Knotty

Roseate Spoonbill

MINWR

MINWR
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May, 2014

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144

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Awards

Lucky 3 Award

Absolute Masterpiece

Exceptional Contrast

Outstanding Creativity

Superb Composition

Behind The Lens

Location

I took this image on The Merritt island National Wildlife Refuge, located in Central Florida. A lifelong resident, this is my favorite marsh bird. I have always been taken with their beauty, and I love to capture them in flight. I spend 4 days out of 5 on the refuge, and look forward to the migration visitors every year.

Time

I had taken a vacation day this April morning, and decided to run out to the refuge. After I gathered my spare battery and memory cards, I headed out, stopping for a cup of coffee on the way. I had seen some Spoonbills the evening before, and I wanted to see if I could find them this morning. I got to the refuge around 8, and I had found them by 9. :)

Lighting

The early morning sun gave me a wonderful soft brightness that I really wanted to convey in the image without blowing the highlights, something I always have to work at.

Equipment

I was proud of this image, because it was shot with my new Canon SL1, with the kit 250mm glass. Hand held is common with birds, and this is no exception. This is the smallest and lightest dslr right now, and it performs as well as the big boys. Easy to pack and carry, responsive, nice AF, what elese is there? When I got it, I didn't really know what to expect, but I love it. If you are looking for a travel or day camera, give this one a look.

Inspiration

This time of year, the refuge is swarming with everything that flies. My absolute favorite time of year. Imagine creeping your truck down a narrow dyke road for two or three miles, full of potholes, and mud. With the river on one side and a brackish water canal full of Garfish and alligators on the other side, it's easy to get lost in the salt marsh. Then you come to a clearing, and there they are. Maybe White Pelicans. Or Egrets and Herons. Or my beloved Spoonies. At that moment, you know the trip was worth the travel. Park the truck, and hop out. Find a tree big enough to "hide" me, and settle in. As they arrive and depart, I quietly do my best not to interfere with their daily goings-ons, and just shoot shoot shoot.

Editing

I did try to eliminate some of the noise during processing, and leveled it a bit. The basic crop and a bit of sharpening to bring out the eye. A touch of contrast and that was it. The eye is the most important part of the image to me; it says everything about the image.

In my camera bag

I usually travel light. Right now I am looking for a 400mm lens, but until I get that, the bag will only contain the two kit lenses. The 250mm and the timy 18-55. Great landscape lens.and with our sunsets, I would be amiss without it. I carry extra memory cards, along with glass cleaner and a couple of clean rags. How do I lose a lens cap? I don't know, so I keep a couple of spares. Living in Florida, we can't leave equipment in the vehicle for long, so I like my bag light enough so i can carry it as i hike the refuge. I usually spend 3 or 4 hours at a time out there, and I want to have what I need with me.

Feedback

I have found the birds move in the early mornings, and late afternoons. Getting to the refuge will take you through town, and then you are on primitive roads, and one lane; be prepared and willing to pull over with oncoming traffic. The roads are not well maintained, so I wouldn't bring the Mercedes out there. :) There are a few places that you can park and walk. Be mindful of the alligators and snakes as you walk. You will want to find a tree to stand by so you don't spook the birds. I try to squat or sit, minimizing my size. it may sound crazy, but it works. Let someone know where you are and when you plan on returning. The cell phone reception is poor at best in most places out there, and you dont want to break down out there if they dont know where you are. Carry insect repellent and water to drink. Then get ready to have a stellar day. Maybe I'll see ya out there. My name is Susan, and it will great to meet you.

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Knotty

Knotty

Roseate Spoonbill

MINWR

Behind The Lens

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