The Chase
Made my first trip back to Bolivar Flats yesterday since Galveston’s FeatherFest in April. Took a new client along to show him the ropes of getting down and dirty shooting shorebirds. He got up close and personal with some birds along with the sand of Bolivar. Good job Newton.
It felt really good to get back out there and luckily the tide/winds cooperated, along with the birds. We found the usual suspects, along with two Reddish Egrets and a White Morph Reddish Egret.
Reddish Egrets are very territorial and this one chased a juvenile away right in front of us. Got a series of 64 photos of this chase. Changed to all focus points during the action to make sure that they would stay in focus. Only needed some minor cropping on these shots.
Taken with Canon 1DX and Canon 500mm F4 IS II with 1.4X III teleconverter mounted on Skimmer ground pod with Wimberley II gimbal head.
All photos are Aperture priority, 1/1600 sec @ F11, ISO 1600, evaluative metering, +2/3 exposure compensation, 700mm
Northern Cardinal
This male Northern Cardinal was striking a good pose with a clean background.
Taken with Canon 1DX and Canon 500mm F4 IS II mounted on tripod with Wimberley II gimbal head
1/1000 sec @ F9, ISO 1600, evaluative metering, +2/3 exposure compensation
Scissor-tailed Flycatchers
The first Flycatcher made a nice landing on the branch and then was dive-bombed by another. The first one held his ground. Taken at Laguna Seca Ranch.
Taken with Canon 1DX and Canon 500mm F4 IS II mounted on tripod with Wimberley II gimbal head
1/1600 sec @ F11, ISO 1600, evaluative metering
1/2000 sec @ F11, ISO 1600, evaluative metering
Crested Caracara
During my trip to Laguna Seca ranch, the raptors were scarce at the raptor blinds. However, we did see this Caracara near a pond where he would come for a drink at the end of the day. Captured him taking a drink, flying to a nearby perch and then using it for a good rub down.
Taken with Canon 1DX and Canon 500mm F4 IS II mounted on tripod with Wimberley II gimbal head
1/1250 sec @ F11, ISO 1600, evaluative metering, +1/3 exposure compensation
1/2500 sec @ F11, ISO 1600, evaluative metering
1/3200 sec @ F11, ISO 1600, evaluative metering
1/3200 sec @ F11, ISO 1600, evaluative metering
1/2000 sec @ F11, ISO 1600, evaluative metering
1/2000 sec @ F11, ISO 1600, evaluative metering
Long Billed Thrasher
Long Billed Thrashers showed up at every watering hole at Laguna Seca ranch. They can only be found in South Texas and in eastern Mexico. Lack of sun forced me to break out the flash/better beamer for some fill flash.
Taken with Canon 1DX and Canon 500mm F4 IS II mounted on tripod with Wimberley II gimbal head
1/1000 sec @ F9, ISO 1600, evaluative metering, +1/3 exposure compensation,
1/1600 sec @ F9, ISO 1600, evaluative metering, +1/3 exposure compensation, fill flash @ -3 stops with better beamer
1/800 sec @ F9, ISO 1600, evaluative metering, +1/3 exposure compensation, fill flash @ -3 stops with better beamer
Spiked Green Jay
This Green Jay got a punk rocker spiked hair look after he took a bath.
Taken with Canon 1DX and Canon 500mm F4 IS II mounted on tripod with Wimberley II gimbal head
1/1000 sec @ F9, ISO 1600, evaluative metering, +1/3 exposure compensation
1/1250 sec @ F9, ISO 1600, evaluative metering, +1/3 exposure compensation
1/1600 sec @ F9, ISO 1600, evaluative metering, +1/3 exposure compensation
Painted Bunting – Bath Time
Here are some Painted Bunting photos from my trip to Laguna Seca ranch. This was my first opportunity to see these up close. A member of the Cardinal family, they are tiny little birds but you can’t miss them with those colors. The male is brightly colored and the females are yellow-green in color. They hung out in the foliage and only came out to bathe when we were there.
Taken with Canon 1DX and Canon 500mm F4 IS II mounted on tripod with Wimberley II gimbal head
1/2000 sec @ F9, ISO 3200, evaluative metering, +2/3 exposure compensation
1/1000 sec @ F8, ISO 1600, evaluative metering
1/800 sec @ F8, ISO 1600, evaluative metering
1/1000 sec @ F8, ISO 1600, evaluative metering
1/800 sec @ F8, ISO 1600, evaluative metering
Trip to South Texas Ranch – Green Jay
Made my first trip to South Texas a couple of weeks ago for some very cool bird photography at Laguna Seca ranch, near Edinburg TX, about 40 miles from Mexico. Thanks again Beth for the invitation. Laguna Seca is set up with several blinds for morning and afternoon photography. My first experience at shooting from a blind, but it won’t be my last as I’ll be heading back there again next year. Our guide, Ruth Hoyt, did an excellent job and I would highly recommend her. It was a slow time of year for Raptors but we did get did get to see several species of birds along with a few ground squirrels that put on quite a show.
