Black Bellied Whistling Ducks @ Viera

[Kevin Scott]

Spent a few hours with Gale at Viera on Saturday afternoon. We also met new member Jim Neiger. Haven't had a lot of time to process pics as we celebrated my daughter's 6th b-day yesterday. Anyway, here's a couple of the BBWD. Used 300/f4 w/1.4x handheld

In flight...

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and after he landed....

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Normally, they aren't frightened easily and I can get quite a few shots off. This time, I got one, then he took off so I was unprepared. I was lucky to get this one...the other 3 in flights, his wings are missing parts!

 

[Gale]

WOW Kevin,

Those are super. Getting him flying.. Double wow on that one. Great job.

 

[Gordon Large]

Kevin -

The flight shot is fabulous. I've never seen a BBWD. Kinda beautiful in a weird way. Are they migrators through Viera or regulars?

Gordon

 

[Kevin Scott]

Gale, these were just before you got there. And just before I started to chase down Rosie! I was really pleased with the bif shot!

 

[Kevin Scott]

Oh, Gordon, Gordon.....

I think you were busy with Frank shooting the Mayor of Viera when these BBWD were posing so nice in the pond behind you. Usually they would just sit nicely and pose. This time they took off quick. As the sun set, we were treated by quite a few fly-bys of a pair. It was too dark to shoot as they look mostly black from the underside. They're really rather pretty, for ducks!

 

[Keith]

AWESOME first shot Kevin. Beautifully done!!! The colors are incredible, sharp

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[bfjr]

Great looking Duck in some great looking images !!
that's it getting a 1.4 next
Bank account :?: what bank account :lol:

 

[Flew]

Very nice series Kevin. I agree with the others that the first is an outstanding shot. Very well done. 8)

 

[Anthony747]

Wow Keven, That first shot is perfect!

Anthony

 

[mike mac]

Beautiful shot Kevin the forst oen is excellent, you are so lucky

 

[biggstr6]

cudos on the first one. Great shot.

 

[drueter]

Great shots, Kevin!! The first one is awesome! I've been able to get a few of these guys in flight before, but never as up close as you did. Wonderful capture.

 

[Kevin Scott]

Thanks everyone for the kind words. I was rather proud of the 1st one when I saw it on my 'puter! I really like these ducks. Their coloration is great. Thanks for looking.

 

[Kevin Scott]

Great looking Duck in some great looking images !!
that's it getting a 1.4 next
Bank account :?: what bank account :lol:

Thanks, Ben! You know, you might consider the Tamron teleconverter. It's a lot less expensive than the Nikon version. It'll work with both AF-S and AF lenses. I've not been disappointed in the quality, at all. It was just over $200 locally, though I'm sure you could find it less online.

 

[PEPPER PETE]

Wow!! Hey Kevin, great shots. Hand held shots like that are something I couldn't do. You are the man.
Pete

 

[Irenejoy]

Both shots are great but the first one is super.

 

[Kevin Scott]

Thanks Irene and Pete! I've really been practising my handheld flying birds shots and I can see them getting better. I still struggle with trying to keep them inside the HSC markings. Maybe I should just try to shoot full-frame and crop. 420mm just doesn't quite seem long enough for where I've been shooting.

You should've seen Jim Neiger at Viera. He's handholding a 500mm!!!

 

[Mike Z]

Kevin,
The first shot is superb. The second is merely outstanding.

 

[Kevin Scott]

Wow, thanks Mike! I took a look at your pbase galleries and all I can say is your kind words are even more meaningful to me!! Your galleries are fabulous! Thanks for looking!

 

[goodrich62]

Great Shots. I like #2 the enviorment looks more natera to me.
BTW what is a BBWD we don't have them in California

Rich