Which of today’s two featured crane colt images is the strongest? Why did you make your choice? <\/p>\n
On Wednesday morning there were several vultures chowing down on the skinless carcass of a very large, very dead eel. They were soon joined by a young Crested Caracara. I created more than 5500 images; Anita made about twice that many. Our favorites were of the occasional squabbles between the Turkey Vultures and the caracara. Occasionally, the small pier family colts wandered by to have their photos taken. <\/p>\n
On Thursday morning I put out a Mottled Duck carcass that I found last week on the pier after it had been beheaded by one of the local Bald Eagles. I defrosted it on Wednesday afternoon. While waiting for the action to develop, we photographed two families of baby cranes by the South Canal. Later on, one of the families made its way to the pier and obliged us by feeding in the shallows along the edge of the lake. Then the vultures came to feast; the caracara never showed its face. Vulture pix here soon. <\/p>\n
Both mornings were virtually without a breath of air. <\/p>\n
Today is Friday 25 April 2025. Anita and I have scheduled four morning pontoon boat trips on Lake Blue Cypress beginning this morning so we will be up early. Another of my top former students, Clemens Van der Werf, will be joining us for at least the first morning. Whatever you opt to do, I hope that you too choose to have a wonderful and productive day. Do remember that happiness is a choice — Byron Katie, The Work.Com<\/a>. <\/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 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) or in San Diego for Pacific-race Brown Pelicans and more (JAN 6 to FEB 2, 2026), please e-mail<\/a> for dates, rates, terms, and additional information. Or shoot me a text to 863-221-2372. Both offerings include options for shared AirBnB lodging and ground transportation during your stay.<\/p>\n I am currently available for morning BAA Baby Crane In-the-Field sessions on the following dates: April 29-30 and at least the first half of May. Please e-mail<\/a> for costs and additional information. Or, shoot me a text to 863-221-2372. <\/p>\nngg_shortcode_0_placeholder\n Bild Expo is back! Join us at The Javits Center in New York City for an unforgettable event featuring 100+ expert speakers, 250+ exhibitors, hands-on experiences, and the world\u2019s greatest creative community. B&H\u2019s incredible show specials will be the icing on the cake! Whether you\u2019re a seasoned pro, an enthusiast, or a beginner, at Bild you will get inspired, learn, meet like-minded people, and celebrate being part of this amazing world of creativity.<\/p>\n Click here<\/a> or on the logo link above for more information.<\/p>\n Click here<\/a> to register.<\/p>\n To ensure that I get credit for your B&H purchases, you can always click here.<\/a> The tracking is invisible but greatly appreciated. And, 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! <\/p>\n Click here<\/a> 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. Either is greatly appreciated by yours truly. <\/p>\n 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 <\/em><\/strong> or begin their searches with this link<\/a>, they are always disappointed. If in doubt, please contact me via e-mail<\/a> and request a BH link. I am always glad to help and to guide you to the right gear.<\/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, prior purchases.<\/p>\n Visit the Bedfords website here<\/a>, shoot Steve Elkins an e-mail<\/a>, or text him on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592. <\/p>\n Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN<\/a>, 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.<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n This image was created on 24 April 2025 right down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Seated on the sand beach left of the pier with my eye at the viewfinder, I used the hand held Sony FE 70-200mm f\/2.8 GM OSS II Lens<\/a> (at 152mm) and The Latest Greatest Sony Flagship Body, the a1 II Mirrorless Camera<\/a>. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel — ISO 500: 1\/3200 second at f\/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger<\/a> showed that the exposure was dead solid perfect. AWB at 7:38:58am on a still, sunny morning. <\/p>\n Wide\/AF-C with Bird-Eye\/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the larger, inexplicably sharper high-res version.<\/p>\nDon’t Just Shoot: Learn<\/h3>\n
Indian Lake Estates BAA Baby Crane In-the-Field Sessions<\/h3>\n
BILD EXPO Presented by B&H<\/h3>\n
Why Attend? Speakers, Gear, Deals, and More!<\/strong><\/h2>\n
B&H Simplified<\/h3>\n
Bedfords Simplified<\/h3>\n
B&H<\/h3>\n
Bedfords Amazing BAA Discount Policy <\/h3>\n
Gear Questions and Advice<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\n \n \n \n Image #1: Sandhill Crane small colt high stepping
\nImage copyright 2025: Arthur Morris\/BIRDS AS ART