Dream Tomorrow, Live Today, Cherish Yesterday

On the Wing

Canon 5D Mark II, 70-300mm, f/5.6, 1/1250, iso 200

Such an exotic bird. I wish they weren't so camera shy though. Without an incredibly long lens it's hard to get a nice frontal shot.

Getting my ducks in a row

Canon 5D Mark II, 70-300mm, f/6.3, 1/500, iso 1250

Almost a year ago to the day, I was in contact with the then owners of our Washington home as they were moving out. In nearly every email, Paul mentioned how much I would be enjoying the migratory waterfowl that spent time here each spring.

Last night the tide was in and these gorgeous birdies were catching the evening sun on our "big rock." It's too bad they are so skittish, I wish I could get down to the beach and get more of a frontal shot. But this way we can see the amazing plumage.

Okay, one of you birders, chime in and tell us the species!

Morning's Sweet Nectar

Sony Nex-7, 18-200mm, f/6.3, 1/320, iso 125

Although not easy to catch (with your camera), it's a joy when you can.

Up Close and Personal

Sony Nex-7, 18-200mm, F/6.3, 1/500, iso 100

I think if you are a small varmint, this is what imminent trouble looks like.

Morning Refreshment

Sony Nex-7, 18-200, f/6.3, 1/320, iso 125

We stayed with relatives last week in Palm Springs. You know the place, sunny and warm every day in the Winter, right?

They have bird feeders in the backyard, which gave me plenty of opportunity to try out my new camera - the Sony Nex-7. I got this camera mainly as a casual travel partner. Not heavy/bulky like the Canon gear, not expensive like the Leica. It was "camera of the year" last year due to technical specs and some cool handling features. I planned on taking it along on major photo trips with the Leica.

Like others, I have found the autofocus pretty worthless sometimes. Manually focusing it is a pain. But sometimes it just works, like here.

 

Moment of Truth

Leica M9, 90mm F/2.8, f/13, 1/350, iso 160

After falling through the sky for a little over a second, it is the moment of truth for our friendly pelican. I like the other guy here too "I'll just back up for you while you get breakfast, Ernie."

Decision Point

Leica M9, 90mm F/2.8, f/14, 1/350, iso 160

Okay, after a 3 day snow break, let us get back to our Ixtapa pelicans, shall we?

After the "incoming shot" (four days ago) I was treated to quite an aerial ballet. The pelicans are very clever, they fly in a coordinated circular pattern, all going the same direction, as to avoid crashing into each other all the time.

When one spots a meal, he or she just pulls up, i.e. stops flying, and let's gravity do the rest. Decision point!

Incoming

Leica M9, 90mm F/2.8, f/11, 1/500, iso 160

From our deck in Ixtapa, we had a 180 degree view of the beach and ocean. At the south end, on one of the first mornings I saw a large grouping of pelicans, in kind of a feeding frenzy. Obviously and area where their primary target conglomerate.

I kind of figured it would happen every day in the morning. And then for the rest of the trip, they never gathered there. Pelicans being one of my favorites, I was really dissappointed.

On our last morning we walked down to that end of the beach. There were a few pretty white birds that I shot (you know, with my camera). Beautiful clear light of the morning. I was thinking I would be going home without any pelican shots.

That's when this happened...

Signs & Resolutions

Canon 5D Mark II, 70-300mm, f/5.6, 1/30, iso 2000

When I saw this image on my screen and started processing it, on New Years Eve, I thought maybe my resolution should be to make more images like my blog buddy Diane Varner. I have mentioned many times my reverence for her image making skills. I like the work of many photographers, but she is one of my top favorites.

And every once in a while I have an image that I feel is in her signature style. I like to call it "channelling Diane." If you'd like to read the back story on today's image, click on the Continue link below.

I Have Your Back

Canon 5D Mark II, 70-300mm, f/5.6, 1/5000, iso 1600

Saw this little scene on my walk yesterday and thought it was kind of cute. These birds congregate on the remnants of an old pier. But this pair needed a bit of "alone time" it seems.

(BTW, no reason for the high iso, other than I just grabbed my camera and went. This was the first image I shot, so the settings were "leftover.")