A Spectacular Morning at BBSP (caution: lots of shots!)

[preames]

This morning was by the far the most incredible day I've had at BBSP. I got there early, around 6:20 and was the only one around 40 Acre. I guess it was the combination of the fact that there wasn't any human traffic (other than me), along with the light and calm winds/water, that brought the place to life in a way I had never seen before. The bank was lined with birds, all taking their shot at fishing. I shot over 500 frames in a little over an hour until the sun got higher and other folks started to arrive. I've only processed a couple of dozen, but here's a small sample of what was happening...

[dmcantrell]

Wow, nice work. I don't see any EXIF data, what is your setup?

[preames]

Originally Posted by dmcantrell

Wow, nice work. I don't see any EXIF data, what is your setup?

Thanks David! It's a 7D with a 300 2.8 and a 1.4x TC.

[dmcantrell]

Originally Posted by preames

Thanks David! It's a 7D with a 300 2.8 and a 1.4x TC.

Do you find yourself cropping into the photos very much with that setup?

[DHaass]

Excellent series Patrick. Nice sharp photos, good color and no noise. The Anhinga shot is my favorite. It was nice meeting you Saturday. I was at the gate waiting for my camera club members when you drove in and then later saw you on the trail.

[preames]

Originally Posted by dmcantrell

Do you find yourself cropping into the photos very much with that setup?

At BBSP, its tends to be a little long at times. A lot of the action there happens pretty close to the trail, so you can end up over filling your viewfinder. I do like to try to walk back as much as I can so I can get all the bird in the frame (and focused). That gives me a chance to better follow the action and crop to the composition I like. With the high mp on the 7D, it does allow quite a bit of cropping.

[preames]

Originally Posted by DHaass

Excellent series Patrick. Nice sharp photos, good color and no noise. The Anhinga shot is my favorite. It was nice meeting you Saturday. I was at the gate waiting for my camera club members when you drove in and then later saw you on the trail.

Thanks Doug! It was great meeting you and your club yesterday and I appreciate your operating the gate for me.

The Anhinga surprised me by being alongside the trail - he usually hangs out on the islands. This was the first time I had a chance to get close to him. Thanks again.

[KobraCarry]

Those are all great shots, but I love the last one! One day I need to find this top secret BBSP and get of out San Antonio for a while!

[Tim T]

Great shots Patrick. Very well done. It was good to finally meet you yesterday.

[jasonp]

excellent work...I'm envious

[dtran]

Great stuff here, Patrick! I planned to go there but I couldn't make it finally.

[snakesat]

I hope to shoot whites that good someday

[SuperJ]

You really hit it out of the park this morning. Great stuff! Can't wait to see more.

[Glassman]

Patrick, those are some excellent images. Just perfect, I know you were having a blast taking these. Thanks for posting

[preames]

Originally Posted by KobraCarry

Those are all great shots, but I love the last one! One day I need to find this top secret BBSP and get of out San Antonio for a while!

Thanks Mike! You really do need to try to make it down to BBSP - its like a zoo without the cages - just watch out for the gators!

Originally Posted by Tim T

Great shots Patrick. Very well done. It was good to finally meet you yesterday.

I appreciate it Tim! It was great to meet you too.

Originally Posted by jasonp

excellent work...I'm envious

Thanks Jason!

Originally Posted by dtran

Great stuff here, Patrick! I planned to go there but I couldn't make it finally.

Thank you Duc! What could be more important than getting to BBSP?

Originally Posted by snakesat

I hope to shoot whites that good someday

Thanks David! But I've seen your work and I don't think you would have had any problem getting great shots out there this morning.

Originally Posted by SuperJ

You really hit it out of the park this morning. Great stuff! Can't wait to see more.

Thanks you Jeff. I've got a few hundred more to process, unfortunately I've got to go to Europe for work this week and won't have a chance to work on them until next weekend.

Originally Posted by Glassman

Patrick, those are some excellent images. Just perfect, I know you were having a blast taking these. Thanks for posting

Thanks so much Billy. I don't think my shots do justice to how great it was out there this morning. After a disappointing day yesterday, today's experience definitely recharged my enthusiasm!