I took a road trip from MN to the south east corner of TX in early March, prior to the migration. My timing was off by about a week, but this allowed for a near private experience for 5 continuous days of shooting. While I am nowhere done with my edits, I finally have a nice set of images worth sharing on this board.
For those who absolutely love bird photography, this are should be bucket-list destination.
What a fantastic collection Bruce! I'd say you had a very successful road trip indeed. You don't mess around when you go on a road trip.
I've never been in that area, is there certain locations or refuge that you would recommend?
Dave
RKnecht wrote:
Awesome set indeed. Like the others, I love that first shot. Incredible capture.
Thank you very much!
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Bobg657 wrote:
Really nicely done, I got a kick out of the owl!
Bob
The screech owl was a unexpected bonus... I was lucky to see her.
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mdees88 wrote:
Me too, I had to do a double take...
Thanks Bob... I'm a biology teacher, and this has already been used in class to discuss the advantages and genetics of crypts (the biological term for camouflage).
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stanparker wrote:
Fantastic series. Love that part of TX.
Thanks Stan... I hope to go back again.
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lighthound wrote:
What a fantastic collection Bruce! I'd say you had a very successful road trip indeed. You don't mess around when you go on a road trip.
I've never been in that area, is there certain locations or refuge that you would recommend?
Dave
Thanks Dave,
This area in South East TX is a well know region that is often considered a "bucket list" location for serious birders and bird photographers. While Galveston and South Padre Islands are great for shorebirds, herons, and spoonbills, the photo-wildlife ranches are designed for this type of photography.
I spent 5 days between Santa Clara and Laguna Seca. There is a fee for shooting on the property, but they are amazing locations. If serious wildlife photography is your passion, then these spots will fill your bucket.
bruce
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Great photos, Bruce! I got back from my own trip to southeast Texas recently after chatting with you about photo locations - I had some fabulous opportunities as well. I will try to post some of my own images when I have a chance to work through them.
gavin_emmons wrote:
Great photos, Bruce! I got back from my own trip to southeast Texas recently after chatting with you about photo locations - I had some fabulous opportunities as well. I will try to post some of my own images when I have a chance to work through them.
Gavin,
I hope you had as much fun as I did... I look forward to seeing your images.
I have many many more to process. It's a good thing I didn't have my Z9 (recently purchased) during the trip, as I'd probably have take 3 times as many pictures
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jwear2424 wrote:
All real good but the owl is ONE of those real captures
Thank you very much! I was lucky to see this little girl hiding in plain sight
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AGeoJO wrote:
These are jaw-dropping images, Bruce, especially the first one! And I almost didn’t see the owl . They earn my vote!
Joshua
Thank you Joshua and thanks for the vote... with nearly 20 years on FM, I've yet to be honored by "Thread of the Week"... I guess I can dream
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birdied wrote:
Magnificent set Bruce !
Thank you Roberta ... I think that you'd really love shooting in the South TX blinds. It is an amazing photography experience.
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BlueRidge wrote:
Wonderful set! I especially like the Cara Caras and the camouflaged owl is incredible. Well done!
What part of Texas? near a National or State Park?
These images were shot near Edinburg, TX. The location is a well known destination for serious wildlife (especially bird) photographers. There are a pair of ranches that cater to photographers and birders. 95% of the shooting is from blinds. There are a variety of landscapes, water features, and locations throughout the brush country in each ranch.
Look up Santa Clara Rand and Laguna Seca... I spent 3 days at the firs and 2 at the second.
I still have about 5000 pictures that I have yet to look at... let alone edit.
. They earn my vote!