Spring Training
The weather here lately, though quite changeable, has seemed more like late April than mid-March. It has 'felt' like spring, and as though there should be more wildlife around. Actually that won't happen for weeks yet.
I've always been envious of the shooters who get such marvelous warbler migration photos; I've never managed to get many satisfactory ones myself. Two factors apply.
First, some serious birders shoot from blinds, with tripods, aimed at fixed perching locations. I don't do that, so don't expect to be able to match those images.
Second, many of the same serious shooters use huge prime lenses...some of which cost enough to buy a very nice late model car. I cannot match that either. However, this year I have the best gear I've ever had for trying to capture the migrating birds up in the trees. I have the longest prime focal length I've ever owned, and a camera which seems to be excellent at capturing stationary subjects.
It is surprisingly different from all of the gear I've used over the last decade and a half, so the limiting feature right now is located behind the viewfinder. I'm using these early warm days to become familiar, and comfortable with the unfamiliar functioning of the new camera.
Going into the woods yesterday, I spent time stalking and trying to photograph such small birds as were in the area. Now that the Robins have returned, they give good opportunities, as they are not particularly skittish, are willing to perch in low branches, and have a very familiar call.
I want to satisfy myself that when / if I get opportunities during the late April / early May small bird migration, I can use the camera competently, and perhaps manage to get some decent portrait shots,.
(Last year, for whatever reason, I missed the migration completely. Those small birds...mostly warblers...are here for only a short time. If the weather in bad, or if one doesn't go into the woods on the right day, all is over for that season. I'll make every effort to be there this year, well-geared up and hopeful.
Spring Training
The weather here lately, though quite changeable, has seemed more like late April than mid-March. It has 'felt' like spring, and as though there should be more wildlife around. Actually that won't happen for weeks yet.
I've always been envious of the shooters who get such marvelous warbler migration photos; I've never managed to get many satisfactory ones myself. Two factors apply.
First, some serious birders shoot from blinds, with tripods, aimed at fixed perching locations. I don't do that, so don't expect to be able to match those images.
Second, many of the same serious shooters use huge prime lenses...some of which cost enough to buy a very nice late model car. I cannot match that either. However, this year I have the best gear I've ever had for trying to capture the migrating birds up in the trees. I have the longest prime focal length I've ever owned, and a camera which seems to be excellent at capturing stationary subjects.
It is surprisingly different from all of the gear I've used over the last decade and a half, so the limiting feature right now is located behind the viewfinder. I'm using these early warm days to become familiar, and comfortable with the unfamiliar functioning of the new camera.
Going into the woods yesterday, I spent time stalking and trying to photograph such small birds as were in the area. Now that the Robins have returned, they give good opportunities, as they are not particularly skittish, are willing to perch in low branches, and have a very familiar call.
I want to satisfy myself that when / if I get opportunities during the late April / early May small bird migration, I can use the camera competently, and perhaps manage to get some decent portrait shots,.
(Last year, for whatever reason, I missed the migration completely. Those small birds...mostly warblers...are here for only a short time. If the weather in bad, or if one doesn't go into the woods on the right day, all is over for that season. I'll make every effort to be there this year, well-geared up and hopeful.