Post your best bird shots!

[nvitalephotography]

Tell us a little bit about this shot! Were you in a blind for this? What lens were you using? Crop any? This is one of the better Red-shouldered Hawk pictures that I have ever seen. Very natural looking (woodsy background), but with a narrow enough depth of field that the hawk really pops!

On another note, I showed this picture to one of my friends who is a bird enthusiast and he immediately said, "looks like he was in S. Florida based on the vegetation."

Thanks!

Your friend is absolutely correct. This is in south Florida, which in itself makes getting close shots to wildlife like this easier than most other places.


I got this shot while driving a back road looking for wildlife. This hawk came and landed on a tree limb overhanging the edge of the road. So I just had to stop my car and get out.

shot with a 50d and 100-400mm lens @400mm 1/160th, f5.6 iso 500. Very minor crop and basic adjustments in post.

[Joel Eade]

Willett
1DX +500mm f4L IS USM + 1.4 TCII
Manual mode
ISO 3200
f/7.1
1/2000

[Jayson]

Finally captured a bird shot...

Ring-billed Gull during migration. They were eating some leftovers in the middle of the road. This one safely dodged a vehicle.

[Jayson]

Here is another.

[nvitalephotography]

I think this one is a Chuck-Will's Widow but its hard to tell for sure

5dii 100-400 @310mm 1/100th, f5.6 iso1000

[Busted Knuckles]

I think this one is a Chuck-Will's Widow but its hard to tell for sure

5dii 100-400 @310mm 1/100th, f5.6 iso1000

I am thinking it is an eastern whip or will - at least that is what we called it in Michigan when I was growing up. Lucky you - though I can often hear them - finding them is a whole different effort.

[Kayaker72]

I thought I was keeping up with this thread. Obviously not...brilliant photos on this page everyone!

[Joel Eade]

American Black Skimmer
1DX
700mm
Hand held
ISO 400
f/7.1
1/2500

[Dave Throgmartin]

Great image Joel.

Dave

[Joel Eade]

Great image Joel.

Dave

Thanks! Anyone that loves birds and bird photography should try to visit Ft. DeSoto in Florida at some point. Many species of shore birds are abundant and they tolerate people extraordinarily well. It is routine to approach the birds very closely if you take your time, get low and move slow. I was within 20 feet as I walked slowly past a group of about 100 of these Black Skimmers and Terns. This one flew in for a landing from behind me, I raised the camera and fired away while the rest of the flock didn't even flinch!