The Hour of the Star

The best lighting for photography can happen at sunrise and sunset.

And in those moments, it's important to have yourself stationed and ready for the shots.

My challenge in Arizona is getting okay shots in the afternoon.  This state is notorious for bright light and washing out pictures.

So the tricky challenge in photography is lighting and predicting animal behavior.

It's also being in the right spot at the right time for those rare and close up shots.

Tonight I would finally get up close and personal with the Canvasback.  I had spotted this bird for the first time in October but the birds were far off.

And sunrise along with a couple lovers throwing bread crumbs would make for an active and fun bird outing.

While these are all birds I've seen before, I get to observe them in a new light each time.

Observation allows for better prediction in movement. Patterns.  Understanding.  And sound recognition.

It has been tight to fit in lately but I find that if I have a spare hour, I plan wisely just so I can get in one hour....somewhere.

After all, had I not gone tonight, I may have missed out on these amazing closeups of the Canvasback in flight.  More tomorrow....

Warp Speed!

Great Blue Heron with the Catalina mountains in the background

I know people raise their eyebrows when I say that there are Herons in the desert but as you will see, we have many of them.  And for the first time, I've figured out some photography tricks with these beautiful birds.

Two Black Crowned Night Herons flying near a California Palm.

In these shots, you will see two Black Crowned Night Herons and a Great Blue Heron in flight.  The secret??  Before humans contaminate these watering holes with their loud voices and trash, you'll find these elusive creatures at the banks or shores around the manmade lakes.  But you have to go very early before they fly off to remote areas.  I'm also learning where those are as well:)

In fact, these birds took off because several people disturbed the area.  But for the first time I was able to capture them up close and personal and it was very special.

 I didn't want to crop too close up to the bird because the mountain views are breathtaking and demonstrate how large they truly are!

It pays to get up early.  Yes at times it's terrible and I'd like to sleep in but to be honest I know I'm missing a whole lot of action out in the field. And so it's a competition to beat the sun coming up and you have to move warp speed or you'll miss out.  A little coffee, a friend like Kathie, and walk.  It's a great way to start your day:)  More tomorrow as Kathie and I explore the Dark Side of birding....