Daily Archives: August 20, 2011

Middle Concho Park Re-visited

by

Yesterday Ann and I decided to go back to Middle Concho Park to see if there was any action, now that we have had a little rain there.  One thing that impressed us was how green everything was.  That is what a couple of inches of rain can do.  There still wasn’t a heck of a lot of bird activity.  I guess we’re anxious for the fall migration.

However, we got lucky and spotted a Vermilion Flycatcher.  And even better, it sat long enough for me to get the big gun out of the back seat.  I had to lean against a tree so I could hand-hold it steady enough.  I knew I wouldn’t have time to set up a tripod, and I didn’t want to press my luck.  The bird looked a bit bedraggled and weather-beaten.

Vermilion Flycatcher

  • Canon EOS 7D
  • Canon 500mm IS lens with 1.4 tele-converter
  • 1/2000 sec. @ f5.6
  • ISO  800
  • Lens focal distance  700mm
  • Metering – partial
  • Shutter priority

On leaving the park, there is a marshy, wetland area.  Lots of reeds, cattails, water lilies.  I got out of the car to try to get some photos of the blossoms, when I spooked an American Bittern from the growth right in front of me.  He flew about 80 yards away but still stayed visible for me to get this shot.

American Bittern

  • Canon EOS 7D
  • Canon 100-400mm zoom lens
  • 1/2500 sec. @ f5.6 – minus 1/3 EV adjustment
  • ISO 400
  • Lens focal distance  400mm
  • Metering – spot
  • Shutter priority

After that little excitement, I went ahead and took this shot of one of the water lily blossooms.  They were all bright yellow, and the sun was beating down from almost overhead.  I would have prefered an overcast or cloudy sky, but I try to make do with what I have to work with.

Water Lily Blossom

  • Canon EOS 7D
  • Canon 100-400mm zoom lens
  • 1/2500 sec. @ f10 – minus 1/3 EV adjustment
  • ISO 400
  • Lens focal distance  190mm
  • Metering – spot
  • Shutter priority

After that, before coming home, we stopped at a new nearby restaurant, The Stillwater Bar and Grill.  It’s located right on the water.  We sat on the patio, enjoyed the scenery and had a fine lunch.  It was a nice way for us to cap off a nice morning.  Ann and I heartily recommend it if anybody is out that way.