We got lucky that the rain held off for the most part but it was cloudy both mornings, which made for some low light conditions. Had to break out the flash/better beamer, which I haven’t used for over a year.
When I told Ruth that my goal was to get some Green Jay photos, she said that wouldn’t be a problem as they were abundant. They showed up at each of the blinds so I was a happy camper.
http://www.lagunasecaranch.com/
Taken with Canon 1DX and Canon 500mm F4 IS II mounted on tripod with Wimberley II gimbal head
1/800 sec @ F10, ISO 1600, evaluative metering, +1/3 exposure compensation
1/250 sec @ F7.1, ISO 1600, evaluative metering, +1/3 exposure compensation, fill flash with Better Beamer (-3 stops)
1/1000 sec @ F10, ISO 3200, evaluative metering, +1 exposure compensation
White Morph Reddish Egret Fishing
This white morph reddish egret put on quite a show during my field trip to Bolivar Flats for Galveston’s FeatherFest. Too bad it was cloudy but I’ll take that over rain any day.
Taken with Canon 1DX and Canon 500mm F4 IS II with 1.4X III teleconverter
1/1250 sec @ F11, ISO 3200, evaluative metering, +1 exposure compensation
1/800 sec @ F13, ISO 3200, evaluative metering, +1 exposure compensation
1/1000 sec @ F13, ISO 3200, evaluative metering, +1 exposure compensation
1/800 sec @ F13, ISO 3200, evaluative metering, +1 exposure compensation
1/800 sec @ F13, ISO 3200, evaluative metering, +1 exposure compensation
FeatherFest “Birds Eye View” Field Trip to Bolivar Flats
Took a group of willing photographers from Galveston’s FeatherFest to Bolivar Flats on Friday morning for some down and dirty action while taking photos of shorebirds on my “Birds Eye View” field trip. Several members of the group had never been to Bolivar before so it was going to be a treat if the weather and birds cooperated. The weather forecast was bleak up until the morning of the shoot. Instead of forecasted thunderstorms, we were met with clouds, waves, light winds, temps in the low 70’s (deg F) and very high humidity. Along with lots of gnats. It didn’t look very promising when we turned onto the beach as there were waves and no sandbars or birds in sight until we got to the parking area. Spotted some birds further down the shoreline so my hopes were raised.
We started out at the first small sandbar sticking out from the shoreline to practice the technique of getting down low and eye level with the birds. There were several ground pods being used in the group along with a few tripods. There were a few Willets, Terns and Sanderlings in that area but nothing overly exciting. Spent a few minutes there and moved on down the beach to try to get close to a group of Black Skimmers.
Aperture priority, 1/400 sec @ F 5.6, ISO 1600, evaluative metering, +1 exposure compensation
There were lots of Skimmers hanging out at our next stop. We got as close as I felt that we could without spooking them and ended up with some good photo op’s of the Skimmers taking off and landing back at the same location.
Aperture priority, 1/3200 sec @ F 5.6, ISO 1600, evaluative metering, +1 exposure compensation
Further down the beach, I spotted a Reddish Egret standing near the shoreline. We made him our next objective and got into position, hoping for some fishing action. He then just basically stood there on one foot looking around and occasionally squawking. After a while, I mentioned to the group that we could stay and wait for him to move or go back to the Skimmers. He then quickly took off and headed back up the beach past the Skimmers. My initial reaction was that he took off because I stated talking. However, he ended up flying off to confront a White Morph Reddish Egret. Reddish Egrets are very territorial and don’t like company when feeding.
Aperture priority, 1/500 sec @ F 9, ISO 1600, evaluative metering, +2 exposure compensation
We got up and heading back up the beach towards the Reddish Egrets. The White Morph was dancing around fishing so I focused on getting close to him. We ended up with some great photo op’s as he was very close to shore and catching lots of fish. Some of the group stayed with the other Reddish Egret and had a similar experience.
Aperture priority, 1/1250 sec @ F 11, ISO 1600, evaluative metering, +1 exposure compensation
It turned out to be a great morning at Bolivar despite the cloudy weather. The group had a good time and hope that they got some great photos. Didn’t get them quite wet or dirty enough but they got a good taste of the possibilities at Bolivar Flats. Thanks to everyone who signed up for this trip and to Chris for helping me out. I’m looking forward to next year already.
