Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2012/06/17
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]This time of year the Sierra Valley (California highway 89 north of Truckee) is a spectacular area for breeding birds. The valley is entirely private ranch property, but the community is very aware of the importance to wildlife of the area. Marble Hot Springs road, where I spent Saturday, cuts across the valley and through marshes fed by the springs. One of the highlights of the day was a family of Pied-billed Grebes: an adult and four half-grown chicks. I saw no sign of the other adult. http://www.wildlightphoto.com/birds/podicipedidae/pbgreb05.html One of the grebe chicks' favorite games is called Hop On Pop, even if it's really Mom: http://www.wildlightphoto.com/birds/podicipedidae/pbgreb06.html Grebes often carry their chicks on their backs, but these were getting big enough that the game will soon be over. http://www.wildlightphoto.com/birds/podicipedidae/pbgreb07.html The chicks are constantly looking for a handout: http://www.wildlightphoto.com/birds/podicipedidae/pbgreb08.html A family portrait: http://www.wildlightphoto.com/birds/podicipedidae/pbgreb09.html Technical stuff: R8/DMR, shoulder stock, hiding inside an old blue truck. Second photo made with 560mm f/6.8 Novoflex Telyt, others made with 280mm f/4 APO + 2x APO-Extender-R. All comments welcome. Doug Herr Birdman of Sacramento http://www.wildlightphoto.com