lkimming

28-Nov-07 Nam Sang Wai
1D Mark III, EF600+2x, f/8, 1/1000s, iso400

hkwongkit

Nice pose and makes a change to your flight shots, Angus!
Perhaps a bit tight in the frame and also would like to see it brighter ...

lkimming

Thanks for the comments, kk!

After some recent field tests, I now feel very comfortable shooting with the 2x wide-open on the 1D3 (with micro-adjustments for the EF600/4). I can get essentially tack sharp flight shots with this combo provided I can track the subject properly (which I need more practise). And its AF speed with the 2x is quite decent too (much better compared with the 1D2). Just for these advantages, I think my upgrade to the 1D3 is very worthwhile... :wink:

Now my only problem is to find some birds to shoot. ops: After we left NSW, we took a walk in MPNR and we were in for a shock! Most of the ponds were deserted! I thought we are now well into the birding season... :? We went to my favorite balcony opposite to the "duck" ponds. Apart from no ducks in the ponds, the balcony has also turned into a bird hide. Not sure if it is worthwhile anymore for raptor photography... our hobby is getting tougher and tougher in HK... ops:

hkwongkit

[quote:882d163dbb="lkimming"] ... Now my only problem is to find some birds to shoot. ops: After we left NSW, we took a walk in MPNR and we were in for a shock! Most of the ponds were deserted! I thought we are now well into the birding season... :? We went to my favorite balcony opposite to the "duck" ponds. Apart from no ducks in the ponds, the balcony has also turned into a bird hide. Not sure if it is worthwhile anymore for raptor photography... our hobby is getting tougher and tougher in HK... ops:[/quote]

Angus,

I share your views about shooting birds at MPNR. It's not getting any easier these days!
For yesterday in particular the tide levels were below 1.7m for most of the daytime so most of the birds were out at Deep Bay I guess. I'm surprised that there were no ducks at #20/21 at this time of the year though. Have they all gone to Lok Ma Chau now I wonder?!  :cry:

nfelix

[quote:6929b15460="lkimming"]...
We went to my favorite balcony opposite to the "duck" ponds. Apart from no ducks in the ponds, the balcony has also turned into a bird hide. Not sure if it is worthwhile anymore for raptor photography... our hobby is getting tougher and tougher in HK... ops:[/quote]

Angus,

Welcome back here & MPNR.  I think you haven't been to MPNR for quite a long time and thus you are not aware of changes happened.  The  balcony opposite to the duck ponds was the favourite of the most here and filled with people in the birding season.  The good news now is that it is no longer crowded any more and well equipped with chairs though the view maybe limited for photography.  You are right there are less raptors now from my observation and the chance of getting close-up is getting uneasy.  I believe yesterday was my best & most uncommon day watching raptors there this year and getting an EMH that close.  

Felix

01/12/2007
Mai Po
Eastern Marsh Harrier 澤鷂

lkimming

Thanks for the info and the image, Felix! That was a very close approach! :shock:  

Yes, I haven't been out for a long time.  ops: I just find it increasing difficult to motivate myself to MPNR these days... I find NSW the most convenient and satisfying spot for bird photography. Went there this morning as well. Though condition is not very good, I can still avoid getting empty handed. Here is an image of a series of heron fighting. Quite exciting just to watch the action itself...

tbob

Great shot Angus, these 2 Grey Herons have been fighting every morning for a few weeks.

Bob