
Group Silhouette

Fish basking in sun by the bridge
Most of the interesting birds including a Long Tailed Duck, Buffleheads, and Green Winged Teals were far out in the impoundments but visible by scope from the tower. However, as we walked, I did occasionally grab a shot or two with my camera.

Mute Swan touches down

Bumpy landing continues

Coot stretching

Shy goldfinch

Swans bonding
After the walk I continued to explore the refuge. If the light was at the right angle you could see strands of silk spun by spiders that are ballooning to new locations streaming off the cattails.

I met up with Alan and Cherrie Corey for a quick visit around the rest of the refuge. Along the path to Borden's Pond we encountered this Woodcock. It briefly flew down the path, landed, and pause for just a few moments before heding into the flooded woods along the river. It let us know our stealthy approach was not so stealthy as it proceeded to fly away further down stream.

Woodcock along trail to Borden's Pond

Woodcock fleeing back into the flooded woods
Along the way some of the plants caught my eye as their colors and shapes danced in the sunny day.

Backlight leaves

Lacy oak leaves

A new technique keeps the whole plant in focus

Golden head of seeds

Reflection of foliage in the river
For reading to the end of this post, you have been rewarded with my favorite photo of the day. One goal of this project was to become a better photographer. Having arrived at the right place at the right time, I took a moment to find the right angle and background for this photo. I selected just the right aperture to capture the spider, while rendering the background a pleasing blur. In the end the shot resembles what I saw in my mind's eye. I just love the way that this spider stands out against the neutral background.

Very nice photos, I love the Woodcock capture -- that's rare to get on "film". What is your "new technique" for keeping the entire plant in focus?
ReplyDeleteRobert, I used "Focus Stacking" which takes multiple photos in focus at different depths and combines them into one. Photoshop does a pretty good job of automating this.
ReplyDeleteCheck out this YouTube tutorial for an example. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiwHsbrMycA
Not liking spiders, I did like this photo.
ReplyDeleteLarry nice photos and really like the Blog. Plus you are now quoting me. NICE! Now we all have to work on becoming better birders. Keep up the good work and hope to see you at GMNWR soon.
ReplyDeleteTake care.
Shawn