Can You Try "Too Hard" to Get Your Shot?

What does trying too hard really mean?  If you're in a great location surrounded by beauty, does it matter how many tries?

We took a trip back to my home state of Arkansas.  Instead of driving directly back to Michigan, we took a couple of days to driving the long way back.  A hike and a bit of photography was on our agenda. 

Every stop surrounded us with rugged, natural beauty.  The weather conditions served up some challenges but we take what mother nature delivers which begs the question...  

How many tries on average do you take to get the 'one' that you're truly jazzed about?  

As a photographer there are times after a shoot where we have several, even many images that we jump in and start processing as fast as we can. It didn't matter how many images we took, we were in our zone and had a lot to show for it!

Then, there are those days.  You know them well.  

We invest time, use multiple lenses, try many different angles (in some cases in very uncomfortable positions).  We can almost predict what's going to happen when we get home.  Delete, delete, delete and keep a few for the memory.

There are both life and photography lessons in each of these situations.  During my Arkansas travels I experienced excitement from a shoot with waxwings and creative frustration at waterfalls.

Cedar Waxwing by Sheen Watkins

Waxwing Adventure:
The Cedar Waxwings in El Dorado were going nuts for the seasonal berries in this historical Oil Boomtown.  I saw hundreds swarm trees, diving into bushes in a feeding frenzy. 

Waxwings by Sheen Watkins

The down side was that I only had my long lens.

The big scene context shot wasn't going to happen as I needed a shorter lens at that moment.  I'm including one image that illustrates a fragment of the flying flock. Alfred Hitchcock might have renamed his movie from the "Birds" to the "Waxwings" had he witnessed this moment.

In all, I had over 500 images with 10 so far that I'm very pleased with. 

Next year, (lesson learned) I'm also switching to a shorter lens to get a few frenzy shots!  I have plenty of ID and close-up images of waxwings now.

Oh yes, and I was fortunate enough to get berry-bird-poop in my hair in one of the waxwing flyovers. A sign of good luck I suppose.  A hat will also be included.

Falling Short at the Waterfalls:

We drove to Arkansas' first state park, Petit Jean State Park.  A rugged and beautiful natural treasure. 

Almost to Cedar Falls by Sheen Watkins

Our first stop was Cedar Falls.  We were less than 1/10th of a mile away when the skies, thunder and lightning struck in full force.  The common sense safety gene took over and we had to ditch the attempt. 

The following sunny morning, we traversed north to another beautiful waterfall area.

After 2 hours, I wasn't feeling it. 

The spring colors were still hiding. The light was splotchy.  With just a few hours to shoot, I was frustrated in not finding the type of shot I had in my mind.  I had all the needed gear, filters, tripod, lenses - when the lighting is bad, it was time to take my tripod and head home.

I was in effect working and trying too hard, getting frustrated which impacted my creativity.

There could have been a downside but there wasn't.

I was able to hear the rush of the water, the power of the falls and breath in fresh, clean air.  The Richland Creek Wilderness provided springtime sounds for the senses,  along with a few snakes.

Finding Arkansas Gold:
We steered further north to the Eureka Springs area where we discovered Arkansas' own single-lane, "Golden Gate Bridge" in nearby Beaver, Arkansas.  Who knew that Arkansas would have a Golden Gate Bridge that was accurately named color-wise versus the one in San Francisco?

Golden Gate Bridge by Sheen Watkins

Taking a breather from my waterfall plan to explore the area with no expectations refreshed the eye and attitude.

Seeing Red in the Rearview:
As we were leaving Arkansas and heading into Missouri, I noticed the cloud covered sky breaking apart.  Pinks, oranges and reds emerged in my rearview mirror as we were driving 65mph northeast.

Seeing Red in the Rearview by Sheen Watkins

The vibrance was quickly becoming a photographer's dream and I met frustration of another kind.

I didn't know where we were or where to get the shot.

Thankfully, we topped a hill to see a river, a bridge and a reflection. Just what the photography doctor ordered.

When we see a moment, stop the car.   Pull over.  Shoot away. 

We work hard for many, shots.  We take advantage of the no-shot situation to savor what is around us. 

When the easy photo moment calls ~ we need to answer!

Happy Shooting!
Sheen

"Photographer" Does that Title Define You or Me?

