While I'm waiting for my camera to get back from Canon...

... I thought I'd post some oldies I haven't posted here before.

Enjoy!

= Ed =

American Avocet

Wow ... Ed, your stuff is impressive. The last shot is gorgeous!

Wow!

Where do you have to go from Nevada City to find a hummingbird like that?

For that matter, how about the larger birds?

I'm going to be passing through the Sacramento area in a week or two, and I think I need to stop off and find some waterfowl.

---Bob Gross---

These shots are amazing! I'd love to hear about your background in photography and what equipment you use, if you don't mind. Meanwhile, I'll try some searches here and there and see what else you've got posted.

The Black Skimmers shot is very good. Actually, they are all very good.

Bob,

Thanks for the kind words. The hummer was in Tuscon, Arizona, and as I mentioned it's a captive bird.

None of the other birds are captive. There are plenty of herons and egrets around just about everywhere there is water in California. To be specific, the skimmers and avocet photos were taken in Santa Barbara. The egret and heron near San Diego on and around the grounds of the San Diego Wild Animal Park. These are not captive birds, but they are certainly used to human presence. The towhee was in my back yard

= Ed =

HJMinard wrote:
Wow ... Ed, your stuff is impressive. The last shot is gorgeous!

Glad you like them Jay.

= Ed =

AdamG wrote:
These shots are amazing! I'd love to hear about your background in photography and what equipment you use, if you don't mind. Meanwhile, I'll try some searches here and there and see what else you've got posted.

Adam,

My background in photography started in 1972 in college. One of my roomates at the time was a Pentax rep, and an avid train photographer (William Botkin - well published train photographer). He sort of gave me my start with SLR photography which I dabbled in on and off until about 1977 when I got stuff to have my own darkroom. I did a lot of B&W in those days, but I didn't really get into wildlife until the 90's. I've only had a digital SLR for about 1 1/2 years now, but it has re-invigorated my passion for photography.

My current gear:
Canon 20D
Sigma 15-30mm
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM
Canon EF 70-200 f/2.8L IS
Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L
Canon 1.4 Ex II
Extension tubes
550 EX flash
other junk

= Ed =

It doesn't hurt that I was pretty fascile with Photoshop to begin with.

= Ed =

Thanks Mills. The Black Skimmers actually look a lot better printed large. The downside to the "pano" presentation is that it ends up a bit smaller when posted.

= Ed =

absolutely stunning shots

I don't know which to admire as best, they all are different and all so beautiful
if I had to mention one in particular , the detail in the second last shot is magnificent
(great egret)
and the black crowned night heron.
(all)

Hey thanks Marie! I'm glad you enjoyed them The two photos you mention above were both taken with the 70-200 f/2.8L IS using the 550 EX flash (w/Better Beamer) for fill. The Night Heron was also using the 1.4 extender.

= Ed =

Wonderful shots, Ed, as are all your postings that I've seen.

Incredible pictures.

Awesome shots , they are all so nice hard to pick favorite.

I think I definately came to the right place! Yours and others that have posted photos here are really super! Have learned a great deal already! thanks!