My Birds

I love your RWBB series! Super nice!

I'm taking my girls up to Huntley tomorrow evening. I'm hoping I can show them the beavers up close!

Excellent shots of the Hooded Warbler and RW Blackbird, Met.

Thanks everyone. Sorry for the delayed response. School is back in (my 9 year old daughter) and when she has homework I have homework too - just not enough time in the day. Plus I am beat sometimes after work. Iris, I did put those photos in the Bird Files

I went to Myrtle Beach South Carolina a couple of weeks ago and I had a chance to visit Huntington Beach State Park (HBSP); it is located on the Atlantic Ocean about 20 miles south of Myrtle Beach. What is interesting is that as you drive down the causeway (road leading to the park/beach) there is a fresh water lake on one side and saltwater on the other side and birds galore on both sides.

The first day I went there I was in awe at all the birds on both sides of the road. This was in the summer so I can only imagine how it is when during the migratory seasons. The only problem was the humidity. I drove there with the AC on and did not allow my equipment (lens particularly) to acclimate to the humidity (moisture in the air) so the lens fogged up big time and took about 15-20 minutes to finally defrost. During that time, I was panicked as I knew I would missed several photo opportunities but the birds hung around for a couple hours until the tide came in; some went to the fresh water side, others flew elsewhere. The next several posts will be dedicated to the birds photos I captured at HBSP. Well here we go. The 1st set is from the actual beach and not the causeway.

Here are images of the Willet that was chasing the tide.

I think he/she was running away from me with all that big equipment following it around.

3rd image

This one stop a few seconds to take care of an itch.

And then continued on its way

This next set is dedicated to the Sanderling that was chasing receding waves on ocean beaches, and running away from them when they return.

Looking for food as usual

They just didn't like that big ole camera pointed at them

This one is thinking; now which way do I go to dodge this joker with this thing pointed at me.

This one really was checking me out; it stopped and just continued looking at me.

Absolutely beautiful photographs, Al. I particularly like the "Looking for food, as usual" shot.

Here's the last shot

Thanks Margaretk

They're so pretty and your photos of each bird are just amazing. Great work on each one.

Nice sets Met!! Looking forward to more from your HBSP trip.

Excellent shots of the Willet and Sanderling, Met. Looking forward to more. I don't have a lens cap for my 500mm but I think that if you keep it covered it won't fog up. But, I'm not absolutely sure. I have had that happen to me on other lenses and have hastened the process by repeatedly blowing on the glass to warm it up.

Amazing shots. You must have a fantastic camera and lens.

Beautiful shots Met and the angle of those recent shore birds is just great. Were you on your belly shooting?

Thanks Dellrose. No I was not on my belly but I did have the tripod set to it's lowest height which pretty much gives you the low level shots, especially if the bird is a few feet away from you.

Here's my next set from HBSP - The Wood Stork; only a face a mother could love. Before this, I've only seen the Wood Stork at the zoo. So I was very excited to get a new lifer.

First shot gives you a perspective of how many were at the park. They are quite a distant from the road in this shot.







This message was edited Sep 3, 2010 11:29 PM

I call this shot the 3 Stooges

A few flight shots

2nd flight shot

last flight shot

Here, he's striking a pose for the camera

This one he's showing off his reflection

Last one of the Wood Stork

Here, he's doing what birds typically do - look for food.




This message was edited Sep 3, 2010 11:21 PM

Nice ones, Al. Well done on the exposure. Dark and white coloured birds are a real challenge. I especially like the one "posing" for the camera.

Wow I love the Wood Stork! Good shootin Al.

Stunning photos! I especially loved the "reflection" photo, but each one is sharp and crisp-perfect!

Thanks Margaret, Pelletory and Ducbucln

Nothing is as pretty as a Wood Stork when it flies over. Not so much on the ground. Awesome shots.

Thanks Gardenpom.


Here's a few Tern's (think it's the Least Tern)

2nd shot of the tern

3rd image from my Myrtle Beach visit

Last one of the Tern