Grab Bag from My Files

Posted on March 13, 2012 by birdquest2004

I’ve been chomping at the bit for spring to arrive, not only does it mean nicer weather, it also means migration will starting soon.  During these past few weeks I’ve been working on images from my files.  I have at least 10-15,000 to choose from.  I’ve experimented using Topaz Filters, Nik Software and Photomatix ….  all downloaded as trial’s (limited use for about 30 days).

It help to create, using B & W, HDR and Effects..keeps you occupied and helps to learn the use of Photoshop CS5, most people use only a fraction of the features.

 Thursday, I’m off to Kingston to photograph Owls on Wolfe Island, weather looks great, I can’t wait.

For now here’s a few images I have been working on, most are from a trip to Europe this past summer, the Skimmer from Georgia in December.

REMEMBER:  If you click on the image you can see a larger version

Healthwise all is well, I’ve lost 16 lbs and exercising daily…and going through heart rehab

Posted in Artistic | 1 Comment

King Eider

Posted on February 22, 2012 by birdquest2004

I finally posted a bird image for 2012….wow

I hadn’t been out since early December and it showed….lololol….I tried to adjust the focus point on the camera and had to look in the owners manual. 

I had wanted to go see this adult plumage King Eider, which was overwintering in the Welland Canal, near St. Catharines.  It was first reported back in December, I prayed it would stay put until I could get there.  I left Sunday and drove the 5 1/2 hours to St. Catharines, stopping along the way to visit some friends, I hadn’t seen in far too long.

Next morning I got up early, had breakfast and went in search of the Eider but I had forgotten, it was a long weekend.  Lots of people everywhere, with dogs, with kids, a few with binoculars and scopes, all walking along the trail.  Unfortunately this forced the birds to the other shoreline.  I knew without a telescope, the chance’s of finding the Eider, were going to be slim.

Luckily I met Ron Ridout (an avid birder photographer), whom I had met another time and we walked along scanning for the Eider…..Thanks Ron.  We found the Eider almost near the parking lot and spent the next 1/2 hour of so looking at this beauty, through the scope.

I took the image below using my D7000,new 300mm/F4 lens and a 1.4 teleconverter.   Extreme distance of at least 2-300 yards, maybe more….the bird was a speck but I managed to get very good detail…this is a sweet lens/camera combination.

My image won’t win any awards but a photo I did get….Bird 629 in the books

Posted in Birds | 1 Comment