of luck.
jak
(Download)
(Download)
(Download)
(Download)
(Download)
(Download)
(Download)
(Download)
(Download)
(Download)
Sep 8, 2022 17:18:15 #
Sep 8, 2022 17:20:31 #
jak86094 wrote:
Southern California's Autumn heat wave has reduced... (show quote)
Fantastic set of images
Sep 8, 2022 18:13:34 #
Your usual expert work, jak! As to your "luck" in capturing the last shot, it is amazing how often people who spend time on shooting and preparation seem to get lucky.
Sep 8, 2022 19:27:43 #
Sep 8, 2022 19:38:29 #
Sep 9, 2022 06:26:29 #
Sep 9, 2022 09:47:08 #
Sep 9, 2022 14:20:17 #
NMGal wrote:
A very nice series.
Many thanks for the kingmwords,
NMGal. Hope you have a nice weekend. jak
Sep 9, 2022 14:22:17 #
Manglesphoto wrote:
Fantastic set of images
That’s very kind of you, Manglesphoto. Thanks for the kind words. Have a great weekend. jak
Sep 9, 2022 14:27:21 #
UTMike wrote:
Your usual expert work, jak! As to your "luck" in capturing the last shot, it is amazing how often people who spend time on shooting and preparation seem to get lucky.
Mike, how have you been. Nice to hear from you. Whether it’s luck, practice, or a bit of both, I’m enjoying my time with the camera and with post processing. Hope you are having fun with camera and with getting out to use it. jak
Sep 9, 2022 14:29:51 #
Curmudgeon wrote:
Wow, what a set. A Clapper Rail and a Sora in the same frame!!!! 
Curmudgeon, yes, getting those two birds together was a treat. Thanks for the kind words. Have a great weekend. jak
Sep 9, 2022 14:31:40 #
kpmac wrote:
A fine set.
Thanks, kpmac. Very nice of you. Hope you’re having a great week. jak
Sep 9, 2022 14:33:30 #
Sep 9, 2022 14:34:44 #
hettmoe wrote:
Very nice!
Thanks for the kind words, hettmoe. Much appreciated. Have a great weekend. jak
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.