It's normal to describe ourselves using titles.   Maybe, potentially, we use titles because, describing what we do is easier than sharing who we are.

You may be a wife, a mother,  a husband, a father, a manager, a teacher, an executive, a clerk, an artist or a doctor.  Pick one, or add one to the list.

For years, I've been in corporate America and enjoy it immensely today.  I work for an organization with a legacy reputation built on ethics, quality and integrity. Their values reflect mine, and I hope that mine in turn reflects theirs.  But while working for that company is a big part of me, my title doesn't completely define or describe who I am.

Lake Michigan Sunset by Sheen Watkins

Our passions,  how we look at life, how we handle the good, the great, the fun, the hard, the sad and the horrific show who we are.

With each experience, our 'who we really are' continues to evolve.

Photography was just something I had always wanted to try.  I had no idea that once a camera was in my hands that my eyes and dreams would change so dramatically.

Photography has been an epiphany, a passion and a way of connecting and sharing nature with the world, or realistically, those who are interested.

Initially photography was taking images of nature, with birds being front and center.  Each day that I have a camera in my hands, I feel a deeper connection with who I am and what I believe:

Time and experiences in nature and travel are not a given but a gift.  I am grateful for the privilege to combine nature gift's with the art of photography.

A favorite subject, the Snowy Owl by Sheen Watkins

I believe that nature's gifts should be cherished, shared and protected for future generations.  To grow as an artist and photographer,  is a continuous and joyous journey.  My photography time consists of being in the field is both exploring nature followed by post processing to share my personal eye with others. 

It isn't a one-shot moment and then moving on to the next subject. 

Each image that makes it to the light of day is a result of many photographs of the same subject taken from different angles using different settings.  Trial and error is a constant.  Then it's finding the 'one' image to process and bring to life on a computer screen or print.

Abstract of Forest or the Trees by Sheen Watkins

The other side of photography is not as easy or fun.  There's an element of guilt and self-centeredness. 

Photography is costly.

True, the gear expensive.   It's the investment of time in the field, time in thought, time in learning that can take it's toll on family and those close who don't share the same interest.

Time in the field is time away from family.  Many photographers have more than one job to support their livelihoods. 

Time immersed in learning is time distracted from those that are close and want to be with you.

Fall Monarch with Artistic Edits by Sheen Watkins

Finding the balance between the love of being in the field, the solo time of creating versus spending time with those that are your heart and soul is hard.

Our passions require sacrifices of ourselves and patience from those we hold most dear.

Every day, photographers share and display images and imagery that entices the eye and some may even stir the soul of a viewer. 

There is a ton of hard and diligent work.  The carrying of heavy equipment.  The unpredictability of the subject.  Dealing with nature's elements.  Studying post processing tools and techniques.

Behind each image is an artist, sharing their eye, their connection with that brief second of time. 

So if someone says that 'she's a nature photographer,'  I'm very comfortable being defined by that title.

Happy Shooting!






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Wildlife Photographers - Giving Our Profession a Good or Bad Name?

Cedar Waxwing by Sheen Watkins

Every day in the field is a gift, and not one to be taken lightly.  Birds, animals and our outdoor spaces are fragile.  It is up to us to help survival in our co-existence with mother nature.  

As a nature photographer, I see many photographers show respect for nature, for other photographers and hikers.  

I've also seen photographers exhibit behaviors that are 'not-so-nice'.  

What was most surprising is that some of these 'not-so-nice' photographers were not being intentionally careless or rude.  They were just  caught up in the moment getting the shot.  

Here's a few awareness reminders for all of us to help keep nature and our photography flourishing.

Awareness of Distance:  Safety first for you and them - avoid putting yourself and wildlife in danger.  They need their space and so do you.  When you get too close, you may frighten or stress the bird/animal.   They could leave their nest, the area for good.  Or, on the flip side an animal may feel threatened and feel the need to protect their space.   They waste energy instead of nesting and feeding their young. 

The two fox kits below were part of a family of 8 kits.  Several photographers, including me, had the privilege of watching them frolic, play and learn.  We all maintained a safe and respectful distance across the pond.  A photographer who had a shorter lens, made his way to the other side of the pond which was way too close to the kits.  Mama Fox was not happy.  By the next morning, the DNR reported that the fox had indeed moved the family.  

