Please note as seen with today’s two featured images that San Diego ain’t just pelicans. Do consider joining one of the upcoming San Diego Instructional Photo-Tours. You can find the details below. <\/p>\n
Which of today’s two featured images do you like best? Why? I have a clear favorite that I will share with you here on Thursday.<\/p>\n
For me, replacing the head of the adult in the image with the best look at the begging chick was and is 100% kosher. The natural history of the scene was preserved and the optimized image was much prettier than either of the original captures. Thanks to Cliff Beittel for this in his comment: … but in this case it’s the adult’s startling blue eye that really makes the image for me<\/em>. Regular readers know that I always let folks know what I have done to improve an image and that when and if I enter a contest, I always abide by the rules. <\/p>\n I have made the big decision for my upcoming Iceland trip — I will be taking both the Sony 600mm f\/4 GM and the Sony 400mm f\/2.8 GM. The two big prime lenses fit into my big Think Tank bag with room to spare. The 400 f\/2.8 will be perfect for low light puffins and other seabirds in flight. And I will need the reach of the 600 (plus TCs) for the nesting loons and hopefully for a gorgeous male Black-tailed Godwit. <\/p>\n I also will be taking the 12-24 f\/2.8 GM wide angle zoom lens (that I use only rarely) and the 70-200mm f\/2.8 II GM. The 200-600 G will be left at home on a shelf in the garage. Today I will do some experimental packing of the TCs and other accessories; some of that stuff will need to go into a checked bag. I will be bringing three a1 bodies. <\/p>\n Today is Tuesday 4 July 2023. Happy birthday to the USA. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope that you too have a great day. <\/p>\n Please remember to use the B&H and Amazon links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT<\/a>. You will be amazed at how much you will learn! <\/p>\n 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 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 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.<\/p>\n This image was created on 21 January 2023 at Santee Lakes, San Diego, CA. Seated on the grass, I used the handheld Sony FE 200-600mm f\/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens<\/a> (at 437mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. <\/a>) The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1250. 1\/4000 second at f\/6.3 (wide-open) in Manual Mode. AWB at 3:40:13pm on a sunny afternoon. RawDigger<\/a> showed the exposure to be dead-solid perfect plus a bit. <\/p>\n 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. <\/p>\nWhat’s Up?<\/h3>\n
\n
\n \n \n \n Image #1: Wood Duck drake — displaying or aggressive or curious?<\/strong><\/h2>\n