This isn't just any random drab sparrow. It's the female Thick-billed (obviously) Longspur! Formerly known as the McCown's Longspur, the longspur name refers to the long claw on the hind toe of each foot.
I was lucky to catch this individual just before she migrated back north.
And here's the more colorful Chestnut-collared Longspur. Aptly named as always. This individual also migrated north shortly after this photo was taken.
Douglas L wrote:
Thank you Ronny! I can see you will not be able to resist getting the A1.
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Thank you Rich. I did get the 600mm GM, maybe I shouldn't have...Crazy to even think of spending that kind of money for birds..
Some shots from the dog walk this morning:
Hi Douglas,
Yikes, between the camera and the lens, that is a really large outlay of money. I can't see getting the lens anytime soon, especially with the performance of my 200-600 G as long as I can accept the DOF at f6.3 vs f4. Besides, as I mentioned somewhere on FM in December I purchased a new 2021 Subaru Outback which I have to finish paying for over time. Also closed up a storage facility that I had since 2008 which is saving me money. Maybe in the future I can save enough money for an A1 particularly at a good price or wait for and see the performance of the A7rV when it is released.
I may consider selling my Leica R 280mm f4 Apo-Telyt which has been sitting idle since I purchased the 100-400mm GM and the 200-600mm G. That would yield a substantial amount toward a camera.
Thank you very much, Ronny! And that image of Manne is just superb, Ronny! And your “kestrel” or you call it a small falcon, I believe is superb and the list goes on and on.
Gunzorro wrote:
So many great bird bird shots! Ronny, Douglas, Joshua, Kleesd, to name a few that stand out recently.
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A couple houses in Hoquiam.
a7R2, a7R4, Batis 18, Loxia 35, LR (No attempt at precise color matching -- quite different between the lenses/bodies.)
Thank you very much, Jim! I am enjoying house images from your neighborhood. Keep it up, buddy!
birdied wrote:
Stunning shot Joshua
Birdie
Douglas, you have been posting some wonderful work !!!
Birdie
I appreciate your kind compliment, Birdie and I am glad you like that image!
The jumping spider really jumped off my screen. That’s what I call 3D! Superb woodpecker image, too.
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This one is cross posted... Too bad the gorget is not colorful from this angle. A stacked extension tubes were used to get the magnification for virtually uncropped file.
Douglas L wrote:
You are so kind, Alfredo! I love your shots of the eagle and deer in snow! Christmas card material! I have been enjoying the beautiful American Southwest through your lenses. I must admit I haven't been to that part of the country much yet
Thank you so much Douglas! The landscape vistas in Utah were simply outstanding. I only scratched the surface. You should definitely plan a trip there and to Colorado.
Hopefully this was the last of the snow storms for the season but you never know. It sure made for a fun morning of shooting.
One more for tonight with the FE 100-400 GM. Snow has a big impact on how the landscape changes. What would have been a fairly busy scene can transform into something more cohesive and perhaps calming. Thanks as always.
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