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Hello everyone! I recently got back from a weekend shooting at one of the best bird photography ranches in South Texas with 8 of my best buds! We've heard about all the good shooting there by all the big name pros, so one in our group took the initiative and contacted one of these places. Before we knew it, our tickets were bought and off we went.
Located in the Rio Grande Valley of southern Texas, nine miles west of McCook lies the Santa Clara Ranch. Owned and operated by Dr. Beto Gutierrez this 300 acre wildlife sanctuary is comprised entirely of virgin brush land. The Santa Clara Ranch is part of a growing group of land holdings owned by forward thinking landowners in the lower Rio Grande Valley who have realized the importance of creating and preserving natural habitat for wildlife over the past three decades. Their tireless efforts have resulted in the return of many native species to their lands, some of which are found nowhere else on earth. This has developed an increased interest in the area and its wildlife, as well as the opportunity to view an amazing amount of migratory song birds during their annual spring migration.
This type of photography is not for everyone. The birds and wildlife are drawn in by water-pools especially created in front of bunkers that provide the best possible photographic angle to thirsty critters that come in for water. It couldn't be easier! The opportunities of getting just about anything is so great, you'll not know what camera/lens to hold in your hand. Sometimes you'll not know what bird to shoot as there are so many that appear at once! I'm not gushing over this place because I got 7000 keepers. I truly enjoyed my stay, and enjoyed Hector Astorga (Ranch Manager) and Beto Gutierrez's company. They are good people who enjoy what they do and I highly recommend it to those who want shots like these.
Anyway, on with the show!
1. Here is the gang from NorCal, and one from SoCal. Some FMers, some lurkers, but all good folks I've come to call my good buds! (all the people pics were donated by Anhtuan - Thanks man!)
In order from left to right:
Anthony Whitmore (Ant-man), Mallardg500 (Phoo), Major K (Khai), lepane (Quang Pho), Lurker #1 (Tan Huynh), Lurker #2 (Hai Ta), Lurker #3 (Anhtuan Truong), yours truly (Conrad Tan) and lastly Anhthinh180 (Thinh Bui) http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7419/8719835632_22f68c58e4_o.jpg
40. We actually went a month too early! The weather was in the 80's and 90's, and the watering holes didn't see the action they will in June when it will be in the 100's! I hope to return then and try for more new species. I hope you enjoyed my little post! http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7394/8719830730_6eff6ac4a9_o.jpg
Looks like a fun time was had by all. With so many guys in one hot enclosed place I would have prayed for my sinuses to be clogged.
Many wonderful shots.
Eric
