Bosque Cranes

#1 - Cleared for Landing

Here's a set of long lens shots from Bosque del Apache that I just finished processing. I can't think of a better place to learn how to use a long lens for flight shots.

I love watching the cranes parachute in. This evening the sunset colors were especially nice and the cranes were landing from the right direction.

Canon 1Ds2: 500mm, f/5.6, 1/400sec, ISO 800

#2 - Morning stroll in the grass

I normally don't like using a 2xTC because of the slow focusing, but here the light levels were adequate.

500mm + 2xTC, f/8, 1/1250, ISO 800

#3 - Early morning on the north ponds

The cranes blend so well with their environment.

500mm + 1.4TC, f/16, 1/60, ISO 800

#4 - Follow the leader

500mm + 1.4TC, f/8, 1/1250sec, ISO 400

#5 Morning flight

An attempt at motion blur with a slow shutter speed + panning.
With the low light level, there wasn't realy any other option.

500mm + 1.4TC, f16, 1/80 sec, ISO 800

Awesome shots Bill!! That first one is very nice. Also like the motion in the last image.

Very nice set Bill. I like how that other crane is camouflaged in the grass on the 3rd shot. That las one is my favorite!

This is a really nice selection of images from Bosque Bill, all very different and all tell a unique story. I got to make a trip down there one of these days!.

Agreat body of work here, Bill. I love the pan with the motion blur.

A wonderful set of images Bill. The first is very unique and creative, second one is probably my favorite.

These are stellar, Bill! I get a little jaded to Bosque shots, but this set is another story. I love the second with the impressionistic grasses, but the third with its color harmony between the weeds and the bird is really gorgeous. I couldn't choose between those two. Not to say the others aren't splendid as well....

Were there many birds down there? I'll be down that way helping my folks out next week. I don't have the glass to do the Bosque justice, but I always like to go and look.

Great stuff Bill.

Fabulous work here, Bill. That first one just blew my doors off. I also really like #4.

These are all wonderful and all very different. I love the silhouette the most, but the portrait style of #2 is certainly pleasing, the bokeh landscape on #4 is cool and the motion blur of #5 is well done.

Jackson, I believe I saw a post mentioning that the cranes have already started their migration north, so I have no idea what you will find next weekend.

The weekly counts are posted by the Friends of The Bosque:
http://www.friendsofthebosque.org/Friendsindex.html#whatsnew

From January 28th
Sandhill Cranes ...... 7,550
Canada Geese ...... 377
Light Geese ...... 25,740
Bald and Golden Eagles .... 27
Swans ...... 0
American White Pelican ...... 0
American Coot ...... 0
Marsh and Water Birds ...... 0
Shorebirds ...... 2
Gulls and Terns ...... 0
Hawks and Owls ...... 57
Ducks ..... Unable to survey due to weather

I find Bosque a great place to wander even during the "off" season.

These are all nice but that first one is just amazing...

Thanks for sharing your success at the Bosque. Enjoy all. each image has its own unique qualities.

Bill Brennan

The first one is my fav, but the 2nd one and the last one are outstanding as well.

Great shots. I love the color and contrast in the first one. Shooting with long lenses is something I need to spend some time on. Thanks for the inspiration.

Great collection of images. Number 1 is fantastic.

#1 is a bit too 'graphic' for my tastes, but i absolutely love #2 and #4!

Sweet series! When aren't you shooting?

Really nice set of shots - they're all great, but for some reason #3 really jumps out at me.

All are nice, but the first one is exceptionally beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

All are quite excellent, I especially like #2, and #5.

WOW, what a set. Stunning backgrounds and motion captures.

Very nice collection of shots Bill. I am partial to the first and last shots, but all are good.