I am new to birding and have had minimal success get close and clear shots.
Egrets are skittish about being approached.
I managed to stalk this Egret and get within 25 feet.
After that, the bird was sort of OK with me being that close.
Egrets are both awkward & graceful looking birds.
OK, so it isn't a Bald Eagle
Dan, Nice set. I like 3 and 6 the best as they show the head and eye better than the other shots. I also like the water flying in those shots. Looks like the light was a bit of a problem. You might want to start numbering your shots so folks can comment easier. Steve W
Steve,
Took your suggestion on numbering.
Yes, the light was a problem in that the shoreline approach
eft me on the shadow side of the bird.
There are other areas in the wetlands that have better light,
but not good access
This is in the Alviso,CA wetlands.
There are also habitat in the Baylands refuge, near Palo Alto,CA
They are an exposure challenge also as their bright white
feathers are easy to get blown out.
I visit this site often as it is about 10 minutes from work,
so at lunchtime, I head there.
As I mentioned, they are nervous birds and have been
difficult to approach.
There are also some GBH, but fewer and they tend to stay in the nearby marsh.
Dan
These are nice and these birds can be a challenge because they are skittish and white. I think 6 is the best. It could be a bit better if you could have gotten down a little lower, maybe it was muddy and you in your work clothes, I understand. One other thing to try is maybe stop by before or after work when the light is softer. Just a suggestion. I like these, keep them coming.
Hi Dan
Glad to see you know what a lunch break is really for! The fastest way to see time go buy that is for sure.
You may find it easier to stay put and stay low once you learn some hangout spots of these. They then may stalk you and not be as skittish. Lessen your profile, arms tucked in legs closer together and whatever else minimizes your body. Less of a posing threat to them.
Tim has a good point in pursuing the softer light, makes the exposures less extreme. Also getting down lower will help the shot as mentioned and again lessen your profile to the bird. If using the 40d you could also watch the hightlight warning on the histogram if you have it set so you don't lose the highlights. I think you exposures look good, those are not easy. And I think you have a pretty good start here with these. Good light and luck on your next 'lunch'.
