NikonGear'23

Travelogues => Travel Diaries => Topic started by: elsa hoffmann on February 14, 2016, 12:03:07

Title: Sunbirds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on February 14, 2016, 12:03:07
So much to see and do - so little time.
I did a tour yesterday and it was so amazing. So many sunbirds I couldn't keep up - within 3 - 5m of me.
A whopping 12 hours for a 260km trip, and if the light was there it would have been a much longer day. Such is life if you tour with photographers.
Title: Re: Sunbirds
Post by: Thomas Stellwag on February 14, 2016, 12:22:55
i like the whole series
no 2 has good correlation between birds beak and bokeh shape
my fav is the last one - what were you both discussing about?
Title: Re: Sunbirds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on February 14, 2016, 12:34:51
Thank you Thomas :)
The Penguin - very inquisitive - came to look af my lens!
I came away with more than 900 images for the day - very difficult to choose
Title: Re: Sunbirds
Post by: Anthony on February 14, 2016, 21:10:15
What beautiful birds.

And the least beautiful, the last, makes the best image!
Title: Re: Sunbirds
Post by: Jakov Minić on February 14, 2016, 21:17:47
Elsa's wide angle close ups of animals are always my favorite :)
Title: Re: Sunbirds
Post by: Fons Baerken on February 15, 2016, 13:08:02
There is Fernkloof Nature Reserve just above Hermanus, are these images from upthere, we were there in September 2008 , cold, wet and windy it was.
Title: Re: Sunbirds
Post by: Frank Fremerey on February 15, 2016, 13:14:29
love the whole series. What color & beauty in Biodiversity!

Could you share some technical information too?
Title: Re: Sunbirds
Post by: tommiejeep on February 15, 2016, 13:17:50
Elsa, love the 3rd image but that 4th is just too cool of a bird.   S.A, Aus. and India share quite a few birds but have never seen one like that.  A question, do you have Hummers?  Some years back I bought Hummingbird feeders in Mexico and US only to get home and realize no Hummers in India   >:( .  None of the other birds used the feeder but the ants did .. lol ... Janette hates ants !
Tom
Title: Re: Sunbirds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on February 16, 2016, 06:17:40
Thank you all for looking.

I always knew we had plenty birds  - but I am beginning  to realise just how many birds we really have here -

Fons - We did stop at Fernkloof as well. There is no other place on earth where so many different species can be seen growing in such close proximity. In Fernkloof more than 1400 species have thus far been collected and identified. Best time to go there is in spring when one would see more flowers - but it was awesome walks and a brazillion tortoises.

Frank - not sure what technicals you want - but here goes the birds were all shot with the D800 and 200-500. I try to keep the SS as high as possible - 1/2000 - it was overcast every 10 minutes (thats how it works here), and f5.6. I should have gone to f8 as I was so close to the birds.  I also should have pushed my ISO more.

Tom - we do have hummingbirds - and I have at least 2 different species visiting my garden. But I have to admit - I have more ants than birds here too.
Title: Re: Sunbirds
Post by: Erik Lund on February 16, 2016, 13:50:38
Outstanding images! Thanks for posting ;)

Yes WA shots just work so well when close up,,, ;)
Title: Re: Sunbirds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on February 16, 2016, 14:22:27
Thanks Erik - next time it will be the 14-24 :)
Title: Re: Sunbirds
Post by: PeterN on March 02, 2016, 19:27:37
What a wonderful series.
I want to go to SA.... My photos will never be as good as yours but at least I can bring back the memories.
In the meanrime I will enjoy your photos as much as possible!
Title: Re: Sunbirds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on March 02, 2016, 19:34:31
Thank you Peter - it is easy to take good photographs if the opportunities are good.
DO visit Cape Town - I am sure you will enjoy it!
Title: Re: Sunbirds
Post by: Akira on March 02, 2016, 19:56:03
For whatever reason, I have missed the thread until now.

How beautiful these images are!  I'm also impressed by your reflex nerve!
Title: Re: Sunbirds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on March 02, 2016, 20:34:01
Thank you so much Akira - I try take care of my reflex nerve :)  (every Saterday)  :P :P
Title: Re: Sunbirds
Post by: Peter Connan on March 08, 2016, 19:29:55
Don't know how I missed this thread! Stunning shots  Elsa

But as far as I know, there are no hummingbirds in SA, although sunbirds can sometimes act in a similar fashion.
Title: Re: Sunbirds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on March 08, 2016, 20:58:15
You are right - I have been hauled over the coals for being so blond - there are no hummingbirds in SA.
thank you for the kind comments
Title: Re: Sunbirds
Post by: armando_m on March 08, 2016, 21:26:07
Beautiful and colorful birds ! ... and a penguin :)
Great captures Elsa, thanks for sharing them

Title: Re: Sunbirds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on March 09, 2016, 05:50:08
thank you kindly Armando