Which two of today’s nine featured images do you like best? Please let us know why you made your choices.
Please note that to better guide you, the nine images are arranged by time of capture (without regard to the date).
In the Last Blog Post
In the last blog post here, I loved both of the avian images but if I could have kept only one, it would be the bird-scape, Image #1. I love the placement of the bird, the relatively soft light, the nest image design, and the included beach vegetation. IMHO, Patrick Sparkman’s comment put a smile on my face. That and my response are worth reading.
Nickerson Gear
I have been heading to the beach most sessions with my new love, the Sony 400-800mm G Lens. On some afternoons, I grab only the 300mm f/2.8 lens with both TCs in my beloved fanny pack. By Monday I had used the 600mm f/4 L GM lens only once, that in the afternoon. But the last two mornings I have headed out with the 600, both TCs, and my tripod. After shooting the backlit stuff on the tripod I grab the 600 and have been handholding it up and down the beach for feeding oystercatchers, flight, and more. The funny thing is that after doing so much handheld work with the relatively 400-800 I am much more capable of handholding the six! Go figure.
What’s Up?
Despite the continuing sunny mornings with south and southwest winds (bad), Steve and I have been doing quite well. In today’s post, the first of two parts, I share nine images from Sunday and Monday that can give you some ideas as to what to try when things are looking bleak because of wind-against-sun conditions. On Tuesday, Mr. Shore got a killer image of a backlit skimmer chick digging a scrape; you should be seeing it in the next blog post. This morning, we had some decent chances on getting a few red light district photos …
Today is Wednesday 13 August. We will be headed to the beach at about 6pm for some more fun and learning. I still have room at the AirBnB for the last Nickerson Beach IPT:
Nickerson Beach 4-Day Instructional Photo-Tour (IPT): MON AUG 25 afternoon thru the morning session on FRI AUG 29, 2025: $1899.00.
If an item — a Delkin flash card or reader, a Levered-clamp FlexShooter Pro, or a Wimberley lens plate or low foot — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match or beat any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedford by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.
Gear Questions and Advice
Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BirdPhotographer’s.Net, are — out of ignorance — using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often save you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.
Don’t Just Shoot: Learn
If you are interested in changing your life and becoming a better photographer by joining me on the Extended IPT at Sebastian Inlet for Ospreys and more (SEPT 25 to NOV 24, 2025), in San Diego for Pacific-race Brown Pelicans and more (JAN 6 to FEB 2, 2026), or for Roseate Spoonbills at Stick Marsh (March 2026), please e-mail for dates, rates, terms, and additional information. Or shoot me a text to 863-221-2372. Some offerings include options for shared AirBnB lodging and meals. Ground transportation during your stay is a possibility at times.
B&H Simplified
To ensure that I get credit for your B&H purchases, you can always click here. The tracking is invisible but using my affiliate links is greatly appreciated. And, with B&H, you can use your PayBoo card. You must use the website to order. You cannot get your free guides if you make a phone order. Once you have an item in your cart, you must complete the order within two hours. Huge thanks!
B&H
Many folks have written recently stating that they purchased a Sony a1 from B&H and would like their free membership in the Sony 1 Info and Updates Group, a $150.00 value. But when I check my affiliate account, their orders have not been there. When I let them know that they get credit for B&H purchases only if they use one of the many B&H affiliate links on the blog or begin their searches with this link, they are always disappointed. If in doubt, please contact me via e-mail and request a BH link. I am always glad to help and to guide you to the right gear.
Bedfords Simplified
Click here to start your search. Choose standard shipping, and when you get to the payment page, enter BIRDSASART in the discount code box and hit apply. You will be upgraded to free second day air Fed-Ex and receive 3% cash back on your credit card once your stuff ships. Using either my affiliate links is greatly appreciated and will often earn you free guides or discounts.
Bedfords Amazing BAA Discount Policy
Folks who have fallen in love with Bedfords can always use the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout to enjoy a post-purchase, 3% off-statement credit (excluding taxes and shipping charges) on orders paid with a credit card. The 3% credit will be refunded to the card you used for your purchase when your product ships. Be sure, also, to check the box for free shipping to enjoy free Second Day Air Fed-Ex. This offer does not apply to purchases of Classes, Gift Cards, or prior purchases.
You can visit the Bedfords website here, shoot Steve Elkins an e-mail, or text him on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592.
This image was created on 11 August 2025 on another wind-against-sun morning on a Nickerson Beach Extended IPT with multiple IPT veteran and good friend Steve Shore. Standing at full height, I used the Robus RCM-439 4-Section Carbon Fiber Monopod, 65/Wimberley MonoGimbal Head-supported Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS lens (Sony E) (at 800mm) and The Latest Greatest Sony Flagship Body, the a1 II Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with Exposure Compensation on the Thumb Dial. Shutter Priority +2.3 stops. AUTO ISO set ISO 1000. 1/30 second at f/8 (wide-open). AWB at 6:05:24am on a clear day before sunrise. RawDigger showed the exposure to be perfect.
Wide/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #1: Canada Goose flock blur (with one Common Tern)
Image copyright 2025: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
The Number One Rule for Dealing with Challenging Wind-Against-Sun Conditions in the Morning
The first thing you need to do to have a chance when the forecast is calling for clear skies and west or southwest winds in the summer is to get out early, well before sunrise. This gives you chances for creating blurs and, if there is some color in the eastern sky, a few pleasing silhouettes. Some light clouds, fog, or haze in the east will often yield some nice sky color at sunrise, and, in addition, create opportunities for using gentle backlight. On dead-clear mornings, you have a chance for the Red Light District photos. We have been trying for those without success.
As folks who have been on an IPT and those who study the blog regularly know, I am a huge fan of using Shutter Priority with Exposure Compensation on the Thumb Wheel for predawn blurs. I set that up on my a-1 ii so that I can be ready instantly when something interesting flies by. As with Image #1.
Keep reading for some additional tips on succeeding in wind-against-sun conditions.
This image was created on 10 August 2025 on another wind-against-sun morning on a Nickerson Beach Extended IPT with multiple IPT veteran and good friend Steve Shore. Seated on dry sand, I used the Robus RCM-439 4-Section Carbon Fiber Monopod, 65/Wimberley MonoGimbal Head-supported Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS lens (Sony E) (at 800mm) and The Latest Greatest Sony Flagship Body, the a1 II Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: ISO 5000!: 1/2500 sec. at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was dead solid perfect. AWB at 7:54:55am on a sunny morning.
Wide/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the larger, inexplicably sharper high-res version.
Image #2: Common Tern landing at nest site — peach sky silhouette
Image copyright 2025: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
Hazy Sunrises!
For traditional front lit flight photography, you want the wind and the sun behind you so that the birds are flying, landing, and taking off towards you. When faced with wind-against-sun conditions, the wind will be behind you and the rising sun in your face. Throw in some haze as we had on Sunday morning and you can experience some magical sky colors. Handheld flight with the handheld Sony 400-800 is a great option. But for some or many folks like me, your shoulders (my right) will feel it after a while.
On Monday afternoon I did a long flight session with the Robus RCM-439 4-Section Carbon Fiber Monopod, 65/Wimberley MonoGimbal Head-supported supported Sony 400-800. The funny thing is that the more I practice with that combination the more comfortable I become and the more successful I am. Go figure.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the larger, inexplicably sharper high-res version.
Image #3: Gently backlit Black Skimmer on two-egg scrape
Image courtesy of and copyright 2025: Steve Shore
Knowing Bird Behavior Helps All the Time
After I spotted this two-egg clutch, we sat down about 20 feet from the scrape just as the sun was breaking though the haze. With the nest lined up with the sun, this provided the gentle backlight you see in Steve’s fine image. Once we got on the ground, the bird came back to sit on her eggs in less than a minute. With the southeast breeze, it was highly likely that the skimmer would be facing us as she nestled down. And that is exactly what she did. I love Steve’s choice of height perspective and background. I made about 200 images of this same bird but none were as good at Mr. Shore’s.
This image was created five seconds after Steve Shore created Image #3 (above) on 11 August 2025 on a Nickerson Beach Extended IPT. Seated on dry sand, I used the handheld Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS lens (Sony E) (at 800mm) and The Latest Greatest Sony Flagship Body, the a1 II Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: ISO 1600!: 1/400 sec. at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was dead solid perfect. AWB at 6:34:19am on a sunny morning with a west wind.
Wide/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the larger, inexplicably sharper high-res version.
Image #4: Black Skimmer on ridge with beach grass background
Image copyright 2025: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
Look for Subjects Facing the “Wrong” Way
This advice usually applies to birds in flight but is equally applicable when looking for subjects on the ground; for whatever reasons, birds do not always face into the wind. A universal tip for improving your bird photography is to get in the habit of checking behind you every once in a while. While Steve was creating Image # 3, I happened to look behind me and was surprised to see this handsome skimmer sitting on a ridge facing pretty much to the south rather than the expected southwest. I pointed the situation out to Steve and said, “All we need now is a slight head turn toward us.”
This image was created on 11 August 2025 on another wind-against-sun morning on a Nickerson Beach Extended IPT with multiple IPT veteran and good friend Steve Shore. Seated on dry sand, I used the handheld Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS lens (Sony E) (at 600mm) and The Latest Greatest Sony Flagship Body, the a1 II Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: ISO 1600!: 1/4000 sec. at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was perfect. AWB at 6:52:09am on a sunny morning with some haze in the eastern sky.
Wide AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the larger, inexplicably sharper high-res version.
Image #5: Black Skimmer calling in flight — golden sky silhouette
Image copyright 2025: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
A Bad Flight Wind Direction is Best for Silhouettes
As the sun was already about 15 degrees above the horizon, my directions to Steve were to look for birds flying above the grasses but below the sun. I added, “Though the sky there looks pretty white to us, there is a ton of gold in it.” The haze, of course, helps with the color.
This image was created on 11 August 2025 on another wind-against-sun morning on a Nickerson Beach Extended IPT with multiple IPT veteran and good friend Steve Shore. Seated on dry sand, I used the handheld Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS lens (Sony E) (at 800mm) and The Latest Greatest Sony Flagship Body, the a1 II Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: ISO 1600: 1/1250 sec. at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was dead-solid perfect. AWB at 7:01:31am on a sunny morning with some haze in the eastern sky.
Wide AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the larger, inexplicably sharper high-res version.
Image #6: Black Skimmer attacking sleeping chick (not its own)
Image copyright 2025: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
Watch For Backlit Action
I turned back around too the gentle backlight and when an adult skimmer approached a chick to our left that had been sleeping in its scrape for more than half an hour. I swing the lens around just as the adult began whacking at the chick with its bill. Adult skimmers will instinctually attack and even kill chicks from other nests that wind up in their territories. I acquired focus and fired away before the check scooted. As the chick did not respond to the first few pecks, Steve, for a few seconds, thought that it was dead !
Had it been a bright sunny morning, this backlit image would not have worked because the contrast would have been too great. A little bit of haze never hurts!
This image was created on 10 August 2025 on another wind-against-sun morning on a Nickerson Beach Extended IPT with multiple IPT veteran and good friend Steve Shore. Standing in the shallow surf to stay close to sun angle, I used the handheld Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS lens (Sony E) (at 800mm) and The Latest Greatest Sony Flagship Body, the a1 II Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: ISO 2000: 1/4000 sec. at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was dead-solid perfect. AWB at 7:15:14am on a fully sunny morning.
Wide AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the larger, inexplicably sharper high-res version.
Image #7: American Oystercatcher with mole crab
Image copyright 2025: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
Look for Feeding Shorebirds in the Surf
Though foraging shorebirds are affected by the wind direction to some degree, they will at times feed, run, or pose parallel to the imaging sensor. With the morning high tides, we have been having a hard time with the oystercatchers feeding in the surf. Every time we approach a foraging family, they run up onto the beach above the berms before we even get near them. This was the first one we had any luck with. We did quite well on Tuesday morning on an adult with a handsome juvenile in the gorgeous white foam of breaking waves.
This image was created on 10 August 2025 on another wind-against-sun morning on a Nickerson Beach Extended IPT with multiple IPT veteran and good friend Steve Shore. Sitting on damp sand, I used the handheld Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS lens (Sony E) (at 715mm) and The Latest Greatest Sony Flagship Body, the a1 II Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: ISO 1000: 1/2000 sec. at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was dead-solid perfect. AWB at 7:23:35am on a sunny morning.
Wide AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the larger, inexplicably sharper high-res version.
Image #8: Great Black-backed Gull on berm at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean
Image copyright 2025: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
Keep Looking for Subjects Facing the “Wrong” Way
Rather than looking to the southwest into the relatively strong breeze, this bird — for reasons unknown, stood facing southeast and thus, was perfectly square to the back of the camera. I made lots of frames in search of the best breaking wave. The ghost of a Common Tern with its wings raised was the icing on that cake!
This image was created on 10 August 2025 on another wind-against-sun morning on a Nickerson Beach Extended IPT with multiple IPT veteran and good friend Steve Shore. Sitting on dry sand and facing into the wind, I used the handheld Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS lens (Sony E) (at 445mm) and The Latest Greatest Sony Flagship Body, the a1 II Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: ISO 1250: 1/3200 sec. at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was dead-solid perfect. AWB at 7:45:07am on a sunny morning.
Wide/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the larger, inexplicably sharper high-res version.
Image #9: Black Skimmer with Striped Killifish for chick(s)
Image copyright 2025: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
Look for Subjects Flying the “Wrong” Way (or Banking)
Later in the mornings when the backlight is too harsh, turn around, put the sun at your back, and see if you can get on a bird or two that is flying toward you. You need to be fast as the bird will be flying with the wind behind it and thus will be traveling much faster than birds flying into the wind. At times with wind against sun conditions, you can make some good images of birds turning in flight. To improve your chances for those, study the flight patterns carefully. And, with really strong winds blowing right in your face, you can always try for the back shots of birds braking to land. Though made on a cloudy day, the Common Tern landing away images in the blog post here (#s 6, 7, & 8), are superb examples of what you might be looking for.
Image #9 is not the greatest flight shot ever. The light is getting harsh and I do not like the placement of the horizon line. But it is a good example of what to look for when trying to create front-lit flight shots in wind-against-sun condition.
The BIRDS AS ART SONY 400-800mm f/6.3-9 G Super-telephoto Zoom Lens Guide
When I borrowed this lens from Sony, I assumed that at 5.45 pounds it was too heavy to handhold for long and that at f/8 at the long end (800mm,) it was too slow for most bird photography applications. In short, I did not want to like the lens. After months of using it, I cannot live without it. After returning the loaner, I was miraculously able to get my own from Bedfords on 16 April 2025. In this guide I share everything that I have learned about using the 400-800. For best results, you need to know exactly what you are doing to get the most out of this zoom lens. It would be best, therefore, to consider and study the material in the guide so that you can begin making great images with your new lens.
You will learn how to deal with the relatively show apertures: f/6.3, f/7.1, and f/8 when working in Manual mode.
You will learn how to ensure that you are working at the widest aperture by working in Shutter Priority mode with AUTO ISO.
If you are able to hand hold the lens, you will learn proper hand holding techniques.
If you can’t, you will learn when, why, and how to employ other options. Those include:
1- The knee-pod, heel-pod, and toe-pod techniques
2- Using the lens on a monopod.
3- The best lens plate and low foot for your 4-8.
4- The best tripod and head for the 4-8 and how best to utilize them.
5- How to use the lens from your vehicle while supporting it on a BLUBB (or not and why not).
6- Detailed instructions on how to set and use the lens controls and buttons:
a- AF/MF
b- DMF Switch
c- Limit Range Switch
d- OSS (Optical Steady Shot) Switch
e- OSS Mode Switch
f- Focus Hold Buttons
The guide also includes a Hand Holding Shutter Speed Primer and an illustrative, educational, and inspiring 67-image gallery.
Free to folks who use one of my two affiliate links to purchase their Sony 400-800 G lens. Otherwise, please click here to order yours or send a PayPal for $115.43 to birdsasart@verizon.net and include the words “400-800 Lens Guide” in your e-mail.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM Super-Telephoto lens (the “old five”) with many Extras!
Avian audio recording expert Lang Elliott is offering a used Canon 500mm f/4L IS USM super-telephoto lens (the “old five”) in very good plus condition plus a ton of extras for a ridiculously low $1999.00. Included are a 1.4X III TC in near-excellent condition, a 2X II TC in near-excellent condition, the front leather lens cover, the lens trunk — sorry, no key), the rear lens cap, the original drop-in clear filter, a drop-in circular polarizing filter, a drop-in screw filter (with three ND lenses to choose from), and insured ground shipping via major courier to lower 48 US addresses only. Your items will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.
I owned, used, and traveled with “the old five” for many years back when I was a Canon Explorer of Light, one of the original 55. It was and is much lighter than all but the most recent versions of theCanon 600mm f/4IS lenses (and a lot smaller as well) and thus is a lot easier to travel with. It is a sharp lens and does just fine with either TC. With so many extras, Lang’s lens is an absolute steal. It does quite well with any of the high end Canon mirrorless camera bodies (with one of the RF to EF adapters). artie
Canon EOS 7D Mark II with Extras
Price reduced $50.00 on 11 August 2025
Good friend and many multiple IPT veteran Indranil Sircar is offering a Canon EOS 7D Mark II in excellent plus condition with several extras for a now ridiculously low $399.00 (was $449.00). The shutter count is 31001. The sale includes the Canon Battery Grip BG-E16 (a roughly $69.00 value), the original and one extra Canon battery (a roughly $50.00 value), the original box, the cables and software and manuals, the battery charger, the front body cap, Canon Remote Release RS-80N3 (a roughly $50.00 value) and insured ground shipping via UPS to lower-48 US addresses only.
If you are looking to get started with a Canon dSLR, Indranil’s 7DII is perfect for you. Both Patrick Sparkman and I used and loved the 7D Mark II bodies until about ten years ago when we both committed to using full-frame Canon bodies. We both made some truly great images with it. Two of my three 2016 Nature’s Best honored entries were created with the 7D II, one still, and one video. The 7D Mark II remains one of the greatest-ever values in a digital camera body. artie
What’s Up?
After grabbing Steve Shore at JFK on Saturday afternoon, we had a nice fish dinner at our Long Beach AirBnB and then headed to Nickerson. There was a gentle south wind and we did well with flight and skimmer chicks of varying ages. Sunday morning was tough with wind against sun conditions but the morning was saved when I found a tiny skimmer chick. With a brisk SW wind, Sunday afternoon was stellar for skimmer flight and midair fights.
Today is Monday 11 August and we will be headed to the beach early to face the morning wind-against-sun conditions 🙁 I still have room in the AirBnB for the last Nickerson Beach IPT:
Nickerson Beach 4-Day Instructional Photo-Tour (IPT): MON AUG 25 afternoon thru the morning session on FRI AUG 29, 2025: $1899.00.
If an item — a Delkin flash card or reader, a Levered-clamp FlexShooter Pro, or a Wimberley lens plate or low foot — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match or beat any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedford by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.
Gear Questions and Advice
Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BirdPhotographer’s.Net, are — out of ignorance — using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often save you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.
Don’t Just Shoot: Learn
If you are interested in changing your life and becoming a better photographer by joining me on the Extended IPT at Sebastian Inlet for Ospreys and more (SEPT 25 to NOV 24, 2025), in San Diego for Pacific-race Brown Pelicans and more (JAN 6 to FEB 2, 2026), or for Roseate Spoonbills at Stick Marsh (March 2026), please e-mail for dates, rates, terms, and additional information. Or shoot me a text to 863-221-2372. Some offerings include options for shared AirBnB lodging and meals. Ground transportation during your stay is a possibility at times.
This image was created on 10 August 2025 on the first morning of the Nickerson Beach Extended IPT with multiple IPT veteran and good friend Steve Shore. Seated on dry sand I used the foot pod technique with the handheld Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS lens (Sony E) (at 800mm) and The Latest Greatest Sony Flagship Body, the a1 II Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: ISO 1000: 1/3200 sec. at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was dead solid perfect. AWB at 7:54:55am on a sunny morning.
Tracking Spot S/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the larger, inexplicably sharper high-res version.
Image #1: 3-day old Black Skimmer chick bird-scape
Image copyright 2025: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
Pulling One Out of the Hat!
With bright sun and a brisk wind from the southwest (wind-against-sun: bad), Steve Shore’s first morning was a challenging one. That after Judy Stepanaskie enjoyed three east wind mornings (wind and sun together: good). We took a long walk down the beach and found one un-banded American Oystercatcher catching mole crabs in the surf. While sitting trying flight photography with the wrong wind, we stumbled across a tiny skimmer chick.
When it nestled down 3/4 facing me in a small scrape to the right of a small stand of beach vegetation, I thought “bird scape!” 800mm with a small crop turned out to be perfect.
This image was created on 10 August 2025 on the first morning of the Nickerson Beach Extended IPT with multiple IPT veteran and good friend Steve Shore. Standing at full height I used the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Focal length: 6.8mm. (iPhone 15 Pro Max back triple camera 6.765mm f/1.78). ISO: 64: 1/12000 sec. at f/8.
Image #2: artie’s seated butt crawling tracks in the sand
Image copyright 2025: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
The Very Arduous Butt-Crawl
Boys and girls, those are not sea turtle tracks. Honest. As described here previously, I put my rig on my lap and pushed myself forward with my hands. I got down at the starting point and somewhere along the journey created Image #1. The tiny chick kept moving west. One of the parent birds landed briefly near the chick several times and then flew off. From the starting point to “A” was about 15 yards. From “A” to “X” was about 12 feet. Sitting at “A,” I photographed the chick in a small scrape at “X.”
This image was created on 10 August 2025 on the first morning of the Nickerson Beach Extended IPT with multiple IPT veteran and good friend Steve Shore. Seated on dry sand I used the foot pod technique with the handheld Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter (at 1071mm) and The Latest Greatest Sony Flagship Body, the a1 II Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: ISO 1000: 1/1000 sec. at f/13 (stopped down 1/3 stop) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was dead solid perfect. AWB at 8:15:31am on a sunny morning.
Tracking Spot S/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the larger, inexplicably sharper high-res version.
Image #3: 3-day old Black Skimmer chick bird-scape
Image copyright 2025: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
Sony 400-800 + the 1.4X Teleconverter
On sunny days, the Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter is a viable combination. The results are incredibly sharp. I have used this combination previously but never got around to publishing the image. At least I do not think that I did. Please correct me if I am in error.
Was the Arduous Butt-Crawl Worth It?
This, perhaps, is the same question: which is the stronger image, #1 or #3? Why did you make your choice? Either way, a good bit of field skill was required to get close to the very small chick. Note that the “eye tooth” is still visible on the tip of the upper mandible.
The original pre-clean-up files for today’s two featured images
More Too Bad That They Do Not Award Nobel Prizes for Image Cleanup
I used my usual cadre of cleanup tools to clean up today’s images. Those primarily included the Patch Tool and the Remove Tool. I finished Image #1 by applying a 65-pixel Gaussian Blur that was painted in judiciously (I hope) with brushes of varying Opacities after the addition of a Hide All (Inverse, or Black) Layer Mask. While both results are quite impressive (he said modestly), the process is actually very easy to learn. All you need to do is master the use of a handful of Photoshop Tools.
The BIRDS AS ART Current Workflow e-Guide (Digital Basics II).
You can order your copy from the BAA Online Store here, by sending a PayPal for $40 here, or by calling Jim or Jennifer weekdays at 863-692-0906 with your credit card in hand. Be sure to specify Digital Basics II.
