I woke early as usual and made the 30 minute drive from Socorro, New Mexico to the Crane Pond. I arrived a bit late and rushed to set up so I only used my 500mm on tripod with gimbal head. To my suprise action started later than usual which was fine. I took the early morning light images and shot till a few minutes after sunrise and them drove back to Socorro to pick up my wife and head to White Sands NP. I'm still processing photos from White Sands and also have lots more to share from Bosque and Bernardo.
Comments and suggestions welcome,
Morris
1) Sandhill Crane breaking free from the ice
X-H2SXF500mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR lens500mmf/5.61/640s6400 ISO0.0 EV
2) It takes flight a minute or so later
X-H2SXF500mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR lens500mmf/5.61/240s6400 ISO0.0 EV
3) Where have you been all night?
X-H2SXF500mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR lens500mmf/5.61/680s6400 ISO+0.3 EV
4) Pair takes off after breaking free from the ice
X-H2SXF500mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR lens500mmf/5.61/900s6400 ISO+0.3 EV
5) First light flight
X-H2SXF500mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR lens500mmf/5.61/2000s6400 ISO0.0 EV
6) Another pair heads out
X-H2SXF500mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR lens500mmf/5.61/2500s6400 ISO0.0 EV
7) A flight as the sun reaches the pond
X-H2SXF500mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR lens500mmf/5.61/2400s6400 ISO0.0 EV
8) The frosty foliage begins to glow in the background
X-H2SXF500mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR lens500mmf/5.61/2200s3200 ISO0.0 EV
Morris, when I was a kid still learning to fly model planes, it was always when I pushed for "just one more flight" before we went home is when I'd crash and kick myself for pushing too hard and attempting to fly again when mentally exhausted.
With photography I have found the opposite to be true, that taking one more look or try on a shot I find is usually when the magic happens. Congrats on a great trip and sticking around to find a little bit more magic. Very nice set.