Birds at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge - I: My latest trip to Bear River was under the worst conditions I have ever attempted. The wind was high and changing in intensity. The birds...

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

My latest trip to Bear River was under the worst conditions I have ever attempted. The wind was high and changing in intensity. The birds were the usual resident crew and could be seen only at long distances. The high wind mast I presented when hand holding the rig (Sony A1 with 600mm lens and 2x tc) made it very hard to acquire targets and capture them in focus.

This set shows the initial subjects using the larger rig.

Comments and suggestions are welcome.

My usual butt view (American white pelican)

(Download)

Is this my best side? (Killdeer)

(Download)

Or this?
Or this?...

(Download)

This wind is really tough (Western grebe)

(Download)

Stay near the bank (Coot)
Stay near the bank (Coot)...

(Download)

Yet another butt shot (Sandhill crane)

(Download)

Once more
Once more...

(Download)

Looking around (Western grebe)

(Download)

Just a sip (Coot)
Just a sip (Coot)...

(Download)

NMGal Loc: NE NM

You did good despite adverse conditions, Mike.

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

Nicely shot set Mike. No migrant birds yet I see.

joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA

UTMike wrote:

My latest trip to Bear River was under the worst conditions I have ever attempted. The wind was high and changing in intensity. The birds were the usual resident crew and could be seen only at long distances. The high wind mast I presented when hand holding the rig (Sony A1 with 600mm lens and 2x tc) made it very hard to acquire targets and capture them in focus.

This set shows the initial subjects using the larger rig.

Comments and suggestions are welcome.

In spite of the tribulations, an engaging, great set
🥇⭐💯⭐🥇

MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

UTMike wrote:

My latest trip to Bear River was under the worst conditions I have ever attempted. The wind was high and changing in intensity. The birds were the usual resident crew and could be seen only at long distances. The high wind mast I presented when hand holding the rig (Sony A1 with 600mm lens and 2x tc) made it very hard to acquire targets and capture them in focus.

This set shows the initial subjects using the larger rig.

Comments and suggestions are welcome.

I'm really envious of your great images of that very photogenic Killdeer. You butt shot of the White Pelican gave me a case of the giggles!

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

NMGal wrote:

You did good despite adverse conditions, Mike.

Thanks, Barbara, I have learned to pay more attention to weather forecasts.

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

Curmudgeon wrote:

Nicely shot set Mike. No migrant birds yet I see.

Thanks, Jack, I just jumped the gun in a hurry to get out.

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

joecichjr wrote:

In spite of the tribulations, an engaging, great set
🥇⭐💯⭐🥇

As always, your generosity comes through, Joe.

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

MadMikeOne wrote:

I'm really envious of your great images of that very photogenic Killdeer. You butt shot of the White Pelican gave me a case of the giggles!

Thanks, Mike, the long lens enabled me to get those shots.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

UTMike wrote:

My latest trip to Bear River was under the worst conditions I have ever attempted. The wind was high and changing in intensity. The birds were the usual resident crew and could be seen only at long distances. The high wind mast I presented when hand holding the rig (Sony A1 with 600mm lens and 2x tc) made it very hard to acquire targets and capture them in focus.

This set shows the initial subjects using the larger rig.

Comments and suggestions are welcome.

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

Manglesphoto wrote:

I appreciate your thumbs up, Frank.

PAR4DCR Loc: A Sunny Place

Very nice set Mike!

Don

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

PAR4DCR wrote:

Very nice set Mike!

Don

Thanks, Don.

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

Really nice, Mike. Even the weather does not deter you from your appointed rounds.

Mubashm Loc: Gaithersburg, Maryland

Wow! so beautiful and super sharp.