Two Fox Kits by Sheen Watkins using a Nikon 500mm

The Right Equipment:   Telephotos provide an up close image capture at a safer distance for them and for you.  Today's lenses offer diversity in quality and cost.  Plus there's the used option or the ability to rent lenses.  

Rules of the Road (or area):  If you're in nature parks, wilderness areas, take the time to review the rules of the area.  Stay on marked trails, boardwalks and mapped areas.  Be a protector of our fragile habitat and ecosystem.  Bogs, preserved areas are delicate and footprints last a very long time. 

Never, ever, ever, ever bait animals:  This is the one thing that makes me nuts.  There are no winners here.  When an animal is baited, you put them at risk.  Baiting IS different than feeding chickadees, cardinals, woodpeckers at a feeder.   With baiting, they are pulled away from their routine, their hunt and even their location.   

There isn't one photograph that is worth putting any animal or human in danger.

Lead by example:  Even when no one is around.  We are a only a guest, a visitor on this planet.  Treat nature with care.   

Savannah Sparrow by Sheen Watkins

Awareness of Other Photographers:  When other photographers are shooting a subject, respect that they were there first.  Don't be 'that photographer' that rushed in to join the shooting only to scare the subject away.  

Cool Heads Prevail:  Many of us have come across photographers who give 'photographers' a bad name in how they treat others and nature.  When it is evident they don't care, there's probably nothing you can do to change their perspective.  Instead of engaging in negative banter, there's the power of reporting them to the local area, photographing their license plate or them when not looking.

With all of our websites, social media outlets, blogs, books, many folks enjoy seeing the moments in nature we get to experience first hand in the field.  We do live a pretty amazing life!

Happy Shooting!

Time to "Eat Crow"

Rough-legged hawk by Sheen Watkins

Mother Nature, in all of her beauty, is not always kind or gentle.

We live part time near a remote small town on the Leelanau Peninsula in Michigan.

Outside of Northport it's quite common to see porcupines, bobcats, skunks, many species of birds and coyotes.

This week, I witnessed the brutal dependency of nature's food chain.
I initially thought I was seeing an injured hawk being attacked by crows.

I rushed to 'rescue' the crow only to discover that a rough-legged hawk had a very live and soon-to-be dinner crow in his talons.

Had I interrupted the process, it would mean a suffering crow that probably wouldn't survive.    Then there would be another needed food target for the hawk if he didn't have this meal.

Protecting Dinner by Sheen Watkins

So,  I decided to photograph the episode.

From capture, to defending his meal, he was he was doing what he needed to do to survive.

As a bystander, I wanted to save the crow.  I also wanted the hawk to eat.

The balance of nature.  The balance of life.  Nature in all her beauty has a side that is uncomfortable and painful.

As a photographer,  I'm grateful to see and enjoy nature in her finest.  I'm also grateful that she shares her reality - it's up to us to ensure that the complete food chain, the balance, is protected.

Plucking before eating  by Sheen Watkins

I also appreciate that no matter how tough my week, or day may be - I'm not being eaten by a hawk.

Happy Shooting!

How to Keep a Fresh Photographer's Eye? Play!

Peeking at You by Sheen Watkins

Photographers began their craft being inspired by something.

Many photographers started as artists, using a camera to document their subjects prior to drawing on paper or other art medium of choice. Others were influenced by magazines, such as National Geographic, the Smithsonian and other magazines known for outstanding storytelling and imagery.

Some just knew they wanted a camera.

My introduction to photography was simple.  After I became an official birder, I would always say, "I wish I had a camera" whenever I would focus my binoculars on a beautiful bird.  I guess I said it more than once or twice because my husband surprised me with my first camera.  Since then,  it has been many thousands of photos of birds, flowers, bees, deer, landscapes, black and white, and other various nature images.


Sometimes I do worry about getting stuck in a routine.  Are my photos starting to look the same, am I missing great images because I didn't consider another perspective?

by Sheen Watkins

Over the past year, I've intentionally networked with other photographers.
I've joined the Motor City Camera Club in the Detroit Metropolitan area and have started to occasionally participate in group photo outings.

Even though my best work happens when I'm solo, my photographic and post processing skills have been positively influenced by joining others.

Lines, colors, textures, shapes and structures serve as interesting and colorful subjects.