The BIRDS AS ART Current Workflow e-Guide (Digital Basics II)
The techniques mentioned above and tons more great Photoshop tips and techniques — along with my complete digital workflow, Digital Eye Doctor Techniques, and all my personalized Keyboard Shortcuts — are covered in detail in the BIRDS AS ART Current Workflow e-Guide (Digital Basics II), an instructional PDF that is sent via e-mail. Note: folks working on a PC and/or those who do not want to miss anything Photoshop may wish to purchase the original Digital Basics along with DB II while saving $15 by clicking here to buy the DB Bundle.
Please note: the Divide and Conquer technique was inadvertently omitted from DB II. It is detailed in a free excerpt in the blog post here.
Folks who learn well by following along rather than by reading can check out the complete collection of MP 4 Photoshop Tutorial Videos by clicking here. Note: most of the videos are now priced at an amazingly low $5.00 each.
You can learn how and why I converted all of my Canon digital RAW files in DPP 4 in the DPP 4 RAW Conversion Guide here. More recently, I became proficient at converting my Nikon RAW (NEF) files in Adobe Camera Raw. About three years ago I began converting my Nikon and Sony RAW files in Capture One and did that for two years. You can learn more about Capture One in the Capture One Pro 12 Simplified MP4 Video here. The next step would be to get a copy of Arash Hazeghi’s “The Nikon Photographers’ Guide to Phase One Capture One Pro e-Guide” in the blog post here. Today, I convert my Sony raw files in Photoshop with Adobe Camera Raw.
You can learn advanced Quick Masking and advanced Layer Masking techniques in APTATS I & II. You can save $15 by purchasing the pair.
Sony 400-800 GM Lenses
Steve Elkins of Bedfords texted me yesterday and let me know that he has six of my favorite lenses in stock. To grab yours, click here and choose standard shipping. When you get to the payment page, enter BIRDSASART in the discount code box and hit apply. You will be upgraded to free second day air Fed-Ex and receive 3% cash back on your credit card once your stuff ships. Best of all, you will earn a free copy of the BAA Sony 400-800mm GM Lens Guide.
The BIRDS AS ART SONY 400-800mm f/6.3-9 G Super-telephoto Zoom Lens Guide
When I borrowed this lens from Sony, I assumed that at 5.45 pounds it was too heavy to handhold for long and that at f/8 at the long end (800mm,) it was too slow for most bird photography applications. In short, I did not want to like the lens. After months of using it, I cannot live without it. After returning the loaner, I was miraculously able to get my own from Bedfords on 16 April 2025. In this guide I share everything that I have learned about using the 400-800. For best results, you need to know exactly what you are doing to get the most out of this zoom lens. It would be best, therefore, to consider and study the material in the guide so that you can begin making great images with your new lens.
You will learn how to deal with the relatively show apertures: f/6.3, f/7.1, and f/8 when working in Manual mode.
You will learn how to ensure that you are working at the widest aperture by working in Shutter Priority mode with AUTO ISO.
If you are able to hand hold the lens, you will learn proper hand holding techniques.
If you can’t, you will learn when, why, and how to employ other options. Those include:
1- The knee-pod, heel-pod, and toe-pod techniques
2- Using the lens on a monopod.
3- The best lens plate and low foot for your 4-8.
4- The best tripod and head for the 4-8 and how best to utilize them.
5- How to use the lens from your vehicle while supporting it on a BLUBB (or not and why not).
6- Detailed instructions on how to set and use the lens controls and buttons:
a- AF/MF
b- DMF Switch
c- Limit Range Switch
d- OSS (Optical Steady Shot) Switch
e- OSS Mode Switch
f- Focus Hold Buttons
The guide also includes a Hand Holding Shutter Speed Primer and an illustrative, educational, and inspiring 67-image gallery.
Free to folks who use one of my two affiliate links to purchase their Sony 400-800 G lens. Otherwise, please click here to order yours or send a PayPal for $115.43 to birdsasart@verizon.net and include the words “400-800 Lens Guide” in your e-mail.
Summer bird photography at Nickerson Beach is excellent.
Nickerson Beach 2025 Educational Opportunities
Please note that prices for both the IPTs and the ITF sessions have been reduced in an effort to attract new blood. Please e-mail for late registration discount info.
Breeding Black Skimmers, Common Terns, and American Oystercatchers with young.
Nickerson Beach 4-Day Instructional Photo-Tour (IPT): MON AUG 25 afternoon thru the morning session on FRI AUG 29, 2025: $1899.00.
Three afternoon sessions, three morning sessions, two brunches with Image Review & Photoshop sessions. AirBnB lodging and rides with the leader possible. Please get in touch with questions or to register with an e-mail to samandmayasgrandpa@att.net and please copy birdsasartstaff@gmail.com) just to be sure. It looks as if Will have access to webmail on one of the two office computers. You can also shoot me a text to 863-221-2372.
Breeding Black Skimmers, Common Terns, and American Oystercatchers with young.
Morning BAA In-the-Field Instructional Sessions (ITFIS) followed by brunch and an Image Review & Photoshop session: $449.00/per session
Available dates: AUG 10-31, SEPT 1-5, 2025. Please get in touch with an e-mail to samandmayasgrandpa@att.net (and please BCC birdsasartstaff@gmail.com) and/or via a text to 863-221-2372 with questions or to register.
Available dates: AUG 10-15 & 17-31, SEPT 3-5, 2025. Please get in touch with questions or to register with an e-mail to samandmayasgrandpa@att.net and please copy birdsasartstaff@gmail.com) just to be sure. It looks as if Will have access to webmail on one of the two office computers. You can also shoot me a text to 863-221-2372.
Morning and afternoon sessions may be combined and multiple days of instruction are feasible.
Morning In the Field Instruction at the East Pond at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge may be available — 7/21-22/25.
Some of What You Will Learn on a Nickerson Beach IPT
1- The basics and fine points of digital exposure; how to get the right exposure every time after making a single test exposure (or before if you are using SONY gear).
2- How and why to work in Manual mode (even if you’re scared of it).
3- How to approach free and wild birds without disturbing them.
4- Lots about bird behavior and how to use that knowledge to help you create better images.
6- To spot the good and great situations and to choose the best perspective.
7- To see, evaluate, and understand the light.
8- To design pleasing images by mastering your camera’s AF system.
9- And perhaps most importantly, to evaluate wind and sky conditions and understand how they combine to affect bird photography. You will learn where and when to be (and why).
10- More than you could ever imagine.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
Nickerson Beach in August is a bird photographer’s paradise. Clockwise from top left back to the center: Black Skimmer with tiny fish for chick (400-800 at 800mm); Great Black-backed Gull juvenile playing with seaweed (400-800 at 800mm); American Oystercatcher head portrait (400-800 at 800mm); Common Tern landing at nest with fish for chick (400-800 at 750mm); American Oystercatcher in fresh juvenal plumage (400-800 at 457mm); small Common Tern chick (400-800 at 800mm); Common Tern fledged flying young (400-800 at 800mm); Black Skimmer adult with needlefish for chick (300mm f/2.8 GM w/1.4X TC at 420mm); Common Tern on snow fence post at sunset (300mm f/2.8 GM w/2x TC at 600mm). Be sure to click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
From the First Three Days
After two pretty good cloudy sessions, conditions the last few mornings have been good: sunny with a northeast wind usually switching to east. A strong east wind has made sunny afternoons challenging. I’ve managed to make a few good ones each day and so did multiple IPT veteran Judy Stepanaskie who just waved goodbye. I will be heading to JFK in a few minutes to pick up multiple IPT veteran Steve Shore who is here for a week. Note that seven of the images in the composite were created with the Sony 400-800 GM, even those made in overcast conditions.
Nothing New
On a sunny Saturday morning, there were at least 20 bird photographers at Nickerson Beach. One or possibly two of them had a clue as to how to create a good bird photograph. Most everyone was shooting 90 degrees of sun angle. Simply put, they were not in position to create a pleasingly lit image. Every ne I am talking about was carrying gear that cost anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000 or more. But, spend a few dollars to learn how to improve? Out of the question.
Scroll down to learn about joining me at Nickerson Beach before I head home in a month.
On our way back to the car I spotted a nice juvie oystercatcher just posing. I got on the ground to soften up the tire track background. Here comes a guy with a Nikon 600 on his shoulder walking right down the tire track toward my bird. I could have said something, but opted not to. Anyhoo, the guy, 100% oblivious, kept coming and of course flushed the bird I was photographing. He turned around and still standing, began to photograph a band adult AMOY on the beach. I got up, intentionally walked right in front of him, and flushed the bird. I was hoping that he would have something to say. But he did not.
Sony 400-800 GM Lenses
Steve Elkins of Bedfords texted me yesterday and let me know that he has six of my favorite lenses in stock. To grab yours, click here and choose standard shipping. When you get to the payment page, enter BIRDSASART in the discount code box and hit apply. You will be upgraded to free second day air Fed-Ex and receive 3% cash back on your credit card once your stuff ships. Best of all, you will earn a free copy of the BAA Sony 400-800mm GM Lens Guide.
The BIRDS AS ART SONY 400-800mm f/6.3-9 G Super-telephoto Zoom Lens Guide
When I borrowed this lens from Sony, I assumed that at 5.45 pounds it was too heavy to handhold for long and that at f/8 at the long end (800mm,) it was too slow for most bird photography applications. In short, I did not want to like the lens. After a month of using it, I cannot live without it. After returning the loaner, I was miraculously able to get my own from Bedfords on 16 April 2025. In this guide I share everything that I have learned about using the 400-800. For best results, you need to know exactly what you are doing to get the most out of this zoom lens. It would be best, therefore, to consider and study the material in the guide so that you can begin making great images with your new lens.
You will learn how to deal with the relatively show apertures: f/6.3, f/7.1, and f/8 when working in Manual mode.
You will learn how to ensure that you are working at the widest aperture by working in Shutter Priority mode with AUTO ISO.
If you are able to hand hold the lens, you will learn proper hand holding techniques.
If you can’t, you will learn when, why, and how to employ other options. Those include:
1- The knee-pod, heel-pod, and toe-pod techniques
2- Using the lens on a monopod.
3- The best lens plate and low foot for your 4-8.
4- The best tripod and head for the 4-8 and how best to utilize them.
5- How to use the lens from your vehicle while supporting it on a BLUBB (or not and why not).
6- Detailed instructions on how to set and use the lens controls and buttons:
a- AF/MF
b- DMF Switch
c- Limit Range Switch
d- OSS (Optical Steady Shot) Switch
e- OSS Mode Switch
f- Focus Hold Buttons
The guide also includes a Hand Holding Shutter Speed Primer and an illustrative, educational, and inspiring 67-image gallery.
Free to folks who use one of my two affiliate links to purchase their Sony 400-800 G lens. Otherwise, please click here to order yours or send a PayPal for $115.43 to birdsasart@verizon.net and include the words “400-800 Lens Guide” in your e-mail.
Gear Questions and Advice
Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BirdPhotographer’s.Net, are — out of ignorance — using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often save you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.
Don’t Just Shoot: Learn
If you are interested in changing your life and becoming a better photographer by joining me on the Extended IPT at Sebastian Inlet for Ospreys and more (SEPT 25 to NOV 24, 2025), in San Diego for Pacific-race Brown Pelicans and more (JAN 6 to FEB 2, 2026), or for Roseate Spoonbills at Stick Marsh (March 2026), please e-mail for dates, rates, terms, and additional information. Or shoot me a text to 863-221-2372. Some offerings include options for shared AirBnB lodging and meals. Ground transportation during your stay is a possibility at times.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
Image #1: Black Skimmer on scrape with one of its two chicks
Wish That I Had Been a Bit Wider
This image was made on Friday afternoon as Judy and I sat by the colony ropes. After I pressed the shutter button on this one, I said to her, I just got a very good one!. I was right. I would have liked to have been a bit wider so as to include the complete shadow of the adult’s bill. But I love all the sharp detail that I got at 1200mm. I could have expanded canvas tried to re-create the shadow but opted to go to bed instead.
Too Bad That They Do Not Award Nobel Prizes for Image Cleanup
I used my usual cadre of cleanup tools to create a more pleasing image. Those primarily included the Patch Tool and the Remove Tool. I finished up by applying a 65-pixel Gaussian Blur that was painted in judiciously (I hope) after the addition of a Hide All (Inverse, or Black) Layer Mask. While the results are quite impressive (he said modestly), the process is actually very easy to learn. All you need to do is master the use of the Tools.
The BIRDS AS ART Current Workflow e-Guide (Digital Basics II).
You can order your copy from the BAA Online Store here, by sending a PayPal for $40 here, or by calling Jim or Jennifer weekdays at 863-692-0906 with your credit card in hand. Be sure to specify Digital Basics II.
The BIRDS AS ART Current Workflow e-Guide (Digital Basics II)
The techniques mentioned above and tons more great Photoshop tips and techniques — along with my complete digital workflow, Digital Eye Doctor Techniques, and all my personalized Keyboard Shortcuts — are covered in detail in the BIRDS AS ART Current Workflow e-Guide (Digital Basics II), an instructional PDF that is sent via e-mail. Note: folks working on a PC and/or those who do not want to miss anything Photoshop may wish to purchase the original Digital Basics along with DB II while saving $15 by clicking here to buy the DB Bundle.
Please note: the Divide and Conquer technique was inadvertently omitted from DB II. It is detailed in a free excerpt in the blog post here.
Folks who learn well by following along rather than by reading can check out the complete collection of MP 4 Photoshop Tutorial Videos by clicking here. Note: most of the videos are now priced at an amazingly low $5.00 each.
You can learn how and why I converted all of my Canon digital RAW files in DPP 4 in the DPP 4 RAW Conversion Guide here. More recently, I became proficient at converting my Nikon RAW (NEF) files in Adobe Camera Raw. About three years ago I began converting my Nikon and Sony RAW files in Capture One and did that for two years. You can learn more about Capture One in the Capture One Pro 12 Simplified MP4 Video here. The next step would be to get a copy of Arash Hazeghi’s “The Nikon Photographers’ Guide to Phase One Capture One Pro e-Guide” in the blog post here. Today, I convert my Sony raw files in Photoshop with Adobe Camera Raw.
You can learn advanced Quick Masking and advanced Layer Masking techniques in APTATS I & II. You can save $15 by purchasing the pair.
The Digital Basics III Video Series
The Digital Basics III Video Series
I realized two years ago that my digital workflow had changed significantly and was toying with the idea of writing a Digital Basics III. More recently, I learned and begun working with two great new Photoshop Tools, the Remove Tool and the Luminance Targeted Adjustment Tool. The former is like a smarter Spot Healing Brush Tool on steroids and the latter is a step up from the fabulous Color Mixer Tool. During that same time frame, I came up with a new and improved 2-step noise reduction technique. I still use Divide and Conquer, Quick Masks, Layer Masks, an expanded array of personalized keyboard shortcuts, and tons of other stuff from both versions of Digital Basics.
As soon as I realized that I did not want to take on another large writing project, I realized that by creating a series of videos I could much more easily share all the details of my current digital workflow and much more easily incorporate additional new tips, techniques, and tools as I went. And so, The Digital Basics III Video Series was born.
You can order your copy here. The videos will be most valuable for folks using the latest version of Photoshop (2024) or Lightroom along with Topaz DeNoise AI and Topaz Sharpen AI.
Summer bird photography at Nickerson Beach is excellent.
Nickerson Beach 2025 Educational Opportunities
Please note that prices for both the IPTs and the ITF sessions have been reduced in an effort to attract new blood. Please e-mail for late registration discount info.
Breeding Black Skimmers, Common Terns, and American Oystercatchers with young.
Nickerson Beach 4-Day Instructional Photo-Tour (IPT): MON AUG 25 afternoon thru the morning session on FRI AUG 29, 2025: $1899.00.
Three afternoon sessions, three morning sessions, two brunches with Image Review & Photoshop sessions. AirBnB lodging and rides with the leader possible. Please get in touch with questions or to register with an e-mail to samandmayasgrandpa@att.net and please copy birdsasartstaff@gmail.com) just to be sure. It looks as if Will have access to webmail on one of the two office computers. You can also shoot me a text to 863-221-2372.
Breeding Black Skimmers, Common Terns, and American Oystercatchers with young.
Morning BAA In-the-Field Instructional Sessions (ITFIS) followed by brunch and an Image Review & Photoshop session: $449.00/per session
Available dates: AUG 10-31, SEPT 1-5, 2025. Please get in touch with an e-mail to samandmayasgrandpa@att.net (and please BCC birdsasartstaff@gmail.com) and/or via a text to 863-221-2372 with questions or to register.
Available dates: AUG 10-15 & 17-31, SEPT 3-5, 2025. Please get in touch with questions or to register with an e-mail to samandmayasgrandpa@att.net and please copy birdsasartstaff@gmail.com) just to be sure. It looks as if Will have access to webmail on one of the two office computers. You can also shoot me a text to 863-221-2372.
Morning and afternoon sessions may be combined and multiple days of instruction are feasible.
Morning In the Field Instruction at the East Pond at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge may be available — 7/21-22/25.
Some of What You Will Learn on a Nickerson Beach IPT
1- The basics and fine points of digital exposure; how to get the right exposure every time after making a single test exposure (or before if you are using SONY gear).
2- How and why to work in Manual mode (even if you’re scared of it).
3- How to approach free and wild birds without disturbing them.
4- Lots about bird behavior and how to use that knowledge to help you create better images.
6- To spot the good and great situations and to choose the best perspective.
7- To see, evaluate, and understand the light.
8- To design pleasing images by mastering your camera’s AF system.
9- And perhaps most importantly, to evaluate wind and sky conditions and understand how they combine to affect bird photography. You will learn where and when to be (and why).
10- More than you could ever imagine.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
Which of today’s four featured images is your favorite? Why? Is there one you would have deleted? Why?
In the Last Blog Post
In the last blog post most folks went with the calling Limpkin image for all the obvious reasons and that was my first choice as well with the skinny vertical caracara a close second.
What’s Up?
The most traffic that I had driving from Lorton, VA to Long Island after I got off the Auto Train on Tuesday was in Far Rockaway, Queens, NY. All on my mainly I-95 route was amazingly clean and green before I drove over the Gil Hodges Memorial Bridge, the Marine Parkway Bridge of my childhood. Thoughts of driving my bike along the Belt Parkway to look for Cecropia Moth cocoons and to fish under the bridge filled my head. And when I got over the bridge and turned to the east I remembered the first time that my Dad’s Mom, Grandma Selma, took me fishing. We caught several small Bergalls. They are also know as Cunners. They are usually considered a trash fish, but Selma took them home and fried them up for lunch!
Wednesday morning was cloudy and overcast. The stars of the morning were several American Oystercatcher families feeding along the surf with handsome pairs of chicks — the fledged youngsters were all un-banded. Most of this year’s Common Tern crop are fledged and flying. It seems that there are fewer Black Skimmer chicks than last year. I found some tiny ones and some fledged and flying. Multiple IPT veteran Judy Stepanaskie drove up from Philly and joined me at the AirBnB for an early dinner. On a hunch, I tried an out of the way spot and we were rewarded by finding some tiny skimmer chicks and several nests with eggs right by the ropes. The overcast weather continued but we did much better than I expected.
Today is Thursday 7 August 2025 and Judy and I enjoyed a productive morning session that began cloudy with a northeast wind and wound up mostly sunny as the wind switched to the east at about 15 mph. Early on,, we worked a small Common Tern chick that was very cooperative as well as some skimmers on both eggs and chicks. Then we headed east and had some good flight photography. Whatever you opt to do, I hope that you too choose to have a wonderful and productive day and that you have fun too. Do remember that happiness is a choice — Byron Katie, The Work.Com.
If you’ve been thinking of joining me at Nickerson Beach, please e-mail for late registration discount info.
If an item — a Delkin flash card or reader, a Levered-clamp FlexShooter Pro, or a Wimberley lens plate or low foot — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match or beat any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedford by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.
Gear Questions and Advice
Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BirdPhotographer’s.Net, are — out of ignorance — using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often save you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.
Don’t Just Shoot: Learn
If you are interested in changing your life and becoming a better photographer by joining me on the Extended IPT at Sebastian Inlet for Ospreys and more (SEPT 25 to NOV 24, 2025), in San Diego for Pacific-race Brown Pelicans and more (JAN 6 to FEB 2, 2026), or for Roseate Spoonbills at Stick Marsh (March 2026), please e-mail for dates, rates, terms, and additional information. Or shoot me a text to 863-221-2372. Some offerings include options for shared AirBnB lodging and meals. Ground transportation during your stay is a possibility at times.
B&H Simplified
To ensure that I get credit for your B&H purchases, you can always click here. The tracking is invisible but using my affiliate links is greatly appreciated. And, with B&H, you can use your PayBoo card. You must use the website to order. You cannot get your free guides if you make a phone order. Once you have an item in your cart, you must complete the order within two hours. Huge thanks!
B&H
Many folks have written recently stating that they purchased a Sony a1 from B&H and would like their free membership in the Sony 1 Info and Updates Group, a $150.00 value. But when I check my affiliate account, their orders have not been there. When I let them know that they get credit for B&H purchases only if they use one of the many B&H affiliate links on the blog or begin their searches with this link, they are always disappointed. If in doubt, please contact me via e-mail and request a BH link. I am always glad to help and to guide you to the right gear.
Wide: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
Image #1: Brown Pelican Pacific race preening
A La Jolla Secret
Getting a sunlit pelican with a dark background is tricky. You need to be somewhat off sun angle and get as tall as possible to utilize the dark shaded cliffs as background. The results are always different and can be stunning.
This image was created on 17 January 2025 on the 2025 San Diego Extended IPT. Standing at full height, I used the handheld Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 600mm) and the and The Latest Greatest Flagship Body, the Sony a1 II Mirrorless Camera. Evaluative metering +1.7 stops. AUTO ISO set ISO 125: 1/8 sec. at f/32 in Shutter Priority mode. Exposure determined via Zebras with Exposure Compensation on the Thumb Wheel. RawDigger showed that the exposure was perfect: AWB at 7:31:08am well before the sun came over the hills of La Jolla.
Lower center Tracking: Spot XS/AF-C with Bird Eye/Face Detection enabled performed perfectly.
Image #2: Brandt’s Cormorants leaving the wall
Dependable But Different
Early every morning at La Jolla, hundreds of Brandt’s along with a very few Pelagic Cormorants fly out from the nesting wall, sometimes en masse. I most often try to create pleasingly blurred motifs. Image #2 was created by combining two photos — one of the birds and one of the Pacific Ocean, and playing around with the Blending Modes. Both images were created at 1/8 second.
This image was created on 18 January on the 2025 San Diego IPT. Seated on damp sand and worked off the tilted read screen I used the foot-pod technique with the the handheld Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 2x Teleconverter and the Latest Greatest Sony Flagship Body, the a1 II Mirrorless Camera. ISO 1600. Exposure determined via Zebras with ISO on the Thumb Wheel; 1/1000 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was dead solid perfect: AWB at 7:09:56am just after sunrise at Coronado Beach.
Wide/AF-C with Bird Eye/Face Detection enabled performed perfectly.
Image #3: Marbled Godwit distal rhynchokinesis
Image copyright 2025 Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
Distal Rhynchokinesis
Most long-billed shorebird species (Scolopacidae) worldwide have the amazing ability to bend the flexible tip of their upper mandibles upwards, as seen dramatically in Image #3. Distal rhynchokinesis has long been commonly associated with the deep probing feeding method. In 2007 Sora M Estrella and José A Masero reported for the first time the use and occurrence of distal rhynchokinesis in wild long-billed shorebirds feeding on small prey items suspended in water! Learn more about their discovery here.
Marbled Godwits are not easy in San Diego but I know the perfect spot to try for them in early morning light.
This image was created on 17 January 2025 on the 2025 San Diego Extended IPT. Seated on grass and dirt, I used the knee-pod technique with the handheld Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 600mm) and the and The Latest Greatest Flagship Body, the Sony a1 II Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel. ISO 1250: 1/1000 second at f/6.3 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was perfect. AWB at 4:01:53pm in the shade.
