As well as photographing butterflies, we had intentions of capturing loads of other macro subjects; but a quick inspection of nearby trails indicated that there was not much on offer. And anyway, it was hard to tear ourselves away from the butterflies.
On the way back to camp our guide asked us if we would like to photograph a couple of birds. Yes we would.
The first was a conveniently placed nest just off the road, where an egg was getting warmth from both a male and female of the species whose name I was told but immediately forgot. They would take it in turns to sit on the egg and I was instructed how to tell the difference between the male and the female; but I immediately forgot.
Although the location was convenient, it was very dark; not helped by an approaching storm. So I was forced to use ISO 6400. Given that, I was quite pleased how well the shots turned out.
Then it started to rain and it was suggested we take shelter under the eaves of a building which just happened to look out on a tree containing a woodpecker nest. As we arrived, the woodpecker flew out of the tree and the owner of our resort, who had joined us for this shoot, advised we would now wait up for an hour for the bird to return. So we set up our cameras and waited.
The owner told us that the woodpecker would make a very particular sound as it returned, to alert the babies that it was coming. It would also sit in a nearby tree and check things out before returning to the nest; so we all had to be very quiet.
Bums rapidly numbing, we awaited the return of the woodpecker. The minutes rolled by in silence until suddenly the valley reverberated to the sound of snoring; our resident expert had ignored all his advice by failing to stay alert and failing to stay quiet. Amazingly, he awoke just before the bird returned.
Sod’s law dictated that the bird did not return to the same hole from which it had exited; which required me to move my gear around; at which point he immediately moved up to the original hole. As a result, I only caught a single shot and it is not the best.
All of the bird shots were taken with the Panasonic 100-300mm lens. It’s competent enough if you stay away from the furthest reaches of its zoom; but both Nick and I were mentally retaining funds for the Panasonic 150mm F2.8; if and when it ever appears.
Comments 🔗
2013-06-05| ChristianPFC saysIts competent enough if you stay away -> It’s competent enough if you stay away
2013-06-05| Spike saysCongratulations on getting there before genuinej.
2013-06-05| genuinej saysWoodpecker out, kingfisher back? I’m confused. Nice pics tho'.