I've just relocated to Ashland OR from the Gulf Coast of FL. Gone are the days of frame filling egrets and raptors! Florida is almost too easy! I've only been out a couple of times so far and have found some very cooperative wood ducks. I'd love any input on LOCAL bird/wildlife spots. Also, I've gotten some nice images of Spotted Towees. How do you pronounce this birds name?
BTW: I made a simialar post about 6 weeks ago, just seeing if anyone else has any thoughts. Thanks!
Malheur Bird Refuge - South Eastern Oregon - One of the best bird watching spots. I've been there only once but lots n lots of birds especially in the migratory seasons. Right now you might find resident shorebirds.Klamath basin is another great spot for wintering bald eagles. In fact every feb there is a bald eagle festival held in Klamath Falls.
Well thats a nice shot IMHO, what kinda lens was this with, and any cropping?
I've not tried much bird photography here, but I did spend a weekend in the Fort Meyers area last year I think it was (Long Haul Truck driver, got to get payed to drive there, and have a couple days off) and I noticed depending on the spot you could get good shots with a 200mm lens, even down on the docks birds I had never seen here in Oregon (Obviously some are rare here anyways, but meaning I've never seen similar non-rare versions here)... Usually all I ever see in Oregon (have since seen more) are ducks and geese, and the occasional hawk on a fence, but down there egrets, herons, and other neat birds would land and sit mere stones throw from people on the docks... pelicans, etc... I came back with several "keepers" with no or minimal cropping and only a 200mm lens to use... I've yet to be able to get as close to birds elsewhere...
So I see your point, it did seem when I was there as if the birds were almost tame (for the most part) I'd like to know where to find birds I can shoot with my 200 around here as well... though a 300mm and 1.4TC is in my plans, but @ $1k it maybe a ways off as I'm leaning twoards a Mamiya Medium format first
Great shot though, love it, wish I could get some like it.
I forgot I was going to mention Klamath Basin as well, not too bad a drive from Ashland, I just stumbled on it the other day, they actually have some permanent hides you can rent, about 4-6 of them or something along that line, only like $5 for the day.
Many of the Klamath Basin refuges can be excellent, especially those in Norther California (Tule Lake and Lower Klamath). There are always birds there, but of course populations of migratory birds vary with the season. I had a great time there this spring and photographed snow geese, canadages, mallards and other ducks, coots, bald eagles, golden eagles, great horned hours, american white pelican, mountain blue bird, and several other birds I am not knowlegable to identify. There are a couple roads that shoot over the mountains from Ashland to the Klamath area, so I think that would be a good bet.
Discussion
4 repliesBTW: I made a simialar post about 6 weeks ago, just seeing if anyone else has any thoughts. Thanks!
I've not tried much bird photography here, but I did spend a weekend in the Fort Meyers area last year I think it was (Long Haul Truck driver, got to get payed to drive there, and have a couple days off) and I noticed depending on the spot you could get good shots with a 200mm lens, even down on the docks birds I had never seen here in Oregon (Obviously some are rare here anyways, but meaning I've never seen similar non-rare versions here)... Usually all I ever see in Oregon (have since seen more) are ducks and geese, and the occasional hawk on a fence, but down there egrets, herons, and other neat birds would land and sit mere stones throw from people on the docks... pelicans, etc... I came back with several "keepers" with no or minimal cropping and only a 200mm lens to use... I've yet to be able to get as close to birds elsewhere...
So I see your point, it did seem when I was there as if the birds were almost tame (for the most part) I'd like to know where to find birds I can shoot with my 200 around here as well... though a 300mm and 1.4TC is in my plans, but @ $1k it maybe a ways off as I'm leaning twoards a Mamiya Medium format first
Great shot though, love it, wish I could get some like it.