During this time of year, American Avocets dot the waterways around Arizona. In Tucson and surrounding areas, they are more commonly seen during migration.
The shots today were taken at Cochise Lake at Willcox. Originally I went to find the Scaled Quail reported in the area. I did find them....by accident. But it was because I was trying to get clearer shots of the American Avocets. Some birds are tricky to capture perfectly in full sun. And with our bright blue Arizona skies, these birds can reflect some of that light causing the pic to blur. But not today.
The camera used is a Nikkon D5200 DSLR. The lens is the best kind as it can shoot long range or short range acting as two lens in one. No switching needed for the wildlife shots. It has a 28 to 300 mm lens range which will now allow me a fuller detailed pic. A camera hood was added to the lens to block out the sun. While I enjoy photography, I am now ready to push the limits and want that detail without any slight blur. You'll be seeing more of these shots coming up in future posts.
I had missed birding with Kathie and called her up one day to see if she was up for another birding trek. I don't have to twist her arm for trips like these:) It was a beautiful day as we circled Cochise Lake in Willcox.
I tried different angles with movement, etc. All the pics taken on this post today were used with the same lens!!! It comes highly recommended for any wildlife photographer as one can pull back for the glorious landscape shots or focusing tightly on a subject further away. Canon offers a lens similar to the Nikkon series and I'll be looking into that lens down the road.
In this last pic, we see American Avocets with two Lesser Yellowlegs. This lens is amazing and has converted me:) It's all about the lens with these cameras. And of course, the costs prove that:) More coming up.....
Posts
wow! those reflection shots are just wonderful!
ReplyDeleteChris, the avocets are beautiful birds. Great sighting and photos.
ReplyDeletePretty birds, nearly as nice-looking as our Pied Avocets ;) Glorious photo of the lake, what a beautiful day you had.
ReplyDeleteBirding with a friend is especially fun. Love your Avocets shots Chris.. nicely done!
ReplyDeleteWhat a completely cool bird! I love shots one and five.
ReplyDeleteWow Chris great shots! Such super birds...
ReplyDeleteYeah, the glass with the camera makes a big difference and a good camera really enhances it. I am using a Nikon D5100, so probably have a similar set as to what you used for these. Great shots and glad you got the SCQU as well!
ReplyDeleteYou certainly took some great shots with that lens. Seems there's always lens envy.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shots Chris - I would love a lens that covered all situations :)I can't bear the thought of lugging round a bag of lens so just take the one I think will be most suited to wherever I am going and then find I miss out on shots :(
ReplyDeleteWow, I've never seen such lovely birds!! Thank you for sharing)
ReplyDeleteI always like the "more coming up..."
ReplyDeleteWow, the Avocet in flight is awesome! We usually see them hunting/pecking in the water. I love your photo!
ReplyDeleteWell Chris... I always loved your photos but now I'll expect PERFECTION... ha ha Congrats on the new camera/lens. I'm a TAD jealous... HA HA ---I'm more than a TAD jealous!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos --love those reflections also.
Hugs,
Betsy
Looks like a nice lens, but its still the photographer who pushes the shutter release.
ReplyDeleteCheers and thanks for linking to WBW
Stewart M - Melbourne
Oh my what an extraordinary long beak it has, and well done with the new lens, isn't exciting when you can zoom in so close.
ReplyDeleteChris, what a fun trip. This was an exciting day with the bonus birds we saw at Texas Canyon! You and that camera work well together! I think it should be come a permanent accessory! ;-)
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