I just finished up with my “Florida East Coast Bird Photography” workshops that Donna Bourdon and I did together-what fun! We both had wonderful groups and sometimes our groups photographed together when the location allowed. I was glad because Donna had some of my favorite workshop clients in her group. Once again Donna’s group gave her rave reviews for her abilities to lead the group. My group was a mix of old and new friends —some of which I have known and loved for years. Such an excellent group of people! We did an image review session where everyone shared some of their favorites, I was impressed by the talent in the room.
Here are some of my favorite images from the trip, though I have many, many, more to share. All were captured with my Sony A1 camera (that camera continues to impress me) with my Sony 200-600mm lens-did I mention how much I love that lens. All handheld, natural light, and manual mode.
The birds in Florida are so tame. I was able to get pretty darn close to many of them. We had really nice weather and only fought the sun on a few outings. Our trip to Viera Wetlands yielded a Great Blue heron nest with two chicks, it was pretty close to the pathway. We arrived just before sunrise and there was light fog. I created a few foggy nest images that I may share at a later date- just too many images to process. Some of my clients stayed on the nest and were rewarded as the chicks woke up to feed on an eel. I opted to walk around with the group to look for cranes. I found a very nice backlit Green heron instead. On the day before the group arrived, I went to Viera to see what was around and check out the conditions. It was in the middle of the day, and it was sunny and hot. As I walked around the loop, I encountered a Bobcat crossing the pathway in front of me. And no, I didn’t have my camera…ugh.
At Stick Marsh I captured a Roseate Spoonbill in flight with its legs crossed. I called it “Gotta Go.” The morning we went it was overcast and windy. We didn’t have a lot of light for flight and the spoonbills roost too far away to shoot unless they fly by, but every now and then one would get close enough to capture.
Merritt Island was almost a bust, but for the lone young Roseate Spoonbill that graced our morning shoot. That said, I loved that bird! It was so adorable and very accepting of us until a gator scared it off. The spotlight effect on its back (top image) is all natural, the sun peeked through the clouds in just the right place.
Sebastian Inlet had a Reddish Egret that danced for us. At Sebastian we photographed just about everything. My favorite photos from the inlet were the close-up of the juvenile Brown pelican and the Reddish Egret. But many of the group killed it on pelicans flying just above the surf.
Wakodahatchee Wetlands was a nesting paradise for Wood storks. There were also quite a few Great egrets displaying and I managed to get a shot, I’ll share my image soon. I also captured some good pictures of Anhinga and Wood storks but haven’t processed any yet.
In Lakeland, we photographed American white pelicans in gorgeous soft light. We also shot a nesting pair of GBH and that was loads of fun. After all was said and done the workshop was a great success. I think everyone had fun, learned some new techniques, met new friends, and captured loads of images to go home with.
A big shout out to Scott Young and his wife Pat-sorry I missed seeing you in Florida. Also another big shout out to Michael Zajac and Beverly Still for their assistance on this workshop, thank you.
Plans are underway to add a 2023 Florida East Coast Bird Photography Workshop (5-days) followed by an optional (2-day )add-on to Blue Cypress Lake, for nesting, flying, feeding Osprey, followed by a second (5-day) workshop to St. Augustine. Those interested can shoot me an email. Dates are in March of 2023. Exact dates TBA soon.
Sweet young spoonbill.
Early morning feeding
Backlit Green heron, I would usually expose even more to the right to open up the exposure on the birds to create an even more high-key look but I liked the green in the background.
Soft backlighting added to the look here. Many thanks to my tame model for the lovely pose.
American white pelican in soft light. i loved the breeding plate and wanted to share a pose that showed it off.
American white pelicans
Wood Duck, drake, high-key with reflection.
“Gotta Go” This young spoonbill had a muddy neck and wind tips.
American white pelican
Great Blue herons nesting
Great Blue Heron on a mission.
A happy surprise to see the fish!
Brown pelican, juvenile