Greetings All, First Post

[Steve_E]

Hello everyone, I wanted to say hello and introduce myself.

I'm a northern hemisphere newcomer located in the southeast US. I got started in photography shooting mainly Lunar and some planetary and made the transition to deep-sky about 7 years ago. I'll post some astro work soon but for now I thought I'd share a few of my wildlife images.

I enjoy photographing birds and spend the majority of my daylight shooting time in pursuit of the many species of birds here along the coast. I prefer ground/water level shooting so very often I use a Skimmer Ground Pod on my long crawls to get close to my subjects and the shots I'm after. I also use camo cover and stake out the more nervous species like the Belted Kingfisher for example.

I want to thank Andrew(Dusty) for encouraging me to come over and participate. The talent here is amazing and I'm looking forward to my time at IIS.

The images attached were the result of a pleasant surprise. As I walked the beach on the way back to my truck an Osprey crash landed about 15 feet in front of me. The bird was obviously exhausted and could not fly any further. As soon as I got over the shock of seeing this unfold I grabbed my camera and lens off the tripod and starting shooting hand held. The Osprey hopped up to the dunes grasping the large fish in one talon and rested for a while before taking off with its catch. I ended up with about 35 frames of a great experience I'll never forget.

Steve

Canon 1D Mark II / 500L / Hand Held

Here are the links for the larger images:
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y67...wings2-1-1.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y67...pbchcls9fn.jpg

[supernova1965 (Warren)]

Welcome to IIS look forward to more of you photo's could you please give some sort of reference as to the size of the bird are osprey's a large or medium sized bird.

[Octane (Humayun)]

Steve,

They're beautiful images.

Well done on capturing a great sequence.

H

[Steve_E]

Originally Posted by Octane

Steve,

They're beautiful images.

Well done on capturing a great sequence.

H

Thanks very much Humayan, sometimes opportunities just fall from the sky.

[mswhin63 (Malcolm)]

Welcome to IIS, this is such a beautiful image. Seen a ghost .

I must admit I am not much of an imager myself but if I was the capture something the images you posted would be something I would like to do.

Excellent

[Steve_E]

Originally Posted by supernova1965

Welcome to IIS look forward to more of you photo's could you please give some sort of reference as to the size of the bird are osprey's a large or medium sized bird.

Thank you Warren.

The adult Osprey, a.k.a the Sea Hawk or Fish Hawk measures about 60 cm(24 in) and has a wingspan of up to 180 cm(72 in). So I would say a medium size raptor with a very impressive wing span. They dine on fish and use both the dive/swoop and grab approach as well as the steep dive/plunge. Folks that live along the marshes and waterways here will sometimes find large fish in their yards that were dropped by the Osprey. Bald Eagles like to steal their catch in flight, the Eagle almost always wins out.

[Steve_E]

Originally Posted by mswhin63

Welcome to IIS, this is such a beautiful image. Seen a ghost .

I must admit I am not much of an imager myself but if I was the capture something the images you posted would be something I would like to do.

Excellent

Thank you Malcom.

[Kevnool (Kev)]

Wecome Steve to IIS.

They are very impressive shots well done.

Cheers Kev.

[Steve_E]

Originally Posted by Kevnool

Wecome Steve to IIS.

They are very impressive shots well done.

Cheers Kev.

Thanks very much Kev. Nice to be here.

[StephenM (Stephen)]

Great shots Steve! Very sharp for hand-held.

Cheers,
Stephen

[erick (Eric)]

Howdy there Steve! And welcome. 72" wingspan - that's no small or medium sized bird!

[RB (Andrew)]

Originally Posted by Steve_E

I want to thank Andrew(Dusty) for encouraging me to come over and participate. Steve

Well a big howdy my friend !!
I'm so glad you took me up on it and joined IIS.
You're very welcome here and I'm sure your images will be very much enjoyed by all.

I have been enjoying Steve's wildlife and astro shots for a while now and I adore the work he does.
These are no exception mate !

Awesome work as usual.

Regards
Andrew

[lacad01 (Adam)]

Fantastic shots Steve, right place at the right time and crystal clear

[DavidU (Dave)]

Welcome mate ! Great shot's there.

[Liz]

Welcome Steve, and ditto what the others say, great shots.
2nd one looks like the poor Sea Hawk is having a bad hair day ....... much like myself today

[Jeffkop (Jeff)]

Steve

If those 2 shots are the standard we are in for a treat mate.
There are others on the forum who are exceptional photographers as well as you most likely already know ... you'll have heaps to discuss with them.

I really enjoy looking at their work as I now will your own.

Once again .. great photos.

[troypiggo (Troy)]

G'day Steve! I'd recognise that description, equipment list, and quality of bird shots anywhere! So glad you joined IIS!

For you guys that don't know his work, you're in for a real treat of bird shots and deep sky stuff! First class, all of it.

At the risk of sounding like I'm gushing, I've been admiring his work for years on POTN. In fact, and this is the honest truth, it was his deep sky photos posted there (before they even had an astrophotography section) that piqued my interest in astro, and got me looking into this very addictive hobby. He is also very helpful and knowledgeable when asking for advice.

When in the bird section at POTN I always have a look for his latest work. Never disappointed.

There. I said it. I gushed.

[spacezebra (Petra)]

Hi Steve

Welcome to IIS!

Cheers Petra d.

[telecasterguru (Frank)]

G'day Steve,

Looking forward to seeing more of your work. The Osprey is awesome.

Frank

[Steve_E]

Thanks very much everyone for the warm welcome and kind comments.

Andrew, I have mutual admiration for the outstanding work you do. I'm a huge fan.

Troy, you're too kind my friend. I guess I owe you an apology for nudging you onto the astro path of endless spending. I hope you're still enjoying the hobby, I'm struggling to get some clear skies to work with.