Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2008/07/06
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Aechmophorus is the genus name of two grebes (family Podicipedidae) found in western North America, the Western Grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis) and the Clark's Grebe (Aechmophorus clarkii). These were formerly considered conspecific but were split in the last few years. Outward differences include the extent of black on the bird's head, and the bill coloration. Western Grebe has more black, extending below the eye, and a greenish-yellow bill. The black cap of the Clark's Grebe does not extend below the eye, and the bill is more orange-yellow: http://wildlightphoto.com/birds/podicipedidae/wegr00.jpg http://wildlightphoto.com/birds/podicipedidae/clgr01.jpg Technical stuff: I wanted land or vegetation behind the birds reflecting in the water to avoid a glaring bright reflection of the sky, so in order to get close enough to the birds with this background I needed to be in the water looking back toward shore. The kayak seemed the most suitable tool, being small, easily maneuvered and close to the water's surface. I also chose early morning for these photos so that the light would be at a low angle and the water's surface would have a minimum of ripples. As it turned out the morning hours also had the best quality light because our brief respite from forest fire smoke ended in the morning hours, and because the lake is popular with many people with paddle craft. I was in the water by 7:30 AM and headed for home by 9:30 AM Camera equipment: R8/DMR, 560mm f/6.8 Telyt, shoulder stock Exposure: 1/2000 sec @ f/6.8 Location: Lake Natoma, near Folsom California Date: 06 July 2008 All comments welcome Doug Herr Birdman of Sacramento http://www.wildlightphoto.com