Wide: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
Image #4: Wood Duck leucistic hen
Leucism in Birds
Bird leucism is a genetic mutation that results in a total or partial reduction of color in a bird’s plumage. The reduction of color in the bird’s plumage is due to an inadequate deposition or fixation of pigments only in the bird’s feathers. Other parts of the bird’s body have normal coloration. I like to describe luecistic (loo-si-stuhk) birds as mocha colored. This hen Wood Duck was quite tame and posed for the group on several afternoons.
Leucistic birds have the normal pigments and amount of melanin. The pigments are inadequately fixated or fail to be deposited properly in the feathers. This means that leucistic birds have a normal coloration of the eyes, bill, legs, and bare parts. Unlike albinism, which affects all pigments and results in pink eyes, leucism only affects the deposition of pigment in the feathers; the eyes typically retain their normal coloration.
The above was adapted in part from the Avian Report here.
San Diego offers an incredible variety of attractive avian subjects, including and especially the Pacific race of Brown Pelican. Clockwise from top left back to center: juvenile and sub-adult Brown Pelicans; Heermann’s Gull; Western Gull; Allen’s Hummingbird; Brandt’s Cormorant; Gadwall hen; Wood Duck drake; Willet; Brown Pelican tight flight. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
The 2026 San Diego Brown Pelicans (and more!) IPTs
San Diego IPT #1: 4 1/2 DAYS: THURS 8 JAN thru the morning session on MON 12 JAN 2026: $2599.00. Deposit: $699.00. Limit: 6 photographers.
San Diego IPT #2: 4 1/2 DAYS: FRI 16 JAN thru the morning session on TUES 20 JAN 2026: $2599.00. Limit: 6 photographers.
Morning BAA In-the-Field Instructional Sessions (ITFIS) followed by brunch and an Image Review & Photoshop session: $449.00/per session
Available dates: JAN 14 & 15 and 21-23 2026. Please get in touch with questions or to register with an e-mail to samandmayasgrandpa@att.net and please shoot me a text to 863-221-2372.
AirBnB accommodations and ground transport with the leader are available for all IPTs and for all In the Field Instructional Sessions on a first come, first served basis. Please e-mail for details and information on personalized pre- and post-IPT morning sessions.
Join me in San Diego to photograph the spectacular breeding plumage Brown Pelicans with their fire-engine red and olive green bill pouches; Brandt’s (nesting) and Double-crested Cormorants; breeding plumage Wood and Ring-necked Ducks; other duck species possible including Lesser Scaup, Redhead, Northern Shoveler and Surf Scoter; a variety of gulls including Western, California, and the gorgeous Heermann’s, all in full breeding plumage; shorebirds including Marbled Godwit, Willet, Sanderling and Black-bellied Plover; many others are possible including Least, Western, and Spotted Sandpiper, Whimbrel, Black and Ruddy Turnstone, Semipalmated Plover, and Surfbird; Harbor Seals and California Sea Lions (both depending on the current regulations and restrictions). And as you can see by studying the IPT cards, there are some nice bird-scape and landscape opportunities as well. Not to mention a ton of excellent flight photography opportunities and instruction.
Please note: where permitted and on occasion, ducks and gulls may be attracted (or re-located) with offerings of grains or healthy bread.
San Diego offers a wealth of very attractive natural history subjects, including and especially the Pacific race of California Brown Pelican. With annual visits spanning more than four decades, I have lots of photographic experience there … Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
Learning Exposure, Whether You Like It Or Not
Whether you like it or not, we will be beating the subject of exposure like a dead horse. In every new situation, you will hear my thoughts on exposure along with my thoughts on both Nikon and Canon histograms and SONY Zebras. Whether you like it or not, you will learn to work in manual mode so that you can get the right exposure every time (as long as a bird gives you ten seconds with the light constant). Or two seconds with SONY zebras … And you will learn what to do when the light is changing constantly. What you learn about exposure will be one of the great takeaways on every IPT.
Though the pelicans will be the stars of the show on this IPT, there will be many other handsome and captivating subjects in wonderful settings. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
It Ain’t Just Pelicans
With gorgeous subjects just sitting there waiting to have their pictures taken, photographing the pelicans on the cliffs is about as easy as nature photography gets. With the winds from the east almost every morning, there is usually some excellent flight photography, at times with 70-200mm lenses! And the pelicans are almost always doing something interesting: preening, scratching, bill pouch cleaning, or squabbling. And then there are those crazy head throws that are thought to be a form of intra-flock communication. You will be guided as to how to make the best of those opportunities. Depending on the weather, the local conditions, and the tides, there are a variety of other fabulous photo chances available in and around San Diego. Each IPT will include one or two duck sessions.
Did I mention that there are lots of great birds and natural history subjects in San Diego in winter? Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
The San Diego Details
These IPTs will include four or five 3-hour morning photo sessions, three or four 1 1/2-hour afternoon photo sessions, and three or four working brunches that will include image review and Photoshop sessions. On rare cloudy days, we may — at the leader’s discretion, stay out in the morning for a long session and skip that afternoon shoot. To ensure early starts, breakfasts will be your responsibility. And so that we can get some sleep, dinners will be on your own as well. In the extremely unlikely event that Goldfish Point is closed due to local ordinance (or whimsy) — that has never happened in the past fifty years, I will of course do my very best to maximize our photographic opportunities.
San Diego offers a wealth of very attractive natural history subjects, including and especially the Pacific race of California Brown Pelican. With annual visits spanning more than four decades, I have lots of photographic experience there. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
Deposit Info
A $699 deposit is required to hold your slot for one of the 2024 San Diego IPT. You can send a check (made out to “BIRDS AS ART”) to us here: BIRDS AS ART, PO Box 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL, 33855, or call Jim or Jennifer at the office with a credit card at 863-692-0906. Your balance, payable only by check, is due three months before the trip.
Variety is surely the spice of life in San Diego. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
Getting Up Early and Staying Out Late
On all BIRDS AS ART IPTS including and especially the San Diego IPT, we get into the field early to take advantage of unique and often spectacular lighting conditions and we stay out late to maximize the chances of killer light and glorious sunset silhouette situations. We often arrive at the cliffs a full hour before anyone else shows up to check out the landscape and seascape opportunities.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
Peter Kes, friend of 3 decades and longtime BAA blog webmaster, is a brilliant IT (information technology) and computer expert. He is currently living on and running a Bushveld Farm in Dinokeng Game Reserve, Pretoria, Gauteng, RSA (Republic of South Africa) and is looking to re-locate. You can learn more about Peter and check out his impressive resume at his LinkedIn profile page here. You can contact Peter via e-mail.
Add Green Whenever Possible
I think that those words were first penned in the original The Art of Bird Photography. If you are doing bird photography, they are just as true today as they were three decades ago. As you view today’s three featured images, consider the use of green in the backgrounds and in the last two photos, note the placement of the line of demarcation.
Please do not be fooled by thinking that the placement of the line of demarcation is either “what it is” or is accidental. You change the placement of the quasi-horizon line by getting your lens a few inches higher of lower. But only if you notice it while designing the image.
Your Call?
Which of the three is the strongest image? Why?
In the Last Blog Post
In the last blog post that featured the Tricolored Heron/dragonfly images, most folks preferred the second image for a variety of very good reasons. I preferred Image #1 because of the elegant position and “pose” of the dragonfly that resulted in the photo having a lovely flow to it. In addition, I like the wider view in the first image. And I far prefer the background in the first image because the line of demarcation does not merge with either the bird’s bill or the dragonfly in it. And yes, Add Green Whenever Possible!
What’s Up
The Auto Train trip so far has been blessedly uneventful so far. We should be arriving in Lorton, VA a bit early at 8:30am I pay the $65 extra for Early Off — they guarantee that your vehicle will be among the first 30 off the train. I cannot say that I am lookin forward to the drive to Lido Beach. Google Maps shows it as “typically 4 hours 40 minutes to 6 hours 40 minutes.” In other words, you might hit some nasty delays. I will try to get out of the car every 90 minutes or so to loosen up. Throw in a stop for brunch and gas and I would be thrilled to get to my AirBnB by 6pm. If that happens and it is sunny with a west wind, I might actually head out to the beach to see how the birds are doing.
I did get lots of work done on the train. First, I consolidated all of my June and July 2025 images from Jacksonville, ILE, and Nickerson Beach (on my BILD visit). Then I did second edits on the three new folders along with Homer 2025. The result: I gained .15TB of space by getting from 4.75 TB available down to 4.9 TB available by deleting many thousands of pretty much perfect photographs.
I learned on Monday (!) that multiple IPT veteran Judy Stepenaskie was taking advantage of the late registration discount and will be joining me for the mini IPT; she is driving up from Philadelphia on Wednesday.
I still have room in the AirBnB for the last Nickerson Beach IPT:
Nickerson Beach 4-Day Instructional Photo-Tour (IPT): MON AUG 25 afternoon thru the morning session on FRI AUG 29, 2025: $1899.00.
Today is Tuesday 5 August 2025 and I have lots of driving to do. Whatever you opt to do, I hope that you too choose to have a wonderful and productive day and that you have fun too. Do remember that happiness is a choice — Byron Katie, The Work.Com.
If an item — a Delkin flash card or reader, a Levered-clamp FlexShooter Pro, or a Wimberley lens plate or low foot — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match or beat any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedford by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.
Gear Questions and Advice
Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BirdPhotographer’s.Net, are — out of ignorance — using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often save you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.
Don’t Just Shoot: Learn
If you are interested in changing your life and becoming a better photographer by joining me on the Extended IPT at Sebastian Inlet for Ospreys and more (SEPT 25 to NOV 24, 2025), in San Diego for Pacific-race Brown Pelicans and more (JAN 6 to FEB 2, 2026), or for Roseate Spoonbills at Stick Marsh (March 2026), please e-mail for dates, rates, terms, and additional information. Or shoot me a text to 863-221-2372. Some offerings include options for shared AirBnB lodging and meals. Ground transportation during your stay is a possibility at times.
This image was created on 17 July 2025 on the North Field near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Working from my SUV, I used the handheld Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS lens (Sony E) (at 700mm) and the SONY a-1, (now replaced by The Latest Greatest Sony Flagship Body, the a1 II Mirrorless Camera). The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: ISO 2500: 1/2000 sec. at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was dead solid perfect. AWB at 7:29:50am on a sunny morning.
Wide/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the larger, inexplicably sharper high-res version.
Image #1: Sandhill Crane large colt about 4 months old.
Image copyright 2025: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
Sweet
Sweet early morning light, a distant background, the nice clean bill, and one of the (at least) two surviving lakefront colts combined here to create a dramatic head and neck portrait of the handsome young crane. How did zooming out for 800 to 700mm help with the depth of field?
Speaking of zooming with a super-telephoto lens, I will often go with the much slower Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS lens (Sony E) and leave the Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens in the back of my SUV (or on the passenger side front seat). Why? Being able to fine tune the image design by zooming in or out adds tremendous versatility.
Wide/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the larger, inexplicably sharper high-res version.
Image #2: Crested Caracara on pier railing
Image copyright 2025: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
A Rare Second Chance
With large piles of dead mayflies at the base of the pier, a pair of caracaras had been hanging around for several days. On the 18, I put my 1200mm rig on the monopod for the first time ever, and attempted to get in position for a shot by sneaking out from behind the corner of the small pump house just north of the base of the pier. I was too aggressive and both birds flew. Next day: same deal. Only this time I was much more cautious and poked my lens just out from the corner of the structure with me mostly hidden behind it. The second time was the charm.
Sharp at 1200mm at 1/800 sec. on a monopod is nothing to sneeze at. I leaned my right side onto the small building and took care to held as still as possible by bracing the lens against the corner of the structure. The Optcial Stabilization System OSS) on the lens and in the camera (IBIS) insured a sharp image in iffy conditions.
If I had been on the tripod I would have scared the birds for sure and gone home empty-handed. As much as I am not a huge fan pf monopods, there are certain situations when they cannot be beaten.
Why the tall, skinny crop? I do not like including the pier railing in an image unless it is absolutely necessary.
Wide/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the larger, inexplicably sharper high-res version.
Image #3: Limpkin on pier railing calling
Image copyright 2025: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
Monopod to the Rescue — Again!
By no stretch of the imagination is the Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS lens (Sony E) a lightweight. When photographing birds, the battle is often waiting for the bird to do something neat. Or exciting. Or both. When head hunting handheld on the pier with the 4-8, keeping the shot frame indefinitely is an impossibility for me. Fatigue becomes a problem in about a minute. Oftentimes, the moment you take a break, the bird does something fabulous. So, when I begin to hurt, I need to lower the lens for a few seconds, raise it again, and the hope that something good happens. Rinse and repeat. With the lens supported by a decent monopod with the world’s best monopod head, I can wait all morning. On the morning of the 19th, the monopod was the right tool for a variety of jobs.
The BIRDS AS ART SONY 400-800mm f/6.3-9 G Super-telephoto Zoom Lens Guide
When I borrowed this lens from Sony, I assumed that at 5.45 pounds it was too heavy to handhold for long and that at f/8 at the long end (800mm,) it was too slow for most bird photography applications. In short, I did not want to like the lens. After a month of using it, I cannot live without it. After returning the loaner, I was miraculously able to get my own from Bedfords on 16 April 2025. In this guide I share everything that I have learned about using the 400-800. For best results, you need to know exactly what you are doing to get the most out of this zoom lens. It would be best, therefore, to consider and study the material in the guide so that you can begin making great images with your new lens.
You will learn how to deal with the relatively show apertures: f/6.3, f/7.1, and f/8 when working in Manual mode.
You will learn how to ensure that you are working at the widest aperture by working in Shutter Priority mode with AUTO ISO.
If you are able to hand hold the lens, you will learn proper hand holding techniques.
If you can’t, you will learn when, why, and how to employ other options. Those include:
1- The knee-pod, heel-pod, and toe-pod techniques
2- Using the lens on a monopod.
3- The best lens plate and low foot for your 4-8.
4- The best tripod and head for the 4-8 and how best to utilize them.
5- How to use the lens from your vehicle while supporting it on a BLUBB (or not and why not).
6- Detailed instructions on how to set and use the lens controls and buttons:
a- AF/MF
b- DMF Switch
c- Limit Range Switch
d- OSS (Optical Steady Shot) Switch
e- OSS Mode Switch
f- Focus Hold Buttons
The guide also includes a Hand Holding Shutter Speed Primer and an illustrative, educational, and inspiring 67-image gallery.
Free to folks who use one of my two affiliate links to purchase their Sony 400-800 G lens. Otherwise, please send a PayPal for $115.43 to birdsasart@verizon.net and include the words “400-800 Lens Guide” in your e-mail.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
The summer doldrums continue but I manage to rustle up a good chance or two every morning. I spent most of Friday morning with a young Great Egret preening on The Perch II. I kept only a very few. Saturday morning was next to nothing. I kept only a few Limpkin images.
I’ve been using the 400-800 more and more every day. It pairs perfectly with either the 600mm f/4 GM and the 2X or with the 300mm f/2.8 GM bare or with either TC. The more I use it, the more I love it. If you decide to purchase one, be sure to use one of my two affiliate links to earn a free copy of the BAA Sony 400-800mm Lens Guide. Confused? See the info on the guide below.
On Saturday, I seriously began getting some stuff in a suitcase and getting my photo gear cleaned and organized my trip to Long Island. I take the Auto Train north to Lorton, VA on Monday afternoon.
Today is Sunday 3 August 2025 and I will of course be heading down to the lake early in search a miracle or two. Whatever you opt to do, I hope that you too choose to have a wonderful and productive day and that you have fun too. Do remember that happiness is a choice — Byron Katie, The Work.Com.
If you’ve been thinking of joining me for one of the two Nickerson Beach IPTs, please e-mail for late registration discount info. See here and scroll down for details.
If an item — a Delkin flash card or reader, a Levered-clamp FlexShooter Pro, or a Wimberley lens plate or low foot — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match or beat any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedford by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.
Gear Questions and Advice
Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BirdPhotographer’s.Net, are — out of ignorance — using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often save you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.
Don’t Just Shoot: Learn
If you are interested in changing your life and becoming a better photographer by joining me on the Extended IPT at Sebastian Inlet for Ospreys and more (SEPT 25 to NOV 24, 2025), in San Diego for Pacific-race Brown Pelicans and more (JAN 6 to FEB 2, 2026), or for Roseate Spoonbills at Stick Marsh (March 2026), please e-mail for dates, rates, terms, and additional information. Or shoot me a text to 863-221-2372. Some offerings include options for shared AirBnB lodging and meals. Ground transportation during your stay is a possibility at times.
B&H Simplified
To ensure that I get credit for your B&H purchases, you can always click here. The tracking is invisible but using my affiliate links is greatly appreciated. And, with B&H, you can use your PayBoo card. You must use the website to order. You cannot get your free guides if you make a phone order. Once you have an item in your cart, you must complete the order within two hours. Huge thanks!
B&H
Many folks have written recently stating that they purchased a Sony a1 from B&H and would like their free membership in the Sony 1 Info and Updates Group, a $150.00 value. But when I check my affiliate account, their orders have not been there. When I let them know that they get credit for B&H purchases only if they use one of the many B&H affiliate links on the blog or begin their searches with this link, they are always disappointed. If in doubt, please contact me via e-mail and request a BH link. I am always glad to help and to guide you to the right gear.
Bedfords Simplified
Click here to start your search. Choose standard shipping, and when you get to the payment page, enter BIRDSASART in the discount code box and hit apply. You will be upgraded to free second day air Fed-Ex and receive 3% cash back on your credit card once your stuff ships. Using either my affiliate links is greatly appreciated and will often earn you free guides or discounts.
Bedfords Amazing BAA Discount Policy
Folks who have fallen in love with Bedfords can always use the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout to enjoy a post-purchase, 3% off-statement credit (excluding taxes and shipping charges) on orders paid with a credit card. The 3% credit will be refunded to the card you used for your purchase when your product ships. Be sure, also, to check the box for free shipping to enjoy free Second Day Air Fed-Ex. This offer does not apply to purchases of Classes, Gift Cards, or prior purchases.
You can visit the Bedfords website here, shoot Steve Elkins an e-mail, or text him on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592.
This image was created on 27 July 2025 as I walked the pier at the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. I used the handheld Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS lens (Sony E) (at 633mm) and the SONY a-1, (now replaced by The Latest Greatest Sony Flagship Body, the a1 II Mirrorless Camera). The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: ISO 1600: 1/1600 sec. at f/9 (stopped down 1/3-stop) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was dead solid perfect. AWB at 7:36:52am on a sunny, hazy morning.
Wide/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the larger, inexplicably sharper high-res version.
Image #1: Tricolored Heron adult subduing a Prince Baskettail (Epitheca princeps).
Image copyright 2025: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
Recovered!
When I accidentally formatted a card with eight days of images (some miraculous) while helping Pat Fishburne with her a9 iii menu, I was confident that I would be able to recover them. You are, however, always a bit edgy until you see them on your computer. Had I lost the images, the tricolored/dragonfly series was the one I would have missed the most. I kept 14 of about 350 of the photos that I created during the fifteen seconds that the bird was square to me. Depth of field and dragonfly position and pose issues were the main factors that separated the wheat from the chaff.
After jumping off the railing and grabbing the baskettail in midair, the bird posed perfectly (as above) and then turned away from me as it attempted to swallow its prey. It struggled for a minute until only the tip of one forewing was sticking out of a corner of its mouth. But, it could not get the insect down completely. Next, it choked it back up, and promptly dropped it into the lake! A lot of work with no gain.
Thanks Blair
I first met Blair Nikula probably 40 years or so ago on Cape Cod. He was doing shorebird surveys at Monomoy for the then Manomet Bird Observatory. I was doing the count at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge in the mid-1980s. We were both friends with the renowned Red Knot expert Brian Harrington. Anyhoo, he took me out to Monomoy for a day of shorebirding and photography. Blair liked to go fast and I can still remember that kidney-pounding ride!
Over the years, Blair became a dragonfly expert. He kindly responded to my e-mail query as to the species in the bill of the tricolored:
Good to hear from you – I’m still an avid follower of your blog! All is well here in MA, except it’s too damn hot!
The dragonfly is a Prince Baskettail (Epitheca princeps). They generally fly at treetop level, well out of the reach of most predators (other than kites), but that’s a female (a “Princess” baskettail ;)) who apparently was about to lay eggs. You can see some the yellowish egg cluster at the tip of her abdomen in the second shot. Unlike most dragonflies that lay their eggs a few at a time, baskettails carry all of their eggs in one large cluster (or “basket”) at the tip of their abdomen (thus the name “baskettails”), before dropping them into the water all at once. This lady obviously got nailed before she completed her mission. But maybe some of those eggs dropped into the water and will survive – if they’re not eaten by fish, or frogs, other dragonfly nymphs, birds, or any of a myriad of other potential predators.
After I sent him a few more dragonfly images to identify, he suggested that I get a copy of Dragonflies of North America (Princeton Field Guides). He wrote, It is a superb field guide by Ed Lam (a fellow New Yorker) and was published late last year. It is quite simply one of the finest field guides to any group of organisms I’ve ever seen, and at only about $20 it is one of the all-time great book bargains.
This image was also and obviously created on 27 July 2025 as I walked the pier at the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. I used the handheld Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS lens (Sony E) (at 685mm) and the SONY a-1, (now replaced by The Latest Greatest Sony Flagship Body, the a1 II Mirrorless Camera). The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: ISO 1600: 1/1600 sec. at f/9 (stopped down 1/3-stop) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was dead solid perfect. AWB at 7:37:06am on a sunny, hazy morning.
Wide/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the larger, inexplicably sharper high-res version.
Image #2: Tricolored Heron adult subduing a Prince Baskettail (Epitheca princeps).
Image copyright 2025: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
Fourteen Seconds Later
Notice that the exposure was never changed during the bursts but that for this image, I did zoom in a bit (to 685mm).
Your Call?
Which image do you like better, #1 or #2? Why? Which background do you like better?
Image Rescue Programs
Several folks ask what programs I use for image recovery; I have two favorites:
Both work exceedingly well. I have previously tried other programs but found them too complicated. Both of the programs above are straightforward.
Image #2A: An unsharpened 100% crop of the “Tricolored Heron adult subduing a Prince Baskettail (Epitheca princeps)” image.
Image copyright 2025: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
Sony 400-800 Sharpness
Folks often ask me, Is the 400-800 G lens as sharp as the 600mm f/4 GM lens? As I work only on my MacBook Pro, I cannot see any differences at all. As you can see above, the 400-800 is capable of creating superbly sharp incredibly detailed images.
In this tight crop, you get a good look at the dragonfly’s yellowish string of eggs.
The BIRDS AS ART SONY 400-800mm f/6.3-9 G Super-telephoto Zoom Lens Guide
When I borrowed this lens from Sony, I assumed that at 5.45 pounds it was too heavy to handhold for long and that at f/8 at the long end (800mm,) it was too slow for most bird photography applications. In short, I did not want to like the lens. After a month of using it, I cannot live without it. After returning the loaner, I was miraculously able to get my own from Bedfords on 16 April 2025. In this guide I share everything that I have learned about using the 400-800. For best results, you need to know exactly what you are doing to get the most out of this zoom lens. It would be best, therefore, to consider and study the material in the guide so that you can begin making great images with your new lens.
You will learn how to deal with the relatively show apertures: f/6.3, f/7.1, and f/8 when working in Manual mode.
You will learn how to ensure that you are working at the widest aperture by working in Shutter Priority mode with AUTO ISO.
If you are able to hand hold the lens, you will learn proper hand holding techniques.
