Just did some work around the house this weekend....

[Canon_Bob]

I've got a touch of the flu, so no swamp adventures this weekend. These images all from within a mile of my home. I basically just went out on short trips as I felt up to it. The Kestral Images are all hand held with the 600. I saw him flying around and just grabbed my 1DsMII with the 600 and followed him around, shooting when he gave me a chance:

[AgingEyes]

600mm hand-held ! How did you like it?

[Canon_Bob]

600mm hand-held ! How did you like it?

LOL - It's actually not as bad as people make it out to be

I have hand held the 600 many times. You just do it in short bursts, and use Image Stabilization! You'll also note that my shurtter speeds were pretty high, so that allows for a lot of wobbling. the hardest part is focus, as movement causes the camera to start "hunting" again. IS Mode 2 works pretty well in these cases. Sometimes there's just no option other than hand-held.

[scott-devon]

Those are great shots Bob, I particularly like the first kestrel shot. Hope you feel better soon.

[Loupey]

Perhaps you should stay home more often

I still have no idea how you can get so close to meadowlarks. I like the "cattle shot" and the first kestrel BIF.

[Canon_Bob]

I still have no idea how you can get so close to meadowlarks.

I spent a lot of time studying them (one of my favorite birds), and figured out a trick to override their naturally wary nature. It's one of those things that could easily be abused, so I won't share it publicly. You really have to know what you're doing, but it works flawlessly. I can get within a few feet of them pretty much any time I want to.

[Ira Runyan]

Way to go, Bob! I like that shot of the kestrel hoverimg.

[Knight]

Well i want the flu if its going to help me get photo's like that lol. Good series Bob like them all

[WesternGuy]

Great images Bob. I also like the first Kestrel one.

Cheers,

WesternGuy

[AgingEyes]

I spent a lot of time studying them (one of my favorite birds), and figured out a trick to override their naturally wary nature. It's one of those things that could easily be abused, so I won't share it publicly. You really have to know what you're doing, but it works flawlessly. I can get within a few feet of them pretty much any time I want to.

Does it by any chance require you to dress up like a kestrel ??

[Canon_Bob]

Does it by any chance require you to dress up like a kestrel ??

LOL - How'd you know??? I knew that "Big Bird" suit I bought for Halloween would prove useful!

[mn shutterbug]

Last kestrel gets my vote.