Another Pelican Series

[Howler-Cat]

I had a great time while shooting these pelicans. Pelican BIF is great to capture, but when they're diving into the water for fish is something else. Although, I have yet to capture one with fish!

1.
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a254/howlercat/Pelican_31.jpg

2.
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a254/howlercat/Pelican_30.jpg

3.
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a254/howlercat/Pelican_34_800.jpg

4.
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a254/howlercat/Pelican_29.jpg

5.
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a254/howlercat/Pelican_35.jpg

[marcus769]

Nice! I'm assuming these were shot with the 70-200?

[Howler-Cat]

Thanks marcus...Yes, unfortunately, 70-200mm with 2.0 extender! I am still saving for the real lens!

[IraRunyan]

Nice photos with very good color.

[Howler-Cat]

Thanks Ira!

[canonloader]

Amazing Ben. Just amazing. I was hoping someone would post some pelican dive shots. I use to watch them for hours when I lived in San Diego. The can really put on a show. :)

I always wondered how they could dive like they do and not break their necks. That throat bag fills up so fast and stops them dead so quick you'd think they would need a neck ring. :)

[EdV]

Excellent color and detail for these prehistoric-looking birds. Good job, Ben.

[ajosteve]

Crazy looking birds when diving, nice shots, I never get to see pelicans, Darn It!!! steve

[MikeI]

Great actions shots! Pelicans are a lot of fun to shoot.

[Avi]

very good series...#1 is my favourite...

Avi

[Dale Siscoe]

That kinda looks like an Estuary here in San Diego County , like close to I-5, are you a Homie? great Imagesntoo.

[Howler-Cat]

Thanks so much for all of your comments. These guys are definately a blast to watch!

Steve, you're always welcome in So Cal if you ever come out here. I've heard they will be around thru Nov and, that's it, until next year! :)

[ajosteve]

Thanks so much for all of your comments. These guys are definately a blast to watch!

Steve, you're always welcome in So Cal if you ever come out here. I've heard they will be around thru Nov and, that's it, until next year! :)

Ben, I'll be in california around sun city out by riverside for a family visit in Dec., I would love to shoot some...steve

[dazzlebea]

Bolsa Chica, right?

I haven't had a chance to go over there this year, but I'll definitely go soon. These pelicans are clowns! I had a blast shooting them last year and it seems that they get a kick out of splashing the photographers too.

Excellent captures, Ben :)

[gymell]

Impressive - so with the 2x TC I assume you had to manually focus these? How much are the photos cropped? I ask because there is a thread in the Lens Forum where the poster is looking to use a 70-200 + 2x for birding.

[Howler-Cat]

Ben, I'll be in california around sun city out by riverside for a family visit in Dec., I would love to shoot some...steve

Steve, even by then if the pelicans are gone, just send me an email or pm, we should get together and do some bird shoots!

Bolsa Chica, right?

I haven't had a chance to go over there this year, but I'll definitely go soon. These pelicans are clowns! I had a blast shooting them last year and it seems that they get a kick out of splashing the photographers too.

Excellent captures, Ben :)

Thanks for your comment! Yes, it's bolsa chica. About 1 mile north of Goldenwest ave. on PCH! They are crazy but fun birds to capture!

Impressive - so with the 2x TC I assume you had to manually focus these? How much are the photos cropped? I ask because there is a thread in the Lens Forum where the poster is looking to use a 70-200 + 2x for birding.

No, it's all auto focus with the extender. Again, like I've metioned, alot of folks do not like the results of this combo. But for now, I am happy with my IQs. Remember, it's been photochoped too. These were cropped anywhere from 50% to 70%. Still, it's not even close to compare to some of the fine work of prime lenses and the talents of other photogs in this forum! And, Thanks for the comment Liz!

Cheers!

[hTr]

That is a "WOW" series for sure. Damn impressive Ben!!!

[Howler-Cat]

Thank you so much Gary, I will out there again today! I hope I will have some more luck! :)

[gymell]

No, it's all auto focus with the extender. Again, like I've metioned, alot of folks do not like the results of this combo. But for now, I am happy with my IQs. Remember, it's been photochoped too. These were cropped anywhere from 50% to 70%. Still, it's not even close to compare to some of the fine work of prime lenses and the talents of other photogs in this forum! And, Thanks for the comment Liz!

Cheers!

DOH! *smacks self* Of course, it's still autofocus, because it's a 2.8 lens! *smack* :oops:

[Howler-Cat]

Easy! Easy Liz...it's ok! Don't be so hard on yourself! :)

[gymell]

Heh, I took advantage of the B&H code + Canon instant rebate and ordered a 70-200/2.8 myself. Looking forward to using it, probably not for birds much, though.

[Howler-Cat]

Heh, I took advantage of the B&H code + Canon instant rebate and ordered a 70-200/2.8 myself. Looking forward to using it, probably not for birds much, though.

You'll never know Liz! Congrats! I am sure you're be happy with your new lens! I am! :D

[Digitally_Altered]

very nice shots, I may have to go down there and give it a go, what time are they usually active?
PS Liz, I see you are from Mn. I was out there a few years ago and loved shooting eagles (with a camera!) have you ever been to the eagle center in Wabashaw?

[Howler-Cat]

Hi Bruce! Thanks for the comments. Their eating time are usally @ 6-9am and @ 3-6 pm! You should come down. It's alot of fun!

[gymell]

very nice shots, I may have to go down there and give it a go, what time are they usually active?
PS Liz, I see you are from Mn. I was out there a few years ago and loved shooting eagles (with a camera!) have you ever been to the eagle center in Wabashaw?

Yes, I went down that way last February to shoot eagles along the Mississippi River. I stopped in Red Wing, Reed's Landing, Wabasha, La Cross WI, Quad Cities, IA, etc. The new building for the eagle center was under construction when I was there and I believe they just opened it recently. Assuming we get some decent cold weather, I'll definitely be spending some time down there again and will check out the new center. There weren't all that many eagles around Wabasha last time, but down at dam #14 on the Mississippi river I saw about 500. The upper midwest is a great place for eagle watching, if the weather gets cold enough.