If you can’t, you will learn when, why, and how to employ other options. Those include:
1- The knee-pod, heel-pod, and toe-pod techniques
2- Using the lens on a monopod.
3- The best lens plate and low foot for your 4-8.
4- The best tripod and head for the 4-8 and how best to utilize them.
5- How to use the lens from your vehicle while supporting it on a BLUBB (or not and why not).
6- Detailed instructions on how to set and use the lens controls and buttons:
a- AF/MF
b- DMF Switch
c- Limit Range Switch
d- OSS (Optical Steady Shot) Switch
e- OSS Mode Switch
f- Focus Hold Buttons
The guide also includes a Hand Holding Shutter Speed Primer and an illustrative, educational, and inspiring 67-image gallery.
Free to folks who use one of my two affiliate links to purchase their Sony 400-800 G lens. Otherwise, please send a PayPal for $115.43 to birdsasart@verizon.net and include the words “400-800 Lens Guide” in your e-mail.
The summer doldrums continue but I manage to rustle up a good chance or two every morning. Wednesday yielded a few decent keepers: Snowy Egret, Black Vulture, and Anhinga. There was a big mayfly hatch on Thursday morning at the north end of the North Field. Eight young Great Egrets, an adult Little Blue Heron, two dozen White Ibises, and two dozen very shy Fish Crows feasted on the small but juicy tidbits.
I’ve been using the 400-800 more and more every day. It pairs perfectly with either the 600mm f/4 GM and the 2X or with the 300mm f/2.8 GM bare or with either TC. The more I use it, the more I love it. If you decide to purchase one, be sure to use one of my two affiliate links to earn a free copy of the BAA Sony 400-800mm Lens Guide. Confused? e-mail me for details.
I began packing for my trip to Long Island. I take the Auto Train north to Lorton, VA on Monday afternoon.
Today is Friday 1 August 2025 and I will of course be heading down to the lake early in search a miracle or two. Whatever you opt to do, I hope that you too choose to have a wonderful and productive day and that you have fun too. Do remember that happiness is a choice — Byron Katie, The Work.Com.
If you’ve been thinking of joining me for one of the two Nickerson Beach IPTs, please e-mail for late registration discount info. See here and scroll down for details.
If an item — a Delkin flash card or reader, a Levered-clamp FlexShooter Pro, or a Wimberley lens plate or low foot — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match or beat any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedford by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.
Gear Questions and Advice
Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BirdPhotographer’s.Net, are — out of ignorance — using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often save you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.
Don’t Just Shoot: Learn
If you are interested in changing your life and becoming a better photographer by joining me on the Extended IPT at Sebastian Inlet for Ospreys and more (SEPT 25 to NOV 24, 2025), in San Diego for Pacific-race Brown Pelicans and more (JAN 6 to FEB 2, 2026), or for Roseate Spoonbills at Stick Marsh (March 2026), please e-mail for dates, rates, terms, and additional information. Or shoot me a text to 863-221-2372. Some offerings include options for shared AirBnB lodging and meals. Ground transportation during your stay is a possibility at times.
B&H Simplified
To ensure that I get credit for your B&H purchases, you can always click here. The tracking is invisible but using my affiliate links is greatly appreciated. And, with B&H, you can use your PayBoo card. You must use the website to order. You cannot get your free guides if you make a phone order. Once you have an item in your cart, you must complete the order within two hours. Huge thanks!
B&H
Many folks have written recently stating that they purchased a Sony a1 from B&H and would like their free membership in the Sony 1 Info and Updates Group, a $150.00 value. But when I check my affiliate account, their orders have not been there. When I let them know that they get credit for B&H purchases only if they use one of the many B&H affiliate links on the blog or begin their searches with this link, they are always disappointed. If in doubt, please contact me via e-mail and request a BH link. I am always glad to help and to guide you to the right gear.
Bedfords Simplified
Click here to start your search. Choose standard shipping, and when you get to the payment page, enter BIRDSASART in the discount code box and hit apply. You will be upgraded to free second day air Fed-Ex and receive 3% cash back on your credit card once your stuff ships. Using either my affiliate links is greatly appreciated and will often earn you free guides or discounts.
Bedfords Amazing BAA Discount Policy
Folks who have fallen in love with Bedfords can always use the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout to enjoy a post-purchase, 3% off-statement credit (excluding taxes and shipping charges) on orders paid with a credit card. The 3% credit will be refunded to the card you used for your purchase when your product ships. Be sure, also, to check the box for free shipping to enjoy free Second Day Air Fed-Ex. This offer does not apply to purchases of Classes, Gift Cards, or prior purchases.
You can visit the Bedfords website here, shoot Steve Elkins an e-mail, or text him on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592.
This image was created as I walked west on the pier at the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL: 29 July 2025 during the ILE summer doldrums. I used the handheld Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS lens (Sony E) (at 553mm) and SONY A-1, (now replaced by The Latest Greatest Sony Flagship Body, the a1 II Mirrorless Camera). The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: ISO 2000: 1/2500 second at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was perfect. AWB at 7:32:06am on a sunny, hazy morning.
Wide/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the larger, inexplicably sharper high-res version.
Today’s Featured Image: Great Blue Heron flying away
Image copyright 2025: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
Great Blue Heron Pier Party
Early on Tuesday past, there was a young Great Blue Heron in the bay south of the pier. I made a few images with both the 400-800 and the 600mm f/4 with the 2X TC. When it flew up to the pier railing, I drove around the lakefront for a very few minutes but came up empty. So I headed back to the base of the pier. Not only was the handsome young heron still on the railing, there were four adult great blues farther out on the pier, all standing on the railing. I had never seen more than two before that. There was also a Great Egret, a Limpkin, several Anhingas, a young Green Heron, and a half dozen vultures. I took off my shirt to get some Vitamin D, put on my sun hat, and grabbed the 400-800. I created a variety of head and neck portraits of the young great blue and kept nearly two dozen of those (out of about 400). The best of those will be featured in a future blog post showing some of the options available when working a tame subject.
With the sun behind me and coming over my right shoulder, a brisk wind from the west was right in my face. On occasion, one or more of the GBHs (including the young bird), would take flight and re-alight on the railing farther out on the pier. With the lessons from Quintessential firmly in my head, I realized that there was a tiny chance of making a very good image as the bird flew away from me and braked to land. So I did exactly what I wrote and came up with one very special flight shot.
Note that zooming out to 553mm with my now favorite and most-used lens, the Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS lens (Sony E), saved the day as the image as presented in nearly full frame. The a-1 did a fine job by getting the focus point on the heron’s neck; the distance took care of the depth-of-field so that the bird’s eye was sharp at the wide open aperture.
Continue reading to check out the advice that I followed.
Sample Page #1. Image copyright 2024: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART, the senior author.
Page 254 of The Complete and Quintessential Guide to Photographing Birds in Flight
Sample Page #1
Birds in flight that are flying away from you may at times provide spectacular views of the dorsal wing surfaces.
Image copyright 2024: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART, the senior author.
Sample pages #2 & 3.
Pages 106 & 107 of The Complete and Quintessential Guide to Photographing Birds in Flight
Sample pages #2 & 3
It is — for many reasons, imperative that you shoot aggressively when doing flight photography. If you wait for it to be perfect, you will usually wind up with nothing. That said, most of my flight sequences rarely consist or more than seven or eight frames; I do not blast away at specks and once the bird is past the light and flying away from me I quit shooting.
Image copyright 2024: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART, the senior author.
Sample page #4
Page 108 of The Complete and Quintessential Guide to Photographing Birds in Flight
Sample page #4
Sometimes you need to press the shutter button just in case the bird or birds turn back to look at you. The Great Egret above was flying directly away from me but turned abruptly when the gull grabbed the fish. With today’s featured image, the bird was landing and looking away. It raised its crest and turned it head because there was an adult great blue chasing it from below right. About and inch of the tip of the adult bird’s bill was in the original uncrossed frame.
Shooting flight aggressively can enable you to make images that on the surface, would seem impossible.
The Complete and Quintessential Guide to Photographing Birds in Flight
by Arash Hazeghi, Ph.D., and Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
The Complete and Quintessential Guide to Photographing Birds in Flight: $99.00
I had long dreamed of becoming a great flight photographer. When using dSLR gear, making sharp images was a huge problem. Most of the time, the camera bodies simply were not up to snuff. Things have changed dramatically with mirrorless technology. The high-end mirrorless camera bodies now feature science fiction-like autofocus systems and frame rates of 30, 40, and even 125 fps. Nowadays, getting the eye sharp is no longer a problem. The problem more often involves selecting the strongest image from a long series of sharp images.
The truth, however, is that there is a lot more than owning a Canon EOS R1, a Nikon Z9, or a Sony a-1 ii to consistently creating great photographs of birds in flight. Some of the biggest factors to success include gear choice, shooting strategies, and understanding the importance of sky conditions and wind speed and direction. Once you have the techniques and technical aspects down pat and can routinely create sharp images, learning the importance of flight poses, wing positions, backgrounds, and subject placement and image design enable you to create and then select superb flight images. And you guessed it, each of those topics and tons more are covered in detail in The Complete and Quintessential Guide to Photographing Birds in Flight.
The guide consists of 267 pages and 21,013 words. There are 82 illustrative photos scattered throughout the text, two screen captures, and a 112-image gallery that includes examples created by Canon, Nikon, and mostly Sony gear. As seen above, each of the 194 inspirational photos is labeled with an educational caption.
Arash Hazeghi, Ph.D. is a principal electron device engineer. He received his Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering in 2011, from Stanford University, Stanford, California. His pioneering research on Carbon Nanotubes has been cited many times. In the past decade, Arash Hazeghi has been a major contributor to the research and the development of some of the most cutting-edge technologies introduced by Silicon Valley’s most reputable names including SanDisk, Intel and Apple.
More relevant here is that he is widely recognized as one of the world’s best birds in flight photographers. He specializes in raptors and the technical aspects of bird photography.
Flight photography is a skill that can be studied, practiced, and learned.
The Complete and Quintessential Guide to Photographing Birds in Flight
By Arash Hazeghi Ph.D., and Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
What you will learn (about):
1- Weight and handholding super-telephoto lenses.
2- Weight and handholding intermediate telephoto and telephotos zoom lenses.
3- Choosing the right flight photography lens or lenses for you.
4- The importance of focal length for flight photography.
5- The importance of lens speed (the maximum aperture for flight photography.
6- Choosing between fixed focal lengths and zoom lenses for flight photography.
7- The importance of AF speed and performance for flight photography.
8- Handholding tips and techniques.
9- Shooting flight off a tripod with the Levered-clamp FlexShooter Pro.
10- Flight poses and wing positions.
11- Why artie changed his mind about the 400mm f/2.8 lenses for flight and more.
12- The advantages and disadvantages of using teleconverters for flight photography.
13- Why to stay away from off-brand lenses.
14- Understanding the importance of wind direction and speed for flight photography.
15- The relationship between sky conditions and wind direction and how it affects flight photography.
16- Creating flight silhouettes in wind-against-sun conditions.
17- The importance of being on sun angle for flight photography (and avoiding harsh shadows).
18- Tips on doing flight photography in cloudy, foggy, or overcast conditions.
19- About the direction of light in cloudy, foggy, or overcast conditions and how it affects flight photography.
20- How your understanding of bird behavior can dramatically improve your flight photography.
21- Tips on attracting birds for flight photography.
22- What to do when your camera’s AF system is temporarily blind.
23- The vital importance of pre-focusing.
24- How Direct Manual Focus can help you with flight photography.
25- The importance of shooting aggressively when doing flight photography.
26- Everything that you need to know with regards to rest positions for flight photography.
27- The importance of getting low when doing flight in many situations.
28- Getting the right exposure when doing flight photography.
29_ Why to use Manual mode 95% of the time for flight.
30- Tips on finding the bird in the frame, acquiring focus, and tracking the bird in flight.
31- How to set and best utilize your lens’s image stabilization feature (and why).
32- Setting the focus range limiter switch on your flight lens or lenses.
33- To choose the best shutter speed for photographing birds in flight.
34- The vital importance of pre-focusing. And yes, this is so important that it is on the list twice.
Miracle of miracles, after lengthy phone calls to Apple Care on Thursday, Friday, and Monday, my MacBook Pro arrived at ILE at 1:00pm on Tuesday. Though it took them long enough — 7 days in all, they did a great job of overhauling my laptop. All free with Apple Care.
I had an adventurous Monday morning. I was working on the phone with Pat Fishburne helping her with her a9 iii menu. She wanted to copy her settings in case she screwed anything up. So I grabbed my 400-800 with an a-1 on it. Just for fun, I hit Playback and checked out a few of the wonderful images I had made during the past eight days. As noted previously, I had a single Delkin Devices 960GB BLACK CFexpress Type A 4.0 Memory Card in each of my two camera bodies. Anyhoo, the first step for Pat was to grab an old card, stick it in the camera, and Format it. “I worked through the process while looking at the Menu on my camera. And, despite the fact that I had just finished looking at the images on the card, “demonstrated” the steps for her on my camera. A minute later during a lull in the conversation, I hit Playback again and was aghast to see “No Images.” I had deleted more than 2,000 images from my recent laptop less morning sessions. Those included the tricolored with the dragonfly.
How could I possibly have done that? Like a plane crash — I have been binge-watching Air Disasters for the past ten days, several things (2 in this case) had to happen in the exact right order.
#1: I had to send in my laptop for repair. Thus, my regular workflow — shoot, download, pick my keepers, back-up twice, was disrupted.
#2: My brain was in “helping Pat” mode. In that mindset, I was not in any way aware of the fact that what I was doing would delete the images on the card in the rig that was in my hands.
The story has a happy ending. I used an Image Rescue program called EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Pro and in less than ten minutes had recovered all the images. I back up the laptop once I had recovered the images, formatted the card, copied the entire folder back to the card, and Ingested the images with Photo Mechanic so that they would be place in the proper Month/Day/Year folders with the location, “Indian Lake Estates,” affixed to the file name. Then I Ingested the other cards I had used before I came up with the 960 Black plan. Working like a madman after my swim I edited eight day folders with well more than fifty five hundred images in them. I kept 286 after the first edit, a keeper rate of slightly more than 1/2 of one percent.
One of the tricolored/dragonfly images was the pick of the litter. I will share it here in the next post.
In the last blog post, two out of three folks suggested cropping or otherwise eliminating the pelicans at the top of the frame. Doing either would upset the compositional balance and reduce the effect of the atmospheric perspective caused by the diminishing depth of field. (There might be a better term for this phenomena, but it is eluding me at the moment. Any ideas? Please leave a comment.)
Today is Wednesday 30 July 2025. I will of course be heading down to the lake early in search of yet another miracle. Whatever you opt to do, I hope that you too choose to have a wonderful and productive day and that you have fun too. Do remember that happiness is a choice — Byron Katie, The Work.Com.
If you’ve been thinking of joining me for one of the two Nickerson Beach IPTs, please e-mail for late registration discount info.
If an item — a Delkin flash card or reader, a Levered-clamp FlexShooter Pro, or a Wimberley lens plate or low foot — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match or beat any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedford by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.
Gear Questions and Advice
Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BirdPhotographer’s.Net, are — out of ignorance — using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often save you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.
Don’t Just Shoot: Learn
If you are interested in changing your life and becoming a better photographer by joining me on the Extended IPT at Sebastian Inlet for Ospreys and more (SEPT 25 to NOV 24, 2025), in San Diego for Pacific-race Brown Pelicans and more (JAN 6 to FEB 2, 2026), or for Roseate Spoonbills at Stick Marsh (March 2026), please e-mail for dates, rates, terms, and additional information. Or shoot me a text to 863-221-2372. Some offerings include options for shared AirBnB lodging and meals. Ground transportation during your stay is a possibility at times.
B&H Simplified
To ensure that I get credit for your B&H purchases, you can always click here. The tracking is invisible but using my affiliate links is greatly appreciated. And, with B&H, you can use your PayBoo card. You must use the website to order. You cannot get your free guides if you make a phone order. Once you have an item in your cart, you must complete the order within two hours. Huge thanks!
B&H
Many folks have written recently stating that they purchased a Sony a1 from B&H and would like their free membership in the Sony 1 Info and Updates Group, a $150.00 value. But when I check my affiliate account, their orders have not been there. When I let them know that they get credit for B&H purchases only if they use one of the many B&H affiliate links on the blog or begin their searches with this link, they are always disappointed. If in doubt, please contact me via e-mail and request a BH link. I am always glad to help and to guide you to the right gear.
San Diego offers an incredible variety of attractive avian subjects, including and especially the Pacific race of Brown Pelican. Clockwise from top left back to center: juvenile and sub-adult Brown Pelicans; Heermann’s Gull; Western Gull; Allen’s Hummingbird; Brandt’s Cormorant; Gadwall hen; Wood Duck drake; Willet; Brown Pelican tight flight. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
The 2026 San Diego Brown Pelicans (and more!) IPTs
San Diego IPT #1: 4 1/2 DAYS: THURS 8 JAN thru the morning session on MON 12 JAN 2026: $2599.00. Deposit: $699.00. Limit: 6 photographers.
San Diego IPT #2: 4 1/2 DAYS: FRI 16 JAN thru the morning session on TUES 20 JAN 2026: $2599.00. Limit: 6 photographers.
San Diego IPT #3: 4 1/2 DAYS: SAT 24 JAN thru the morning session on WED 28 JAN 2026: $2599.00. Limit: 6 photographers.
Morning BAA In-the-Field Instructional Sessions (ITFIS) followed by brunch and an Image Review & Photoshop session: $449.00/per session
Available dates: JAN 14 &15, 21-23, 29, and FEB 1 & 2, 2026. Please get in touch with questions or to register with an e-mail to samandmayasgrandpa@att.net and please shoot me a text to 863-221-2372.
AirBnB accommodations and ground transport with the leader are available for all three IPTs and for all In the Field Instructional Sessions on a first come, first served basis. Please e-mail for details and information on personalized pre- and post-IPT morning sessions.
Join me in San Diego to photograph the spectacular breeding plumage Brown Pelicans with their fire-engine red and olive green bill pouches; Brandt’s (nesting) and Double-crested Cormorants; breeding plumage Wood and Ring-necked Ducks; other duck species possible including Lesser Scaup, Redhead, Northern Shoveler and Surf Scoter; a variety of gulls including Western, California, and the gorgeous Heermann’s, all in full breeding plumage; shorebirds including Marbled Godwit, Willet, Sanderling and Black-bellied Plover; many others are possible including Least, Western, and Spotted Sandpiper, Whimbrel, Black and Ruddy Turnstone, Semipalmated Plover, and Surfbird; Harbor Seals and California Sea Lions (both depending on the current regulations and restrictions). And as you can see by studying the IPT cards, there are some nice bird-scape and landscape opportunities as well. Not to mention a ton of excellent flight photography opportunities and instruction.
Please note: where permitted and on occasion, ducks and gulls may be attracted (or re-located) with offerings of grains or healthy bread.
San Diego offers a wealth of very attractive natural history subjects, including and especially the Pacific race of California Brown Pelican. With annual visits spanning more than four decades, I have lots of photographic experience there … Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
Learning Exposure, Whether You Like It Or Not
Whether you like it or not, we will be beating the subject of exposure like a dead horse. In every new situation, you will hear my thoughts on exposure along with my thoughts on both Nikon and Canon histograms and SONY Zebras. Whether you like it or not, you will learn to work in manual mode so that you can get the right exposure every time (as long as a bird gives you ten seconds with the light constant). Or two seconds with SONY zebras … And you will learn what to do when the light is changing constantly. What you learn about exposure will be one of the great takeaways on every IPT.
Though the pelicans will be the stars of the show on this IPT, there will be many other handsome and captivating subjects in wonderful settings. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
It Ain’t Just Pelicans
With gorgeous subjects just sitting there waiting to have their pictures taken, photographing the pelicans on the cliffs is about as easy as nature photography gets. With the winds from the east almost every morning, there is usually some excellent flight photography, at times with 70-200mm lenses! And the pelicans are almost always doing something interesting: preening, scratching, bill pouch cleaning, or squabbling. And then there are those crazy head throws that are thought to be a form of intra-flock communication. You will be guided as to how to make the best of those opportunities. Depending on the weather, the local conditions, and the tides, there are a variety of other fabulous photo chances available in and around San Diego. Each IPT will include one or two duck sessions.
Did I mention that there are lots of great birds and natural history subjects in San Diego in winter? Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
The San Diego Details
These IPTs will include four or five 3-hour morning photo sessions, three or four 1 1/2-hour afternoon photo sessions, and three or four working brunches that will include image review and Photoshop sessions. On rare cloudy days, we may — at the leader’s discretion, stay out in the morning for a long session and skip that afternoon shoot. To ensure early starts, breakfasts will be your responsibility. And so that we can get some sleep, dinners will be on your own as well. In the extremely unlikely event that Goldfish Point is closed due to local ordinance (or whimsy) — that has never happened in the past fifty years, I will of course do my very best to maximize our photographic opportunities.
San Diego offers a wealth of very attractive natural history subjects, including and especially the Pacific race of California Brown Pelican. With annual visits spanning more than four decades, I have lots of photographic experience there. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
Deposit Info
A $699 deposit is required to hold your slot for one of the 2024 San Diego IPT. You can send a check (made out to “BIRDS AS ART”) to us here: BIRDS AS ART, PO Box 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL, 33855, or call Jim or Jennifer at the office with a credit card at 863-692-0906. Your balance, payable only by check, is due three months before the trip.
Variety is surely the spice of life in San Diego. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
Getting Up Early and Staying Out Late
On all BIRDS AS ART IPTS including and especially the San Diego IPT, we get into the field early to take advantage of unique and often spectacular lighting conditions and we stay out late to maximize the chances of killer light and glorious sunset silhouette situations. We often arrive at the cliffs a full hour before anyone else shows up to check out the landscape and seascape opportunities.
Today is Monday 28 July 2025 and I will of course be heading down to the lake early in search of yet another miracle. Whatever you opt to do, I hope that you too choose to have a wonderful and productive day and that you have fun too. Do remember that happiness is a choice — Byron Katie, The Work.Com.
If you’ve been thinking of joining me for one of the two Nickerson Beach IPTs, please e-mail for late registration discount info.
If an item — a Delkin flash card or reader, a Levered-clamp FlexShooter Pro, or a Wimberley lens plate or low foot — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match or beat any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedford by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.
Gear Questions and Advice
Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BirdPhotographer’s.Net, are — out of ignorance — using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often save you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.
Don’t Just Shoot: Learn
If you are interested in changing your life and becoming a better photographer by joining me on the Extended IPT at Sebastian Inlet for Ospreys and more (SEPT 25 to NOV 24, 2025), in San Diego for Pacific-race Brown Pelicans and more (JAN 6 to FEB 2, 2026), or for Roseate Spoonbills at Stick Marsh (March 2026), please e-mail for dates, rates, terms, and additional information. Or shoot me a text to 863-221-2372. Some offerings include options for shared AirBnB lodging and meals. Ground transportation during your stay is a possibility at times.
B&H Simplified
To ensure that I get credit for your B&H purchases, you can always click here. The tracking is invisible but using my affiliate links is greatly appreciated. And, with B&H, you can use your PayBoo card. You must use the website to order. You cannot get your free guides if you make a phone order. Once you have an item in your cart, you must complete the order within two hours. Huge thanks!
B&H
Many folks have written recently stating that they purchased a Sony a1 from B&H and would like their free membership in the Sony 1 Info and Updates Group, a $150.00 value. But when I check my affiliate account, their orders have not been there. When I let them know that they get credit for B&H purchases only if they use one of the many B&H affiliate links on the blog or begin their searches with this link, they are always disappointed. If in doubt, please contact me via e-mail and request a BH link. I am always glad to help and to guide you to the right gear.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
#1:Have you ever purchased a new Nikon, Canon, Olympus, or Sony camera body that came with a battery that could not be charged with the stuff that came in the original box? If yes, which one?
