I had a wonderful opportunity in the middle of November to join up with a small group of photographers (Brian Kennedy, Norbert Rief, Chuck Jacobs, Cezary Raczko and Bob Mohr) and do some shooting at the Chincoteague NWR. We were extremely fortunate weather-wise, and generally had clear skies with reasonably cool temperatures. We were out before dawn, and were treated to some gorgeous sunrises, as well as sunsets at the end of the day. The migrating snow geese were present in fairly good numbers, although they kept their distance from us, and seemed to rarely be in favorable lighting conditions. The sound they made as they unitedly lifted off is something to experience!

While I didn't have opportunity to try and capture the kind of well-lit flight shots I was hoping for, it was a sheer joy being out there, enjoying some good companionship, and I hope you all enjoy this small selection of images from this trip.

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Deer Pair
    Jumping at Sunrise

    
Image # 02075

    
Chincoteague NWR

    
Chincoteague Island, VA
 

    
Canon 600L/f4 IS

    
ISO 800, f/4, 1/100 second

    
Evaluative Metering at
    0

    
Gitzo 1329/ArcaSwiss B1/Wimberley
    Sidekick
 

We did have several opportunities to watch, experience and photograph deer crossing the water. This was very early sunrise, as evidenced by the shooting parameters above. I was fortunate to catch this pair virtually synchronized in their jump.

     
 

    
Deer Pair
    at Rest at Sunrise

    
Image # 02076

    
Chincoteague NWR

    
Chincoteague Island, VA
 

    
Canon 600L/f4 IS

    
ISO 800, f/4, 1/80 second

    
Evaluative Metering at
    0

    
Gitzo 1329/ArcaSwiss B1/Wimberley
    Sidekick
 

Taken shortly after the shot above, I don't recall if this was a different pair, or the same one having just turned to face the other direction. I was pleased with the relative sharpness, considering I was shooting at 1/80 second with a 600 mm focal length!

Snow Geese in Flight Image # 02097 Chincoteague NWR Chincoteague Island, VA

Canon 600L/f4 IS with 2x II Teleconverter ISO 400, f/11, 1/1250 second Evaluative Metering at -2/3 Gitzo 1329/ArcaSwiss B1/Wimberley Sidekick

As I commented above, the Snow Geese definitely kept their distance from us, especially when the light was at its best. But I was able to get at least a few shots in mid-day. The harsh light definitely takes its toll in shooting these mostly white birds, but sometimes you take what you can get.

     
 

    
Sika Deer
    at Sunset

    
Image # 02106

    
Chincoteague NWR

    
Chincoteague Island, VA
 

    
Canon 600L/f4 IS with 1.4x
    II Teleconverter

    
ISO 800, f/5.6, 1/100 second

    
Evaluative Metering at
    0

    
Gitzo 1329/ArcaSwiss B1/Wimberley
    Sidekick
 

We had several beautiful sunsets, and as we were watching and waiting on the Snow Geese, I spotted a few Sika deer starting to cross in front of us. We all took a number of shots, and this is my favorite among the ones I was able to get. Even though it was mid-November, and the temperature must have been in the 40's, I was amazed that we were getting eaten alive by mosquitos this evening, but it was worth it!

Northern Harrier in Flight Image # 02092 Chincoteague NWR Chincoteague Island, VA

Canon 600L/f4 IS with 2x II Teleconverter ISO 400, f/11, 1/2000 second Evaluative Metering at -2/3 Gitzo 1329/ArcaSwiss B1/Wimberley Sidekick

Canada Geese at Sunrise Image # 02074 Chincoteague NWR Chincoteague Island, VA

Canon 600L/f4 IS ISO 400, f/4, 1/50 second Evaluative Metering at 0 Gitzo 1329/ArcaSwiss B1/Wimberley Sidekick

This was taken the same morning as the deer pair above, and recaptures in my minds eye the beauty and serenity of sunrise at Chincoteague.

Tundra Swan at Sunset Image # 02099 Chincoteague NWR Chincoteague Island, VA

Canon 600L/f4 IS ISO 500, f/11, 1/1000 second Evaluative Metering at 0 Gitzo 1329/ArcaSwiss B1/Wimberley Sidekick

This was taken at sunset, a short while before the Sika deer shot above, with the clouds creating a dramatic setting for the beautiful lines of this elegant bird.

Savannah Sparrow Image # 02127 Chincoteague NWR Chincoteague Island, VA

Canon 600L/f4 IS with 1.4x II Teleconverter ISO 200, f/8, 1/1000 second Evaluative Metering at 0 Gitzo 1329/ArcaSwiss B1/Wimberley Sidekick

I was set up along the main road in the refuge, overlooking the water and waiting for Snow Geese, Hawks, or anything to fly toward me, with the sun at my back. I had seen these little sparrows flitting around constantly all week-end long, never staying in plain view for more than a split-second. But this one surprised me and lighted in a bush not too far away from me, with a minimally cluttered background (in contrast to the usual thicket of bushes they frequent). It sat still long enough to at least give me a chance at a decent shot. Thanks to both Peter May and Rob Turner for alerting me to this being a Savannah, not a Chipping, Sparrow!

Great Blue Heron Splash Image # 02129 Chincoteague NWR Chincoteague Island, VA

Canon 600L/f4 IS with 1.4x II Teleconverter ISO 200, f/8, 1/1000 second Evaluative Metering at 0 Gitzo 1329/ArcaSwiss B1/Wimberley Sidekick

This was taken from the same spot as the sparrow above. This great blue heron was mostly lurking in the shadows near the shore, but ever once in a while ventured out into the sun in search of a meal. I snapped this single shot as he lunged toward some unseen fish, and caught the entry splash.

Juvenile BCNH Flight Sequence Image # 02133-02136 Chincoteague NWR Chincoteague Island, VA

Canon 600L/f4 IS with 2x II Teleconverter ISO 200, f/8, 1/1250 second Evaluative Metering at 0 Gitzo 1329/ArcaSwiss B1/Wimberley Sidekick

A couple of us were watching and shooting this juvenile Black Crowned Night Heron, posing nicely in a tree, when it took off. It circled a time or two, and eventually landed. This repeated a couple of times, giving me a few chances at some flight shots. I had one series of shots that looked pretty decent, so I decided to play around a bit in Photoshop, and this is the result. It is a composite of the 4 shots of this same individual, as he came in for a landing. I'm not sure how well this image works, but it's still fun to try some different things.

Blue and Gold Macaw Image # 02145 South Carolina Aquarium Charleston, SC

Canon 100/f2.8 USM Macro ISO 400, f/2.8, 1/200 second Manual Mode Handheld

Well, you probably realize this one wasn't shot at Chincoteague NWR ;-). I spent Thanksgiving week-end with some family at Kiawah Island, one of our favorite places to relax. We spent an hour or two at the new Aquarium in Charleston, and for whatever reason, they had a couple of gorgeous Macaws near the entrance. I couldn't resist, so took a shot or two, and this is the result. I'm just amazed by the beauty of these birds, the detail and color they exhibit, and just had to share this image.