Green Herons and more

[Alex Paul]

Shot these this morning in between the rain storms.... I hope you find something you like... Take care.....Alex

The Green Herons
http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n119/AlexPaul_2006/birds5Jan070633.jpg

http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n119/AlexPaul_2006/birds5Jan070722.jpg

http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n119/AlexPaul_2006/birds5Jan071042.jpg

A Mocker in this mornings rain
http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n119/AlexPaul_2006/birds4Jan070871.jpg

Sora
http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n119/AlexPaul_2006/birds5Jan070161.jpg

[downywp]

More beauties, love the Green Heron and Sora, they are both very shy in my area but you don't seem to have any trouble getting clean shots at them :)

[Alex Paul]

Thanks alot Downy!! This is the first time I have seen a Sora.... It did keep an eye on me but didn't seem overly concerned..... The Herons on the other hand ;).... They do have their moods :D :D... Usually nasty :D..... Thanks again..... I appreciate it...Alex

[Howler-Cat]

I just love the #2 shot of the Green Heron. Crystal!
Good job Alex

[dpastern]

Alex - that #3 shot is simply superb as far as I'm concerned. The pose, look, exposure is all excellent.

Dave

[Alex Paul]

Hi Binh....... Thank you very much..... I appreciate it..... Take care....Alex

[Alex Paul]

Hi there Dave :D :D..... Good to see you.... I have had a broken shoulder and so no macro stuff until healed..... I miss you guys.... Anyway.... Thanks a lot brother.... I appreciate the look see and for the nice comment.... Hey shooting birds is no walk in the park :D :D..... Take care man..... Thanks again......Alex

[dpastern]

Hi there Dave :D :D..... Good to see you.... I have had a broken shoulder and so no macro stuff until healed..... I miss you guys.... Anyway.... Thanks a lot brother.... I appreciate the look see and for the nice comment.... Hey shooting birds is no walk in the park :D :D..... Take care man..... Thanks again......Alex

[OT] Broken shoulder is no good, hope it heals cleanly, and fast. I haven't been in the macro section too much, flash is busted, offshoe adaptor broke (crappy Canon QA if you ask me) and busted a filter which scratched the front lens element of the Sigma 150mm (only a 2mm scratch, doesn't seem to have affected image quality).

I know bird photography isn't a walk in the park, it's interested me for a long time, I'm just too lazy to go out and get bird shots (not having a car doesn't help). I need to refine my technique though, even using a monopod and fast shutter speeds I get camera shake :(

Dave

PS Did you get any good shots of Comet McNaught? Nabbed a shot the other night, but pretty crappy...still, my first comet image...got some shots from Comet Huyakatake somewhere on slide, but never got them developed, probably the emulsion is crap by now...

[TenaCJed]

Very nice series, I really like the 2nd shot. Good pose and colors on that one.

[Reyno]

Very nice series Alex. 1, 2, & 4 are just fantastic images.

[cfcRebel]

Great series Alex! I like them all but #1 is my favorite. The dark bg really makes the subject pop.
The color of the Sora image looks a little cool (blue'ish). Perhaps a little temperature adjustment in pp would help.

[Alex Paul]

Hi Dave.....Wow!! Sorry to hear about the gear damage... I am hoping to have surgery next week for the shoulder reapir... Haven't had the astro imaging stuff out either since getting hurt.... I am bummed as I want to get some good images of the Comet..... Oh well that's life... Take care brother..... Hopefully be back at the macro forum again shortly... Thanks again Dave......Alex

[Alex Paul]

Thanks for the look see John, and I really appreciate the response.... Take care....Alex

[Alex Paul]

Thank you very much Reyno..... I will consider these keepers with that endorsement!!! :D... Thanks again... I really appreciate your input.....Alex

[Alex Paul]

Hi Fee... I have had several comments to that effect... The water is very shallow, and has a bright muddy bottom..... With no direct sunlight bleaching out the reflection of the blue sky it does create a blue reflection and it stands out on the more reflective spots in the frame.... I spent a lot of time comparing the original shots to the processed shots and they are exactly alike... I took shots during that series with the sun shining in on the same areas and the blue reflection is gone.... I appreciate what you are saying... I think because it did naturally occur and wasn't some fudge up on my part in processing I will just leave them be.... I am glad for your feedback on these and I am glad you like them..... Take care Fee......Alex

[seanm]

Beauties Alex. I move to the caribbean in 2008 (Antigua) and I can't wait to venture out and do some damage with my 500, every damn day! :). Your photos help me look forward to that. Well done.

[pttenn]

All are nice, the second green heron is outstanding but the wet mockingbird is my favorite. How did you stay dry?
Karen

[pttenn]

Beauties Alex. I move to the caribbean in 2008 (Antigua) and I can't wait to venture out and do some damage with my 500, every damn day! :). Your photos help me look forward to that. Well done.


Lucky you! Moving to the caribbean! A dream come true, lots of beautiful birds there also!
Karen

[Alex Paul]

Hey Seany: Congratulations on getting to Island living.... You will have loads of fun with that 500..... There are very few days with regrets for my decision and many days thankful that I made the move...... Take care..... I look forward to seeing what great birds you encounter there....Alex

Hey I have a life long pal living there.... I understand he started a radio station on the island.. Michael Ward.... Remember the name and if you come across he, and his wife you are in for a great time.... Maybe we should all do brunch..... Hey.... When you get there email me and I'll have my people get a hold of your people and Mikes people and all us people will have fun :D :D.....See ya

[Alex Paul]

Thanks a lot Karen :D.... I shot the Mockingbird standing in my kitchen..... Who says living in the Caribbean sucks ;) ??? Certainly wasn't me..:D..... I really appreciate the nice feedback Karen.... Take care.....Alex

[CyberDyneSystems]

I'm loving the first Heron shot,. the whole sum of it's parts is wonderful

[Alex Paul]

Hi Jake :D..... Thanks man....It really was one of those lucky light moments... I'm pleased you like the shot.... I consider myself fortunate to be here in the Bahamas with so many chances at getting a keeper now and then.... I defected from New England 11 years ago..... Take care Jake..... Thanks again... I appreciate it.....Alex

[Sindri Skulason]

Excellent shots. Well done indeed. :-)

[Alex Paul]

Hi Sindri :)..... Thank you !! :D I appreciate it ...... Take care......Alex

[Stephen Stephen]

Very nice captures Alex. It looks a lot warmer where you are then it is here right now.

[kr88]

Very nicely done Alex. I love the shots of the Green Heron, nice comp and the exposure looks great. :)

[dazzlebea]

Huh??? I thought I had replied to this thread. Maybe on FM???

Anyway, this is a great series with the second shot being my favorite.

[Mr. E]

Hey, real nice job on those shots. I love your green heron pictures and the mocking bird looks like it could use a blow dryer or towel