#2: The Sony a-1 ii costs $6,998.00 new. It comes with a double charger, Sony BC-ZD1 Battery Charger. However, no cord or plug is included with your purchase. (I did not notice until Friday past when I began setting up Alvin Stevens’ camera body.) I called Sony Pro Support to verify that I had not misplaced the cord. I was told that they no longer included a cord or a plug for the charger because “everybody has one and other companies are doing the same thing.” So, I asked exactly what was needed. First, I was told to purchase Sony Part Number 1-912-742-21 for $13.95. That cord is perhaps six inches long at most. I also encountered this notice: This item is currently out of stock until 08/06/2025 (or 9 days). But, this cord does not come with any sort of plug. So, I called back and was told to purchase a Sony 30W Fast charger XQZUC1/B- for $49.99. It comes with a cord that looked to be about six inches long (but nobody could verify that).
So, the question is, what are your thoughts on a $7,000 camera body that comes without a usable charger and requires you to make an additional purchase if you wish to charge the camera body?
What’s Up?
I was hoping to have my laptop back before this is published. I sent it to Apple in Memphis, TN by Fed-Ex on Monday 21 July. As I never look at or work my images on a desktop computer, I have been keeping all the images from my morning shooting sessions on Delkin Devices 960GB BLACK CFexpress Type A 4.0 Memory Cards, one in each of my two Sony a-1 bodies. I am hoping to get laptop back very soon. As always, you can get in touch by e-mail. You can also shoot me a text to 863-221-2372.
The last two mornings have been typically slow but with (at least) one miracle per session. On Saturday, I ran into a very handsome, ridiculously tame Black-bellied Whistling Duck. After getting out of the car and making head and neck portraits with the 400-800, I stood up, went back to my SUV, and switched that for the 600mm f/4 and the 2X TC so that I could create some nice head portraits. On Sunday, I photographed a handsome adult Tricolored Heron in the bay south of the pier. Every time it ran to grab a tiny fish it either ran away from me or ran well off of sun angle. After a bit, it flew to the pier and landed on the railing. Long story short, I grabbed the 400-800 and walked right up to the bird. Amazingly, it snatched a medium sized dragonfly out of midair. It had trouble swallowing it breakfast so I created several hundred images. I am, as always, hoping for one really good one.
Today is Monday 28 July 2025 and I will of course be heading down to the lake early in search of yet another miracle. Whatever you opt to do, I hope that you too choose to have a wonderful and productive day and that you have fun too. Do remember that happiness is a choice — Byron Katie, The Work.Com.
If you’ve been thinking of joining me for one of the two Nickerson Beach IPTs, please e-mail for late registration discount info.
If an item — a Delkin flash card or reader, a Levered-clamp FlexShooter Pro, or a Wimberley lens plate or low foot — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match or beat any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedford by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.
Gear Questions and Advice
Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BirdPhotographer’s.Net, are — out of ignorance — using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often save you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.
Don’t Just Shoot: Learn
If you are interested in changing your life and becoming a better photographer by joining me on the Extended IPT at Sebastian Inlet for Ospreys and more (SEPT 25 to NOV 24, 2025), in San Diego for Pacific-race Brown Pelicans and more (JAN 6 to FEB 2, 2026), or for Roseate Spoonbills at Stick Marsh (March 2026), please e-mail for dates, rates, terms, and additional information. Or shoot me a text to 863-221-2372. Some offerings include options for shared AirBnB lodging and meals. Ground transportation during your stay is a possibility at times.
B&H Simplified
To ensure that I get credit for your B&H purchases, you can always click here. The tracking is invisible but using my affiliate links is greatly appreciated. And, with B&H, you can use your PayBoo card. You must use the website to order. You cannot get your free guides if you make a phone order. Once you have an item in your cart, you must complete the order within two hours. Huge thanks!
B&H
Many folks have written recently stating that they purchased a Sony a1 from B&H and would like their free membership in the Sony 1 Info and Updates Group, a $150.00 value. But when I check my affiliate account, their orders have not been there. When I let them know that they get credit for B&H purchases only if they use one of the many B&H affiliate links on the blog or begin their searches with this link, they are always disappointed. If in doubt, please contact me via e-mail and request a BH link. I am always glad to help and to guide you to the right gear.
Bedfords Simplified
Click here to start your search. Choose standard shipping, and when you get to the payment page, enter BIRDSASART in the discount code box and hit apply. You will be upgraded to free second day air Fed-Ex and receive 3% cash back on your credit card once your stuff ships. Using either my affiliate links is greatly appreciated and will often earn you free guides or discounts.
Bedfords Amazing BAA Discount Policy
Folks who have fallen in love with Bedfords can always use the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout to enjoy a post-purchase, 3% off-statement credit (excluding taxes and shipping charges) on orders paid with a credit card. The 3% credit will be refunded to the card you used for your purchase when your product ships. Be sure, also, to check the box for free shipping to enjoy free Second Day Air Fed-Ex. This offer does not apply to purchases of Classes, Gift Cards, or prior purchases.
You can visit the Bedfords website here, shoot Steve Elkins an e-mail, or text him on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592.
This image was created on 5 July 2025 at Hueguenot Memorial Park, Jacksonville, FL. Standing at full height I used the handheld Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter and the Latest Greatest Sony Flagship Body, the a1 II Mirrorless Camera. ISO 1600. Exposure determined via Zebras with ISO on the Thumb Wheel; 1/2000 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was 1/3 stop short of dead solid perfect: AWB at 6:47:51pm on a cloudy afternoon.
Manual focus trick performed perfectly. Learn more below.
Image #1: (Handsome) Royal Tern chick on crowded beach with terns, gulls, and pelicans.
Image copyright 2025 Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
Bird-scape Tips
1- Always focus on the closest bird.
2- In a perfect world, the closest bird will have something special about it, a neat pose, or in this case, a handsome plumage. I call the plumage of this young royal “checkerboard.” It is my favorite of the many, many variations.
3- Whether you are shooting horizontally or vertically, always place the closest bird in a corner of the frame.
4- Work wide open so that depth is added to the image as focus falls off with the distance.
A Handheld Bird-scape Focusing Trick
As noted above, focusing on the closest bird is of utmost importance; that is why it is #1 above :-). For years I have always moved a small focusing point so that it falls right on the (small in the frame) subject and attempted to focus actively when making a short series of images. This is much easier to say than to do — especially when handholding. If the lens moves a smidgeon, the selected AF point will fall of the subject and focus will be thrown off.
I say often that every time I am in the field (in other words, pretty much every day recently), I am striving to learn or figure out something new. One afternoon at Huguenot I had a revelation. While creating the bird-scape above I got tired of struggling with the focus. So, with the smallest AF point in the middle of the frame, I focused on the handsome bird and then reached up and turned the AF switch to M. Standing in the same spot — I did not need to be terribly precise at all as depth of field at a distance is large, I simply reframed the image and made a few photos. All of them were sharp on the subject bird. And, if your camera is set up for focus peaking, the subject will be overlaid in whatever color you have set in the menu. In my case, red.
If you are handholding, why will this trick work only with distant subjects?
I’ve used manual focus before for bird-scapes when working on a tripod but never realized how effective it can be when handholding (until recently) :-). If you have already tried focusing when creating handheld bird-scapes, I tip my hat to you.
Bird-scape?
If you look for a formal definition of the word bird-scape, you will come up empty. Why? It is one of the many bird photography terms coined by artie in his 42-years of doing what he loves.
Summer bird photography at Nickerson Beach is excellent.
Nickerson Beach 2025 Educational Opportunities
Please note that prices for both the IPTs and the ITF sessions have been reduced in an effort to attract new blood. Please e-mail for late registration discount info.
Nickerson Beach 3 Day Mini IPT: WED AUG 6 afternoon thru the morning session on SAT AUG 9, 2025: $1899.00.
Three afternoon sessions, three morning sessions, two brunches with Image Review & Photoshop sessions. AirBnB lodging and rides with the leader possible. Please get in touch with questions or to register with an e-mail to samandmayasgrandpa@att.net and please copy birdsasartstaff@gmail.com) just to be sure. It looks as if Will have access to webmail on one of the two office computers. You can also shoot me a text to 863-221-2372.
Breeding Black Skimmers, Common Terns, and American Oystercatchers with young.
Nickerson Beach 4-Day Instructional Photo-Tour (IPT): MON AUG 25 afternoon thru the morning session on FRI AUG 29, 2025: $1899.00.
Three afternoon sessions, three morning sessions, two brunches with Image Review & Photoshop sessions. AirBnB lodging and rides with the leader possible. Please get in touch with questions or to register with an e-mail to samandmayasgrandpa@att.net and please copy birdsasartstaff@gmail.com) just to be sure. It looks as if Will have access to webmail on one of the two office computers. You can also shoot me a text to 863-221-2372.
Breeding Black Skimmers, Common Terns, and American Oystercatchers with young.
Morning BAA In-the-Field Instructional Sessions (ITFIS) followed by brunch and an Image Review & Photoshop session: $449.00/per session
Available dates: AUG 10-31, SEPT 1-5, 2025. Please get in touch with an e-mail to samandmayasgrandpa@att.net (and please BCC birdsasartstaff@gmail.com) and/or via a text to 863-221-2372 with questions or to register.
Available dates: AUG 10-15 & 17-31, SEPT 3-5, 2025. Please get in touch with questions or to register with an e-mail to samandmayasgrandpa@att.net and please copy birdsasartstaff@gmail.com) just to be sure. It looks as if Will have access to webmail on one of the two office computers. You can also shoot me a text to 863-221-2372.
Morning and afternoon sessions may be combined and multiple days of instruction are feasible.
Morning In the Field Instruction at the East Pond at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge may be available — 7/21-22/25.
Some of What You Will Learn on a Nickerson Beach IPT
1- The basics and fine points of digital exposure; how to get the right exposure every time after making a single test exposure (or before if you are using SONY gear).
2- How and why to work in Manual mode (even if you’re scared of it).
3- How to approach free and wild birds without disturbing them.
4- Lots about bird behavior and how to use that knowledge to help you create better images.
6- To spot the good and great situations and to choose the best perspective.
7- To see, evaluate, and understand the light.
8- To design pleasing images by mastering your camera’s AF system.
9- And perhaps most importantly, to evaluate wind and sky conditions and understand how they combine to affect bird photography. You will learn where and when to be (and why).
10- More than you could ever imagine.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
I had been hoping to have my laptop back before this was published. Not. They told me by phone that the part had arrived and that “they were working on it,” but that has not been reflected
on the My Support page. I guess my best hope now might be Tuesday …
As I never look at or work my images on a desktop computer, I have been keeping all the images from my morning shooting sessions on Delkin Devices 960GB BLACK CFexpress Type A 4.0 Memory Cards, one in each of my two Sony bodies. When I finally get to download and view the images, it will be like X-mas and Chanukah combined as despite the summer doldrums, I have had one or two very good opportunities every morning. Last week I had a first-ever July kingfisher and my second ever for ILE Black-crowned Night Heron. I spotted the latter bird on the pier railing just before sunset on a cloudy afternoon.
As I have access to webmail on one of the two office computers (mega-annoying!), you can get in touch as always via e-mail. Or call or shoot me a text: 863-221-2372. Huge thanks to multiple IPT veterans Pat Fishburne and Sandra Calderbank for getting an a-1 ii from Bedford, and new-comer Alvin “Red” Stevens for getting his from B&H. All using my affiliate links of course. The world’s lightest and best ever for bird photography camera body has been in stock at both places for about a week or more. Both Pat and Red opted to have their new bodies shipped to me so that I can set up their camera bodies. Sandra will be dealing with the .DAT file on her own. There will be lots more on Red at some point. All will receive the a-1 ii Buttons and Dials Guide and the INFO sheets via e-mail so that they can begin using their cameras that same day and start making great images.
Today is Saturday 26 July 2025 and I will of course be heading down to the lake early to see if I can make a good image or two. Whatever you opt to do, I hope that you too choose to have a wonderful and productive day and that you have fun too. Do remember that happiness is a choice — Byron Katie, The Work.Com.
If an item — a Delkin flash card or reader, a Levered-clamp FlexShooter Pro, or a Wimberley lens plate or low foot — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match or beat any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.
Gear Questions and Advice
Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are — out of ignorance — using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often save you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.
Don’t Just Shoot: Learn
If you are interested in changing your life and becoming a better photographer by joining me on an Extended IPT at Sebastian Inlet for Ospreys and more (SEPT 25 to NOV 24, 2025) in San Diego for Pacific-race Brown Pelicans and more (JAN 6 to FEB 2, 2026), for Roseate Spoonbills at Stick Marsh mid-March 2026, please e-mail for dates, rates, terms, and additional information. Or shoot me a text to 863-221-2372. Some offerings include options for shared AirBnB lodging and meals. Ground transportation during your stay is a possibility at times.
This image was created on 15 July down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Crouching low, I used the handheld Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM lens and The Latest Greatest Sony Flagship Body, the a1 II Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel — ISO 2000: 1/80 second at f/16 (stopped down 5 stops) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was 1/6 stop short of perfect. AWB at 7:46:15am on a then cloudy morning.
Tracking Spot XS (moved toward the bottom of the frame)/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the larger, inexplicably sharper high-res version.
Image #1: Mayflies on sand beach
Image courtesy of and copyright 2025: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
Long Time No Use
I brought the Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM lens to Jacksonville in hopes of a mega sunrise or some incredibly huge thunderheads. No dice there. When I turned onto the sand beach south of the pier on Tuesday morning past, my SUV was enveloped by clouds of mayflies. There had been a large hatch just before dawn. I am not sure why I grabbed the 12-24 but I did and made several dozen images with it. I made lots of quasi macro images like the one above and tried some wider images as well. None of them thrilled me. But Image #1 at least does a decent job of telling the story of the hatch.
This image was also created on 15 July down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Seated in the driver’s seat of my SUV, I used the the handheld Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS lens (Sony E) (at 800mm) and The Latest Greatest Sony Flagship Body, the a1 II Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel — ISO 2000: 1/1600 second at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was dead solid perfect. AWB at 9:08:15am on a then partly cloudy morning.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed well. Click on the image to enjoy an inexplicably sharper high-res version.
Image #2: Snowy Egret swallowing mayfly
Image copyright 2025: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
The Plan
Seeing a grackle and a crow on the railing of the pier chowing down on mayflies, I grabbed the 400-800 in hopes of getting some images of the birds gobbling down the juicy winged insects. I got one decent frame of the crow with two mayflies in its bill but a less than ideal head angle. Seeing a Snowy Egret foraging for breakfast along the shoreline, I got back in my vehicle and approached the year-old wading bird. I moved my SUV several dozen times up and back on the beach trying to stay on sun angle as the sun peeked in and out.
After more than a half hour. I finally had a few good close chances as the egret’s slender bill snatched mayfly after mayfly. I was hoping for one good one.
In addition to the crows and grackles, a handsome pair of Crested Caracaras along with numerous cranes chowed down on the decaying and some more recently hatched mayflies for more than a week.
A Two-Frame Stitched Pano
I had gotten a few. In my very favorite frame, Wide AF had failed to track the snowy’s eye and focused on the middle of the upper mandible instead. I noticed that two frames back ( _DSC5181), the bird’s head was in a similar position with sharp focus on the eyes. After painting a Quick Mask of the sharp eyes and the top of the lores I moved the new layer into position on the base image (_DSC5183). First I warped the selection so that the position of the eyes matched and then refined the mask with Regular Layer Mask. That done, I did some extensive cleanup on lores and the proximal upper surface of the bill.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
Looking for a Sony a-9 iii in Excellent plus or better condition for a friend. If you have one that you would like to sell, please shoot me an e-mail to samandmayasgrandpa@att.net and I will put you in touch with the potential buyer.
Great News!
Both Bedford and B&H have a1 II Mirrorless Cameras in stock. Order yours using one of my two affiliate links to earn a free copy of both the camera setup guide. Then join an IPT to learn to use your new camera body like a pro. Please e-mail if you need help with an affiliate link.
I continue to be amazed by speed and accuracy of the Bird Face-Eye tracking and the overall performance of the camera. Aside from the improved ergonomics as compared to the a-1, the rear screen that tilts both horizontally and vertically is a huge plus, as is Pre-capture that allows me to create take-off images that I missed! The resolution on the rear monitor has been improved dramatically. And the 51MP files are to die for.
If you plan on purchasing Latest Greatest Sony Flagship Body, the Sony a-1 ii, please click here to purchase from B&H and earn your free a-1 ii e-Mail Guide. Or, get 3% back on your credit card by purchasing from Bedfords using this link and entering the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout. Folks who use one of the two affiliate links above to purchase their Sony a-1 ii will receive my .DAT settings (the complete camera set-up), a Buttons and Dials Guide, and the a1- ii Info Sheet for free.
If you have already purchased an a-1 ii, you can join the e-mail group by sending a PayPal for $227.43 to us at samandmayasgrandpa@att.net.. So, yes, it never hurts to use my affiliate links and it never costs you one penny more. And if you contact me via e-mail.before you make a major purchase, I can always advise you and often save you some money.
What’s Up?
I am still without my laptop 🙁 I sent my MackBook Pro M1 to Apple in Memphis, TN by Fed-Ex on Monday morning past. On Tuedsay, I got the dreaded e-mail: Your repair is on hold. We’ve ordered a new part that’s required to complete the repair. As I never look at or work my photos on a desktop computer, everything from my photo sessions is on one of two Delkin Devices 960GB BLACK CFexpress Type A 4.0 Memory Cards, one in each of my two (back-up) Sony a-1 bodies. I sent my two a-1 ii bodies to Sony to be cleaned and checked before I leave for New York via the AUTO Train on 4 AUG.
If you need to get in touch, please shoot me an e-mail to samandmayasgrandpa@att.net and/or a call a text to 863-221-2372.
Tuesday morning began slowly. I found a scruffy young Great Egret preening on the tiny dock near the boat ramp. It suddenly jumped down, snatched a Bluegill from the canal, and flew back onto the dock where it posed for tight head shots. I am hoping for one good head angle. When I got out of the pool that afternoon it began to rain. As I drove down to the lake the rain was coming down in sheets and the wind was strong from the north. I just missed getting into position on a bathing Osprey but soon thereafter had a ball with two Black-bellied Whistling Ducks as it continued to pour. Next up was a great blue that unfortunately did not catch anything. With the heavy rain and the wind from the north, the trick was to point my car west and shoot out the driver’s window off the BLUBB. That way, only your lens gets wet; the camera stays dry.
Though the summer doldrums continue and the breeze on Wednesday morning was from the W/SW (bad), I enjoyed an excellent morning with lots of tight stuff on the Black-bellied Whistling Ducks (again working off the BLUBB at 1200mm). After that, a young Great Egret grabbed a large dragonfly with a green head — I worked that with the handheld 400-800. I can’t wait to see all of my images. I am hoping against hope to get my laptop back on Friday but that is not looking good.
Today is Thursday 24 July 2025 and I will be heading down to the lake early to see if I can make a good image or two. Whatever you opt to do, I hope that you too choose to have a wonderful and productive day and that you have fun too. Do remember that happiness is a choice — Byron Katie, The Work.Com.
If an item — a Delkin flash card, a Levered-clamp FlexShooter Pro, or a Wimberley lens plate — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.
Gear Questions and Advice
Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are — out of ignorance — using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often save you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.
Don’t Just Shoot: Learn
If you are interested in changing your life and becoming a better photographer by joining me on an Extended IPT at Sebastian Inlet for Ospreys and more (SEPT 25 to NOV 24, 2025) in San Diego for Pacific-race Brown Pelicans and more (JAN 6 to FEB 2, 2026), for Roseate Spoonbills at Stick Marsh mid-March 2026, please e-mail for dates, rates, terms, and additional information. Or shoot me a text to 863-221-2372. Some offerings include options for shared AirBnB lodging and meals. Ground transportation during your stay is a possibility at times.
This image was created on 3 December 2024 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Crouching a bit, I used the handheld Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 600mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ) The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 12500. 1/3200 second at f/6.3 (wide-open) in Manual Mode. AWB at 6:44:29pm on a mostly sunny afternoon. RawDigger showed the exposure to be dead solid perfect.
Tracking: Zone AF-C with Bird Face/Eye Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #1: Sandhill Crane pair
Under-appreciated Zebra Technology
For most camera systems, this exposure situation is quite difficult, even nightmarish. You have two subjects lit by the sun, each with a small area of bright white cheek and neck feathers, and a deeply shaded background. So, at risk of missing the perfect combination of poses, you make a test exposure, check for blinkies (highlight warnings), and evaluate the histogram (hoping not to be tricked by a lying histogram).
Using a Sony camera with Zebras set up correctly and the wide open aperture in place (as is usual for bird photography), you simply select a reasonable shutter speed and then raise the ISO until you see some Zebras on the white feathers through the viewfinder before you make an image! There is no need to make a test image. No need to check for blinkies or evaluate the histogram. You can make perfect exposure after perfect exposure even in extremely difficult situations.
If you are creating raw files and over-expose the highlights, you cannot save the image. I find it difficult to understand so many folks pooh-pooh Zebra technology. “It’s not a great advantage.” “I don’t need them.” By using Zebras so that I can expose well to the right while avoiding toasting the highlights I can create clean images with minimal noise and true, vibrant colors. Another thing that often baffles me is the steadfast brand loyalty that I see so often among nature photographers.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
For the first time in as long as I can remember, I am currently laptop-less. I sent my MackBook Pro M1 to Memphis, TN by Fed-Ex on Monday. As I never look at or work my images on a desktop computer, I will be keeping everything from my morning shooting sessions on Delkin Devices 960GB BLACK CFexpress Type A 4.0 Memory Cards, one in each of my two Sony a-1 ii bodies. I am hoping to get laptop back on Thursday or Friday.
Conditions on Monday morning were perfect but I photographed only a single bird, a one year old Tricolored Heron. I kept only two images.
Today is Tuesday 22 July 2025 and I will be heading down to the lake early to see if I can make a good image or two. Whatever you opt to do, I hope that you too choose to have a wonderful and productive day and that you have fun too. Do remember that happiness is a choice — Byron Katie, The Work.Com.
If an item — a Delkin flash card, a Levered-clamp FlexShooter Pro, or a Wimberley lens plate — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.
Nickerson Beach Summer Bird Photography
There are several thousand pairs of beach nesting birds at Nickerson Beach every summer including Common Terns, Black Skimmers, American Oystercatchers, and Piping Plover. Nearly all of the terns and skimmers are in one of two colonies that are about 400 yards apart. There are lots of chicks and tons of flight photography. Not to mention predation. Viewing good images is a great way to improve your bird photography. There are a few good ones in this 21 minute video. Enjoy. Below are two more of my favorite Nickerson Beach photos and information on joining me there this summer.
Summer bird photography at Nickerson Beach is excellent.
Nickerson Beach 2025 Educational Opportunities
Please note that prices for both the IPTs and the ITF sessions have been reduced in an effort to attract new blood.
Nickerson Beach 3 Day Mini IPT: WED AUG 6 afternoon thru the morning session on SAT AUG 9, 2025: $1899.00.
Three afternoon sessions, three morning sessions, two brunches with Image Review & Photoshop sessions. AirBnB lodging and rides with the leader possible. Please get in touch with questions or to register with an e-mail to samandmayasgrandpa@att.net and please copy birdsasartstaff@gmail.com) just to be sure. It looks as if I will have access to webmail on one of the two office computers.
Breeding Black Skimmers, Common Terns, and American Oystercatchers with young.
Nickerson Beach 4-Day Instructional Photo-Tour (IPT): MON AUG 25 afternoon thru the morning session on FRI AUG 29, 2025: $2299.00.