Also, special thanks to Julie Anne Brown and her team of volunteers for all of their hard work to pull off another very successful FeatherFest. They do all of the hard work and I get to take people to play in the sand.
Aperture priority, 1/1000 sec @ F 11, ISO 1600, evaluative metering, +1 exposure compensation
Love in the Air
Made my first trip to High Island’s rookery last Monday and the birds are out in force. Lots of activity with mating dances in full breeding plumage. Some Great Egrets sitting on eggs already. Caught this Great Egret mating shot before the sun came up. Not enough light to get sharp photos so went into blur mode.
Taken with Canon 1DX and Canon 500mm F4 IS II mounted on tripod with Wimberley II gimbal head.
1/13 sec @ F4, ISO 5000, evaluative metering 
Catching the Light
With the water jumping above the surface from the quick thrusting of his beak, this Reddish Egret was able to catch some food and some nice light. As he came up with a small bite, the sunlight reflected off the water at the tip of his beak and radiated down in its reflection.
My goal every time that I go out is to play with the light at sunrise. This Reddish Egret was literally playing along with me.
Taken with Canon 1DX and Canon 500mm F4 IS II and 1.4X III teleconverter mounted on Skimmer ground pod with Wimberley II gimbal head
1/1250 sec @ F10, ISO 1600, evaluative metering, +1 exposure compensation
Legs of Yellow
Hence their name, Yellowlegs. These shorebirds move around very fast while feeding in the shallow water. It’ a challenge to track them and keep them in focus so I tend to use all focus points on them when they get close. They have been in abundance this year at Bolivar Flats.
Taken with Canon 1DX and Canon 500mm F4 IS II with 1.4X III teleconverter mounted on Skimmer ground pod with Wimberley II gimbal head
1/2000 sec @ F9, ISO 1600, evaluative metering, +1/3 exposure compensation
1/1250 sec @ F0, ISO 1600, evaluative metering, +2/3 exposure compensation
1/1250 sec @ F10, ISO 1600, evaluative metering, +1/3 exposure compensation
Incoming Avocets
Time for an Avocet flight shot. It’s almost always a group shot with these birds as they travel in flocks.
Taken with Canon 1DX and Canon 500mm F4 IS II with 1.4X III teleconverter mounted on Skimmer ground pod with Wimberley II gimbal head
1/640 sec @ F8, ISO 1600, evaluative metering, +1 exposure compensation
Long Billed Curlew
This Long Billed Curlew was showing off his landing and flying skills.
Taken with Canon 1DX and Canon 500mm F4 IS II with 1.4X III teleconverter mounted on Skimmer ground pod with Wimberley II head
1/800 sec @ F5.6, ISO 4000, evaluative metering, +1 exposure compensation
1/1600 sec @ F8, ISO 1600, evaluative metering, +1 exposure compensation
Fur-Like Feathers
The feathers on a Reddish Egret’s head can sometimes look more like fur than feathers. The textures make this bird one of my favorites to photograph. They can be very territorial and ruffle up their feathers when another Reddish Egret comes around as shown in the first photo below. On a previous post, Lyle commented about the “mane” on these egrets, which is a good description, especially in the last photo.
Taken with Canon 1DX and Canon 500mm F4 IS II with 1.4X teleconverter mounted on Skimmer ground pod with Wimberley II gimbal head
1/1250 sec @ F10, ISO 1600, evaluative metering, +1 exposure compensation
1/1000 sec @ F10, ISO 1600, evaluative metering, +1 exposure compensation
1/1250 sec @ F10, ISO 1600, evaluative metering, +1 exposure compensation
1/1000 sec @ F10, ISO 1600, evaluative metering, +1 exposure compensation
Busy Flight Line
This Black Skimmer had to dodge some of the local ground traffic as he was buzzing the tower. ” Talk to me Goose”….
Another photo from my most excellent Skimmer adventure with Matt and Susan. Focused on this one from a distance as he was flying with two other Skimmers. When the 1DX locks on focus it doesn’t let go. This was photo #32 out of 37 shots of him, all of which were in focus. Some minor cropping to the wide format.
Taken with Canon IDX and Canon 500mm F4 IS II with 1.4X III teleconverter mounted on Skimmer ground pod
1/1600 sec @ F5.6, ISO 4000, evaluative metering, +1 exposure compensation
A Tri-Colored First at Bolivar
Another successful trip to Bolivar Flats yesterday left me some photos that I’ve never taken there before, a Tricolored Heron. I’ve never seen one on the flats before and was very surprised when this one showed up. First spotted him when he literally tried to land on top of me. Was lying on a sandbar when he had to make a quick aborted landing when he finally spotted me. I was disappointed that he didn’t stick around. As luck would have it, he returned later and landed right in front of me. Must have picked a good spot.
