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View Full Version : Coots, Moorhen and almost BIF

BigAl
Jun-09-2005, 03:31 AM
I went off to the local bird sanctuary to see what was on offer (and of course to practise with my 75-300mm and the monopod).

Redknobbed Coot
http://bigal-sa.smugmug.com/photos/24461891-O.jpg


Darn things chased away all the ducks...
http://bigal-sa.smugmug.com/photos/24461892-O.jpg


...but there was a baby around in spite of it being winter.
http://bigal-sa.smugmug.com/photos/24461893-O.jpg


Then there was a Moorhen (which wouldn't stand still)
http://bigal-sa.smugmug.com/photos/24461894-O.jpg


But I had to look for the egret (called Little Egret here)
http://bigal-sa.smugmug.com/photos/24461895-O.jpg


...and just to prove he's got two legs, an almost BIF
http://bigal-sa.smugmug.com/photos/24461896-O.jpg

They're not as sharp as I was hoping, but I need more practise at adjusting the monopod.

regards
alan
bfjr
Jun-09-2005, 05:36 AM
Nice detail in the first shot :thumb on the blk feathers
I like the last one as well, take offs and landings are cool shots I think :clap
jwear
Jun-09-2005, 05:42 AM
They're not as sharp as I was hoping, but I need more practise at adjusting the monopod. As told by everyone that shoots egrets :D as the words ev wb a s ect float in our head:rofl as Ben said the first shot is great :thumb and all the others are good very hard to shot them in or about to be in flight ducks are really good
Harryb
Jun-09-2005, 06:50 AM
Hey Alan,

Good shots especially the first and last shot. Those coots are hard to shoot because of the white bill and dark body. You handled thee xposure on the first shot perfectly. :clap
Dee
Jun-09-2005, 09:31 AM
a couple of years ago at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco.

I didn't know there were other varieties like the two you posted!

Good photos, those ducks and coots do move fast! I love the feet on the coots, don't know how they manage to swim without the webbed toes, but they get around just fine.
Steve Cavigliano
Jun-09-2005, 09:40 AM
Alan,

I agree with what the previous posters have written. Really nice work on the coots :thumb :thumb Also liked your snowy egret :clap Looks like you were just about to get a BIF butt shot.....lol Very nice exposures of some tough to expose birds :D

Steve
BigAl
Jun-09-2005, 10:16 PM
Nice detail in the first shot :thumb on the blk feathers
I like the last one as well, take offs and landings are cool shots I think :clap Thanks Ben. The take off was a total accident - just happened to have pressed the button at the right time (although I'm not supposed to say that :D).

regards
alan
BigAl
Jun-09-2005, 10:17 PM
They're not as sharp as I was hoping, but I need more practise at adjusting the monopod. As told by everyone that shoots egrets :D as the words ev wb a s ect float in our head:rofl as Ben said the first shot is great :thumb and all the others are good very hard to shot them in or about to be in flight ducks are really good
:rofl thanks Jeff.

regards
alan
BigAl
Jun-09-2005, 10:19 PM
Hey Alan,

Good shots especially the first and last shot. Those coots are hard to shoot because of the white bill and dark body. You handled thee xposure on the first shot perfectly. :clap
Thanks Harry - more like beginner's luck (even though I've passed the 1000 shot mark on my Canon!)

regards
alan
BigAl
Jun-09-2005, 10:32 PM
a couple of years ago at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco.

I didn't know there were other varieties like the two you posted!

Good photos, those ducks and coots do move fast! I love the feet on the coots, don't know how they manage to swim without the webbed toes, but they get around just fine. Thanks Dee. Don't worry, you're going to be seeing many more strange birds once I get into the field :wink

Dee, if you look at the coot's toes you'll see little flaps along each toe. These serve as webbing for the coot (and for crakes and rails). It's actually more efficient than full webs such as those of ducks and geese as the resistance is less on the return stroke.

regards
alan
BigAl
Jun-09-2005, 10:34 PM
Alan,

I agree with what the previous posters have written. Really nice work on the coots :thumb :thumb Also liked your snowy egret :clap Looks like you were just about to get a BIF butt shot.....lol Very nice exposures of some tough to expose birds :D

Steve
Thanks Steve. I got quite a few coot butt shots yesterday. They kept diving as I took the pic :rolleyes

regards
alan
Ric Grupe
Jun-10-2005, 06:46 AM
Very cool. :thumb

Wonder how the expression "old coot" was derived? :scratch

Wait...I just looked at MY feet!!! I think I get it now.:D
BigAl
Jun-10-2005, 08:46 PM
Very cool. :thumb

Wonder how the expression "old coot" was derived? :scratch

Wait...I just looked at MY feet!!! I think I get it now.:D
Ric :rofl

Thanks for looking
regards

alan