It rained for our last two days in Corpus Christi and it rained all the way as we drove down to South Padre Island. When we arrived at the Convention Center on Monday (I think) afternoon, the liquid rain stopped and it began raining birds — we found ourselves in the middle of a huge fallout. There were dozens of thrushes on the ground and hundreds of songbirds in the trees and bushes — orioles, vireos, tanagers, buntings, grosbeaks, and more. We had some good chances over the next few days but songbird photography is a huge challenge. More on that coming. In. late afternoon we arrived at the private ranch in Roma, TX where I used to bring groups. We put out oranges and peanut butter at the morning blind and turned on the water feature. <\/p>\n
Today is Friday 24 April 2026. We checked the morning blind several times but there were no birds at all \ud83d\ude41 Making a late start, we headed to Saline\u00f1o NWR to try to save the day. Whatever you opt to do, I hope that you too choose to have fun and enjoy life. Please remember that happiness is a choice — Byron Katie, The Work.Com<\/a> <\/p>\n If an item \u2014 a Delkin flash card or reader<\/a>, a Levered-clamp FlexShooter Pro<\/a>, or a Wimberley lens plate <\/a> or low foot<\/a> — 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. <\/p>\n Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BirdPhotographer’s.Net<\/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>\nngg_shortcode_0_placeholder\n To ensure that I get credit for your B&H purchases, you can always click here.<\/a> The tracking is invisible. Using my affiliate links is greatly appreciated. And, with B&H, 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 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 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. Using either my affiliate links is greatly appreciated and will often earn you free guides or discounts. To receive a free guide or free entry into a Sony Set-up and Info Notes e-Mail group, you need to shoot me your receipt via e-mail. The B&H receipts need to include the order number. <\/p>\n Folks who have fallen in love with Bedfords can always 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 when your product ships. 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 prior purchases.<\/p>\n You can 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 This image was created on 20 April by yours truly at the South Padre Island Convention Center. Standing at full height, I used the handheld Sony FE 300mm f\/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E)<\/a> with the Sony FE 2x Teleconverter<\/a> and the Latest Greatest Sony Flagship Body, the a1 II Mirrorless Camera<\/a>. Exposure determined via Zebras with ISO on the Thumb Wheel. ISO 3200: 1\/250 sec. at f\/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger<\/a> showed that the raw file brightness was more than 1 1\/2 stops too dark. AWB at 7:42:21pm in the total shade.<\/p>\n Tracking: Zone\/AF-C with Bird Eye\/Face Detection enabled performed perfectly.<\/p>\nGear Questions and Advice<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\n \n \n \n Image #1: Ruby-throated Hummingbird female with tail spread
\nImage copyright 2025 Arthur Morris\/BIRDS AS ART