Western Illinois (Wet)

[lhdvies]

The end of May I went to Western Illinois where the Illinois River joins the Mississippi as they were starting their flood problems. The weather was really bad all the time I was up there. The areas I caught these Canada Geese and Turkeys in was under several feet of water about 10 days after these were taken. The Robin was farther up river in a flat area. He was catching more worms than he could handle.

These turkeys didn't seem to mind the rain as they kept one eye on me and ate their way across the field.






These guys came out of the swamp into the open. First the "papa" checked things out and then "mama" and the little ones came out to eat, all the while papa kept a watchful eye on the rear. It was very interesting to watch.








This family was farther down river on the bank I believe this was the day before I got the other shots.


Soaked Robin


OK, now he thinks he's a wader LOL.

[Stephen P]

Well the overcast skies really helped with the exposures. These are all very nicely done with good detail. That last one of the robin grabbing the worm is fantastic. The family of Canada geese is adorable. You nailed the focus on that wild turkey. I seem to have trouble with turkeys. I ususally get the body in focus but the head seems to always be on another focal plane. As a consequence the head is soft. My dumb luck I guess.

[quyd200]

The last one is super! I also like the second one! Very nice captures, Leon!

[lhdvies]

Thks Stephen-you're right on about the overcast skies. My MKIII just doesn' do a good job of focus in bright light or overcast skies. I had dozens of OOF shots those two days. The turkeys were so far away that the DOF was deeper than normal so even with the near 100% crop they stayed in focus a little.

[lhdvies]

Thks Quy, it was a fun couple of days even in the drizzle weather.

[corralup]

I like this set! The Robin catching the worm is the prize winner.

[jfoureyes]

Excellent series Leon! The last Robin photo is my favorite!

[lhdvies]

Thks Robin & Jim-I appreciate it. I think that wet Robin got enough worms that day to last him through the winter. LOL

[ldelacruz]

Those are really nice, Leon. Looks like a great trip.