{"id":54984,"date":"2018-04-11T03:57:07","date_gmt":"2018-04-11T07:57:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/?p=54984"},"modified":"2018-04-12T20:15:17","modified_gmt":"2018-04-13T00:15:17","slug":"miraculous-monday-morning-at-the-gilbert-water-ranch-part-i","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/2018\/04\/11\/miraculous-monday-morning-at-the-gilbert-water-ranch-part-i\/","title":{"rendered":"The Miraculous Monday Morning at the Gilbert Water Ranch, Part I"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3>Stuff<\/h3>\n<p>As I mentioned yesterday, the morning of Monday, April 9, 2018 at the Riparian Preserve at Gilbert Water Ranch was a magical one; I wound up keeping 60 images. I share my very favorite with you here today. But there were lots of close seconds. I returned to the same spot on Tuesday morning only to find acres of mud. Such is the Water Ranch. <\/p>\n<p>The shoulder is still the shoulder and the inguinal hernia is still the inguinal hernia. I had the best night&#8217;s sleep since the fall on Monday night and both felt fine most of the day on Tuesday. I am at the gate for my flight to Orlando, delayed three hours so far. If all goes well I should get home to ILE at about 1:30am eastern time. <\/p>\n<h3>The Streak<\/h3>\n<p>Today makes two hundred fifty-five days in a row with a new educational blog post! This one took less than an hour to prepare including the time spent on the image optimization. With all of my upcoming free time (or not&#8230;), the plan right now is to try to break the current record streak of 480 &#8230;  <strong><em>Good health<\/em><\/strong> and good internet connections and my continuing insanity willing.<\/p>\n<h3>BIRDS AS ART<\/h3>\n<p>BIRDS AS ART is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. <\/p>\n<h3>Money Saving Reminder<\/h3>\n<p>If you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&#038;H, would enjoy free overnight shipping, and would like a $50 discount on your first purchase, click <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bedfords.com\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a> to order and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If you are looking to strike a deal on Canon or Nikon gear (including the big telephotos) or on a multiple item order, contact Steve Elkins via <a href=\"mailto:Steve@bedfords.com\">e-mail<\/a> or on his cell at (479) 381-2592 (Eastern time) and be sure to mention your BIRDSASART coupon code and use it for your online order. Patrick Sparkman saved $350 on a recent purchase!<\/p>\n<p><center><A href=\"http:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/c\/buy\/Photography-Deals\/ci\/18560\/ipp\/48\/N\/4143096970\/view\/GRID?BI=6633&#038;KW=&#038;KBID=7226&#038;img=bestdeals-am.jpg\"><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/images\/affiliateimages\/bestdeals-am.jpg\" border=\"0\"><\/a><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/affiliates.bhphotovideo.com\/showban.asp?id=7226&#038;img=bestdeals-am.jpg\" border=0><\/center><\/p>\n<h3>Booking.Com<\/h3>\n<p>Several folks on the Gatorland IPT used the Booking.Com link below and got great rates and saved a handsome $25.00 in the process. If you too would like to give Booking.Com a shot, click <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/s\/ea1bab74\">here<\/a> and to earn a $25 reward on your first booking. Thanks to the many who have already tried and used this great service. <\/p>\n<p><center><\/p>\n<div id=\"ez_banner_container_28_10\" style=\"margin:auto;position:relative;width:300px;height:250px;overflow:hidden;\">\n   <script src=\"https:\/\/ajax.googleapis.com\/ajax\/libs\/webfont\/1\/webfont.js\"><\/script><br \/>\n   <script type=\"text\/javascript\" charset=\"utf-8\" src=\"https:\/\/mer54715.datafeedfile.com\/ez_banner\/?b=28&#038;v=1.0&#038;aff_num=7226&#038;sid=EZBANNER\"><\/script>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/center><\/p>\n<h3>Gear Questions and Advice<\/h3>\n<p>Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of folks whom I see in the field, and on <a href=\"http:\/\/www.birdphotographers.net\/forums\/content.php?s=52d51423c223b39bdca1765c6839ffc2\" target=\"_blank\">BPN<\/a>, are&#8211;out of ignorance&#8211;using the wrong gear especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads&#8230; Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via <a href=\"mailto:samandmayasgrandpa@att.net\">e-mail<\/a>. Those questions might deal with systems, camera bodies, accessories, and\/or lens choices and decisions.