We spent last weekend with our daughter Amy. She loves nature photography, so she accompanied me on Sunday morning when I traveled to Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area in Lancaster County for a morning of waterfowl and general wildlife photography.
Tree Swallows: 500mmF4-1.4 extenderThe area is best known for the massive migrations of Snow Geese and Tundra swans, but this activity was over and only a few of these species remained. We were hoping to photograph the many species of ducks that visit the area and did have some success. Perhaps the biggest problem with Middle Creek from a photographer's standpoint is getting close enough for satisfying close-ups, even when one uses the big telephotos.
Blue Wing Teal500mmF4-1.4 extenderA fellow blogger recently inquired as to when Great Blue Herons arrive in Pennsylvania, and I didn't know the answer. We saw three on this trip (I could only get two in the photo at once), so they are here by early April, but I don't know if they return sooner.
Great Blue Heron Feeding: 500mmF4- 1.4 extender
And Then There Were Two: 500mmF4 -1.4 extenderTo see our daughter's photos visit Ash's Eye on the World.
For more Camera Critters photographs, click Here!
For more Camera Critters photographs, click Here!
You have some great shots of the birds! Especially the gobbler struting that you posed Wednesday.
ReplyDeleteWonderful coloring on the Swallows and the Heron feeding is always an amusing pose, I find them feeding here on the small brookies and it's always a delight... your photos are outstanding, as always!
ReplyDeleteThe birds are so beautiful, you captured them so well..
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful photographs you have! I especially love the first photo. Thank you for sharing.
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Willard: Very nice wildlife captures, I will be posting a heron rookery after noon.
ReplyDeleteI loved your wildlife photos. Beautiful. Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteThose are wonderful photos of the bird wildlife..
ReplyDeleteI like the one of the Blue Heron feeding..
The Blue Herons are back at St Marys or so I heard.
ReplyDeleteI like your Tree Swallows.
wonder what they are all saying
ReplyDeleteThe swallows on the line is great...somebody looks like they are being scolded for being late!
ReplyDeleteThe White House
Great captures! Does the 1.4 extender mean that the 500mm f/4 lens effectively becomes a 700mm f/5.6?
ReplyDeleteThe tree swallows are an amazing capture.
ReplyDeleteThat first shot is the money shot! Excellent capture!
ReplyDeleteI especially love the photos of the great blue herons! That's on my wish lis for 2009: capture a great blue heron with my camera. ;-)
ReplyDeletewow two herons, we hace them here but I have NEVER seen two together Awesome
ReplyDeletePlus Awesome photos
wow two herons, we hace them here but I have NEVER seen two together Awesome
ReplyDeletePlus Awesome photos
These are a very enjoyable series of nature shots, such great photos!
ReplyDeleteTop photo is my fave - absolutely love the movement of the wings on the one bird.
ReplyDeleteThey look like they're about to fight.
Close or not Willard you got some great shots. My favorites are the first - lover's quarrel- and the last one of the two herons.
ReplyDeleteLoved your turkey shots below. One has made an appearance in my backyard this week. I got some shots today - probably next week's Camera Critters. :)
I checked out Amy's site and left her a message - she learned from her Dad I see. :)
Have a wonderful Easter Willard!
That's an amazing shot of the Tree Swallows. I love your heron photos. Went back to the river this evening, but didn't see any. Then, on the way home, I noticed one standing on a rock in the middle of a stream. It would have been an amazing photo, but it was too dark outside and there was no place to pull over!
ReplyDeletei'm always fascinated with the ducks swimming. thanks for sharing and great series of photos. happy easter!
ReplyDeleteWillard : Getting those Swallows in frame is such a challenging task given the fact that they are such swift flying birds. You have done extremely well in getting that action shot. Congrats.
ReplyDeletewowzastic lol great shots Willard.
ReplyDeleteThe 1st looks like mr and mrs are having a few words to each other causing a fltter.lol.
I absolutely love the first shot of the tree swallows. All the photos are great, though.
ReplyDeleteThose 2 tree swallows looked like they were squabbling - such a great photo!! All your photos today were so beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteWillard Those tree swallows really look like they are having a heated discussion :) Nice shots I really like the first one :)
ReplyDeleteGreat shots bud. You're right it is very hard to get close enough for good shots.
ReplyDeleteHello WIllard. Do you also have herons there which make a circle with their wings in order to shied some of the water from the sunlight? This makes it easier for them to spot prey. That probably sound like a wierd description. LOL!! But if you have seen them do it then you will know what I mean.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to have your daughter have the same interests as you so you can share these times together.
Great shots. wonderful to spend time out with our families.. so much better than going to the movies or town...
ReplyDeleteI have always liked your work Willard.. and your writing. The picture of the Tree Swallows is fantastic and really inspires me to try my best to capture on camera the Swallows and Martins that visit us each summer.
ReplyDeleteJoan,
ReplyDeleteI have noticed them doing that here, but perhaps I have not been in the right place at the right time. I can't rule out that the birds here do it too.
Makes one wonder what the Tree Swallows were saying to each other.
ReplyDeleteLeedra’s Photos For FunLeedra’s Greeting CardsPhotography By Leedra
Love the swallows. Look like the one is yelling at the other one for getting on his turf.
ReplyDeleteThat first shot is spectacular!
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