Kate
Forum Replies Created
-
@Deborah Thank you Deborah. I’m pleased with the photos and even happier with the memories and lessons learned hanging out with this loon family. It was such a happy/sad day when Jr fledged and they left me with empty pond syndrome!
-
@Mary Thanks Mary. Yes, these were indeed very special moments that were a real privilege to witness! I’m so glad you enjoyed the photos.
-
@Taylor Thanks Taylor. These photos were some of the first I took with my big covid-splurge, a Canon 600 mm lens. It’s as awesome as I’d hoped for getting up close and personal to birds without disturbing them. While photographing this loon family, I also often used a 100-400 zoom which worked well in this situation too, especially when the birds were very active since the smaller lens was more maneuverable in the confines of the car.
-
This course was very helpful in many ways, but the most valuable aspect for me was making a commitment to a sit spot. On June 20 I discovered a Red-throated Loon nest on a tundra pond next to a lane where I could park my car. I returned to the spot every few days, always parking in the exact same place, to observe and photograph the birds from incubation, to hatch of a single chick, through to fledging on Aug. 31. The birds initially were wary of my arrival, but very quickly learned the sound of my car and soon didn’t react at all when I pulled up to my sit spot. I never got out of the car or did anything to alarm them and soon they were carrying out their fascinating lives without worries right in front of my lens and eyes. It was the best part of my summer!
