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:

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

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

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

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

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  6. 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?)

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  7. 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!

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

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  9. They all look plenty sharp enough to me.

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  10. 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!

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

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  12. Awesome! Enjoy your fishing trip.

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  13. They are gorgeous! I love their color!

    Have fun on your fishing trip.

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  14. 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!

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

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  16. 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!! ( :

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  17. Fabulous! Your blog also provides me with camera lessons.

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

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  19. WOW! These are exceptional pictures.

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  20. 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!

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

    Hugs~

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

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  23. 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*

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

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  25. 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.

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

    big hugs~

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

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  29. 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!!

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  30. I love your pictures are very beautiful.

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  31. Terrific captures, Gail!

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

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  32. Terrific captures, Gail!

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

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  33. 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.

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  34. Great job! They are so beautiful!

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  35. Simply stunning!

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

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

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