Four afternoon sessions, Four morning sessions, three brunches with Image Review & Photoshop sessions. AirBnB lodging and rides with the leader possible. Please get in touch with questions or to register with an e-mail to samandmayasgrandpa@att.net and please copy birdsasartstaff@gmail.com) just to be sure. It looks as if Will have access to webmail on one of the two office computers.
Breeding Black Skimmers, Common Terns, and American Oystercatchers with young.
Morning BAA In-the-Field Instructional Sessions (ITFIS) followed by brunch and an Image Review & Photoshop session: $449.00/per session
Available dates: AUG 10-31, SEPT 1-5, 2025. Please get in touch with questions or to register with an e-mail to samandmayasgrandpa@att.net and please copy birdsasartstaff@gmail.com) just to be sure. It looks as if I will have access to webmail on one of the two office computers.
Available dates: AUG 10-15 & 17-31, SEPT 3-5, 2025. Please get in touch with questions or to register with an e-mail to samandmayasgrandpa@att.net and please copy birdsasartstaff@gmail.com) just to be sure. It looks as if I will have access to webmail on one of the two office computers.
Morning and afternoon sessions may be combined and multiple days of instruction are feasible.
Morning In the Field Instruction at the East Pond at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge may be available — 7/21-22/25.
Some of What You Will Learn on a Nickerson Beach IPT
1- The basics and fine points of digital exposure; how to get the right exposure every time after making a single test exposure (or before if you are using SONY gear).
2- How and why to work in Manual mode (even if you’re scared of it).
3- How to approach free and wild birds without disturbing them.
4- Lots about bird behavior and how to use that knowledge to help you create better images.
6- To spot the good and great situations and to choose the best perspective.
7- To see, evaluate, and understand the light.
8- To design pleasing images by mastering your camera’s AF system.
9- And perhaps most importantly, to evaluate wind and sky conditions and understand how they combine to affect bird photography. You will learn where and when to be (and why).
Tracking: Expand Spot/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #1: Common Tern — large chick begging
Young Common Terns
In August, there are usually lot of young Common Terns around. There may still be some relatively small chicks. In addition, there are lots of large chicks, and lots of flying birds of the year, the latter usually four to five weeks old. The parents continue to feed the young for a period after fledging, typically for several months. Once they are flying, they are incredibly handsome.
There are four more young commons in the first, second, and last composites above. Each is at a slightly different stage of development. Each of them is quite handsome making them a treat to photograph.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
Image #2: Just fledged Common Tern in fresh juvenal plumage with Atlantic Silversides
Why Not Flat on the Ground?
If I had flattened the tripod and gotten much lower, the out of focus adult skimmers in the background would have become very distracting. Would you have eliminated them completely from Image #2?
This image was created on 10 August 2024 at Nickerson Beach, Lido Beach, Long Island, NY. Seated on dry sand, I used the handheld Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 2x Teleconverter and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1250. 1/4000 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead-solid perfect (ho hum). AWB at 6:42:25pm on a then sunny morning.
Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #3: Black Skimmer fledgling standing on sand ridge
Young Black Skimmers
The skimmers have enjoyed productive seasons for the past several summers, usually producing more than 2,000 young skimmers. Like the young terns, the young skimmers that have begun to fly are quite handsome. One of the challenges of being a young skimmer is to avoid becoming breakfast for a Great Black-backed Gull. I have been loving using the lightweight 300mm f/2.8 GM lens with either teleconverter when photographing beach nesting birds.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
There are several thousand pairs of beach nesting birds at Nickerson Beach every summer including Common Terns, Black Skimmers, American Oystercatchers, and Piping Plover. Nearly all of the terns and skimmers are in one of two colonies that are about 400 yards apart. There are lots of chicks and tons of flight photography. Not to mention predation. Viewing good images is a great way to improve your bird photography. There are a few good ones in this 21 minute video. Enjoy. Below are a few of my favorite Nickerson Beach photos and information on joining me there this summer.
Summer bird photography at Nickerson Beach is excellent.
Nickerson Beach 2025 Educational Opportunities
Please note that prices for both the IPTs and the ITF sessions have been reduced in an effort to attract new blood.
Nickerson Beach 3 Day Mini IPT: WED AUG 6 afternoon thru the morning session on SAT AUG 9, 2025: $1899.00.
Three afternoon sessions, three morning sessions, two brunches with Image Review & Photoshop sessions. AirBnB lodging and rides with the leader possible. Please get in touch with questions or to register with an e-mail to samandmayasgrandpa@att.net and please copy birdsasartstaff@gmail.com) just to be sure. It looks as if I will have access to webmail on one of the two office computers.
Breeding Black Skimmers, Common Terns, and American Oystercatchers with young.
Nickerson Beach 4-Day Instructional Photo-Tour (IPT): MON AUG 25 afternoon thru the morning session on FRI AUG 29, 2025: $2299.00.
Four afternoon sessions, four morning sessions, three brunches with Image Review & Photoshop sessions. AirBnB lodging and rides with the leader possible. Please get in touch with questions or to register with an e-mail to samandmayasgrandpa@att.net and please copy birdsasartstaff@gmail.com) just to be sure. It looks as if Will have access to webmail on one of the two office computers.
Breeding Black Skimmers, Common Terns, and American Oystercatchers with young.
Morning BAA In-the-Field Instructional Sessions (ITFIS) followed by brunch and an Image Review & Photoshop session: $449.00/per session
Available dates: AUG 10-31, SEPT 1-5, 2025. Please get in touch with questions or to register with an e-mail to samandmayasgrandpa@att.net and please copy birdsasartstaff@gmail.com) just to be sure. It looks as if I will have access to webmail on one of the two office computers.
Available dates: AUG 10-15 & 17-31, SEPT 3-5, 2025. Please get in touch with questions or to register with an e-mail to samandmayasgrandpa@att.net and please copy birdsasartstaff@gmail.com) just to be sure. It looks as if I will have access to webmail on one of the two office computers.
Morning and afternoon sessions may be combined and multiple days of instruction are feasible.
Morning In the Field Instruction at the East Pond at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge may be available — 7/21-22/25.
Some of What You Will Learn on a Nickerson Beach IPT
1- The basics and fine points of digital exposure; how to get the right exposure every time after making a single test exposure (or before if you are using SONY gear).
2- How and why to work in Manual mode (even if you’re scared of it).
3- How to approach free and wild birds without disturbing them.
4- Lots about bird behavior and how to use that knowledge to help you create better images.
6- To spot the good and great situations and to choose the best perspective.
7- To see, evaluate, and understand the light.
8- To design pleasing images by mastering your camera’s AF system.
9- And perhaps most importantly, to evaluate wind and sky conditions and understand how they combine to affect bird photography. You will learn where and when to be (and why).
10- More than you could ever imagine.
What’s Up?
Keep reading to learn about joining me at Nickerson Beach this summer. There are lots of educational opportunities, and tons of great photography. And please understand that there is no-one on the planet better than me when it comes to helping you learn to create better images. Just the facts, ma’am.
As the summer doldrums continue, I’ve been spending my early mornings down at the lake with the cranes and a very few Black-bellied Whistling Ducks. There has not been a lot around.
Today is Saturday 19 July but — please do not be confused, I will not be sending the post notifications via Newsletter until Sunday morning. I will be heading down to the lake early as when I arrived late at 7:20am on Thursday the Great Blue Heron was standing by the shore with a huge bulging throat; it had just eaten something really large 🙁
I am FED-EX-ing my MacBook Pro to Apple on Monday morning for a cleaning and some minor but much-needed maintenance. I am hoping against hope to have it back no later than Friday. They are generally pretty quick. If you need to get in touch this coming week, please send an e-mail to samandmayasgrandpa@att.net and please copy birdsasartstaff@gmail.com) just to be sure. It looks as if I will have access to webmail on one of the two office computers.
Without my laptop, I will start packing for my trip up to Long Island this week. I will be on the Auto Train on Monday 4 August. I head south on Monday 8 September, an even five weeks. Whatever you opt to do, I hope that you too choose to have a wonderful and productive day and that you have fun too. Do remember that happiness is a choice — Byron Katie, The Work.Com.
If an item — a Delkin flash card, a Levered-clamp FlexShooter Pro, or a Wimberley lens plate — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.
Gear Questions and Advice
Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are — out of ignorance — using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often save you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.
Don’t Just Shoot: Learn
If you are interested in changing your life and becoming a better photographer by joining me on an Extended IPT at Sebastian Inlet for Ospreys and more (SEPT 25 to NOV 24, 2025) in San Diego for Pacific-race Brown Pelicans and more (JAN 6 to FEB 2, 2026), for Roseate Spoonbills at Stick Marsh mid-March 2026, please e-mail for dates, rates, terms, and additional information. Or shoot me a text to 863-221-2372. Some offerings include options for shared AirBnB lodging and meals. Ground transportation during your stay is a possibility at times.
B&H Simplified
To ensure that I get credit for your B&H purchases, you can always click here. The tracking is invisible but using my affiliate links is greatly appreciated. And, with B&H, you can use your PayBoo card. You must use the website to order. You cannot get your free guides if you make a phone order. Once you have an item in your cart, you must complete the order within two hours. Huge thanks!
B&H
Many folks have written recently stating that they purchased a Sony a1 from B&H and would like their free membership in the Sony 1 Info and Updates Group, a $150.00 value. But when I check my affiliate account, their orders have not been there. When I let them know that they get credit for B&H purchases only if they use one of the many B&H affiliate links on the blog or begin their searches with this link, they are always disappointed. If in doubt, please contact me via e-mail and request a BH link. I am always glad to help and to guide you to the right gear.
Bedfords Simplified
Click here to start your search. Choose standard shipping, and when you get to the payment page, enter BIRDSASART in the discount code box and hit apply. You will be upgraded to free second day air Fed-Ex and receive 3% cash back on your credit card once your stuff ships. Using either my affiliate links is greatly appreciated and will often earn you free guides or discounts.
Bedfords Amazing BAA Discount Policy
Folks who have fallen in love with Bedfords can always use the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout to enjoy a post-purchase, 3% off-statement credit (excluding taxes and shipping charges) on orders paid with a credit card. The 3% credit will be refunded to the card you used for your purchase when your product ships. Be sure, also, to check the box for free shipping to enjoy free Second Day Air Fed-Ex. This offer does not apply to purchases of Classes, Gift Cards, or prior purchases.
You can visit the Bedfords website here, shoot Steve Elkins an e-mail, or text him on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the larger version.
This young Piping Plover would stand in one spot on one leg with the other leg extended. It would rapidly tap the surface of the sand with toes of the extended foot. I made a video of this behavior. I knew that it had something to do with improving the bird’s foraging success. I shared the video with Marc Wortsman when I ran into him at Bagel Chalet in Merrick on Saturday morning. He did some work online and sent me a link to a great paper on foot trembling in a related species, Ringed Plover. I read it (here) with great interest, and learned that there are actually two theories as to the purpose of the behavior.
This image was created on 30 August 2022 at Nickerson Beach. Standing on the beach, I used the hand held Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 600mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with Exposure Compensation on the Thumb Dial. Shutter Priority +2.3 stops. AUTO ISO set ISO 125. 1/13 second at f/6.3 (wide-open). AWB at 6:50:35am on a very cloudy morning. RawDigger showed the exposure to be perfect.
Tracking: Spot S/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #2: Black Skimmer early morning blastoff
What’s Good About This Image?
Zoom lenses are great for doing blurs. When you need to, you can zoom out to ensure a clean upper edge and a clean lower edge, as seen above. Other plusses include an almost surreal degree of blurring on the birds taking off, the inclusion of some skimmers that are still on the ground, and a perfectly level (and somewhat interesting horizon). Note that by standing I was able to include a large expanse of light blue water in the background — Jones Inlet. Had I been sitting that would have been greatly reduced.
This image was created on 23 August 2022 at Nickerson Beach, Lido Beach, Long Island, NY. Standing at full height, I used the handheld Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 600mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ) The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 800. 1/4000 second at f/6.3 (wide-open) in Manual Mode. AWB at 6:48:04pm, late on a sunny afternoon. RawDigger showed the exposure to be dead-solid perfect.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird/Face-Eye Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #3: Black Skimmers/midair chase
Skimmer Midair Battles
Adult Black Skimmer aerial chases and fights are most common at both breeding colonies on Nickerson Beach June through August most years. Though hot, sunny afternoons often offer the most action, such squabbles may occur any time of day. There are more aerial chases when the birds are setting up territories and then again when the eggs hatch and there are chicks about. There are fewer battles when the birds are on eggs. I am pretty sure that most such interactions are territorial disputes.
To photograph such battles, you can stand well back from the colony ropes. They usually begin when two birds fly up a short distance –five to ten feet. When you notice that, try to get your lens on the birds as they will often fly up much higher and interact, sometimes spectacularly with the birds pecking at or grabbing the other bird’s feet, tail, wing, head, bill, or neck with their bills. Some battles seem to last forever (at least in terms of action photograph), perhaps 20-30 seconds. Others last only a few seconds. Don’t quit when the birds break apart as they may circle around in flight and then resume their antagonistic behavior.
At times, you might be able to photograph one bird and at times you will go for both birds. If the latter, the odds are 4-1 against your getting two good head angles, and much slimmer than that to capture a stunning image with the two birds nicely portioned in the frame, the faces of both birds visible, and both subjects pleasing oriented to the imaging sensor. In other words, getting a truly outstanding image of two birds battling in midair is like winning the lottery. On some occasions, one bird might have a sharp interesting flight pose while the second bird is clipped or facing the wrong way. Creating really good images of a single bird involved in aerial chase is much, much easier than photographing two birds engaged in battle. But the latter are far more rewarding. In some cases, creating a composite with battling birds from two different frames of a sequence may be the best option. If that fits with your personal ethics.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed amazingly well. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
Image #4: American Oystercatcher — the un-banded family of four
A 10,000 to 1 Against Head Angle /Juxtapositional Miracle
Though the image looked completely washed out, the image design thrilled me. Getting two perfect head angles is difficult enough — four is too much to even dream of. And you could not paint the juxtaposition of the four birds any better. And since I knew that I could improve the color and contrast, this was a 100 percent keeper for me.
I thought that I would need to use more Dehaze than usual to bring this one to life, but simply setting the White Point and the Black Point as I always do as the first step in the raw conversion was all that was needed to improve the color and contrast. I cropped from below and from the right, added canvas in front of the birds, and worked hard to clean up the wet, ratty looking head of the closest bird, one of the two juveniles.
If you would be lost trying to optimize foggy looking images, check out the two offerings immediately below.
The un-banded family of four has given us many, many hours of enjoyment as they are absolutely tame and feed along the surf line in the same spot every morning. On Thursday, I was sitting in the water to photograph them and when I big wave came along, I needed to lift my rig with one hand to avoid having it get inundated by saltwater.
This image was created on 2 August 2024 on the last morning of the first Nickerson Beach (extended) IPT. Seated on dry sand behind my flattened Robus RC-5570 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with Exposure Compensation on the thumb dial. Multi metering + 1 stop — AUTO ISO set ISO 2500. 1/3200 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be perfect. AWB at 6:11:40am on a then barely sunny morning.
Image #5: Backlit Black Skimmer with killifish — juiced up pano crop
Bold, Bright, and Graphic
This image was created from a much blander raw file. It is a somewhat radical, seriously jazzed up version and was my first effort with this photo. Getting the clean, bright, tight, high contrast, colorful, graphic look was the result of following my basics workflow and juicing up the color several different ways.
The way we choose the look of our images is determined by the artist within each of us.
This image was created on 4 August 2024 at Nickerson Beach Park, Lido Beach, Long Island, NY on the 2nd Nickerson Beach (extended) IPT. Seated on dry sand, I used the hand held Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1600. 1/3200 second at f/4 (wide open) in Manual Mode. AWB at 7:54:01am on a cloudy morning. RawDigger showed the raw file brightness to be perfect.
Zone AF-C with Bird Face/Eye Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #6: Black Skimmer — large chick, short practice flight
Orvilles
For fairly obvious reasons, avian researchers studying tern and skimmer chicks that are struggling to learn to fly call such young birds “Orvilles.” That in honor of the efforts of American aviation pioneers Orville and Wilbur Wright. The Wright brothers crashed many early versions of the Wright Flyer in the sandy hills south of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. When the young birds are first learning to fly, their landings are often comical wrecks.
Pat Fishburne and I were seated on the sand in range of several young skimmers. The bird in the photo ran toward us twice flapping its wings. When it walked back to the rusty fence post again, we got ready. The third time was the charm and the a9 iii nailed the eye!
This image was created by Arthur Morris at Nickerson Beach while leading the first (extended) Combo IPT. Seated on damp sand he used the heel pod technique with the I used the hand held Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 2x Teleconverter and The One, the Sony a1 Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1250. 1/1250 second at f/6.3 (stopped down 1/3-stop in error) in Manual Mode. AWB at 6:54:34pm late on a sunny afternoon. RawDigger showed the raw file brightness to be perfect.
Tracking: Expand Spot AF-C AF with Bird Face/Eye Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #7: American Oystercatcher male atop a mound of sand in gorgeous light
Art for artie
Some folks call images like this beauty shots. I call them BIRDS AS ART — clean, tight, graphic, and colorful with a lovely, de-focused background. And the somewhat patriotic color scheme works for me as well. When I saw this bird pause atop a clean mound of sand, I hustled to my right to get on sun angle, flipped out the rear screen, put on my reading glasses, and prayed for the bird to stay for a few moments as I sat down slowly so as not to scare him off. I supported the lens with between my heels quickly found the bird in the viewfinder, and fired about two dozen frames, the first 12 at the exposure above, and then another 12 1/3 stop lighter. Only two of the slightly darker frames had the perfect head angle.
The key to the success of this image was that with the bird elevated on a rise, the Atlantic Ocean blue background was a relative mile away from the bird. The resulting image was exactly what I had envisioned when I saw the bird on the smooth mound of sand.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
After accidentally killing his toddler son, Dr. Greg Gulbransen set out to help not just patients but strangers. “Feeling needed, feeling useful, feeling important—they’ve helped me hide the demons,” he says.
A Family Doctor’s Search for Salvation
by Joshua Rothman
A Family Doctor’s Search for Salvation
Long time readers are familiar with my friendship with pediatrician Greg Gulbransen. I have shared his story and his images here on the blog several times. He is an extraordinary photographer. More importantly, he is an extraordinary human being. He was profiled in the latest edition of The New Yorker Magazine. You can read the whole story here.
The writing by Joshua Rothman is also extraordinary. Rothman, who is legally blind, spent 14 months with Greg and dove quite deeply. In a speech announcing the Jimmy V Foundation for Cancer Research just before his death, late college basketball coach Jim Valvano said this: “If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that’s a full day. That’s a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you’re going to have something special.” Click on the link to read the article above and you will be at least 2/3rds of the way there for today.
In a phone conversation with Greg yesterday I asked him if he might not be doing the same stuff today if the accident had never happened. He was not quite sure but did say that he likely would have been doing similar stuff because of his upbringing. And he did mention that he loves the peace of mind that comes with doing photography.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed well. Click on the image to enjoy the larger, inexplicably sharper high-res version.
Image #1: Sandhill Crane — horizontal head and neck portrait
Image copyright 2025: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
You Could Not Make This Image on a Cloudy Morning I
I love cloudy conditions and soft light. I love being able to shoot in most directions without having to worry about sun angle. I love the rich colors you can produce and especially love not having to worry about harsh shadows on my subjects. That said, there is nothing like sweet early morning light. I stayed well back from the birds and zoomed out for this one. When I pressed the shutter button, I did not think that the photo would turn out to be anything special. But the rich, bright colors, the softness and quality and colors of the background, and the utterly simple image design have captivated me.
As I had been trying to create tight head portraits I had stopped down one full stop to f/11. I quite surprised and quite thrilled with the rendition of the marsh grasses.
Learn more about using a monopod and be sure to follow the link to the You Tube video in the blog post here.
This image was also created on 16 July down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Standing on the the pier, I used the handheld Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 2x Teleconverter and the Latest Greatest Sony Flagship Body, the a1 II Mirrorless Camera. ISO 400. Exposure determined via Zebras with ISO on the Thumb Wheel: 1/8000 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was dead solid perfect: AWB at 8:38:27am on a sunny morning.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird Eye/Face Detection enabled performed perfectly.
Image #2: Green Heron strongly backlit on pier railing
Image copyright 2025 Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
You Could Not Make This Image on a Cloudy Morning II
It is quite obvious that I could not have made this image on a cloudy day as I was shooting directly into the super-bright reflections of the sun on the water. Getting the right exposure in these situations is a difficult proposition for most camera systems. With Sony, I kept going darker and darker by lowering the ISO and raising the shutter speed until I saw only a few Zebras on the brightest highlights. The a-1 ii is the first camera that I owned that is able to autofocus accurately most of the time when the subject is framed by the glaring highlights.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
With zero comments at the last blog post (until early WED morning), I am wondering if folks are getting the Newsletter post notifications. If you received the post notification via e-mail, please be so kind as the RSVP by clicking here and hitting send. Not much effort is required. Thanks.
The Answer to the South Wind Question
Two posts back, I published this:
Conditions Question
Early on a sunny morning in early summer on the east coast of the USA, why is a north wind much better for bird photography than a wind from the south?
Answer
On the east coast in summer, the sun rises well north of east so with a south wind, the birds will be flying, landing, and usually facing away from the light; if you are on sun angle, you will be shooting up their butts. Learn more about the importance of wind direction and speed and how the relationship between sky conditions and wind direction affect flight photography in the just published The Complete and Quintessential Guide to Photographing Birds in Flight. Scroll down for lots more info on this new and comprehensive work.
What’s Up?
With few birds most mornings, and hot, dreary weather conditions, the summer doldrums are here. On the last three mornings, a west wind (bad) came up as the skies cleared early. I have amazed myself by coming away with at least one interesting image that has made me happy each morning. The streak started on Sunday morning with the GBH/siren and preening crane images and continued on Monday with an Osprey bathing at the edge of the lake on a heavily overcast morning. Yesterday, a large mayfly hatch made things interesting and I stayed with a single Snowy Egret for more than 30 minutes. I was eventually rewarded with a single, tight, head-on photo of the bird gulping down a juicy mayfly.
Today is Wednesday 16 July and I will again be heading down to the lake to see if today will be the day that I come up empty. Whatever you opt to do, I hope that you too choose to have a wonderful and productive day and that you have fun too. Do remember that happiness is a choice — Byron Katie, The Work.Com.
If an item — a Delkin flash card, a Levered-clamp FlexShooter Pro, or a Wimberley lens plate — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.
Gear Questions and Advice
Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are — out of ignorance — using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often save you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.
Don’t Just Shoot: Learn
If you are interested in changing your life and becoming a better photographer by joining me on an Extended IPT at Sebastian Inlet for Ospreys and more (SEPT 25 to NOV 24, 2025) in San Diego for Pacific-race Brown Pelicans and more (JAN 6 to FEB 2, 2026), for Roseate Spoonbills at Stick Marsh mid-March 2026, please e-mail for dates, rates, terms, and additional information. Or shoot me a text to 863-221-2372. Some offerings include options for shared AirBnB lodging and meals. Ground transportation during your stay is a possibility.
The Complete and Quintessential Guide to Photographing Birds in Flight
by Arash Hazeghi, Ph.D., and Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
The Complete and Quintessential Guide to Photographing Birds in Flight
I have long dreamed of becoming a great flight photographer. When using dSLR gear, making sharp images was a huge problem. Most of the time, the camera bodies simply were not up to snuff. Things have changed dramatically with mirrorless technology. The high-end mirrorless camera bodies now feature science fiction-like autofocus systems and frame rates of 30, 40, and even 125 fps. Nowadays, getting the eye sharp is no longer a problem. The problem more often involves selecting the strongest image from a long series of sharp images.
