Droit devant!!!!!!
Tags: Abitibi Marie Roy Lagopède des Saules - Willow Ptarmigan
© All Rights Reserved
© All Rights Reserved
© All Rights Reserved
The unmistakable silhouettes of young American Flamingos backlit by the setting sun. I had heard the excited banter of other bird watchers and photographers about the flamingos being seen at Ding Darling NWR. Having never seen one in the wild, I was hopeful to add a photo or two of one before the end of our Florida trip. After lunch one day, the three of us (Jenni, Ziggy (of course!) and I) headed into the refuge. Seeing a bunch of vehicles by the side of the road, we pulled over. To my amazement, there were a dozen immature flamingos lounging in the water! Much to my chagrin, I did not have a long lens with me, only my 24-120. Note to self – ALWAYS carry a big lens when on Sanibel! I snapped a few documentation photos and decided to head back to where we were staying to grab a more suitable lens. Knowing that the round trip would take close to an hour, I was skeptical that the birds would still be there. Luckily, I was wrong! Still there! I grabbed my gear, hopped out of the car, got into position, looked through the viewfinder and, drat! Heat distortion. Since it was midday and I was shooting across water, there was the dreaded shimmer of heat waves in the frame. I snapped away hoping that at least a few of my images would be usable.
We stayed with them for a while and then took off. After dinner, I decided to go back alone (too many bugs for Jenni and Ziggy) hoping again they would still be there. They were, but this time they had shifted to the other side of the road. Now the birds were side lit, creating harsh shadows. I decided to walk down the road a short distance to put the setting sun directly behind the birds. I dialed back the exposure and changed my white balance to shade and started shooting. At last, some images I liked! At some point a loud noise spooked the flock and off they flew. They circled around and then headed off into the distance. They are really unmistakable in flight! That’s a hint, BTW!
Taken on Sanibel Island, Florida.
My sincere thanks to all who spend the time to view, like or comment on my photos. It is much appreciated!
© 2024 Craig Goettsch - All rights reserved. Any unauthorized use without permission is prohibited.
Tags: Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge Z9 Sanibel May 2024 800PF American Flamingo Animal avian Bird Florida nature Nikon Wading Bird Wild wildlife Silhouette
© All Rights Reserved
Efeu - Hedera helix
Sony Alpha 1 with FE 90mm F2.8 Macro
Tags: Natur Pflanzen ivy Efeu Hedera helix Blätter darktable leaf leaves Blatt ILCE-1 SEL90M28G bokeh