A trip to Ding Darling Refuge this morning - Some random bird shots

[Canon_Bob]

Lots of bird activity this morning. A rare opportunity of early-morning low-tide, and the fact that it is what we call a "high" low tide (where it doesn't go out all the way). Caused the birds to congragate in one area, and no one was there except me and two other photographers. I was there when the gates opened. It was fun. I shot images until I ran out of cards! Lot's of PP work to do, but here's a "quick" sample of the morning. If I find any "National Geographic Shots" in the unprocessed bunch, I'll post them.

Canon 1DsMII, Canon 100-400L @ 350mm, ISO 50, f/8, 1/160


Canon 1DsMII, Canon 100-400L @ 350mm, ISO 100, f/8, 1/250


Canon 1DsMII, Canon 100-400L @ 350mm, ISO 100, f/8, 1/320


I'll re-crop this one so it's off-center. Canon 1DsMII, Canon 100-400L @ 330mm, ISO 200, f/8, 1/800


I think this is a Tern of some sort. Maybe a Royal Tern. Don't know for sure. All I know is it's darn fast, and hard as heck to shoot in flight!
Canon 1DsMII, Canon 100-400L @ 330mm, ISO 200, f/8, 1/1000

[paulnj]

Great images as usual and I do believe you have a young least tern there.

[Loupey]

Excellent images, Bob. Looks like a gorgeous day to be out.

Love the "water drop" in #1 and the fluffed up head in #2. Of couse the in-flight images are top notch as well.

[readingr]

Bob,

Wow - these are terrific.

By the way I think you mean a Neap tide (small range between high and low water) rather than a Spring tide (large range between high and low water).

Roger

[Canon_Bob]

Thanks all - Here's one more that I liked as well while sifting through the images:

[Knight]

Ok how do you get these guys to pose for you lol .There all keepers