<\/p>\n<table>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><center>ngg_shortcode_0_placeholder<\/center><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p>This image was created on the miracle morning of April 9, 2018 at the Riparian Preserve at the Gilbert Water Ranch in Phoenix, AZ. I used the  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.outdoorphotogear.com\/search.php?search_query=indurogrand&#038;rfsn=132487.5cf37.9906\">Induro<\/a> GIT 304L\/<a href=\"http:\/\/birdsasart-shop.com\/mongoose-action-head\/\">Mongoose M3.6<\/a>-mounted <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/c\/product\/1166859-REG\/nikon_af_s_nikkor_600mm_f_4e.html\/BI\/6633\/KBID\/7226\/kw\/NI6004EEDVR\/DFF\/d10-v2-t1-xNI6004EEDVR\" target=\"_blank\">Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f\/4E FL ED VR lens,<\/a> the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/c\/product\/1052071-REG\/nikon_2219_af_s_teleconverter_tc_14e_iii.html\/BI\/6633\/KBID\/7226\/kw\/NITC14EIII\/DFF\/d10-v2-t1-xNITC14EIII\" target=\"_blank\">Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E III<\/a>, and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/c\/product\/1351688-REG\/nikon_d850_dslr_camera_body.html\/BI\/6633\/KBID\/7226\/kw\/NID850\/DFF\/d10-v2-t1-xNID850\" target=\"_blank\">Nikon D850.<\/a> ISO 400. Matrix metering about +2\/3 stops as framed: 1\/1250 sec. at f\/7.1. AUTO1 WB at 7:18am on a sunny morning.<\/p>\n<p>Center Group (grp) AF point\/Shutter button AF was active at the moment of exposure. The left hand AF point in the array was right on the bird&#8217;s face.  <\/p>\n<p>If you do not click on the image to see the larger version you are missing something very special. <\/p>\n<p>Focus peaking AF Fine-tune: +4. <\/p>\n<h2><strong>Cinnamon Teal drake flying right at us<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"728\" scrolling=\"no\" height=\"90\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"border:none;\" border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/mer54715.datafeedfile.com\/widget\/aff_widget_prdt_generate-2.0.php?aff_num=7226&#038;aff_net=1&#038;size=728x90&#038;mode=m&#038;bucket_num=7604&#038;link_target=y&#038;sid=\" marginheight=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\"><\/p>\n<p>Your browser does not support iFrame.<\/p>\n<p><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<h3>The Situation<\/h3>\n<p>I was scoping out three gorgeous drake Cinnamon Teal. I had the Group AF array on the one in the middle. I had been photographing avocets hoping for flight so I was at 1\/2000 sec. at f\/7.1\/ISO 400. Instinctively while watching the teal displaying &#8212; there was a female in the group &#8212; I went two clicks slower on the shutter speed to allow for the darker subject. Then, the drake in the middle jumped off the water and flew right at me looking something like an apparition. I followed and focused and created five quick images. I did not want to enlarge them on the back of the camera so that I could hope that they were sharp and anticipate seeing them on the laptop. If that makes any sense. I was thrilled to see that every one of them was tack sharp on those amazing red eyes. <\/p>\n<p>As I mentioned Cinnamon Teal had been a nemesis bird for me but only for 35 years. What happened next will be the subject of a future blog post &#8230;<\/p>\n<h3>IPT Stuff<\/h3>\n<p>All IPTs include an introductory briefing before the IPT begins so you know what to expect, frequent in-the-field instruction and guidance (priceless), image editing and small group Photoshop instruction during and after lunch. Breakfasts are on your own so that we can get in the field early. Lunches are on me. Dinners are on your own as well so that we can get to bed as the days in spring will be long. <\/p>\n<p>Rides with the leader are available on a limited basis for $50\/day. <\/p>\n<h3>Registering for an IPT<\/h3>\n<p>To register for an IPT call Jim or Jen in the office at 863-692-0906 from Monday morning through Friday lunch with your