Sebastian Inlet Ospreys and More
Multiple IPT veteran Eugen Dolan is joining me for a month, arriving on 26 September. Beginning bird photographer Alvin Red Stevens is joining us for a week; he shows up on 12 October. And when he leaves, new friend Mishael Voisin will be with us for a week of photography and learning. Several folks have sworn that they will be joining me at some point but right now, November is wide open. Check out the opportunities below and then change your life by joining me this fall. Feel free to e-mail me or to call or text — 863-221-2372 with any questions or concerns.
On Tuesday I completed a third edit of the Sebastian OCT-NOV 2024 folder. It is always fun to discover some really good images that never caught your attention before. Below I share five images that got me excited on my third trip through what was a great month at Sebastian in 2024. Do understand that in 2026 the top Sebastian location, the South Jetty, is scheduled to be closed for major reconstruction next season. That is why I am all in for 2025!
What’s Up?
The lakeshore at ILE had been less than inspiring since I got back from Long Island. There are more than a few birds around, but nothing has really gotten me excited lately.
Today is Friday 12 September 2025. Whatever you opt to do, I hope that you too choose to have fun and enjoy the day.
As I have some fabulous new tips and techniques to share, I will soon begin work on the Digital Basics IV Video Series. Covered will be the use of the masking feature in Adobe Camera Raw (thanks to Anita North), the use of the Point Color eye dropper to tame super saturated colors during raw conversions (discovered in tandem with Anita), and a fabulous new Remove Tool trick that makes my favorite Photoshop Tool even more amazing — that one discovered by me 🙂
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.
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Click on the screen capture to enlarge. Photo Mechanic screen capture of today’s 5 featured raw files |
Today’s Image Optimizations
Optimizing the raw files that I create brings me just about as much joy and happiness as being out into the field creating the image. Properly exposed (to the right) raw files should not represent what you saw in nature. Other than the bill cleanup, Image #1, the white morph Reddish Egret, made in sunny conditions, looks quite a bit like the raw file. The raw file for the second image, the gently backlit Great Egret, looks washed out and lifeless and was not at all what I saw in the field. I used perhaps a dozen masks during the conversion in Adobe Camera Raw to bring this image to life. Creating and using ACR masking techniques will be covered in detail in the Digital Basics IV Video Series. Most folks looking at the raw file for the Tricolored Heron image would judge it as well over-exposed. RawDigger showed it to be perfect. A healthy crop from below and from the left the and the adjustments made by moving the sliders under the Light tab in ACR created the image that I had envisioned while standing in a foot of water. The raw files for Images #4 and 5 look totally flat, washed out, and boring. Each was brought to life simply be adjusting the sliders under the Light tab in ACR. And the pelicans on the rocks photo benefitted greatly from both some Color Mixer work and the Average Blur Color Balance trick.
You can of course see the five optimized images by scrolling down. I am most proud of the optimization of the gently backlit Great Egret raw file as getting the background, color, and tonality right was a challenge. We will be doing image review and Photoshop sessions pretty much every day at Sebastian.
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This image was created on 31 October 2024 on a Sebastian Inlet Extended IPT. Standing at full height, I used the Robus RC-5570 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter and the Sony a-1 (now replaced by the Latest Greatest Sony Flagship Body, the a1 II Mirrorless Camera). Exposure determined via Zebras with ISO on the Thumb Wheel. ISO 800: 1/2000 sec. at f/8 stopped down 1 stop for a bit of extra depth of field) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was perfect. AWB at 5:18:35pam on a sunny afternoon. Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird Eye/Face Detection enabled performed perfectly. Image #1: Reddish Egret white morph in the wind |
Spiffy Hairdo
When this white morph reddish turned away from the wind, it blew the bird’s crest up in a somewhat comical fashion. I chose this head angle because it gave a great view of the blowing head feathers and a peek at both eyes.