I'll jump at the chance to photograph city lights, inside and outside of unique architectural buildings and street photography.

by Sheen Watkins

The reverse is also true, I've been able to influence and help others in their nature and bird photography journey.

by Sheen Watkins

There's another benefit ...I have friends that love to 'play' outdoors and talk about f/stops, lenses, settings, camera gear and photography plans.  It's expanded the meaning of one of my favorite phrases of "happy shooting" to "happy shooters!"

"Songbird Sung Blue"

It's spring time which means the woods and fields are filled with the delightful songs and colors of songbirds.  Birds are flocking together to nest, breed, have chicks and depending on the species, travel south for thousands of miles after their chicks have fledged the nest. 

Lazuli Bunting by Sheen Watkins

It's time to celebrate a few of our magnificent little birds of blue.

The Lazuli Bunting, taken in Arizona could almost be mistaken for a bluebird.  Their white wing bars are an immediate giveaway.  

There's something a little extra special about birds in blue.  

Maybe it's because there are not as many species in this color range. 

They are so striking with their azure plumage.  Their sweet songs carry through the distance with unique and brilliant trills, notes and screeches.

The Indigo Bunting is a common sighting in Michigan and the midwest.  Even though it's a bit more common, that doesn't make it any less special to see....and hear.  The melodious song carries a distance from their high perches.  

This little guy is a regular on the Leelanau Peninsula on a trail managed by the Leelanau Conservancy in Michigan.

Indigo Bunting by Sheen Watkins

What 'blue' posting would be complete without a favorite for many?  The eastern bluebird entertains us by using nesting boxes to build their nest and their family.

Eastern Bluebird by Sheen Watkins

And lastly, the common but yet so striking Blue Jay.  We hear the loud calls when they fly in flocks. We see them visit our feeders.  Their bold crest along with the bright blue patterns make them standout from the rest of their family - the crows.

Blue Jay, a member of the Crow Family by Sheen Watkins

The title of this blog was inspired by Neil Diamond's "Song Sung Blue".  This is the second blog title that he, along with mother nature inspired:  What do Neil Diamond & Northern Michigan Have in Common? Cherry, Cherry!

Happy Shooting!

A Photographer's View

Moody Morning  by Sheen's Nature Photography

When I became a nature photographer, the world changed.

The big scenes became less important.

The little moments and details took center stage.  Blue skies became boring, clouds and turbulent skies became a welcomed friend.

The morning hours
on the weekend can't get here soon enough.

One of my favorite subjects ~ birds ~ have amazing features.   Their beauty, expressions and movement are a pure joy to observe as a bird watcher and a photographer.

White Wings  by Sheen's Nature Photography

With landscapes, nightscapes and cityscapes, it may be the large scale view, or it may something as simple as reflections at night that make the scene.

River Walk in Winter by Sheen's Nature Photography

Finding your moment is just one look from behind the camera away.

The Blue Door Leads to my Office

Where will your work take you today?

It's Monday, and for many of us it's starting the week with a cup of Joe.  After the cobwebs have cleared, it's time for the morning workout.  Then it's heading out the front door to our respective office to continue last week's unfinished work and begin new projects.  This may be a building, a warehouse, working in our cars or in our homes.

I prefer my weekend office door.  In blue, please.

The Blue Door to My Office

This weekend door opens to the great outdoors where birds sing, butterflies flutter and nature surrounds me.

In nature photography and for those you enjoy just being immersed in nature, you don't have to go very far.  It may be just a few steps and you're in your garden or going for a hike on a nearby nature trail.

A Day in the Weekend Office
Female American Redstart

As a photographer, I need and enjoy my regular job to pursue my passion for photography.

My photography office door opens on the weekend.  And while it's not the one above that I photographed this weekend, it is blue.

Happy Shooting!
~Sheen~

My website is located at www.sheenwatkins.com

Celebrating Feathers With Songs

One of the most brilliant sounds in the forest is that of our songbirds.  As a bird photographer who spends many hours hiking in the woods, an added bonus is hearing their bright delightful calls and songs.

The gray catbird below bursts out a cheerful song and also a "meow" call that is the reason for his name. 

Gray Catbird by Sheen's Nature Photography

Particularly in the spring, birds' songs and calls echo through the woods and in backyards. It's the time in which the males actively seek their partner for breeding.