credit card in hand to leave your $500 non-refundable deposit. Balances may not be paid by credit card so you will be asked to send a check for your balance along with the signed paperwork that you will find <a href=\"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/05\/Registration-and-Release-Forms.pdf\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a>. <\/p>\n<table>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><center>ngg_shortcode_1_placeholder<\/center><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<h2><strong>Spring at DeSoto is often magical<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<h3>DeSoto IPT #1  Sunrise: 7:07 am.  Sunset: 6:22pm.<\/h3>\n<h2><strong>3 1\/2 DAYS: SUN 15 APR thru the morning session on WED 18 APR: $1599.  Limit 5 photographers.<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>You must purchase a season Parking Pass in advance for early entry. Click <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinellascounty.org\/park\/parkingfees.htm\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a> and scroll down for info. If you are not a local, the six month pass if fine. Best to order by mail. Join me to photograph a wide variety of birds of the shore including pelicans, gulls, terns, sandpipers, oystercatchers, heron, egrets, and night-herons. Many in full breeding plumage. Most are ridiculously tame. Osprey likely. Learn to get the right exposure, flight photography techniques,  my secret DeSoto locations, how to see the best situations (nobody is better at that than me), and how to make great images in extremely cluttered situations. Enjoy some great sunrises and sunsets.<\/p>\n<p>Which will offer better opportunities, Desoto #1 or DeSoto #2? I have no idea. Both have the potential to be great. <\/p>\n<table>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><center>ngg_shortcode_2_placeholder<\/center><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<h2><strong>Tame birds in breeding plumage and heron and egret chicks are great fun.<strong><\/h2>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<h3>Gatorland IPT #2. Sunrise: 6:48am.  Sunset: 7:58pm.<\/h3>\n<p>3 1\/2 DAYs: THURS 26 APR through and including the morning of SUN 29 APR. $1599. Limit 5 photographers.<\/p>\n<p>(2 1\/2 DAY option) FRI 27 APR through and including the morning of SUN 29 APR. $1199.<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Must purchase Gatorland Photographers Pass. Click <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gatorland.com\/experiences\/photographers-pass\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a> for details. All early entry. Late stays Thursday, Friday and Saturday.  Gatorland IPT #2 should have lots of chicks, and lots of birds in breeding plumage. We will get to photograph Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Tricolored Heron, and Wood Stork. The Cattle Egrets in full breeding plumage will be present in good numbers. Learn my Gatorland strategy, to get the right exposure, flight photography techniques, my secret Gatorland spots, how to see the best situations (nobody is better at that than me), and how to make great images in extremely cluttered situations. <\/p>\n<p><center><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/\/rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/e\/cm?o=1&#038;p=12&#038;l=ur1&#038;category=amazonhomepage_2017&#038;f=ifr&#038;linkID=0c7fef03053dd77e48962ef7b0b832a5&#038;t=biasar0c-20&#038;tracking_id=biasar0c-20\" width=\"300\" height=\"250\" scrolling=\"no\" border=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" style=\"border:none;\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe><\/center><\/p>\n<h3>Help Support the Blog<\/h3>\n<p>Please help support my (stupendous) efforts here on the blog by remembering to click on the logo link above each time that you shop Amazon. That would be greatly appreciated. There is no problem using your Prime account; just click on the link and log into your Prime account. With love, artie<\/p>\n<h3>If In Doubt &#8230;<\/h3>\n<p>If in doubt about using the BAA B&#038;H affiliate link correctly, you can always start your search by clicking <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/?BI\/6633\/KBID\/7226\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a>. Please