Monday, June 16, 2014

Jefferson Island: The Ibises

When Double D and I explored Jefferson Island nearly two weekends ago we were treated to a very active colony of ibises, spoonbills, and egrets. That day I took 706 photos--way out of the norm for me. During the hour-and-a-half drive back home I managed to delete 90 images that were obviously poor quality. Over the last days I've whittled it down to less than 300. Still, more deletion is necessary. I don't need 100 different photos of the spoonbill babies. Or do I?

I wasn't sure how I was going to show you my afternoon there, so I have decided to pick a handful or so of each bird species, and do it that way. These are the white ibises. The light and shadows were a challenge, but I'm overall happy with the set. Hope you enjoy!






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40 comments:

Andy said...

One of the good things about digital cameras is that you can take as many photos as you want. Judging by these ones you have a good eye for saving the best.

Hootin Anni said...

Wishing we had trees like this...the shadows and greenery makes for some marvelous images Gail!!

Well done. Of course, you know your photography is top notch without us telling you.

Optimistic Existentialist said...

Oh my gosh that picture where it has the crawfish is amazing!!!

Stewart M said...

Great pictures - really like the bird with the "mini-lobster" thing!

Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

Roan said...

They are beautiful birds. Love the shot with the crawfish and the last is amazing!

you-wee because said...

We only know ibises here in Europe from the zoo. On the one hand they are fascinationg birds, but in my humble opinion they are far away from being a beauty. Yes, yes, more or less there are no "ugly" animals (aside naked möle rats and olms perhaps), but compared to many other birds the ibises look really strange. Nevertheless: Like you I would have shot many, many (= too many) photos of this colony - and at the end the pleasure of photography ends and the work starts to sort them out.

I'm just working on the 1280 photos I took on the AUTOMATICA 2014 fair two weeks ago in Munich!

;-)

Enjoy a great week!

Uwe.

Kathy said...

You can never be too skinny or have too many photos!

Merisi said...

Fantastic pictures, what a joy to see!

Irma said...

What a great series of photographs of the White Ibises, Gail.
I love them all ferfect, very sharp and detail.
Greetings Irma

Author R. Mac Wheeler said...

my fav...the first...he posed so gor-jus

Close runner-up...catching the crayfish...what a shot!

Anvilcloud said...

Always good.

Deleting is also good. I am getting better at it.

TexWisGirl said...

holy cow! in their breeding brightness, they are SO striking! keep 'em coming!

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

Stunning shots Gail- I really like the top two- neat bird!

Anonymous said...

What fabulous shots of the ibis!

Karen said...

Wow, stunning shots Gail! I like the shadow and light play.

Debbie said...

these are just stunning gail!!! what a great group of images!!

i love all the greenery in the backgroud!!!

Debbie said...

background

Anonymous said...

Beautiful photos. Now I can show David what an Ibis looks like. Thanks

Evelyn S. said...

I think you handled the light and shadows beautifully..... fabulous backgrounds, too, for these amazing birds, Gail.

eileeninmd said...

Gail, what an awesome place for birding! Your ibis shots are awesome!

Wally Jones said...

Well, for me, the best image is your portrait of the crawdad. Although it is not shown in its normal environment resting on a bed of rice and bathed in hot sauce, it still stimulates the senses. Now, if that big white bird hadn't been in the way ---

:)

Wonderful series, Gail!!

hootnonny said...

Fabulous pics. One is sassing you, I see!

Pantherka said...

Wow, these are wonderful photos, great shots.

A Colorful World said...

Really beautiful photos!!! They are so close and clear, and the ibises are active in different ways. Love these shots!

Pia said...

Poor crawfish, but lucky bird an you! You got great shots!

Buttons Thoughts said...

Oh Gail incredible incredible. Hug B

LC said...

Narrowing down the choices among so many is one of the challenges of digital photography. Loved your ibis selections!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful shots, Gail!

Brian King said...

These are gorgeous! You have such awesome bird species down there!

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

They are only young once! Of course you need a hundred pictures :-)

orchid0324 said...

It is so pity that our ibis is now extinct animal... Oh, your pictures are so fascinating and makes me think that all the development for farming lose the food for them.
The shot he has crab (maybe) in his mouth with the reflection is GORGEOUS, Gail♡♡♡

Sending you lots of Love and Hugs from Japan, xoxo Miyako*

Ruth Hiebert said...

These pictures are amazing.I love the digital era,when I can shoot as much as I want to and then choose the best shots.

Shug said...

Knowing how great of a photographer you are, I know it was difficult to delete any of the photos. These are great as I'm sure the other
700+ were as well. Hoping someday you will do a shoot with frogs! Lol.
I truly do like frogs!
Have a great evening...

Willow said...

Aren't they fascinating.
Great share .

Linda said...

Wonderful photos! Better too many than too few.

Anonymous said...

WOW! Love the curved beak. It looks great. You have captured the bird very nice. The image of it in water looks beautiful!

Amy Burzese said...

Loving those red legs!

Unknown said...

Beautiful photos! I don't think it's possible to take too many photos.

Anonymous said...

"Look ma...it's Crawfish for dinner" LOL you get some of the best shots!

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Loving all the Jefferson ISland posts....what an amazing place.