A Much Needed Upgrade

Violet-crowned Hummingbird

As the birder inside of me has grown, so has the need for better pictures.  When you get your first camera, you think, "WOW!  How can it get any better than this?"  Then a better lens comes along......

Broad-billed Hummingbird

......or your eyes start searching for the details that are missing in your pics.  Last year around November, Nikon came out with their new 200-500 mm lens.  Word on the trails was that it was an awesome lens for a good price. The problem? The lens was on back order because it was so popular. 

There isn't anything more exciting than finding something rare and special out on the trails.  The feeling is only heightened when I am able to capture the bird feeding or doing something interesting.  The problem?  My camera wasn't capturing what I was observing anymore. All the cool behavioral stuff came out blurred.

Since Las Aventuras began 6 years ago, I have upgraded my camera gear 5 times.  I found myself taking landscape shots with my phone instead of using my camera. However, I did use the lens for close"r" bird photos. 

My former operation was a Nikon 70-300 mm lens.  And I will admit that I have had to be stealthier to get closer to my birds.  This has helped me now with my newer lens which extends my power to 200 mm more!!!  And that is a game changer!

Verdin

During our Mexico trip, Gordon graciously let me try out the lens.  It is heavy and akin to lifting weights, but nothing my harness can't handle:)  When I snapped the lens onto my base, I instantly saw the quality of image increase. My eyes have to get used to tracking birds in flight with the new lens, but it takes time and practice.  Something I'm more than willing to do for a quality image.

All the photography rules still apply.  Better pics happen with the sun behind your back.  I now have to be careful about hitting others with the lens. People stop.  People look.  And people comment.  I honestly don't like the attention because I'm out there to find birds who generally don't like being around talking people.  While filming the Violet-crowned Hummingbird featured in today's post, I accidentally smacked my Canadian friend in the head. I heard her whisper, "Okay Rohrer..." I had a good chuckle.  Hey! It takes time to get used to the new weight and extension on the camera:)

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Some of the hardest birds are the red ones.  When I bought the lens, they were the first ones I went after:) And the tests began!  The bright sun on a Vermilion Flycatcher or Northern Cardinal can make these birds "flare" and blur in the pic.  But this lens did a great job toning it down:)

Vermilion Flycatcher

As for the smaller birds?  Excellent.  I caught this really cool Orange-crowned Warbler taking a bath in a stream.  I was at a distance and did not distract the warbler in the activity.  This is what I'm most excited about presenting to you all now on this blog.  You'll be able to "observe" with me some of the really cool behaviors I see out in the field but can never capture properly.

Orange-crowned Warbler

The detail is everything. 

Arizona Woodpecker

For now, this lens has reanimated my work out in the field.  I love the work by National Geographic and strive to be that good.  Maybe I'll never make their ranks, but I will certainly try. The one thing I DO know.  Birds. 

Next week, we investigate a botanical garden in LA for some fun exotics and cross the ocean to search for a rare(for the US) Spotted Dove.

Bridled Titmouse

For now, I'll be taking part in the annual Hawk Watch in Tubac:)  Lots of fun starting up with migration.  Until next time....

Broad-billed Hummingbird