BBSP - Thanksgiving Day #2

[DHaass]

Balance of some shots I took on Thanksgiving morning. Very foggy; sun only popped out for a few minutes before retreating behind low cloud cover. It came back out later around 9:00am, but too late for pretty morning light that I'm looking to shoot.

American Bittern and Great Egret are non-cropped on close-up shots with 700mm on tripod. Daylight white balance used on all of these, so they may look cool to most of you. The one warm shot of Bittern was when sun briefly popped out across a section of 40 Acre Lake and hit on the bird while I was waiting for it. The Bittern was non-plused with me being 15-20 feet away. It only got nervous when I tried moving in with my 5D + 70-200mm handheld, so I backed off not wanting to stress it out.

I contemplated cloning out the birds on the ground in the flight shot (last photo), but decided they were there, so left them in. That shot was with my Canon 5D with 70-200mm F2.8L. I had left my 50D on tripod and walked down where they were flying in and out of Pilant.

I'll say it again; you guys and ladies need to head back out to the park. No mosquitoes on 40 Acre either. Activity is much better. Water is better, especially after today's rains I'm sure.

[Jim Victory]

Nice series of shots!

I think I got that same Bittern too on Friday near the tower. I spent the day with my son and family Thursday and hit BBSP Friday before heading back to Dallas. The weather was perfect Friday.

It was much dryer than when I was there in June but I notice they were adding water to Creekfield Lake and it was almost at normal level. I did see some alligator babies on the east side of Elm Lake which was very unusual for this time of the year. I also got my first Snipe on 40 acre lake out on the sandbar.

The hawks were out in force too so I came away happy.

I guess I will have to go back again in December or
January.

[DHaass]

Originally Posted by Jim Victory

Nice series of shots!

I think I got that same Bittern too on Friday near the tower. I spent the day with my son and family Thursday and hit BBSP Friday before heading back to Dallas. The weather was perfect Friday.

It was much dryer than when I was there in June but I notice they were adding water to Creekfield Lake and it was almost at normal level. I did see some alligator babies on the east side of Elm Lake which was very unusual for this time of the year. I also got my first Snipe on 40 acre lake out on the sandbar.

The hawks were out in force too so I came away happy.

I guess I will have to go back again in December or
January.

Thanks Jim. That Bittern was working the trail side on the west end and probably made the rounds to the other end by Friday. Hope you got some nice shots of it. I heard from the rangers that Creekfield was pretty much good now. I'll have to keep my eyes open for the Snipe.

Hawks have been great for a few months now. Come back when you get time. I'll try to update you on things with my trips out there through the winter.

[houtex01]

Another great set Doug...really like the lighting on #2...

Ron

[Bayskiff]

Fantastic , Wish I could go there.

[DigitalScape]

Wow, another great series, Doug - all sharp, and great lighting.

[Tim T]

More great shots Doug. Love the second Bittern.

[Flores]

guess I know what I'm doing tomorrow morning :)

[corralup]

I really like #2 and #4. So glad we got the rain we did yesterday.

[David Alaniz]

All good, favor #2 and 4. Great background make them jump out. Light on #2 is awesome, good job Doug.

[DHaass]

Thanks everyone. It looks like several people are finally going back out there, besides me. I also shot some video the last few trips that I will post a link to when I get time.

[TxPhotoShooter]

Like the shots Doug especially 2,3 and 4.

[Stargazer77517]

Very nice series Doug. Good to see there are still a few birdies left out there.

[jfoureyes]

Another fantastic series Doug.... I always enjoy seeing your work from out there! I'll be out there this winter trying to get some bird photos too.

[SMcG]

Awesome, just awesome!