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I used this image a thread where the discussion got in direction "getting a shot because of having the right gear" but I can't find it anymore. Anyway, I hope I don't get blamed for off-topic posting because only half of the B's are IF :D when posting it again ...

First I was annoyed about all the noise, because I was focused on becoming a crane paparazzi getting them when they are "doing it" but then I saw the reason for the noise. A northern raven was obviously a little upset with a sea eagle deciding to sunbath too close by to the raven's home. Bottom line: Even for a sea eagle it's only over when it is really over. A bit sad that I couldn't get one where the raven's beak is actually sticking out between the eagls's wing feathers ... ;)

D850, 500 f4G + TC14


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Pintails with a few Mallards - D500 500 pf F11 1/1500 ISO 450
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Snow geese - calm D850 500 PF F22 1/2000 ISO 800

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Snow geese - chaos D850 500 PF F22 1/2000 ISO 800

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...and more chaos Z6 II 70-200 S F10 1/1600 ISO 640 The numbers of geese was impressive.

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A few are having a rough time staying feet down. D500 200-500@200mm F8 1/1500 ISO 100

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This spring I seem to be coming across a lot of birds I haven't photographed before like this Wilson's Snipe down at one of the ponds I regularly visit.

Nikon D500, 500mm PF, f/6.3, 1/1250", ISO 100
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Here's a shot I got of a Sandhill flying over.
Great moment captured there, really great wing and face detail.

FWIW, it seems to have a magenta cast, a color temp eyedropper click on the leading edge of the wing where's it's brightly illuminated or other fairly neutral gray area may help.
 
Must have been some kind of hatch this evening because Swallows of all kinds were swarming over one of our local ponds. Decided to take a crack at Swallows in flight which is always a challenge.

Tree Swallow Hunting Bugs on the High Seas:

Nikon D5, 600mm f/4 @f/5, 1/2500", ISO 450
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Nikon D500, 500mm PF, f/6.3, 1/2500", ISO 640
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D500, 500mm PF, f/6.3, 1/2500", ISO 1100
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All in all it was probably easier with the 500mm PF than the big lens on the tripod and at times the Swallows swarmed so close it might have been even easier to shoot handheld with the 300mm PF.
 
Those came out quite nicely, Dave.

I came across some at a local lake here last week as well, but only had the 500 f4 with me. Ran into the exact same issues (difficult to keep up when they came quite close). Might have to go back with the 500pf or 200-500 or so when the weather clears up a bit.
 
Must have been some kind of hatch this evening because Swallows of all kinds were swarming over one of our local ponds. Decided to take a crack at Swallows in flight which is always a challenge.

Tree Swallow Hunting Bugs on the High Seas:

Nikon D5, 600mm f/4 @f/5, 1/2500", ISO 450
View attachment 18929

Nikon D500, 500mm PF, f/6.3, 1/2500", ISO 640
View attachment 18930

D500, 500mm PF, f/6.3, 1/2500", ISO 1100
View attachment 18931

All in all it was probably easier with the 500mm PF than the big lens on the tripod and at times the Swallows swarmed so close it might have been even easier to shoot handheld with the 300mm PF.
Great job Dave. I like the 600mm one best. (y)
 
Must have been some kind of hatch this evening because Swallows of all kinds were swarming over one of our local ponds. Decided to take a crack at Swallows in flight which is always a challenge.

Tree Swallow Hunting Bugs on the High Seas:

Nikon D5, 600mm f/4 @f/5, 1/2500", ISO 450
View attachment 18929

Nikon D500, 500mm PF, f/6.3, 1/2500", ISO 640
View attachment 18930

D500, 500mm PF, f/6.3, 1/2500", ISO 1100
View attachment 18931

All in all it was probably easier with the 500mm PF than the big lens on the tripod and at times the Swallows swarmed so close it might have been even easier to shoot handheld with the 300mm PF.
Those are great! what focus point setting did you use for swallows in flight?... I always come home with 1000 pictures and 1 or maybe 2 that are useable:cry: (if I am lucky) my experience has been that with a small focus point is very difficult to maintain the subject in it when they fly that fast, and with a larger area, any background seems to catch the focus and I lose the focus on the small bird...