Which of today’s two featured images do you like best? Everyone is invited to leave a comment and let us know why they made their choice. Note: be absolutely sure to click on each image to view a larger, high-res version. <\/p>\n
The sun broke through the fog just before 7:30am on Sunday morning and disappeared behind a large cloud at 8:15am. I started with a Great Blue Heron on The Perch<\/a> in the fog. I was further blessed as the bird stayed on the perch for 15 minutes. Then I worked the crane family of four with the new, hard-to-get-your-hands-on Sony FE 70-200mm f\/2.8 GM OSS II lens<\/a> with the 1.4X TC and the a1. <\/p>\n Engaged in watching several NFL games on TIVO, I was very late getting down to the lake. Most of the Cattle Egrets and Little Blue Herons had already gone to roost, but I’m glad that I made it as I learned something new. With a fairly brisk wind from the southwest, the surface of the lake was rippled and ruffled. As a result, there was no color in the water. I had been spoiled by the dead calm conditions and the still water for the past week when the sky colors were reflected by the mirror-like surface of the lake. <\/p>\n There was not much action, but I had another good chance on the Mottled Ducks blasting off — I had one miraculously good one out of a burst of 25. And I got some nice stuff on Boat-tailed Grackle and White Ibis. That said, I created less than 200 images, far below average for a sunset session. <\/p>\n Today is Monday 3 January 2022. There is a small front passing by this morning as the forecast is calling for mostly cloudy with a brisk northwest wind and falling temps. I will almost surely head down to the lake for at least a bit. Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day. This blog post took about 90 minutes to prepare including the time spent on the image optimizations. This post makes 54 consecutive days with a new one.<\/p>\n Special thanks to Jordan Cait who has been doing an awesome job of proofreading the blog recently and getting in touch via e-mail. <\/p>\n I am looking forward to working with multiple IPT veteran Shelly Lake on Tuesday morning in Lakeland for a Your Pick In-the-Field session. If you would like to join me for some In-the-Field instruction at either ILE or Lakeland in the next ten days or so, shoot me an e-mail<\/a> or try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up. The details are below. <\/p>\n Please remember that you can find some great photo accessories (and necessities, like surf booties!) on Amazon by clicking on the Stuff tab on the orange\/yellow menu bar above. On a related note, it would be extremely helpful if blog-folks who, like me, spend too much money on Amazon, would get in the habit of clicking on the Amazon logo link on the right side of each blog post when they shop online. As you might expect, doing so will not cost you a single penny, but would be appreciated tremendously by yours truly. And doing so works seamlessly with your Amazon Prime account.<\/p>\n Please remember that if an item \u2014 a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head \u2014 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 save 3% 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.<\/p>\n The beauty of the Your Pick In-the-Field Sessions<\/em> plans below is that I am free most days from now till mid-January and we can schedule sessions to coincide with the perfect weather forecast. They are ideal for central Florida locals or folks visiting the region for whatever reason. Interested? Get in touch via e-mail<\/a> or better yet, try my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up. Inquire for couples and group rates. <\/p>\n Two hours of intensive instruction: $300.00. Add a working brunch with image review: $100.00. Sunset shoot: $100.00. Guest room lodging available. Mix and match. <\/p>\n Sunny mornings with east winds are best. Likely subjects include ridiculously tame Sandhill Cranes along with Black and Turkey Vultures, Crested Caracara, Limpkin, Great Egret, Great Blue Heron, and more. Bald Eagle possible; crane chicks coming soon. <\/p>\n Two hours of intensive instruction: $325.00. Add a working brunch with image review: $100.00. Mix and match. <\/p>\n Sunny mornings with east winds are best at Lakeland. Likely subjects include point-blank American White Pelican, Anhinga, Limpkin, Common Moorhen, White Ibis, a variety of wintering ducks including Ring-necked and Wood Ducks, and lots more. <\/p>\n Cloudy mornings or afternoons (shooting session only) are best at Circle B Bar Preserve. Likely subjects include Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Little Blue Heron, Snowy Egret, Tricolored Heron, White Ibis, Common Moorhen, Osprey, Red-shouldered Hawk, American Alligator, Wild Boar, and more. If you wish to mix and match, loving at ILE is available. <\/p>\n Steve Elkins of Bedfords let me know late yesterday that he had several Sony a1 bodies in stock. If one of them has your name on it, please click here<\/a> and be sure to enter the BIRDSASART coupon code check the box for free shipping to enjoy free Second Day Air Fed-Ex. Right now, in lieu of the 3% credit refunded to the card you used for your purchase, you will receive a Sony 160GB CFexpress Type A TOUGH Memory Card, a $399.99 value! <\/p>\n 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, or to any prior purchases.<\/p>\n Many have learned that if you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H and would like to enjoy getting 3% back on your credit card along with free 2nd Day Air Fed-Ex Air shipping, your best bet is to click here<\/a>, place an order with Bedfords, and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If an item is out of stock, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail<\/a> or on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592 (Central time). Be sure to mention the BIRDSASART coupon code and check the box for Free Shipping. That will automatically upgrade to free 2nd Day Air Fed-Ex. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H and everywhere else. The waitlists at the big stores can be a year or longer for the hard to get items. Steve will surely get you your gear long before that. For the past year, he has been helping BAA Blog folks get their hands on items like the SONY a 1, the SONY 200-600 G OSS lens, the Canon EOS R5, the Canon RF 100-500mm lens, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is personable, helpful, and eager to please. <\/p>\nYour-Pick In-the-Field Sessions<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Indian Lake Estates In-the-Field Sessions<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Lakeland or Circle B Bar Preserve<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Sony Alpha 1 Bodies in Stock at Bedfords\/free card offer!<\/h3>\n
Brand New and As-Good-As-Ever Bedfords BAA Discount Policy <\/h3>\n
Money Saving Reminder<\/h3>\n