Ann and I went to the park Friday morning just to spend a few quiet hours. I especially wanted to try out a new toy. I purchased a “Puffin’ Pad”. It is a unique foam cushioned pad that fits over the glass when you roll your driver’s side (or passenger) window down. Great for resting a long lens or a spotting scope when shooting from your vehicle. I bought it from http://www.adorama.com.
Besides from getting these snapshots, we saw another Porcupine up in a tree. This time I couldn’t get close for a shot because of a fence. I walked up and down the fence-line but couldn’t find a vantage point where I could get a bead on it. The Bullock’s Oriole was on a feeder at near one of the park hosts’ motor home. All photos were captured with my Canon 7D
- Common Nighthawk
- Canon 500mm IS lens with 1.4 tele-converter – hand-held
- 1/2500 sec. @ f5.6 minus 1/3 EV
- ISO 1250
- Shutter Priority
- Partial metering
- Bullock’s Oriole
- Canon 500mm IS lens with 1.4 tele-converter – hand-held
- 1/2500 sec. @ f5.6
- ISO 800
- Shutter Priority
- Partial metering
- Brown-crested Flycatcher
- Canon 100-400mm IS zoom lens
- 1/2000 sec. @ f6.3 plus 1/3 EV
- ISO 1250
- Shutter Priority
- Partial metering
We also saw several Mississippi Kites flying and diving for insects. They were the first that we have seen this year. I tried to get some photos of them in flight, but with their erratic maneuvers I wasn’t up to it….. this time. But, I’ll be back. 🙂
Texas Tweeties by Bob Zeller 
I’ve never seen any of these birds – so nice to see them here. I appreciate the technical details very much and wonder if you could add the lens distance. I’m still dreaming of getting a zoom lens, but have a lot to learn before I do.
That is a good idea. I’ll start including the lens distance. Thanks for asking, Cindy.
amazing photos Bob! that Puffin Pad sounds like a great invention.
Thanks, Sheila. I have been trying out my Puffin Pad the last few days. I love it. I really helps me when I want to use my big lens from the window of my van. I just ordered two more from Amazon. One for my wife so she can use her spotting scope from her side of the van and the other as a gift.
Great shots. love the Oriole, but my favorite is the flycatcher. They are such great little birds. The nighthawk looks like part of the tree..great shot. Hurry and post more….enjoy your work so much.
I will try to keep them coming. Thanks so much, Syl. I am glad that someone beside myself reads this stuff. 🙂
Thanks, Toby. This one is a female, I believe.
That Oriole is bee-yuti-full! Bob, you are the man, my brother. Awesome stuff.