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?
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.
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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 |
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.
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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 |
Rig Choice
I had all six of my Sony super-telephoto and telephoto zoom lenses with me at Jacksonville:
1- Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens.
2- Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens.
3- Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens.
4- Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens
5- Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens.
6- Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS lens.
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 believe you meant “eminently hand-holdable” and not “imminently hand-holdable” rig.
Thanks for that. FTT = failure to think 🙂
with love, artie
ps: Good job by spelling both correctly!