The truth, however, is that there is a lot more than owning a Canon EOS R1, a Nikon Z9, or a Sony a-1 ii to consistently creating great photographs of birds in flight. Some of the biggest factors to success include gear choice, shooting strategies, and understanding the importance of sky conditions and wind speed and direction. Once you have the techniques and technical aspects down pat and can routinely create sharp images, learning the importance of flight poses, wing positions, backgrounds, and subject placement and image design enable you to create and then select superb flight images. And you guessed it, each of those topics and tons more are covered in detail in The Complete and Quintessential Guide to Photographing Birds in Flight.
Sample Page #1. Image copyright 2024: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART, the senior author.
Page 28 of The Complete and Quintessential Guide to Photographing Birds in Flight
Sample Page #1
Image copyright 2025: Arash Hazeghi, the junior author.
Page 237 of The Complete and Quintessential Guide to Photographing Birds in Flight
Sample Page #2
The guide consists of 267 pages, 21,013 words with two screen captures. There are 82 illustrative photos scattered throughout the text and a 112-image gallery that includes examples created by Canon, Nikon, and mostly Sony gear. As above, each of the 194 inspirational photos is labeled with an educational caption.
Arash Hazeghi
Arash Hazeghi, Ph.D. is a principal electron device engineer. He received his Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering in 2011, from Stanford University, Stanford, California. His pioneering research on Carbon Nanotubes has been cited many times. In the past decade, Arash Hazeghi has been a major contributor to the research and the development of some of the most cutting-edge technologies introduced by Silicon Valley’s most reputable names including SanDisk, Intel and Apple.
More relevant here is that he is widely recognized as one of the world’s best birds in flight photographers. He specializes in raptors and the technical aspects of bird photography.
Flight photography is a skill that can be studied, practiced, and learned.
The Complete and Quintessential Guide to Photographing Birds in Flight
By Arash Hazeghi Ph.D., and Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
What you will learn (about):
1- Weight and handholding super-telephoto lenses.
2- Weight and handholding intermediate telephoto and telephotos zoom lenses.
3- Choosing the right flight photography lens or lenses for you.
4- The importance of focal length for flight photography.
5- The importance of lens speed (the maximum aperture for flight photography.
6- Choosing between fixed focal lengths and zoom lenses for flight photography.
7- The importance of AF speed and performance for flight photography.
8- Handholding tips and techniques.
9- Shooting flight off a tripod with the Levered-clamp FlexShooter Pro.
10- Flight poses and wing positions.
11- Why artie changed his mind about the 400mm f/2.8 lenses for flight and more.
12- The advantages and disadvantages of using teleconverters for flight photography.
13- Why to stay away from off-brand lenses.
14- Understanding the importance of wind direction and speed for flight photography.
15- The relationship between sky conditions and wind direction and how it affects flight photography.
16- Creating flight silhouettes in wind-against-sun conditions.
17- The importance of being on sun angle for flight photography (and avoiding harsh shadows).
18- Tips on doing flight photography in cloudy, foggy, or overcast conditions.
19- About the direction of light in cloudy, foggy, or overcast conditions and how it affects flight photography.
20- How your understanding of bird behavior can dramatically improve your flight photography.
21- Tips on attracting birds for flight photography.
22- What to do when your camera’s AF system is temporarily blind.
23- The vital importance of pre-focusing.
24- How Direct Manual Focus can help you with flight photography.
25- The importance of shooting aggressively when doing flight photography.
26- Everything that you need to know with regards to rest positions for flight photography.
27- The importance of getting low when doing flight in many situations.
28- Getting the right exposure when doing flight photography.
29_ Why to use Manual mode 95% of the time for flight.
30- Tips on finding the bird in the frame, acquiring focus, and tracking the bird in flight.
31- How to set and best utilize your lens’s image stabilization feature (and why).
32- Setting the focus range limiter switch on your flight lens or lenses.
33- To choose the best shutter speed for photographing birds in flight.
34- The vital importance of pre-focusing. And yes, this is so important that it is on the list twice.
How to Grip the Sony 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G Lens by Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
In this video, I detail the proper way to grip the Sony 400mm lens and share a brand new flight photography tip as well. Using a super-telephoto zoom lens might seem a simple proposition to many. But in four months, I have discovered dozens of tips and secrets that have helped me to create many superb images. All are detailed in my Sony 400-800mm Lens Guide.
The BIRDS AS ART SONY 400-800mm f/6.3-9 G Super-telephoto Zoom Lens Guide: $115.43.
The BIRDS AS ART SONY 400-800mm f/6.3-9 G Super-telephoto Zoom Lens Guide: $115.43.
When I borrowed this lens from Sony, I assumed that at 5.45 pounds it was too heavy to handhold for long and that at f/8 at the long end (800mm), it was too slow for most bird photography applications. In short, I did not want to like the lens. After four months of using it, I could not live without it; I have been using it pretty much every day. After returning the loaner, I was miraculously able to get my own from Bedfords on 16 April 2025. It has quickly become my all time favorite lens because it simplifies my life and allows me to go without a tripod in most situations. There is no need for a teleconverter, and with a Delkin 960GB Black CF Express A card in the top slot, I am good to go with just one extra battery in my pocket.
In this guide I share everything that I have learned about using the 400-800. For best results, you need to know exactly what you are doing to get the most out of this zoom lens. It would be best, therefore, to consider and study the material in the guide so that you can begin making great images with your new lens.
You will learn how to deal with the relatively slow apertures: f/6.3, f/7.1, and f/8 when working in Manual mode.
You will learn how to ensure that you are working at the widest possible aperture by working in Shutter Priority mode with AUTO ISO.
If you are able to handhold the lens, you will learn proper hand holding techniques.
If you can’t, you will learn when, why, and how to employ other options. Those include:
1- The knee-pod, heel-pod, and toe-pod techniques
2- Using the lens on a monopod.
3- The best lens plate and low foot for your 4-8.
4- The best tripod and head for the 4-8 and how best to utilize them.
5- How to use the lens from your vehicle while supporting it on a BLUBB (or not and why not).
6- Detailed instructions on how to set and use the lens controls and buttons:
a- AF/MF
b- DMF Switch
c- Limit Range Switch
d- OSS (Optical Steady Shot) Switch
e- OSS Mode Switch
f- Focus Hold Buttons
The guide also includes a Hand Holding Shutter Speed Primer and an illustrative, educational, and inspiring 67-image gallery.
This guide is free to folks who use one of my two affiliate links to purchase their Sony 400-800 G lens. Others, can either click here to order their copy or send a PayPal for $115.43 to birdsasart@verizon.net and include the words “400-800 Lens Guide” in your e-mail.
In the Last Blog Pose
Though I live for and love tight head shots and head and neck portraits, the vertical Green Heron image in the last post was clearly the best by a mile. Thanks to those who commented and explained exactly why they liked that one best. For me it was not only the elegant pose but the sweet light, the incredible detail, and the incredibly soft, green, out-of-focus background. By getting low I moved the background far from the subject to ensure that it would be de-focused despite the fact the f/8 aperture. Getting low was made possible by the tilting vertical screen on my a-1 ii.
What’s Up?
Despite the heat and a breeze from the west on Sunday morning, I enjoyed a pretty darned good session capped by today’s two featured images. Which is your favorite? Early on, I found ILE’s first ever Western Sandpiper, a worn, faded, molting adult, an early arriving southbound migrant and managed one decent image from the SUV at 1200mm.
The Complete and Quintessential Flight Guide is finally finished; co-author Arash Hazeghi e-mailed me a link to the PDF on his family vacation to Europe. It will be featured and available in the next blog post.
Today is Monday 14 July 2025. It is just before 7:00am; I just checked the sky from the pool deck and things are looking quite dreary so I will probably be heading down to the lake at about 7:30. Whatever you opt to do, I hope that you too choose to have a wonderful and productive day and that you have fun too. Do remember that happiness is a choice — Byron Katie, The Work.Com.
If an item — a Delkin flash card, a Levered-clamp FlexShooter Pro, or a Wimberley lens plate — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.
Gear Questions and Advice
Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are — out of ignorance — using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often save you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.
Don’t Just Shoot: Learn
If you are interested in changing your life and becoming a better photographer by joining me on an Extended IPT at Sebastian Inlet for Ospreys and more (SEPT 25 to NOV 24, 2025) in San Diego for Pacific-race Brown Pelicans and more (JAN 6 to FEB 2, 2026), for Roseate Spoonbills at Stick Marsh mid-March 2026, please e-mail for dates, rates, terms, and additional information. Or shoot me a text to 863-221-2372. Some offerings include options for shared AirBnB lodging and meals. Ground transportation during your stay is a possibility.
B&H Simplified
To ensure that I get credit for your B&H purchases, you can always click here. The tracking is invisible but using my affiliate links is greatly appreciated. And, with B&H, you can use your PayBoo card. You must use the website to order. You cannot get your free guides if you make a phone order. Once you have an item in your cart, you must complete the order within two hours. Huge thanks!
B&H
Many folks have written recently stating that they purchased a Sony a1 from B&H and would like their free membership in the Sony 1 Info and Updates Group, a $150.00 value. But when I check my affiliate account, their orders have not been there. When I let them know that they get credit for B&H purchases only if they use one of the many B&H affiliate links on the blog or begin their searches with this link, they are always disappointed. If in doubt, please contact me via e-mail and request a BH link. I am always glad to help and to guide you to the right gear.
Bedfords Simplified
Click here to start your search. Choose standard shipping, and when you get to the payment page, enter BIRDSASART in the discount code box and hit apply. You will be upgraded to free second day air Fed-Ex and receive 3% cash back on your credit card once your stuff ships. Using either my affiliate links is greatly appreciated and will often earn you free guides or discounts.
Bedfords Amazing BAA Discount Policy
Folks who have fallen in love with Bedfords can now use the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout to enjoy a post-purchase, 3% off-statement credit (excluding taxes and shipping charges) on orders paid with a credit card. The 3% credit will be refunded to the card you used for your purchase. Be sure, also, to check the box for free shipping to enjoy free Second Day Air Fed-Ex. This offer does not apply to purchases of Classes, Gift Cards, prior purchases.
Visit the Bedfords website here, shoot Steve Elkins an e-mail, or text him on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592.
This image was created on 13 July 2025 down at the shoreline near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Seated on the grass doing my best to avoid some fire ant mounds, I used the handheld Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS lens (Sony E) (at 800mm) and The Latest Greatest Sony Flagship Body, the a1 II Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel — ISO 1000: 1/500 second at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was perfect. AWB at 7:56:37am on sunny morning.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the larger, inexplicably sharper high-res version.
Image #1: Sandhill Crane adult preening back
Image copyright 2025: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
Subject in Shade, Background in Sun
About a year ago, ten very small palm trees were planted around the parking circle. The crane in the photo has a club for a left foot — sot of mangled with no toes. The bird was resting flat on the ground its upper half in the shade of the wispy fronds of a palm. I had seen it in the same exact spot several times. I had been photographing its mate in full sun, about 15 feet north of it partner when I recognized one of my favorite lighting situations: subject in shade, background in sun. I added 2/3 of a stop of light and went to work. I missed on a straight head portrait with the sublime green background but kept several frames of the bird preening its back.
This image was also created on 13 July 2025 down at the shoreline near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Seated in the driver’s seat of my SUV, I used the handheld Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS lens (Sony E) (at 553mm) and The Latest Greatest Sony Flagship Body, the a1 II Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel — ISO 1000: 1/1000 second at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was perfect. AWB at 8:00:32am on sunny morning.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the larger, inexplicably sharper high-res version.
Image #2: Great Blue Heron subduing Greater Siren
Image copyright 2025: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
What the Heck is a Siren?
Scant minutes after photographing the adult cranes, I re-checked the bay south of the pier. (I do that quite often every morning.) Just as the bay came into view, I saw a Great Blue Heron flying from its usual fishing spot in the marsh towards the shore. My heart rate increased. I grabbed the 400-800, set the shutter speed and exposure, got halfway on sun angle and began photographing. After perhaps a minute, I switched to 1200mm; all of those images were sharp but the tiny set of front legs was no longer visible. I picked this one from series of ten similars because I like the curve of body the then unknown creature.
Matt Milnes to the Rescue
Matt Milnes helped me with the a turtle ID several years ago and joined me for two mornings at DeSoto with his Nikon Z9 and the Z 800mm not long ago. (Matt lives in Milledgeville, GA where he is a biology professor at Georgia College. He grew up in Clearwater, Florida (not far from Fort DeSoto) and has spent his career studying the physiology of reptiles (and fortunately for me, amphibians too!) After e-mailing him two screen caps, he wrote back with this link to Greater Siren (Siren lacertina). Once again he nailed it.
Dear Artie,
I want to thank you again for another great round of instruction. I regularly read your blog, and learn a lot doing so, but there’s no substitute for being by your side in the field. What I found particularly helpful during our most recent morning session was seeing how you approach a single bird or a mixed flock of birds under different environmental conditions. I also picked up helpful tips about when to shoot from a low vs high perspective based on surroundings and the activity of the birds. The photo review over brunch will help me cull images more efficiently and critically review my own work. Lastly, and maybe most importantly, I had fun shooting with you and made some images that make me happy.
All the best,
Matt
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
In the last blog post, I liked both images equally, the first for the unusual wings down display flight pose and the second for the neat dorsal view. I needed the square crop for the second image because I failed to follow my own oft-given advice: “Pan faster.” Thus, the bird was much too far forward in the frame.
Special thanks to Tom Redd, the only reader to comment on the images.
Your Call?
Which of today’s two featured images is the strongest? Why? For me, this one is a no-brainer. See my thoughts in the next post.
The In-Stock Sony Miracle
For the first time ever, both the a1 II Mirrorless Camera and the Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS lens (Sony E) were in stock on Friday afternoon at B&H. And Bedfords has two of the latter in stock as well. Order one or both right now using one of my two links to earn a free copy or copies of both the camera setup guide and the lens guide. Then join an IPT or meet me at Nickerson Beach to learn to use your new gear like a pro.
I continue to be amazed by speed and accuracy of the Bird Face-Eye tracking and the overall performance of the camera. Aside from the improved ergonomics as compared to the a-1, the rear screen that tilts both horizontally and vertically is a huge plus, as is Pre-capture that allows me to create take-off images that I missed! The resolution on the rear monitor has been improved dramatically. And the 51MP files are to die for.
If you plan on purchasing Latest Greatest Sony Flagship Body, the Sony a-1 ii, please click here to purchase from B&H and earn your free a-1 ii e-Mail Guide. Or, get 3% back on your credit card by purchasing from Bedfords using this link and entering the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout. Folks who use one of the two affiliate links above to purchase their Sony a-1 ii will receive my .DAT settings (the complete camera set-up), a Buttons and Dials Guide, and the a1- ii Info Sheet for free.
If you have already purchased an a-1 ii, you can join the e-mail group by sending a PayPal for $227.43 to us at samandmayasgrandpa@att.net.. So, yes, it never hurts to use my affiliate links and it never costs you one penny more. And if you contact me via e-mail.before you make a major purchase, I can always advise you and often save you some money.
The BIRDS AS ART SONY 400-800mm f/6.3-9 G Super-telephoto Zoom Lens Guide
The combination of reach, versatility, and handhold-ability of the Sony 400-800 is unmatched.
When I borrowed this lens from Sony, I assumed that at 5.45 pounds it was too heavy to handhold for long and that at f/8 at the long end (800mm), it was too slow for most bird photography applications. In short, I did not want to like the lens. After three months of using it, I cannot live without it. After returning the loaner, I was miraculously able to get my own from Bedfords on 16 April 2025. It has quickly become my all time favorite lens because it simplifies my life and allows me to go without a tripod in most situations. In this guide I share everything that I have learned about using the 400-800. For best results, you need to know exactly what you are doing to get the most out of this zoom lens. It would be best, therefore, to consider and study the material in the guide so that you can begin making great images with your new lens.
You will learn how to deal with the relatively show apertures: f/6.3, f/7.1, and f/8 when working in Manual mode.
You will learn how to ensure that you are working at the widest aperture by working in Shutter Priority mode with AUTO ISO.
If you are able to hand hold the lens, you will learn proper hand holding techniques.
If you can’t, you will learn when, why, and how to employ other options. Those include:
1- The knee-pod, heel-pod, and toe-pod techniques
2- Using the lens on a monopod.
3- The best lens plate and low foot for your 4-8.
4- The best tripod and head for the 4-8 and how best to utilize them.
5- How to use the lens from your vehicle while supporting it on a BLUBB (or not and why not).
6- Detailed instructions on how to set and use the lens controls and buttons:
a- AF/MF
b- DMF Switch
c- Limit Range Switch
d- OSS (Optical Steady Shot) Switch
e- OSS Mode Switch
f- Focus Hold Buttons
The guide also includes a Hand Holding Shutter Speed Primer and an illustrative, educational, and inspiring 67-image gallery.
Free to folks who use one of my two affiliate links to purchase their Sony 400-800 G lens. Others, please send a PayPal for $115.43 to birdsasart@verizon.net and include the words “400-800 Lens Guide” in your e-mail.
New “Used” Gear Listing
Yours truly is offering a Robus RCM-439 4-Section Carbon Fiber Monopod, 65 in like-new plus condition for $74.95 plus the shipping, an even $25.00 less than B&H. In the box with everything that came with it. Never used.
If interested, get in touch with artie via e-mail.
This image was created on 10 July 2025 at the beach left of the pier down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Seated on damp sand and working vertically off the tilted rear monitor, I used the toe-pod technique with the handheld Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS lens (Sony E) (at 800mm) and The Latest Greatest Sony Flagship Body, the a1 II Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel — ISO 800: 1/1250 second at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was dead-solid perfect. AWB at 8:27:13am on a sunny morning with a bit of haze in the air.
Wide/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the larger, inexplicably sharper high-res version.
Image #1: Green Heron in fresh juvenile plumage — vertical.
Image copyright 2025: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
After My Walk
Things have been relatively slow in the July heat so I have been taking my shirtless pier walk early every day. On Thursday morning past, I began the walk with the 400-800 mounted on the Robus RCM-439 4-Section Carbon Fiber Monopod, 65 topped by a Wimberley MonoGimbal Head. (Learn more about using a monopod in the blog post here and be sure to check out the YouTube monopod video as well.) After working some Black Vultures and an adult Green Heron on the pier railing, I laid my gear down on the wooden boards and walked out to the end and back. As I headed to my car, I saw a juvenile Green Heron on the beach to the south of the pier. My first thought was to work the bird from my SUV at 1200mm, but since lower is almost always better, I decided to take my rig off the monopod and try to get on the ground and get close.
The bird seemed quite at ease as I approached so I continued walking to within about 18 feet and got down on the ground as slowly and as gracefully as possible. I was quite happy that the bird stayed. Some avian youngsters can be very accepting of humans. Once I was on the ground I grabbed my reading glasses from my pocket, the better to see the dancing AF points my dear. When the bird stood up tall and faced me, I quickly rotated the rear screen and flipped it down vertically. I placed the lens on my toes to get over some foreground grasses. Six Sandhill Cranes flew over north to out and caught the attention of my young friend as they landed. The result? The elegant pose in Image #1. Sometimes things go even better than planned.
Aside from the vastly improved Bird Face-eye Tracking with the a-1 ii, the vertically tilting rear monitor is my favorite feature as it allows for ground level verticals there were impossible to create with the original a-1.
This image was also created on 10 July 2025 at the beach left of the pier down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Seated on damp sand I used the knee-pod technique with the handheld Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS lens (Sony E) (at 800mm) and The Latest Greatest Sony Flagship Body, the a1 II Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel — ISO 1600: 1/3200 second at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was dead-solid perfect. AWB at 8:31:58am on a sunny morning with a bit of haze in the air.
Wide/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the larger, inexplicably sharper high-res version.
Image #2: Green Heron in fresh juvenile plumage — horizontal head and neck portrait.
Image copyright 2025: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
Doubling Up
Hoping to get some head shots, I followed the small heron as it moved to my right by butt-crawling/shuffling. Thinking that the bird might take flight, I doubled both the ISO and the shutter speed in case it decided to fly to the pier. The bird, however, remained unconcerned with my presence so I kept going and got even closer than I had previously, surely within 13 feet — the MFD of the 4-8 is 11.5 feet.
Still thinking that the bird might fly, I put my glasses away so that I could work from the optical viewfinder. I crouched and bent forward as far as possible while using the knee-pod technique. Why? In order get a more pleasing background than if I had opted to sit up tall. How does that work? By getting as low as possible, I effectively moved the background farther from the bird.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
Early on a sunny morning in early summer on the east coast of the USA, why is a north wind much better for bird photography than a wind from the south?
Be sure to scroll down to the bottom to Your Call and a Question and take a crack at two additional educational questions.
Delkin Devices 960GB BLACK CFexpress Type A 4.0 Memory Card
On Sale Today Only
Normally $429.00 at B&H and here in the BIRDS AS ART Online Store; on sale today for $399.00! Phone orders only: Call Jim right now at 863-221-2372. Till they last. With a rather conservative shooting style, I have never filled a Delkin Black 480GB card.
Whenever folks have memory card problems on an IPT I direct them to Delkin. In 24 years of digital photography I have never lost a single image due to the failure of a Delkin card. Learn and see more here.
Combining strength, reliability, and performance, the 960GB BLACK CFexpress Type A 4.0 Memory Card from Delkin Devices features a storage capacity of 960GB and is designed for professional photographers, videographers, and high-end cinematic hosts. It is well-suited for raw and continuous burst photography as well as raw 8K, 6K, and 4K video at high bitrates and frame rates. Thanks to a PCIe interface, you’ll be able to achieve maximum read speeds of up to 1830 MB/s, maximum write speeds of up to 1740 MB/s, and minimum sustained write speeds of 500 MB/s. Additionally, this card meets the VPG-200 spec, meaning that write speeds are guaranteed not to drop below 200 MB/s.
To help facilitate card usage in almost any environment as well as keeping your content safe, Delkin has built its BLACK Series with a rugged design that is water and shock proof, plus resistant to temperature extremes. In order to further enhance reliability and functionality, the BLACK Series is serialized and protected by a limited lifetime warranty and a 48-hour replacement guarantee upon registration with Delkin.
Please note that this card is not compatible with CFexpress Type B, CFast 2.0, or CompactFlash hosts.
Adapted from AI Overview
In 2022, Birds as Art author Arthur Morris continued to use and endorse Delkin memory cards for their reliability and durability. He highlighted Delkin’s rugged design, waterproof and shockproof capabilities, and lifetime warranty, emphasizing their importance for safe and reliable image storage, especially in challenging environments.
Here’s a more detailed look at why Delkin cards are featured on the BIRDS AS ART blog.
Reliability and Dependability:
Morris has consistently relied on Delkin cards for years, stating that they are “as dependable as they get”. He even mentioned experiencing instances where cards were washed, dropped in saltwater, and exposed to harsh conditions (like being left in a bag with pork fat!) with no issues.
Rugged Design:
Delkin BLACK Series cards were specifically mentioned for their robust construction, designed to withstand temperature extremes, water, and shocks according to BIRDS AS ART.
Warranty and Support:
Delkin offers a lifetime warranty and a 48-hour replacement guarantee for their BLACK Series cards.
In one post, Morris recounted a story of a double Delkin card miracle, where a card was lost, run over by countless vehicles, and found badly damaged three days later; he was able to rip the cover off and successfully download all the images. Even better? Delkin promptly replaced the card with a brand new one.
Focus on Reliability for Bird Photography:
Given the nature of bird photography, with its unpredictable weather and challenging environments, the emphasis on reliable Delkin memory cards is crucial for ensuring that valuable images are captured and preserved says BIRDS AS ART.