The male redstart below sings near the lunch hour at a significant bird migratory spot in Ohio, Magee Marsh.

American Redstart by  Sheen's Nature Photography

The females, such as the female redstart below, respond in return with their cheerful, melodious songs.

Female Redstart Sings the Morning Away
Sheen's Nature Photography

 
An easy way to connect with nature, even if you are not a bird photographer, is to walk in the woods, stop and listen.   Nature will guide your way.

For a free monthly photography tip, visit my website signup page. Or, just visit my website to view nature, landscape, wildlife and nature photographs. 

Costa Rica Travel: Delightful Wings

My Costa Rica travel series in the Osa Peninsula would be remiss if I didn't dedicate a blog or two to the birds.  Common, every day sightings of Parrots and Toucans soared the moment we stepped out of the jeep.  Raptors, such as the Yellow-headed Caracara regally perched on trees that were fairly low to the ground.

by Sheen's Nature Photography

by Sheen's Nature Photography

Comical, colorful masks of the Toucans stood out against inky black feathers.

Imagine sitting down for lunch your first day and a toucan is 25 feet away.  My first instinct was to grab the camera versus eat as I didn't want to miss my moment.  After watching the large number of birds hovering nearby, I realized Toucans were quite common.  They  behaved with humans similarly to common backyard birds back home.  

Toucans had their eating routine down to a science.  Like a kid who likes to toss popcorn and catch it in the air with their mouths, Toucans make mealtimes fun.  The pull the berry off the tree, they may crack it a bit before tossing, catching and swallowing whole.  

When most birds go quiet midday, the Toucans are still out and about popping their lunch.

Did I mention that their talons were blue?  What a fab pair of 'shoes'.  

Scarlet McCaws.  Seeing them in flight with the rich scarlets contrasting with bright green trees and sky blue surroundings stopped us in our tracks.

A small family with parents and junior stopped for their lunch where we were able to view family dynamics and get some fairly close images.  Their powerful bills cracked nuts like nobody's business!  Textured faces, inquisitive expressions brought a smile with every snap of the shutter.

by Sheen's Nature Photography

Costa Rica warms the spirit and graces the visual senses with brilliant colors, sounds and wings.

A perfect place for "Happy Shooting"!

Note:  Images taken with Nikon 7100 and Tamron 150-600mm.  The Scarlet Macaw was captured with the Nikon 70-300mm.

Traveling to Costa Rica: Lush Lands & Magnificent Wildlife

Capuchin Cutie by Sheen's Nature Photography
Nikon 7100, Tamron 150-600mm

Costa Rica.  Just saying those two little words a country filled with tremendous beauty immediately comes to mind.

During December 2014, I traveled there for a week that passed too quickly.

From people with quick smiles and delightful hellos, to foods that enticed the pallet (would love to have some yucca chips right now!) to nature's diversity, I will return to the Osa Peninsula for another sojourn.

Until then, I'll share images throughout the next few months that share the country's love of nature and color.

The first sounds I heard when arriving at the eco lodge of Bosque Del Cabo Rainforest Lodge were dogs barking.  Or so I thought.  Instead it was Howler monkeys rapidly on the move in rainforest.

My next monkey sighting was the Capuchins.  So expressive and so cute because of their ever changing faces.

One moment the monkeys are there, the next moment they disappear deep into the forest.

The Toucan's with their vibrant lime greens, lemon yellows and scarlet reds against a cape of black feathers and chestnut colored mandible, were the first birds to make their appearance.

Toucan Man by Sheen's Nature Photography
Nikon 7100, Tamron 150-600mm

While these funny faces were visible all week long, I never tired of photographing them.  Whether eating, basking in the sun or watching their photographer of the moment, seeing them in the wild was a wonderful gift.

Stay tuned for more images and writings illustrating Costa Rica's diversity and beauty.

Happy Shooting!

Sheen

Gear Review: Nikon's 50mm 1.8G Lens is a Fast Friend

How clearly I remember the day when my first 'surprise' camera with a Nikon 55-300mm telephoto lens arrived.  As someone who's primary subject was to going be birds and wildlife, I seriously thought this was the only lens I'd ever need.