note that the tracking is invisible. Web orders only. Please, however, remember to shoot me your receipt via <a href=\"mailto:samandmayasgrandpa@att.net\">e-mail<\/a>. <\/p>\n<p><center><A href=\"http:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/c\/buy\/Nikon\/ci\/9811\/N\/4288586282+4291315846\/view\/GRID?BI=6633&#038;KW=&#038;KBID=7226&#038;img=bh_nikon_14-728x90.jpg\"><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/images\/affiliateimages\/bh_nikon_14-728x90.jpg\" border=\"0\"><\/a><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/affiliates.bhphotovideo.com\/showban.asp?id=7226&#038;img=bh_nikon_14-728x90.jpg\" border=0><\/center><\/p>\n<p><center><A href=\"http:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/c\/promotion\/12352\/canon-rebates.html?BI=6633&#038;KW=&#038;KBID=7226&#038;img=CanonSaveBig-728x90.jpg\"><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/images\/affiliateimages\/CanonSaveBig-728x90.jpg\" border=\"0\"><\/a><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/affiliates.bhphotovideo.com\/showban.asp?id=7226&#038;img=CanonSaveBig-728x90.jpg\" border=0><\/center><\/p>\n<h3>Please Remember to use my Affiliate Links and to Visit the New BAA Online Store \ud83d\ude42<\/h3>\n<p>To show your appreciation for my continuing efforts here, we ask, as always, that you get in the habit of using my B&#038;H affiliate links on the right side of the blog for all of your photo and electronics purchases. Please check the availability of all photographic accessories in the <a href=\"http:\/\/birdsasart-shop.com\/\">New BIRDS AS ART Online Store<\/a>, especially the <a href=\"http:\/\/birdsasart-shop.com\/mongoose-action-head\/\">Mongoose M3.6 tripod head<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/birdsasart-shop.com\/plates-and-replacement-feet\/wimberley-arca-swiss-style-lens-plates\/\">Wimberley lens plates<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/birdsasart-shop.com\/digital-media\/\">Delkin flash cards and accessories<\/a>, and <a href=\"http:\/\/birdsasart-shop.com\/lenscoat-covers\/\">LensCoat stuff<\/a>. <\/p>\n<p>As always, we sell only what I have used, have tested, and can depend on. We will not sell you junk. We know what you need to make creating great images easy and fun. And please remember that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via <a href=\"mailto:samandmayasgrandpa@att.net\">e-mail<\/a>. <\/p>\n<p>I would of course appreciate your using our B&#038;H affiliate links for all of your major gear, video, and electronic purchases. <font color=red><strong>For the photographic stuff mentioned in the paragraph above, and for everything else in the new store, we, meaning BAA, would of course greatly appreciate your business. <\/strong><\/font> Here is a huge thank you to the many who have been using our links on a regular basis and those who will be visiting the <a href=\"http:\/\/birdsasart-shop.com\/\">New BIRDS AS ART Online Store<\/a> as well.<\/p>\n<h3>Facebook<\/h3>\n<p>Be sure to like and follow BAA on Facebook by clicking on the logo link upper right. Tanks a stack.<\/p>\n<h3>Typos<\/h3>\n<p>In all blog posts and Bulletins, feel free to <a href=\"mailto:samandmayasgrandpa@att.net\">e-mail<\/a><\/center> or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors. Just be right :).<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Stuff <\/p>\n<p>As I mentioned yesterday, the morning of Monday, April 9, 2018 at the Riparian Preserve at Gilbert Water Ranch was a magical one; I wound up keeping 60 images. I share my very favorite with you here today. But there were lots of close seconds. I returned to the same spot on Tuesday morning [&#8230;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[626],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-54984","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-626","odd"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54984","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=54984"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54984\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=54984"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=54984"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=54984"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}