Making Common Species Look Good

Right now here in Florida I am impatiently waiting for cooler weather to set in and stay for longer than a day.  It has been a long hot summer. Last week we had our first taste of Fall here in east-central Florida.  But, alas, the cooler temps only lasted for two days.  It is 90 degrees as I am writting this post.

During this time of year it can be difficult to find good, "fresh" avian photography subjects as the dog days of summer hang on into fall.  It is at this time of year I tend to turn to bird species that are common and tend to be somewhat overlooked by many bird photographers in the area.  I think of it as a challenge to go out and make these common species look their best in my images.  Whether it is really a challenge or not does not matter, because it serves the purpose of motivating me to get out there in the field.  Believe me, it is really easy to convince yourself to stay in the nice air-conditioned office instead of heading outside to instantly start sweating. 

When I am in the field I try to focus on getting these "common" birds in great light and against interesting backgrounds as this tends to bring out the best in these subjects.  Of course having these elements fall into place for any image is never a bad thing.  Or, I go after a different perspecitive of a common species, such as a very close profile shot instead of the ubiquitous perched pose.  Group shots with birds in interesting positions also works well.

Below is a sample of what I have been doing to pass the last of the dog days and in my attempts to make common birds look good.  Well, at least they look good to me.  Let me know what you think.

Cheers.  Ron B

 Turkey Vultures on a roost site; 1/1600s, f/8, ISO 800, 600mm, Hand-held

Juvenile Turkey Vulture near a roost; 1/1600s, f/8, ISO 800, 1200mm, Hand-held

Boat-tailed Grackle courting pose; 1/640s, f/8, ISO 800, 1200mm, Hand-held

Snowy Egret landing; 1/2500s, f/8, ISO 800, 1200mm, Hand-held

Black Vulture landing; 1/1000s, f/9, ISO 800, 840mm, Hand-held

Cattle Egret; 1/1250s, f/7.1, ISO 1250, 840mm, Hand-held

Great Egret profile; 1/2500s, f/8, ISO 800, 1200mm, Hand-held

Limpkin Flight; 1/2000s, f/8, ISO 1000, 840mm, Hand-held

Black Vunture sunning; 1/1000s, f/9, ISO 800, 1200mm, Hand-held