First and foremost I am a bird photographer.  Birding was the passion that stirred the interest in photography.  Over time, the passion for birds has not changed.  Instead, a passion for photography expanded my horizons of what images I capture.

After investing in a bigger telephoto lens (150-500) and a Nikon 105mm macro lens, I started playing around with the 24-85mm lens that came with one of my cameras. The world of landscapes emerged as subjects.  A landscape lens was then added to the growing collection.

Along the way I heard many photographers talk about how they enjoyed 'walk around' prime lenses.  I received another 'surprise' gift.  A 50mm 1.8G lens.

A big hello to world of exploring things outside of macro, telephoto and landscape.  

Airport Wait - 50mm, f/4, ISO 250, 1/80sec

The 50mm 1.8G is fast, lightweight, sharp prime lens (fixed focal length) with a beautiful bokeh.  The 50mm is easy to take on a walk in a garden, the woods, and even use in the airport for something to do while waiting for the flight.

A prime lens encourages and forces the photographer to consider different perspectives and composition. 

Night Moves - Nikon 600, 50mm,  ISO 2500,  f/1.8 1/60sec

The Night Moves image above was captured in my hometown, Birmingham, Michigan around ten at night.  Using a big aperture (f/1.8), the shallow depth of field, bokeh and desired sharpness all came together.  No flash or tripod needed.

The flowers below would have been only a close up with my Macro.  I intentionally left it at home because it would have been faster to gravitate to the macro comfort zone.  With the 50mm, the composition brought in more of the surroundings and better reflected the cheerful sunny day.

Cheerful Flowers, Sunshiny Day - Nikon 600, 50mm, B+W Circular Polarizing Filter

We are all in different mindsets with our photography and subjects.  As someone who waited too long to add the 50mm to their arsenal, I would easily recommend this as a must-have lens sooner versus later.

The 50mm is a photographer's friend, offering speed, fun, creativity and awesome quality images. 

At the very reasonable price point of $219.95 on the Nikon site and $216.95 on Amazon and B&H Photo, it's a relatively painless addition from a cost standpoint.

Happy Shooting!
Sheen

Uncommon Beauty in a Common Bird

So many places and wildlife faces to see.  Traveling to a new destination where  exploration is all that is on the agenda energizes the soul and creative spirit.

However, we can have the eyes of a tourist or explorer in our own backyards and surrounding locations without even trying too hard.  All it takes is a willing spirit and a personal commitment to get-up-and-go to a local place.  It may be a park, trail, area of town that you don't visit often, if at all.  Or, it may be a place you've thought about but the drive is a bit of a hassle.

Whether you're a photographer or have an interest in a hobby or activity, taking on a local adventure that falls in to your domain of interest may be the ticket to turning a routine Saturday into a real 'weekend' of fun.

Bye, Bye Blackbird - Sheen's Nature Photography

Using the red-winged blackbird as an example, they are quite common.  They arrive in the spring, mate, have babies and fly south again after the family has fledged.  It would be easy to discount a bird that 'I see all the time, just about all my life'.

A recent hike revealed a vocal male, singing in the bright sunshine along the reeds.  He stood in the same place for at least 30 seconds.

The inky black feathers accessorized with fire-engine red wing patches, his fashion statement makes a fashionista green with envy.  And his song, as shrill and bright as it is, is much preferable to any tune on the radio.

Have a great week and it's time to start planning your 'weekend'.

Happy Shooting!

Sandhill Surprise....A Walk in the Woods

Weekend walks in the woods bring wonderful sights and surprises.  Whether it's birds, wildlife, flowers, insects or foliage, some of my best grounding moments have been on hikes carrying my camera.

This particular day in July was no exception.  At a Detroit area metropolitan park, Kensington Metropark near Milford, Michigan, nature lovers, cycling and running enthusiasts have options to choose from.  An eight mile running and cycling trail circles Lake Kensington while other off-road  mountain cycling trails touch Island Lake.  

Woodland Walk - ©Sheen's Nature Photography

A nature center along with nature trails also meander through woods, marshy areas and an open lake.  Birds, deer and other wildlife can be seen while strolling through trails and sometimes, if lucky, even in the parking lot early in the morning.

This particular Saturday, Sandhill Cranes were actively feeding and visible on the shaded woodland trail.  Another pair casually grazed on the grounds not to far away from the parking lot.  