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This image was created on 12 November 2024 on a Sebastian Inlet Extended IPT. Standing at full height, I used the Robus RC-5570 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 2x Teleconverter and The Latest Greatest Sony Flagship Body, the a1 II Mirrorless Camera. Exposure determined via Zebras with ISO on the Thumb Wheel. ISO 2000: 1/1250 sec. at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was dead solid perfect. AWB at 7:24:13am on a partly sunny morning. Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version. Image #2: Great Egret gently backlit |
Lots of Work
First off, the background here was very splotchy and there were several large round spots. I used multiple Radial Gradient masks during the raw conversion to tame the uneven background problems. The Remove Tool was used to eliminate the large round spots. A Select Subject mask was used to brighten the white subject.
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This image was created on 22 November 2024 on a Sebastian Inlet Extended IPT. Standing at full height, I used the Robus RC-5570 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 2x Teleconverter and The Latest Greatest Sony Flagship Body, the a1 II Mirrorless Camera. Exposure determined via Zebras with ISO on the Thumb Wheel. ISO 2000: 1/2000 sec. at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was dead-solid perfect. AWB at 4:51:58pm on a sunny afternoon. Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the high-res version. Image #3: Tricolored Heron non-breeding adult head and shoulders portrait |
Distant Backgrounds
The greater the distance from the subject to the background, the smoother and more defocused the background will be rendered. Learn to look for and see such situations by joining me in the field.
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This image was created on 5 November 2024 on a Sebastian Inlet Extended IPT. Standing at full height, I used the Robus RC-5570 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter and the Sony a-1 (now replaced by the Latest Greatest Sony Flagship Body, the a1 II Mirrorless Camera). Exposure determined via Zebras with ISO on the Thumb Wheel. ISO 800: 1/400 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was perfect. AWB at 7:31:01am on a very cloudy morning. Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird Eye/Face Detection enabled performed perfectly. Image #4: Brown Pelicans on rock jetty |
Bird-scapes with Long Lenses and Focal Lengths
Folks often think of intermediate telephoto lenses when creating bird-scapes. Long focal lengths, however, can often be quite effective with distant groups of birds. Again, the trick is to learn to see such situations. And again, the best way to do that is to sign up for an IPT.
Do you see a second species in this image? If yes, which one?
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November 2024 on a Sebastian Inlet Extended IPT. Standing at full height, I used the handheld Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 452mm) and Sony a-1 (now replaced by the Latest Greatest Flagship Body, the Sony a1 II Mirrorless Camera). The exposure was determined by Zebras with Exposure Compensation (EC) on the thumb wheel. Multi Metering +2.0 stops. AUTO ISO set ISO 2500: 1/500 second at f/8 (wide open) in Shutter Priority mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was fractionally short of being perfect. AWB at 7:25:15 am on a cloudy 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 #5: Wood Stork foraging in surf |
Under-exposed at +2 Stops!
Though the raw file looks totally washed out, RawDigger showed this raw file could actually have used an additional 1/3 stop of light. Therefore, +2 1/3 stops would have been the ideal EC.
Simple Cloudy Day Exposure Tip for All Systems
On cloudy days with the subject and scene averaging to very light, it is almost best to begin by adding two stops to the exposure suggested by the camera. That can be done easily in both Manual and Shutter Priority modes. Remember that there is no Exposure Compensation when working in Manual mode; you determine the exposure level by viewing the analogue scale in the viewfinder.
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Osprey with Yellowfin Menhaden |
Viewing the Sebastian Composites below
Be sure to click on each composite to see a larger, inexplicably sharper high res version.
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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.
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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.
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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
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.
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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
Payment in full is due now. 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
I hope to spend some quality time with you at Sebastian Inlet in the fall of 2025 and to change your life. If you have any questions, please get in touch via e-mail or with a text to 863-221-2372.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
It took me awhile to see it, but there is a cormorant, possibly a great cormorant, in the back right on the left most rock. Enjoyed the challenge, thanks!
Good spot. It is the expected species in Florida, double-crested.
with love, artie
Art: Seeing last year’s images, I can see why you are excited about Sebastian Inlet. In the images shown in this email, it looks like you really need a big lens at that site (the ones in your blog were primarily 600mm).
Yes I’m excited, but not correct about needing a big lens. I often use the 600 and the 1.4X TC, but I’ve made lots of killer stuff with the 200-600 and with the 300 f/2.8 and a 2X TC. And one of the images in the last blog post and four of the five that will be in the next blog post were created with the 300mm f/2.8 and the 1.4X TC at 420mm.
with love, artie