At this point I’m a little discouraged.
A trip to Bear River MBR yesterday morning wasn’t very productive. Many birds are becoming harder to find and it was one of those days when something always went wrong when I had a chance at photos that might stand out. I took quite a few shots but very few of them caught my eye.
I had more opportunities with Snowy Egrets than any other species. This one was swooping in to land amongst other egrets and I got several photos with its body and wings tipped toward me, which provided a good look at all of the bird’s dorsal surfaces. I like the white bird against the dark blue of the water.
I think it’s a pretty good photo but I have better.
As can be seen in this photo, some adult Snowy egrets, in addition to their “golden slippers”, have the same gold/yellow color along the back side of their tarsi. But during breeding season their legs are solidly black and their feet typically become more brightly colored, making their golden slippers stand out even more.
In previous posts I promised an update on my recent issues with photo gear.
- My problems with soft photos may or may not be completely resolved. After cleaning my lens, teleconverter and camera (including all 60 gold electrical contact points) and swapping one 1.4 teleconverter for another (I have two), I believe I’m getting significantly more sharp shots than I was before. More testing is required to confirm.
- The photos of the juvenile Cooper’s Hawk I ‘lost’ due to a malfunctioning memory card are probably toast. My friend Ray Taggart at Pixel’s Foto and Frame was able to retrieve the lost RAW files from my bad card but the retrieval process somehow corrupted the files so that they can’t be opened in any software program either of us has, including Photoshop. They’re still in Canon’s CR3 RAW file format but they simply refuse to open.
- Yes, I purchased a new CFexpress memory card. Except in an emergency, the old one is now officially retired.
So that’s where things stand at the moment. I need an attitude adjustment so I’m hoping that my next photo excursion provides more birds and properly functioning equipment.
Ron
I love those “golden slippers” on that Egret. It is a
stunning photo.
I think there is song about golden slippers.
I hope you can resolve your camera issues. Fingers crossed.
Take Care,
Kaye
“I think there is song about golden slippers.”
There is, Kaye. I’m hearing it in my head now.
Sigh. And hiss and spit. I hope today (and all future days) are better. Passing the emissions test is an excellent start.
Thanks, EC. I knew of no reason why it wouldn’t pass but my recent history made me wonder…
It is frustrating! I hope your future shots are sharper. I would still like to pick up another body either another R5 or a R7. I was hoping the R5 would drop in price more now the R5II is out.
I thought I would go to the refuge tomorrow morning. I need to pick up a flat of tomatoes to can for my mom in Brigham City.
April, why not get the new R5II? I was just at Pictureline and they’re going like hotcakes. I think he said that 90 of them came in and they’re already gone, with more spoken for.
wow, I better get one!
Acchhh! Technology problems are the worst. Any chance you can open them in Preview on the Macintosh? Not suitable for framing, but at least you could see them… Good luck.
And I love any photo of a Snowy Egret! Thanks.
Ellen, I “saw” them on the back of my camera screen before my card went wonky on me. At this point, if I can’t actually open and work with them, I’d prefer to not even see them again. Too painful.
Glad your truck passed the emissions test. And boy, did Judy’s comment evoke memories of checking for straight seams on stockings – my mom, all dressed up for a trip to the grocery store, turning to check😊
The Egret is beautiful!
And, echoing Michael, hope the RAW data can somehow be accessed.
Carolyon, I have strong memories of my mom doing the same thing. And, I think, trying to repair runs in those stockings.
Contact points, memory cards, and Snowy Egrets. Too technically challenged to know anything about contact points and memory cards, but love our Snowy Egrets. I have often corrected people here who think Great Egrets are Snowy Egrets because they have black legs. I explain to them that legs are black from wadding in black muck. Don’t worry about the legs – look at the beak. I’m always excited when I get to one of our lakes and see Snowy Egrets.
Everett, because of the size difference, I’ve never had trouble distinguishing Snowy Egrets from Great Egrets. The latter are called “Great” for good reason.
Stunning photo nonetheless.
Thanks, Kathryn.
The Egret has to keep the seams straight in their hose…… 😉 KNOW you’re old enough to remember THAT! 🙂 Beautiful bird. 🙂
Camera and card situation SUCK! Looking more like a trip to Canon. 🙁
Couple of Kingfishers screaming through the yard and up and down the creek the past couple of days – had wondered if they were going to show this year. Suspect they’re quiet/secretive when nesting and get noisy when everyone finally comes out in late August.
Thanks, Judy. I miss seeing and photographing kingfishers. They’ve been recent no-shows at my two favorite kingfisher locations.
Of course I’m “old enough” to remember those seams. I’m older than dirt.
Me too! 🙂
I was interested to see the seasonal gold striping on the backs of the egret’s tarsi– and the rest of the shot, also, by the way ! I hope for
something encouraging to happen for you today.
“I hope for something encouraging to happen for you today.”
That would be nice, Kris. Today I need to get new license tags for my pickup. The way things are going, it won’t pass the emissions test.
My pickup passed the emissions test. Maybe things are looking up.
Wonderful shot of a Snowy Egret. It is beautiful.
Know that I am rooting for you to get resolution (no pun intended) on your lens issue, and still hold out hope that those RAW files can be read.
Thanks, Michael. Pun intended or not, I enjoyed it.