Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Jefferson Island: The Flying Spoonbills

Capturing birds in flight is not my strong suit, but I had plenty of practice this day. One thing I knew was to set my 100-400mm lens on Shooting Mode 2 (panning) and make sure Image Stabilization was enabled. Unfortunately, the IS button broke off last year and I can't seem to part with the lens to get it repaired. I had hoped it was still in the "on" position. Based on these photos it appears to be engaged, at least to a degree.



Although this one and the next are rather soft, I liked the wing spread.






Going on an impromptu fishing trip with my dad today and tomorrow. Will catch back up with everyone on Thursday!

39 comments:

Buttons Thoughts said...

Have fun fishing with your Dad that is the best. I love your take off shots incredible and love the colours. Hug B

you-wee because said...

Wow, looks like the 'Red Barons" of the US airforce... ;-)
You really took a lot of pictures during your last photo trip!
Uwe.

you-wee because said...
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eileeninmd said...

Beautiful flight shots!

Optimistic Existentialist said...

Great captures!! Every time I try to capture a bird in flight it turns out rather blurry :) Have fun on the impromptu fishing trip!!

Roan said...

I would say the lens is working properly. Amazing shots!

Author R. Mac Wheeler said...

Holy Moly Guacamole!!

Those shots!! The second one against the blue sky!!

(Why would you ever turn IS off? Does it slow down your shutter speed? Make shots grainier?)

The Cranky said...

These are all lyrical photographs Gail, but I must confess that I find #4 and #5 (the 'soft' ones) to be especially enchanting.
Have a wonderful time with your Dad!

Irma said...

These are beautiful pictures, Gail.
Photo 5 and 7 are totally awesome.
Greetings Irma

Anvilcloud said...

They all look plenty sharp enough to me.

Shug said...

What a wonderful Blessing to get to spend quality time with your dad! I know you have an exciting day ahead. First of all, the coloring on the roseate spoonbill is absolutely gorgeous! Second...the photos are outstanding!! You captured some really great pictures.
Have fun today!

TexWisGirl said...

my gosh! just great shots! :) have fun fishing!

Karen said...

Awesome! Enjoy your fishing trip.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

They are gorgeous! I love their color!

Have fun on your fishing trip.

Anita Johnson said...

Wow! I'm sending this link to our neighbors. They are NOT birders. We went to Florida with them and toured the everglades. When we pointed out a spoonbill, they replied, "Oh right, next will come the forkbill"! Ha! They should appreciate these beautiful pictures!

nookworm said...

Your series is - AGAIN - marvelous. I like #7 the most, but ALL are beautiful.

Elizabeth Edwards said...

what a gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous bird. that pink - is that red too? could a bird be too colorful? i love the wingspan shots. so awesome!! ( :

Anonymous said...

Fabulous! Your blog also provides me with camera lessons.

Indrani said...

Wow! Fantastic!
You are a genius in photography of birds!

Ruth Hiebert said...

WOW! These are exceptional pictures.

Inspired By June said...

Stunning, Gail. Really. These are quite a wonderful collection! I love the "soft" ones, and that side shot of the one flying low in the frame is gorgeous!

Unknown said...

Oh my!! These photos are so amazing. Loving everyone of them my friend.

Hugs~

Brian King said...

Nicely done! They really stand out against the green trees and blue sky!

Hootin Anni said...

I love these Gail!

orchid0324 said...

OMG, what amazing pictures of wonderful pinkish birds flying(^_^)v
All Greek to me about the lens but pis are so fascinating♡♡♡
Have or HAD FUN with your father, how wonderful you can have such relationship with him.

BTW; Thanks for reminding me of the phrase "strong suit" p;)

Sending you lots of Love and Hugs from Japan to my friend in America, xoxo Miyako*

Anonymous said...

Awesome shots, Gail. Those outspread wings really show off the gorgeous color of these birds.

renae said...

hi Gail! Thanks for your sweet words of acknowledging that I am having a rough time with chemo 3. Ya I pretty much hate it. My Thursday post elaborates a bit of my feelings, too.

Hope you had a great time with your Dad again. That is so cool you get and want to do that with him. My Dad taught me how to catch my first fish. Man, was I never going to forget that story - and I haven't.

Betty Manousos said...

FANTASTIC flying shots my friend!
thanks for sharing such beauty!

big hugs~

Betty Manousos said...
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EG CameraGirl said...

It's not hard to figure out why they are called spoonbills. ;)

Debbie said...

Can anyone say pink?? I looked in the dictionary, I can't come up with anymore adjectives to do these pictures justice!!

I hope your dad let you sneak in some camera time!!

Pantherka said...

I love your pictures are very beautiful.

Wally Jones said...

Terrific captures, Gail!

The equipment and nice features are only as good as the photographer. In this case, phenomenal results!

Wally Jones said...

Terrific captures, Gail!

The equipment and nice features are only as good as the photographer. In this case, phenomenal results!

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

These birds looks a bit awkward, but what beautifully colored feathers they have and the in flight photos you captures did them and you proud, Gail. Hop you had a great fishing trip.

Barbara said...

Great job! They are so beautiful!

Anonymous said...

Simply stunning!

Kathy said...

How exhilarating it must be to see a flash of pink flying through the air!

Helma said...

Really great!
What a beautiful blog.
The spread wings of these pink spoonbills are beautiful to see! my compliments