Have been getting up early lately

[DsrtVW]

When my works takes me by some of the good wetlands. I get up extra early to catch the sunrise.
Most of these were shot before the sunrise.
1 Sandhill reflection

Foggy Pintails

Foggy Flight

Sun finally cleared the mountians.

These were taken around noon at lunch break


Formation


Hard turn, big crop not the best capture but I love the alignment of the birds.

[Kiz]

These are rather gorgeous. I'm not sure which one/s I like best - they are all great in their own way - though if has to buy only one I would pick no: 2 I think.

I've been doing something very similar, getting up before dawn to walk the wetlands near home. I've had a few shots I quite liked but nothing quite so lovely as these... are you able to share any tips or techniques? Or is that rude to ask?

[DsrtVW]

Not rude to ask at all. Early morning is tough, first off fast glass really helps. I am shooting a 200mm f2 with a 1.7 teleconverter which makes it a 340.mm f3.3. Most of these shots were shot at f4 ISO 400. This particular morning I had some help form the weather which was strategic ground fog that was helping bounce some light around. Tripod or bean bag is a must because of slower shutter speed. Shooting a lot of frames.
Most of the time I use a remote shutter release to help eliminate camera movement when shooting stills.

[Frogstar]

Some really nice shots there. Thanks for sharing and giving us your settings/technique.

[dean1401]

Love the solitary female in "Formation". Almost like an escort.

Great series.

[bill8131]

Absolutely great images!!
Bill

[KatMitchell]

Beautiful work Chris.
You sure have been busy.

I agree it is hard to pick a favorite out of such a nice series. If I had to pick one only, my pick would be #4. There is just something wonderful about your use of DOF and the red colors in this shot that sing. It has a painterly feel to it with the reflections and the way the birds blend in to the grass.

They are all beautiful and you captured some great formations and take offs.

I am gong to vote that you clone out some of the more dominate reeds in the Foggy Pintails shot, the ones above the birds' heads. They distract too much and it is worth the time to clone on such a "gorgeous piece of work".

Awesome Work Friend

~ Kat