It's getting too hot......

...for this Englishman and for the birds too! I figure the birds are leaving for cooler climates... or they don't like the smell of my burning skin! I was out this morning at the Riparian Preserve and Mother Nature was stoking the furnace in the Valley of the Sun! I still saw plenty of birds, but definitely fewer than on my first visit. Talking to some of the other photographers it appears that the Phoenix summers are pretty quiet for birds, so I think that for the next few months the bird photography will take a back seat and I will concentrate on expanding my experiences with some studio/indoor work.
Here are a selection of shots from today:

Little Egret (click to enlarge).














Great Blue Heron (click to enlarge).














American Avocet (click to enlarge).

Tres Rios 5.25.10

I tried a new place this morning, a place that is a lot closer than the Riparian Preserve. Unfortunately, it is a lot smaller and the photographic opportunities were a lot less. There was plenty of bird life, but the ponds were either overgrown or totally exposed. The other problem was that in order to have the sun behind me for the photography I had to walk past the ponds first - which meant that the more skittish birds were already on the wing when I was positioned properly. I did intend to wait for them to return, but the mosquitos were out in force - and although I was covered in anti-mozzie spray the little blighters do have a tendency to explore my ears and nose, which is very uncomfortable!!
Anyway, these were from today:

Black Crowned Night Heron (click to enlarge).




















Dragonfly (click to enlarge).


Tomorrow, if I wake up early enough, I will head out to the Riparian Reserve again.

New Gear Review

For the last couple of weeks I have been using a photographers vest instead of carrying a bag. I had heard mixed reviews of vests - it would seem that you either love them or hate them... and I love them!

Now I have an organised way to carry:
Spare camera batteries, spare flash batteries, flash, flash extender, memory cards, loupe viewer, spare end caps, snacks, field guide x 2, small pair of binoculars, notepad and pen. When I used the bag it would always become disorganised, the contents end up rolling around the inside and I can never find what I need. With the vest it is not a problem - everything has it's place and there is a place for everything.

The vest I use is actually a fly-fishing vest, but it is absolutely perfect for what I need - it can be bought here: Blackfoot River Vest

Another Early Start!

Oh my God... I don't think I can get up at 4am again this week. It is getting harder and harder! Today I was back at the Riparian Preserve for a short visit. Got a few pictures, but was yawning constantly and could not keep my concentration - that is what 3 hours sleep does for you!
Here are today's images:

Black-necked Stilt (click to enlarge).

Little Egret (click to enlarge).

American Avocet (click to enlarge).

Tomorrow I am going to have a long-overdue sleep in!

Gilbert Riparian Preserve 5.17.10

I took another early morning jaunt out to Gilbert this morning. This time I set off at 4am and arrived at 5.30 before most people got there. It was a good opportunity to take my gimbal head for a spin... I like it a lot, but I am going to have to practice with it as some of my distance shots came out a little on the soft side. I still managed plenty of satisfactory shots and I think that the preserve is fast becoming my favourite place. I am looking forward to seeing how the bird species vary month by month.

These are my personal faves from today:

Dragonfly (click to enlarge).

Great Blue Heron (click to enlarge).

Green Heron (click to enlarge).

White Chinese Goose (click to enlarge).

Riparian Institute 5.13.10

It seems like ages since I went out on a shoot! Today I decided to go somewhere new and a little farther away. About 60 miles from Buckeye is the Gilbert Riparian Preserve - maintained by the Riparian Institute (see their web page here), so at 5am this morning I was on the road for the 1 hour drive to this designated Arizona Important Bird Area. What a great experience!! The site comprises of an angling lake and 7 recharge ponds (which are specifically for wildlife) with some good walking paths linking them. I got to the ponds at 6.15 am (after taking a couple of wrong turns - bloody SatNav!!!) and was surprised to see quite a number of cars already in the parking lot. Walking into the preserve I could see the tell-tale signs of photographers already in place - lots of big lenses dotted around the banks of the water. Immediately on arrival I practically stepped on a Canada Goose... and the rest of the morning was just as fruitful. I was very careful not to disturb the other photographers who had set up before me, so I was happy to walk the trails and explore - noting the positions I will set up at on my next visit. I am sure that my next trip will yield some amazing results, but here is a selection from today:

Canada Goose (click to enlarge).





















Mallard Ducks (click to enlarge).

Black-necked Stilt (click to enlarge).





















Great Egret (click to enlarge).





















Great Blue Heron (click to enlarge).

Wildlife Photograhers Dream!

I was sent this video today and thought it was absolutely hilarious! All those long lenses pointed in the wrong direction and all that was needed was a wide angle lens and some awareness of what is around you!! I actually laughed out loud at the end when the deer poses for the photographer - very, very funny!