Primping Spoonbill
On High Island, Texas, exhausted birds stop to rest from their flight of hundreds of miles from South America. Many choose to go no farther, and build nests and...
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On High Island, Texas, exhausted birds stop to rest from their flight of hundreds of miles from South America. Many choose to go no farther, and build nests and raise their young only feet from where hungry alligators hope for mistakes or an untimely fall of a chick. The spoonbill turns from pink and white as a juvenile to this magnificently colored adult.
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Apr, 2019Views
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Peer Award
Outstanding Creativity
Absolute Masterpiece
Superb Composition
Magnificent Capture
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Behind The Lens
Location
High Island, TexasTime
MorningLighting
Early morning and late evening yield the best lighting, but sometimes you have to play it as it lays. You can't always choose the time you prefer, so be adaptable. Cloudy days are great for shooting white birds. If it's sunny, back off 1 or 2 stops so you don't blow out the details.Equipment
Sony mirrorless a7II. Tamron 150-600mm lens. Manfrotto tripodInspiration
In the spring, thousands of birds make a return migration from South America, flying hundreds of miles. High Island, its height due to its on a salt dome, is one of the first places the exhausted birds can rest. Many choose to stay and build nests there. People come from all over the world to see them at the sanctuary there. There are special platforms for photographers and birders to view them. You can see spoonbills,egrets, herons, and many other species to delight the eye.Editing
I cropped, de-noised, and gently increased the vibrance. I usually add a slight vignette to draw the eye to the subject.In my camera bag
Sony mirrorless, 150-600mm zoom and 70-300mm. Sometimes I carry macro lenses and macro lighting system if that's my priority. Cleaning clothes and extra batteries and memory cards.Feedback
Patience and advance planning. Birds start the day early, so you should, too. Learn their habits and be ready to kill time waiting for the right shot. Look around. The "right" shoot might be behind you!
