Paynes Prairie Birds (11)

[Dustin]

Not a bad morning of shooting. All of these were shot with the 70-300VR. The sandhills were on the scene, but too far out for 300mm.

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[mudfish]

Great pics! #11 had me fixated. What is that black thing?

[Evan]

Damn, those are some crisp shots. How do you avoid over-exposing the white birds against the darker backgrounds??? I can see every detail in their feathers. Are you spot-metering the birds or is the camera so advanced that it just "works out"?

[Dustin]

I almost always spot-meter. It's the only way to really ensure a correct exposure for the target. Even at that, white birds are very difficult, particularly in direct light. I usually take a meter reading on the bird and then bump the shutter speed higher a click. My camera (Nikon D80) is not known for having the best metering system. Through experience, I just get a feel for when the meter reading is correct and when it needs a little modification.

[Tree-Bone]

The Great Blue against the green really "pops".

[DaveR]

Great pics! #11 had me fixated. What is that black thing?

Looks like a juvie mudfish or catfish of some type.
Great pics Dustin.

[Dustin]

Thanks fellas . Not sure about the fish species. Looks like some kind of catfish or sucker.

[ettienne]

Neat photos. I need to get back out there to Paynes Prairie. Where do you go when you are there?

[Dustin]

These were shot on the La Chua Trail. It offers the easiest access to good birding territory. Cone Dike Trail is also good, particularly when the Prairie is wet, but that's a much longer walk.

[DonS]

When the wind blows & the temp drops kayaking is put on hold. I spend my time with art. With your permission I would like to sketch some of these birds. The action shots are rare & would be a challenge to my skills.I work in pastel or graphite.

[Hooked]

I should have skipped my trip to Miguel yesterday and taken the drive up to Payne's Prairie. We should plan a P-F photo outing!

[Dustin]

Don,
Feel free to use any of the pictures. Post up your sketches when you finish .