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Solvang CA
There is a difference between looking for trouble and it finding you. Photography can be the same but it is, in this case better to look for it. Set a goal and go for it. Even a vacation can prove to a photo opportunity. A few years ago, We planned a trip to Solvang California. Solvang is a beautiful town with a strong Danish heritage. The area’s main draw is the numerous excellent wineries in the area and that was what brought us. I have seen and photographed many Black-Billed Magpies where I live but in Central California there are Yellow-Billed Magpies- for me a maybe one time added attraction. The result, while speeding down the road between wineries, I spotted my secondary goal. This required a 400 mm lens and a fast shutter speed.
St. Augustine FL
Other goals can be carefully planned. My last trip to Florida, I set a major goal of finding and photographing the Roseate Spoonbill. Before I left I researched their locations and when I got to Florida I asked locals where the best locations would be. I went prepared. Surprise, the best location was the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park. A fantastic location to be close to nesting birds including Wood Storks, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, and our Roseate Spoonbill.
Another good choice on that trip was Merritt Island. Be sure to check with locals at the Nature Center, some great surprises are possible.
Shooting birds at any location require a high shutter speed which in turn may mean higher ISO depending upon the light available. The longer lenses and a steady tripod if possible improve their results greatly.
Image Information
Yellow-billed Magpie – 300 mm f-8 1/350 sec ISO 400
Roseate Spoonbill – 400 mm f-5.6 1/1250 sec ISO 200