"Please Take My Picture" - ©Sheen's Nature Photography

As the parking lot "Hollywood Posing Pair" was used to people, they were not camera shy.  In fact one followed me around for several minutes,  gracing me with a close-up of the vibrant, bright orange eye.

A good morning indeed!

Happy Shooting!

Proper Preening....Sandhill Crane

Sandhill Crane Preens by Sheen's Nature Photography

The sights of summer are in full glory. Flowers are in bloom, the heat has finally arrived for a few days here in Michigan.  Trail hikes occur almost every weekend.

A highlight of this state is our Sandhill Cranes. Flocks of thousands congregate in open fields and
marshy woodland areas.

While photographing a Sandhill, a heavy beating noise whooshed in from behind.  The pounding sounded like deer running through the forest.  It was the wingbeats of another Sandhill as he flew in to greet the two walking on the trail.

This past Saturday a preening Sandhill enjoyed the early morning sunshine.   He (or she) will be heading south for the winter in late fall.

Until then, another a forty five minute drive for a hike in the woods to see this huge, majestic bird again is on the horizon.

Happy Shooting!



 

The Biggest Week in American Birding....Coming Soon!

The Biggest Week In American Birding is coming upon us beginning May 6, 2014.  It is the time of year when birders and nature photographers from the Midwest and around the world congregate in a tiny area in Northwestern, Ohio called Magee Marsh.  The other name for Magee Marsh is "The Warbler Capital of the World!"

Why?  Well, for starters, take a look at a few of the warbler images throughout this article that were  captured last year on the Crane Creek boardwalk trail within the park!

Hooded Warbler on the Crane Creek Trail - Sheen's Nature Photography

Magee Marsh is right next to Lake Erie and is a significant stopping and resting spot for migrating birds.

How easy is it to see the warblers and other birds on the trail?
At the visitor center, swallows are very people-friendly with nests right above the entrance door.  Purple martins abound in their houses along with other migrating birds on the visitor center trail.

 Official Greeter at the Visitor Center - ©Sheen's Nature Photography

On the Crane Creek trail it is very easy to see the warblers and other migrating bird species.  Of course, birds fly, dart quickly and can be elusive.

On the trail there are guides that are happy to assist in pointing out and identifying birds.  There are also many avid birders who graciously share their passion and knowledge when a bird is spotted.  

Just in the parking lot alone last year I saw chestnut sided, bay, yellow and black-throated green warblers.  This was in addition to seeing the scarlet tanager and northern oriole.  Then the trail walk began!

Photographers:  Heads Up!
Photography opportunities exist throughout Magee Marsh.  The visitor center, in the parking lot alongside the woods, the trail and along the water ways and Lake Erie all offer easy access to bird viewing.  On the boardwalk trail, it is very crowded so if you need a tripod with the big lens, you may want to use a monopod or go with a 300mm.  In the parking lot and other trails, the tripod works well.  The boardwalk can be very shady in spots so a speed light can make a difference.

When is the best time to go?
We try to arrive around 7:30 - 8:00 a.m. as that's about the time the birds start getting active.  My personal observation is that they sleep in a little longer here since it is such a great little haven.

If you can go during the week, it's highly suggested as it can get congested on the weekends.  But don't let that stop you from going on a Saturday or Sunday.  More people means more bird spotters.

Playful Yellow Warbler - ©Sheen's Nature Photography

Activities during The Biggest Week In American Birding:
Here is a link to the guide of activities during the week.  Additionally, there are numerous sponsors that donate resources and time to this event.  Exhibition booths are at both Crane Creek and the visitor center.

Some of the biggest names in birding will be there including Kenn Kaufman and his wife Kimberly.  Along the trail, experts come in all ages and sizes.  It's energizing to see our youth tackle this hobby as well as the seasoned veterans.

Another terrific participant is the non-profit wildlife rescue group Back to the Wild, One Rescue at a Time.  In past years they have brought rescued raptors, eagles and owls for educational purposes.  If you have an opportunity to be there the day they are, please give a donation.  They do great work!

Prairie Falcon Courtesy of Back to the Wild, One Rescue at a Time
©Sheen's Nature Photography

What to wear?
Be prepared for anything.  It could be rain, chilly, windy to warm and pleasant, and that's just within a 30 minute window.  I recommend a lightweight rain poncho just in case.  It's right on Lake Erie so the temperature is always a bit cooler.

