Saturday, October 25, 2008

Camera Critter Meme #29

Many moons ago, my only concern when I was out on photo safaris was to shoot birds. I loved photographing birds and still do.

Most of the time, I try to get the birds perched or on the ground. I almost have to do that, since my camera, the original Digital Rebel, has very slow focusing. However, when it does focus, and especially with the lens I currently use on it, the images are often tack sharp.

But I also like to get my bird photos while they are flying. It's difficult, but I have managed to do it and have gotten pretty good at it at the same time...at least I think I have.

Below are some of my favorite in-flight shots.

Great Blue Heron at Fireman's Pond

Tree Swallows near the old golf course

Mountain Bluebird near the fairgrounds

Killdeer at my sister's place

Yellow-headed Blackbird at Fireman's Pond

Raven near the airport

Rough-legged Hawk near Powell Butte

And now, my two favorite flight shots of birds of all time. Both shots were taken during the winter time frame, and with both of them, I didn't know what I had until I got home and put them on the computer.

Dark Morph Red-tailed Hawk near Powell Butte

Bald Eagle over Lake Billy Chinook

I hope everyone enjoyed these shots. The one above is my all time favorite. It has all the elements I like best in a photo. The bird and a great background. 'Nuff said. 8v)

If you liked my critter photos, head to Misty Dawn's Camera Critter page and check out some of the other entries. And if you have the time, join in on the fun!

28 comments:

Cecelia---Sis---Mom said...

These are absolutely stunning shots. I can't pick a favorite, I love them all.

Ramblings of a Villas Girl said...

Hi! You have done a great job taking birds in flight photos. Not easy to do. I agree. Your last picture is a beauty. But then again I am partial to Bald Eagles. Lisa

Carletta said...

Awesome shots!
I can't pick a favorite - there is something about each of them that draws you in to the image. However, I keep going back to the raven.

Pat - Arkansas said...

Fantastic photos! The hawk and eagle are wonderful, and I also love the yellow-headed blackbird photo! Well done in all instances!

Juliana said...

wow...beautiful shots

Please drop at my CC post also : in HERE. Thanks

Lapa37 said...

Those are such beautiful shots awesome work.

bobbie said...

Every one of these is spectacular. I have never seen a yellow headed black bird before. I know how you feel about the eagle. They are special.

ratmammy said...

Very nice shots!!

Digital Polaroids said...

Caought on the flight! Super great compilation!

Anonymous said...

So many great in flight shots!
Your birds are beautiful and their motion so graceful.
Good job, Ashrunner!

Reader Wil said...

You made a very good series of flying birds and especially the last few are very sharp. Great post.

Misty DawnS said...

I started to pick a favorite - then I got to the next pic and... well, I finally quit trying to pick. BUT - that HAWK - OMG that is AWESOME!!! I love the Eagle too... but I must admit Bear - that Hawk takes my breath away!

And, like Carletta, I'm lovin' that Raven too... and the Yellow-Headed Blackbird... and...
OK, so I love ALL of them.

i beati said...

I'm so so scared of hawks and kestrels around my tiny dog. They steal so much around here. You've got me all excited now- what is a mountain bluebird?/I don't see any here. but am captivasted by your in flights - kudos sandy

Anonymous said...

I love the one of the hawk. Thanks!

Rose said...

You got some great captures here...what lens do you use on your original rebel?

Christy said...

All are beautiful images. I like the monochromatic look of the tree swallows especially though. It gives you that nostalgic black and white feel with a little something more.

Anonymous said...

All of these are really good gets!

Anonymous said...

Yes you are doing good shooting the birds. Love all your shot. Beautiful birds.

Jeanne said...

Wow that's something I've yet to master or even touch upon is birds in flight. You've done a wonderful and inspiring job here. That first and last shots are my very favorites among all winners.

Julie said...

I love all the shots. I have tried to get the same type of shots but no where near as perfect as yours.

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Ash: I bow to your mastery of the flying bird. I am always trying to shoot birds while flying and must admit have shot a lot of sky shots instead because of the dreaded delay in focusing. Your shots are marvelous and an American Bald Eagle makes it even more special.

Rhea said...

so hard to get flying bird photos that look nice, so I'm super impressed. These shots are beautiful! Great job!!

Kerri Farley said...

Great shots Misty Dawn!!

marLou said...

Very nice flight shots!Wish I can take pics like that.

Dar's Foto Faze said...

Wonderful shots thanks for sharing.

Jane Hards Photography said...

These are just incredible, all of them

Anonymous said...

These are gorgeous! I wish I had a camera that could take photos like these :)

I love them all.

Gretchen said...

Great shots! You really were able to stop the action.

Hope everyone is having a very Happy Halloween and a Blessed Samhain!