What’s Up?
Though the photographic summer doldrums continue here at Indian Lake Estates, I have been managing to create a few decent images every morning; no shock there. Yesterday I walked the pier with the 400-800 and just missed on several excellent chances. I needed one more step to get on sun angle and eliminate the “T” of the pier from the background with a handsome Limpkin on the railing. Yup — the bird flushed with that last step. When I got back to the car I noticed that the bird (or another) had flown back to the railing. The second time was the charm.
On Wednesday, I found all but one of my 1099 and interest forms right where I should have looked in the first place. Then I got online and printed the 2024 Social Security form that I needed to complete the job. Everything was mailed and e-mail to Chip Jackson before lunch.
Today is 10 July 2025 and I will of course be headed down to the lake soon. Whatever you opt to do, I hope that you too choose to have a wonderful and productive day and that you have fun too. Do remember that happiness is a choice — Byron Katie, The Work.Com.
If an item — a Delkin flash card, a Levered-clamp FlexShooter Pro, or a Wimberley lens plate — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.
Gear Questions and Advice
Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are — out of ignorance — using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often save you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.
Don’t Just Shoot: Learn
If you are interested in changing your life and becoming a better photographer by joining me on an Extended IPT at Sebastian Inlet for Ospreys and more (SEPT 25 to NOV 24, 2025) in San Diego for Pacific-race Brown Pelicans and more (JAN 6 to FEB 2, 2026), for Roseate Spoonbills at Stick Marsh mid-March 2026, please e-mail for dates, rates, terms, and additional information. Or shoot me a text to 863-221-2372. All offerings include options for shared AirBnB lodging. Ground transportation during your stay is a possibility.
B&H Simplified
To ensure that I get credit for your B&H purchases, you can always click here. The tracking is invisible but using my affiliate links is greatly appreciated. And, with B&H, you can use your PayBoo card. You must use the website to order. You cannot get your free guides if you make a phone order. Once you have an item in your cart, you must complete the order within two hours. Huge thanks!
B&H
Many folks have written recently stating that they purchased a Sony a1 from B&H and would like their free membership in the Sony 1 Info and Updates Group, a $150.00 value. But when I check my affiliate account, their orders have not been there. When I let them know that they get credit for B&H purchases only if they use one of the many B&H affiliate links on the blog or begin their searches with this link, they are always disappointed. If in doubt, please contact me via e-mail and request a BH link. I am always glad to help and to guide you to the right gear.
Bedfords Simplified
Click here to start your search. Choose standard shipping, and when you get to the payment page, enter BIRDSASART in the discount code box and hit apply. You will be upgraded to free second day air Fed-Ex and receive 3% cash back on your credit card once your stuff ships. Using either my affiliate links is greatly appreciated and will often earn you free guides or discounts.
Bedfords Amazing BAA Discount Policy
Folks who have fallen in love with Bedfords can now use the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout to enjoy a post-purchase, 3% off-statement credit (excluding taxes and shipping charges) on orders paid with a credit card. The 3% credit will be refunded to the card you used for your purchase. Be sure, also, to check the box for free shipping to enjoy free Second Day Air Fed-Ex. This offer does not apply to purchases of Classes, Gift Cards, prior purchases.
Visit the Bedfords website here, shoot Steve Elkins an e-mail, or text him on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592.
This image was created on 6 June 2025, the first afternoon of the on the Huguenot Memorial Park/Jacksonville Royal Terns and Chicks and More Extended IPT. Standing at full height I used the handheld Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter and the Latest Greatest Sony Flagship Body, the a1 II Mirrorless Camera. ISO 2500. Exposure determined via Zebras with ISO on the Thumb Wheel; 1/2500 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was dead solid perfect: AWB at 7:32:56pm on a cloudy dark afternoon.
Wide AF-C with Bird Eye/Face Detection enabled performed perfectly.
Image #1: Royal Tern adult display flight in front of dune
Image copyright 2025 Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
The New Roped Off Area
Rather than the usual single rope in front of the dunes at the north end of Huguenot Memorial Park that was in place in previous years, in mid-June 2025 the powers that be roped off a huge additional area in front of the dunes running most of the length of the colony from the do-not-drive-past-this-rope rope about 500 yards to the north. I was 100% in favor of the newly roped off area as it provided a safe spot for the chicks venturing out of the colony toward the ocean. But the best news for photographers was that the roped off area was 100% free from human footprints and tire tracks.
A New Place to Shoot
On cloudy mornings and cloudy afternoons with a wind from the south, we would sit or stand at the very south end of the colony where the new rope met the old rope. As seen in today’s two featured images, there was some good flight photography with the green vegetation on the dunes as backgrounds. And, on occasion when we sat quietly, more than a few chicks would often approach us.
This image was created on 6 June 2025, the first afternoon of the on the Huguenot Memorial Park/Jacksonville Royal Terns and Chicks and More Extended IPT. Standing at full height I used the handheld Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter and the Latest Greatest Sony Flagship Body, the a1 II Mirrorless Camera. ISO 3200. Exposure determined via Zebras with ISO on the Thumb Wheel: 1/2500 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was dead solid perfect: AWB at 7:02:36am on a cloudy dark afternoon.
Wide AF-C with Bird Eye/Face Detection enabled performed perfectly.
Image #2: Royal Tern calling in flight — wings down, Dorsal view
Image copyright 2025 Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
Rig Choice
I had all six of my Sony super-telephoto and telephoto zoom lenses with me at Jacksonville:
To answer your question, yes, I am quite blessed to own all of the above glass. But please remember that the lenses do not make the images. Knowing which lens to use in a given situation is part of the art of bird photography. Each combination of sky conditions, wind strength and direction, and the weather forecast present a puzzle to be solved. Where to head? What gear to bring? What type of images are possible in the current conditions? What techniques to use?
Early on in the trip I used the 600mm f/4 with either TC on the flattened tripod quite often when trying for the chicks.
I used the 400mm f/2.8 once or twice always handheld in low light with the 1.4X TC.
I used the 300mm f/2.8 GM more than a few times either alone or with the 1.4X TC on cloudy days or with the 2X TC in sunny conditions.
I never took the 70-200mm f/2.8 out of my SUV once in ten days as reach is generally more important at JAX than speed. That said, the 70-200 is the bomb both in Homer for Bald Eagles and in San Diego when working the Brandt’s Cormorant colony.
On two mornings I left the 4-8 in the car and went with the 2-6 for its lighter weight and to save 2/3 stop of ISO in low light conditions. I did quite well both times.
More than 50% of the time I headed out with my new favorite lens, the 400-800. Complete freedom. No TCs needed. No fanny pack. No tripod. Just the lens with a Delkin Devices 960GB BLACK CFexpress Type A 4.0 Memory Card in the upper card slot of my a-1 ii and a spare battery in my pocket.
On cloudy afternoons with some sort of south wind I always opted for the 300mm f/2.8 with the 1.4X TC to give me 420mm of reach, a relatively fast aperture of f/4, and an eminently handhold-able rig.
Your Call and a Question
How would you compare today’s two featured images?
Why might I have needed a square crop for Image #2?
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
I headed down to the lake early on a hot hazy Monday morning at Indian Lake Estates. The wind was fairly strong from the south and there was not much to photograph other than some of the local Sandhill Cranes. There was one four month old colt with its parents but they all flew away. It looks as if the summer photographic doldrums are here.
I got back to work on my taxes and am pretty much finished (good). But I cannot find my collection of 2024 interest and investment statements, the ones that say, “Important tax information” on the envelope (bad). I will resume my efforts to find the stuff after I get back from the lake.
Today is Tuesday 8 July 2025. Whatever you opt to do, I hope that you too choose to have a wonderful and productive day and that you have fun too. Do remember that happiness is a choice — Byron Katie, The Work.Com.
If an item — a Delkin flash card, a Levered-clamp FlexShooter Pro, or a Wimberley lens plate — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.
Gear Questions and Advice
Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are — out of ignorance — using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often save you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.
Don’t Just Shoot: Learn
If, like Stan DeTurris and Abe Curland most recently, you are interested in changing your life and becoming a better photographer by joining me somewhere in the field, consider the Extended IPT at Sebastian Inlet for Ospreys and more (SEPT 25 to NOV 24, 2025), a San Diego IPT for Pacific-race Brown Pelicans and more (JAN 6 to FEB 2, 2026), or for Roseate Spoonbills at Stick Marsh mid-March 2026, please e-mail for dates, rates, terms, and additional information. Or shoot me a text to 863-221-2372. All offerings include options for shared AirBnB lodging. Ground transportation during your stay is a possibility on most trips.
Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the larger, inexplicably sharper high-res version.
Osprey with Yellow-tailed Menhaden
Image copyright 2025: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
Viewing the Sebastian Composites below
Be sure to click on each composite to see a larger, inexplicably sharper high res version.
From upper left clockwise around to center: Osprey with fish at dawn; Osprey with menhaden; Osprey with Mullet; Mullet school under attack from below; Wood Stork landing; Tarpon jumping; Reddish Egret landing; Osprey turning to begin dive; Osprey with Yellow-tailed Menhaden.
Click on the composite to see a larger, inexplicably sharper high res version.
All images copyright 2025 Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
Sebastian Inlet in Fall
Sebastian Inlet in the fall attracts schools of migrating saltwater fish that in turn attract dozens of Ospreys — we’ve counted 61 in the air at once, along with hordes of hungry birds including Brown Pelican, Royal Tern, and Laughing Gull. Other species of birds feed on smaller baitfish; those include Wood Stork, Reddish Egret, Snowy Egret, Great Egret, Great Blue heron, Little Blue Heron, and White Ibis. Sanderling and Ruddy Turnstone are easily photographed. American Avocet is an uncommon visitor. Rare gulls have included Lesser Black-backed Gull (all ages), Franklin’s Gull (first winter), and in 2024, a spectacular young Sabine’s Gull that remained for several weeks.
As this location provides world class action for at least two months each year, bird photographers travel to Florida’s East Coast from all over the planet. You are invited not only to join me but to learn a ton about bird photography. Remember that the more time you spend at great locations, the more chance you have to enjoy perfect weather conditions and opportunities that leave you in awe.
The shared AirBnB approach has proven to be tremendously popular and is hugely beneficial to learning.
From upper left clockwise around to center: Osprey with fish at dawn; Osprey with menhaden; Sanderling flock bird-scape blur; Royal Tern with large baitfish; Brown Pelican diving silhouette; 1-second breaking wave blur; Osprey with Yellow-tailed Menhaden blur; Osprey in flight/full downstroke; Snowy Egret/double overhead wingstretch.
Click on the composite to see a larger, inexplicably sharper high res version.
All images copyright 2025 Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
2025 BIRDS AS ART Sebastian Inlet Ospreys and More In-the-Field Sessions
Available Dates: Friday 26 September (arrive on Thursday 25 September) thru the morning session on Mon 24 November 2025.
Limit: four photographers.
In 2024, I had an AirBnB in Vero Lake Estates for 26 nights. I had so much fun and enjoyed so many great opportunities that I am returning next fall for two full months; the AirBnB is just 22 minutes from the inlet.
Getting There
You can fly to Orlando International Airport (MCO) and rent a car or fly to Melbourne International Airport (MEL) and explore the possibility of airport pick-up and drop-off or a taxi or uber ride to and from the AirBnB. Rides with me are available for $15/day on a space available basis. Folks who ride with me do not need to purchase a park pass but will need to kick in $2.00/day when we are charged.
From upper left clockwise around to center: Osprey diving; Osprey with menhaden; Brown Pelican with Yellow-tailed Menhaden in bill pouch; Sabine’s Gull/juvenile top shot; Osprey landing on Cabbage Palm stump; Wood Stork sunrise silhouette; American Avocet running with wings raised; Osprey diving with talons outstretched; Peregrine with wings fully raised.
Click on the composite to see a larger, inexplicably sharper high res version.
All images copyright 2025 Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
What You Will Learn
1- First and foremost you will learn to become a better flight photographer. Much better.
2- You will learn to shoot flight hand held and off the tripod.
3-You will learn the basics and fine points of digital exposure. Nikon and Canon folks will learn to get the right exposure every time after making a single test exposure, and SONY folks will learn to use Zebras so that they can be sure of making excellent exposures before pressing the shutter button.
4- You will learn to work in Manual exposure mode even if you fear it.
5- You will learn to evaluate wind and sky conditions and understand how they affect bird photography, especially (but not limited to) the photography of birds in flight.
6- You will learn to select the best shutter speeds for all types of bird photography, from flight and action to pleasing blurs.
7- You will learn how to approach free and wild birds without disturbing them.
8- You will learn to spot the good and the great situations.
9- You will learn to understand and predict bird behavior.
10- You will learn to design pleasing images by mastering your camera’s AF system.
11- You will learn to choose the best perspective.
12- You will learn to see and control your backgrounds.
13- You will learn to see and understand the light.
14- You will learn to see and create pleasing blurs in pre-dawn situations.
15- You will learn to be ready for the most likely event.
16- You will learn pro level tripod handling tips
17- During our image review sessions, you will learn the factors that separate insta-deletes, keepers, and family jewels. With general bird photography those include head angle, subject-to-sensor plane orientation, choice of perspective, the quality of the light, the quality of the background, image sharpness, and the image design. When evaluating photos of birds in flight, you must — in addition to the above, consider wing positions and flight poses.
18- You will improve your image optimization skills by leaps and bounds and will return home with a collection of image optimization videos.
The very best news is that you will be able to take everything you learn home with you so that you will be a better photographer wherever you are and whenever you photograph.
From upper left clockwise around to center: Osprey with Yellow-tailed Menhaden; Osprey overhead with bunker; Osprey with Yellow-tailed Menhaden; Osprey chase; Great Egret with pinfish; Osprey emerging with flounder; Great Egret taking flight; Osprey kiting; 1/8 second sunrise Atlantic Ocean blur.
Click on the composite to see a larger, inexplicably sharper high res version.
All images copyright 2025 Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
Trip Costs and Booking Details
Change Your Life
Book any 3-6 Days: Lodging is $175/night. Instruction is $600/day. There is a morning session every day. Afternoon sessions average every other day. Image review and Photoshop sessions are usually daily.
Please note: Folks who sign up for an odd number of days of instruction will enjoy half + 1 afternoon sessions (more are possible if conditions are good) Those who sign up for an even number of days will enjoy at least 1/2 that number of afternoon shooting sessions (more are possible if conditions are good)
Book any 7-10 Days: Lodging is $160/night. Instruction is $575/day. There is a morning session every day. Afternoon sessions average every other day. Image review and Photoshop sessions are almost daily.
Book any 11-14 Days: Lodging is $150/night. Instruction is $550/day. There is a morning session every day. Afternoon sessions average every other day. Image review and Photoshop sessions are almost daily.
Book any three weeks: Lodging is $130/night. Instruction is $525/day. There is a morning session every day. Afternoon sessions average every other day. Image review and Photoshop sessions are almost daily.
Stay for one month (28 nights): Lodging is $120/night. Instruction is $500/day. There is a morning session every day. Afternoon sessions average every other day. Image review and Photoshop sessions are almost daily.
Stay two months (60 nights): Lodging is $100/night. Instruction is $475/day. There is a morning session every day. Afternoon sessions average every other day. Image review and Photoshop sessions are almost daily.
Brunch is on me. Dinners are provided for $20/day. I am an excellent chef and the food both healthy and of high quality.
Please note: your day of arrival is not a day of instruction.
Deposit Information
A non-refundable deposit by check is required to hold your spot. The amount will be 50% of the total for lodging, instruction, and meals. Please make the check out to:
BIRDS AS ART
And send it via US Mail to
BIRDS AS ART
PO Box 7245
Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855
Your balance, payable by check only as above, is due two months before your arrival date.
I hope to spend some quality time with you at Sebastian Inlet in the fall of 2025. If you have any questions, please get in touch via e-mail or with a text to 863-221-2372.
with love, artie
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
Sony has raised the prices of the a-1 and a-1 II cameras in the US by $400.00 and $500.000 respectively (along with the prices of many other cameras, lenses, and accessories), seemingly in response to increased import tariffs. I was unable to find any details regarding the import tariffs.
Sony a-1 Mirrorless Camera Body with Extras!
Tom Redd is offering a Sony a-1 camera body in mint condition for $3498.00. The sale includes a mint condition Sony VG-C4EM Vertical Battery Grip, a $438.00 value, the original product box, the manuals, the USB cable, the front body cap, the original camera strap, the original Sony battery and one extra Sony battery (an $86.00 value), the battery charger, and insured ground shipping via major courier to lower-48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.
I used Sony a-1 bodies as my workhorse cameras for more than three years. They produce stunning 51MP files with vivid natural colors. The AF system is superb. They are rugged and dependable and 30 frames per second is nothing to sneeze at. With a brand new a-1 now selling for $5898.00 and the a-1 ii going for $6998.00, you can save an even $3400.00 by grabbing Tom’s as good as new a- copy ASAP. Right now, B&H is offering a used Sony a-1 in the same condition, 10, for a ridiculously high $5,189.95! Don’t believe me? Click the link here. artie
Your Flag Decal Won’t Get You Into Heaven Anymore/John Prine
Enjoy the (relatively) mellow voice of a young John Prine before his 1998 throat cancer surgery. Prine, a beloved American singer/songwriter, passed away in 2020, several years before I ever heard of him. Hard to believe.
Lines that strike me a particularly humorous have been bold-faced by yours truly.
While digesting Reader’s Digest
In the back of a dirty book store,
A plastic flag, with gum on the back,
Fell out on the floor.
Well, I picked it up and I ran outside
Slapped it on my window shield,
And if I could see old Betsy Ross
I’d tell her how good I feel.
Chorus:
But your flag decal won’t get you
Into Heaven any more.
They’re already overcrowded
From your dirty little war.
Now Jesus don’t like killin’
No matter what the reason’s for,
And your flag decal won’t get you
Into Heaven any more.
Well, I went to the bank this morning
And the cashier he said to me,
“If you join the Christmas club
We’ll give you ten of them flags for free.”
Well, I didn’t mess around a bit
I took him up on what he said.
And I stuck them stickers all over my car
And one on my wife’s forehead.
Repeat Chorus:
Well, I got my window shield so filled
With flags I couldn’t see.
So, I ran the car upside a curb
And right into a tree.
By the time they got a doctor down
I was already dead.
And I’ll never understand why the man
Standing in the Pearly Gates said…
“But your flag decal won’t get you
Into Heaven any more.
We’re already overcrowded
From your dirty little war.
Now Jesus don’t like killin’
No matter what the reason’s for,
And your flag decal won’t get you
Into Heaven any more.”
What’s Up?
On the morning of the Fourth of July it was foggy, hot, and humid. Once the sun came out, it was as if we were photographing in a very hot sauna. Anyhoo, we did very well. That afternoon, we wound up at the far north end of the colony and did fantastically well. On the morning of 5 July 2025, there was a strong and refreshingly cool breeze from the north by slightly east. It was hard to believe we were at the same location. With alternating clouds and sun, we headed back to the north end and enjoyed another great session. And the north end provided lots of action at high tide in the afternoon once the light clouds rolled in.
The first two screen captures in today’s post are reruns from the previous post. Scroll down to see my optimized version and learn something.
Today is Sunday 6 July 2025. Vasili Chernishof is heading back to LA early this morning after “another home run of a trip.” Stan DeTurris and I will of course, be heading to the beach early. After brunch, Stan and Saloni will be driving back to Gainesville and I will be headed down to Indian Lake Estates. Whatever you opt to do, I hope that you too choose to have a wonderful and productive day and that you have fun too. Do remember that happiness is a choice — Byron Katie, The Work.Com.
If an item — a Delkin flash card, a Levered-clamp FlexShooter Pro, or a Wimberley lens plate — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.
Gear Questions and Advice
Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are — out of ignorance — using the wrong gear, especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often save you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.
Don’t Just Shoot: Learn
If, like Stan DeTurris and Abe Curland most recently, you are interested in changing your life and becoming a better photographer by joining me somewhere in the field, consider the Extended IPT at Sebastian Inlet for Ospreys and more (SEPT 25 to NOV 24, 2025), a San Diego IPT for Pacific-race Brown Pelicans and more (JAN 6 to FEB 2, 2026), or for Roseate Spoonbills at Stick Marsh mid-March 2026, please e-mail for dates, rates, terms, and additional information. Or shoot me a text to 863-221-2372. All offerings include options for shared AirBnB lodging. Ground transportation during your stay is a possibility on most trips.
This is the Photo Mechanic screen capture for an image was created on 27 June 2025 on the Huguenot Memorial Park/Jacksonville Royal Terns and Chicks and More Extended IPT by many multiple IPT veteran Vasili Chernishof. Standing at full height he used the handheld Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM lens with the Canon Extender RF 2x and the remarkable Canon EOS R1 Mirrorless Camera. ISO 4000: 1/3200 sec at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 6:33:21pm on a mostly cloudy afternoon.
Image #1: Royal Tern in flight
Image courtesy of and copyright 2025: Vasili Chernishof
Why the Over-Exposure?
Vasili and I talked about getting the right exposure for the birds flying or landing in front of the vegetated dune. And we got some very nice ones. He did not realize that if he pointed his lens above the dune into the fairly bright northwestern sky that he would need to at least double his shutter speed or halve the ISO to avoid severely over-exposing the sky.
The RawDigger screen capture for the image above.
Image #1A: Royal Tern in flight
Image courtesy of and copyright 2025: Vasili Chernishof
Keep or Delete?
With 11,000,000 OvExp pixels, would you keep this image or delete it? If this is an insta-delete for you, why did you make that decision. If you would keep it, leave a comment letting us know why and detailing your image optimization plans. My decision will follow in the next blog post.
New Comments by artie
The very few folks who left a comment all stated that they would keep the image but did not detail why they would not trash it nor did they detail their plans for the image optimization. East Bobman suggested making the sky blue but with the entire sky totally over-exposed at 255, 255, 255, there would be nothing in the sky to work with (even though no part of the bird was over-exposed).
This is the Photo Mechanic screen capture for an image was created on 27 June 2025 on the Huguenot Memorial Park/Jacksonville Royal Terns and Chicks and More Extended IPT by many multiple IPT veteran Vasili Chernishof. Standing at full height he used the handheld Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM lens with the Canon Extender RF 2x and the remarkable Canon EOS R1 Mirrorless Camera. ISO 4000: 1/3200 sec at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 6:33:21pm on a mostly cloudy afternoon.
Image #1B: Royal Tern silhouetted in flight
Image courtesy of and copyright 2025: Vasili Chernishof
Image optimization by Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
Nobody Had a Clue …
Nobody but me had a clue as to how to create a strong image from a raw file with about half the pixels drastically over-exposed. Hopefully, those who have read this far may have learned something. The key was realizing that late in the day there was gold in the western sky. Though we could not see the gold in the raw file because of the over-exposure, I knew that we could bring up some of the color on the sea oats atop the dunes. And as no part of the bird was over-exposed, creating a silhouette of the bird would be a piece of cake.
Your Call?
What do you think of the optimized version?
The Adobe Camera RAW (ACR) Light tab sliders for the Royal Tern silhouetted in flight image.
Image courtesy of and copyright 2025: Vasili Chernishof
Image optimization by Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART
The Adobe Camera RAW (ACR) Light Tab Sliders for Today’s Featured Image
After increasing the color temperature to 9200 K to bring up the gold tones, I adjusted the sliders as above to produce the silhouette that I knew was there. Once in Photoshop, I added canvas above, used a Levels adjustment to blacken the blacks, removed the extraneous sea oats from the sky, and cleaned up some of the bright specks on the bird. The incredible sharpness of the fish makes the image for me. Along with my skillfully creative use of Photoshop — he said modestly 🙂
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