Had to shift from +1 exposure compensation to +1/3 to keep from blowing out the whites on his chest. Very minor cropping on this shot to get a vertical photo.
Taken with Canon 1DX and Canon 500mm F4 IS II with 1.4X III teleconverter mounted on Skimmer ground pod with Wimberley II gimbal head
1/1000 sec @ F10, ISO 1600, evaluative metering, +1/3 exposure compensation
B&W Splash
While walking back to my car, saw this Redding Egret fishing near the shoreline. Almost kept walking as I was worn out from an active early morning shoot but decided to lay down one more time. Glad that I did as he cooperated with some good feeding shots.
One way to get action shots with shorebirds is to start shooting a burst of shots when their head starts moving down towards the water. Was able to capture a nice see-through splash as his head dove into the water. The high shutter speed froze the action when the splash was at its peak.
With the light being harsh around 9:00 a.m., the colors were very muted so decided to use B&W on this one.
Taken with Canon 1DX and Canon 500mm F4 IS II with 1.4X III teleconverter on Skimmer ground pod with Wimberley II gimbal head
1/2000 sec @ F11, ISO 1600, evaluative metering, +1 exposure compensation
In the Skimmer Lane
Calm winds and low tide equaled some good low-level photo op’s at Bolivar Flats yesterday. Met up with a couple of other photographers, Matt & Susan, and hit the sand bars. Started out getting some Avocet silhouette shots and then moved west. Picked a good spot and ended up directly in the flight path of more Black Skimmers than I’ve seen for a long time. They kept coming flying right towards us in waves. My camera did a good job of keeping the birds in focus for the head-on shots.
Taken with Canon 1DX and Canon 500mm F4 IS II with 1.4X III teleconverter mounted on Skimmer ground pod with Wimberley II gimbal head
1/500 sec @ F8, ISO 1600, evaluative metering, +1 exposure compensation
1/500 sec @ F8, ISO 1600, evaluative metering, +1 exposure compensation
1/400 sec @ F5.6, ISO 4000, evaluative metering, +1 exposure compensation
My 2014 Favorites
As 2014 comes to a close, I wanted to share some of my favorite photos from this year. It was challenging for me to get out and shoot on a routine basis but ended up with some photos that made it worth while.
Highlights in 2014 included seeing the Sand Hill Crane migration in Nebraska, leading successful workshops and field trips at Galveston’s FeatherFest, getting published again and finally upgrading to a pro series camera. Now that I have all of the tools, just need some more trigger time to further develop my skills.
Thanks to everyone around the world that checked out my blog and especially to those who left some comments along the way. Appreciate your support. Looking forward to more wildlife photography in 2015.
Great Egret from High Island’s rookery
Sandhill Crane from Nebraska
White Morph Reddish Egret from Bolivar Flats
American Oystercatcher from Texas City Dike
Reddish Egret from Bolivar Flats
American Avocet from Bolivar Flats
Graphic of where people were from that visited my blog in 2014
Shifting Positions
Getting close to a flock of feeding Avocets is always exciting but the photo op’s can be limited if there isn’t any action besides the feeding. You can only take so many photos of birds with their heads in the water. They feed by moving their long curved beaks back and forth to stir up the bugs and crustaceans. The good thing about a flock of feeding Avocets is that there is a constant shifting of positions as the birds move for better access to the food. Focused on these birds as they were landing, just after sunrise.
Taken with Canon 1DX and Canon 500mm F4 IS II with 1.4X III mounted on Skimmer ground pod with Wimberley II gimbal head
1/640 sec @ F8, ISO 4000, evaluative metering, +1 1/3 exposure compensation
Yellow Legs in Flight
I’ve seen an abundance of Yellow Legs lately and caught this one taking off and flying away at close range. My camera did a very good job of keeping the focus locked on.
Taken with Canon 1DX and Canon 500mm F4 IS II with 1.4x III teleconverter mounted on Skimmer ground pod with Wimberley II gimbal head
1/1600 sec @ F14, ISO 1600, evaluative metering, +1/3 exposure compensation
1/1600 sec @ F14, ISO 1600, evaluative metering, +1/3 exposure compensation
Standing Alone
This Willet was hanging out by himself near one of the sand bars at Bolivar Flats. Some side lighting and nice depth of field helped to make him stand out.
Taken with Canon 1DX and Canon 500mm F4 IS II with 1.4X III mounted on Skimmer ground pod with Wimberley II gimbal head
1/2500 sec @ F5.6, ISO 800, evaluative metering, +1 exposure compensation
1/2500 sec @ F5.6, ISO 800, evaluative metering, +1 exposure compensation
Tim Timmis Photography 