May is a huge bird migration month, so even if you can't make it to Magee Marsh, nothing's stopping you from taking your binoculars, camera and going for a hike in your local nature areas.

HAPPY SHOOTING!
Sheen

All images were captured using:  Nikon 5100, Nikon 7100,  Nikon 70-300mm and Sigma 150-500 lenses.

Go West....to the Real, Old West

Raw, dusty and rock laden terrain points toward blue skies that stretch as far as the eye can see.  Muted shades of many colors roll across flat lands that quickly enfold into mountainous ranges and ancient limestone canyons.

Vermillion in Full Sun
Nikon 7100, Sigma 150-500, ISO 160, f/8, 1/250

Big Bend National Park rests in far west Texas alongside the Rio Grande river. Quietly, she waits to share desert delights of blooming cacti, hundreds of bird species and onyx nights filled with diamonds in the sky.

She surprises with pockets of riparian habitats offering close ups views of many wildlife species. The Cottonwood Campground, Rio Grande Village and the Chisos Basin are the three largest primary riparian areas within the park.

Our first stop in the park was Cottonwood Campground.  The reward? Vermillion flycatchers that zipped from campsites, to barbed wire fences to low hanging branches.

My first step was to observe their flight patterns and poses.  From there, I determined my plan of locations, camera settings, lighting and lens.  As I had recently added a Nikon 910 Speedlight to my arsenal, it was a well appreciated tool in the shady Cottonwoods.

While photographing birds, I almost always use Aperture Priority mode.  Given the shady conditions in the campgrounds, the best images came from those with f/stops that ranged from f/7.1 to f/10.

The lower the f/stop number means a larger amount of light coming through the lens.  The more light, the faster the shutter speed.  With more light, the depth of field is more shallow which means your foreground is sharp and the background is blurred.

The male vermillion below was captured using an Aperture of f/7.1.  The bird is in focus and the leaves and branches are very soft and blurred.  The female was captured using an Aperture of f/9.  You'll see a bit more branch detail behind her but with some blurring.  It was very windy and I wanted to capture the surroundings to share her delicate strength as she gripped the branch.  The Nikon 910 Speedlight was used in these two images to get more detail of the feathers.
   

Nothing Boring about the "Bird on the Stick," Vermillion Flycatcher
Nikon 7100, Sigma 150-500mm, ISO 250, f/7.1, 1/250 sec

Female Vermillion hangs on in the West Texas Breeze
Nikon 7100, Sigma 150-500mm, ISO 250, f/9, 1/640 sec

Our next morning was spent at Rio Grande Village searching out the Common Black Hawk nesting in the Cottonwoods.  Even though the Vermillion flycatchers danced to my right, left and overhead, I only had eyes for the black hawk sitting in a cluster of branches.  As a birder, it was a first time sighting.

As a photographer, it was a rare gift to capture and now share.

Black Hawk Preening for its Mate
Nikon 7100, Sigma 150-500mm, ISO 250, f/7.1, 1/200 sec

That afternoon was spent in the Chisos Basin where a winding, steep downhill led to nesting pairs of Mexican Jay's.  These jays can be found in oak woodlands in Western Texas, New Mexico and Arizona.  Always sassy and full of spunk, the Mexican Jay's vibrancy glows against the desert background.

Mexican Jay peering around an oak
Nikon 7100, Sigma150-500mm, ISO 250, f/9, 1/250 sec 

From sunrise to sunset, Big Bend National Park is a bird and nature photographer's delight and escape.  To get there, be prepared for a journey.  It's a solid seven hour drive from San Antonio or a four hour drive from El Paso.  Everything is bigger in Texas, including the drive.  But the roads travel fast as it's legal to go 80 miles per hour along I-10.

Since it is remote and vast in scope, planning in advance is highly recommended. We stayed at the Big Bend Casitas at Far Flung which is just outside the park in Terlingua, Texas.  The cozy casitas (cabins) were well appointed with small kitchens and very clean.  The grounds observed the 'no lights outside' so you could rock the time away gazing at the stars from your private porch, relaxing in a rocking chair.  

The real west awaits....

Happy Trails and Happy Shooting!
Sheen