Birds Birds in Flight Thread - Post Your Shots Here

A white-faced Heron, late this evening, according to Merlin! While I was at the beach.


B886F4A1-1FF8-4CCC-95F8-587F1633DDD1.jpeg
  • ILCE-7M4
  • FE 135mm F1.8 GM
  • 135.0 mm
  • ƒ/1.8
  • 1/2000 sec
  • ISO 640
 
I tried photographing the Superb Fairy Wren in flight, but they kept ducking for cover. Cute little fellas have lost their blue coats used during the breeding season to attract a sheila... So they're well camouflaged at this time of year.

Then I looked up....

Nankeen Kestrel hovering high above us .....

GJF07972.jpg
  • ILCE-7M4
  • FE 135mm F1.8 GM
  • 135.0 mm
  • ƒ/2.8
  • 1/5000 sec
  • ISO 125


They fan out like that to hover. I’m developing RSI in my right biceps from flipping these lenses around so erratically. Maybe a gimbal would help? I’ve almost given up on the 200-600 for that reason. I tried clear image zoom on this 135mm GM but the sharpness for BIF isn’t working out using zoom, as I lose much of the autofocus capability in the switch. CIZ works well when everybody is relatively still.

4C135E43-3BEA-4067-81B0-DB2920C8593D.jpeg
  • ILCE-7M4
  • FE 135mm F1.8 GM
  • 135.0 mm
  • ƒ/1.8
  • 1/4000 sec
  • ISO 125
 
Last edited:
Seems the local Wood Duck air traffic controller was on break at the time
A1_06142-DN.jpg
  • ILCE-1
  • Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS (SEL100400GM)
  • 400.0 mm
  • ƒ/5.6
  • 1/4000 sec
  • ISO 5000


A1_06151-DN.jpg
  • ILCE-1
  • Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS (SEL100400GM)
  • 400.0 mm
  • ƒ/5.6
  • 1/4000 sec
  • ISO 5000


A1_06164-DN.jpg
  • ILCE-1
  • Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS (SEL100400GM)
  • 400.0 mm
  • ƒ/5.6
  • 1/4000 sec
  • ISO 3200


A1_06185-DN.jpg
  • ILCE-1
  • Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS (SEL100400GM)
  • 400.0 mm
  • ƒ/5.6
  • 1/4000 sec
  • ISO 4000


A1_06191-DN.jpg
  • ILCE-1
  • Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS (SEL100400GM)
  • 400.0 mm
  • ƒ/5.6
  • 1/4000 sec
  • ISO 2000
 
Some movement caught my eye when I was out testing my new 55mm Zeuss portrait lens on the neighbours. A bit of dumb luck involved. “Welcome Swallow”

GJF08541.jpg
  • ILCE-7M4
  • FE 55mm F1.8 ZA
  • 55.0 mm
  • ƒ/1.8
  • 1/2000 sec
  • ISO 320
 
Last edited:
I got several in flight photos today.

Osprey
JRV04265-ARW_DxO_DeepPRIMEXD.jpg
  • ILCE-7RM5
  • FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS + 1.4X Teleconverter
  • 840.0 mm
  • ƒ/9
  • 1/1250 sec
  • ISO 800
JRV04267-ARW_DxO_DeepPRIMEXD.jpg
  • ILCE-7RM5
  • FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS + 1.4X Teleconverter
  • 840.0 mm
  • ƒ/9
  • 1/1250 sec
  • ISO 640
JRV04279-ARW_DxO_DeepPRIMEXD.jpg
  • ILCE-7RM5
  • FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS + 1.4X Teleconverter
  • 840.0 mm
  • ƒ/9
  • 1/1250 sec
  • ISO 640


Northern Rough-winged Swallow
JRV04370-ARW_DxO_DeepPRIMEXD.jpg
  • ILCE-7RM5
  • FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS
  • 474.0 mm
  • ƒ/6.3
  • 1/1000 sec
  • ISO 125


Canadian Geese
JRV04418-ARW_DxO_DeepPRIMEXD.jpg
  • ILCE-7RM5
  • FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS
  • 474.0 mm
  • ƒ/6.3
  • 1/1000 sec
  • ISO 320
JRV04420-ARW_DxO_DeepPRIMEXD.jpg
  • ILCE-7RM5
  • FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS
  • 270.0 mm
  • ƒ/6.3
  • 1/1000 sec
  • ISO 200
JRV04421-ARW_DxO_DeepPRIMEXD.jpg
  • ILCE-7RM5
  • FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS
  • 270.0 mm
  • ƒ/6.3
  • 1/1000 sec
  • ISO 320
 
There have been reports of a Glossy Ibis near me so I made a trip out there yesterday. I didn't see it but the shots I posted yesterday were from that location. I returned today and the Glossy Ibis did make an appearance. After getting a few shots he disappeared. A few minutes later I saw something flying and got some shots and it was the Ibis.
JRV04681-ARW_DxO_DeepPRIMEXD.jpg
  • ILCE-7RM5
  • FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS + 1.4X Teleconverter
  • 465.0 mm
  • ƒ/9
  • 1/1600 sec
  • ISO 4000
 
Companion post to the Non-BiF Bombay Hook NWR outing

Hope to someday get a better version of this. Osprey
Osprey - Bombay Hook NWR - 08142022 - 06-DN.jpg
  • ILCE-1
  • Sony FE 200–600mm F5.6–6.3 G OSS (SEL200600G)
  • 243.0 mm
  • ƒ/5.6
  • 1/2500 sec
  • ISO 2000


Osprey (different one)
Osprey - Bombay Hook NWR - 08142022 - 27-DN.jpg
  • ILCE-1
  • Sony FE 200–600mm F5.6–6.3 G OSS (SEL200600G)
  • 456.0 mm
  • ƒ/6.3
  • 1/2500 sec
  • ISO 1250


Snowy Egret
Snowy Egret - Bombay Hook NWR - 08142022 - 01-DN.jpg
  • ILCE-1
  • Sony FE 200–600mm F5.6–6.3 G OSS (SEL200600G)
  • 600.0 mm
  • ƒ/6.3
  • 1/2500 sec
  • ISO 8000


Great Egret
Great Egret - Bombay Hook NWR - 08142022 - 03-DN.jpg
  • ILCE-1
  • Sony FE 200–600mm F5.6–6.3 G OSS (SEL200600G)
  • 600.0 mm
  • ƒ/6.3
  • 1/2500 sec
  • ISO 800


GBH
Great Blue Heron - Bombay Hook NWR - 08142022 - 07-DN.jpg
  • ILCE-1
  • Sony FE 200–600mm F5.6–6.3 G OSS (SEL200600G)
  • 600.0 mm
  • ƒ/6.3
  • 1/2500 sec
  • ISO 1600


Gray Catbird
Gray Catbird - Bombay Hook NWR - 08142022 - 01-DN.jpg
  • ILCE-1
  • Sony FE 200–600mm F5.6–6.3 G OSS (SEL200600G)
  • 600.0 mm
  • ƒ/6.3
  • 1/2500 sec
  • ISO 2500


Common Tern
Common Tern - Bombay Hook NWR - 08142022 - 07-DN.jpg
  • ILCE-1
  • Sony FE 200–600mm F5.6–6.3 G OSS (SEL200600G)
  • 600.0 mm
  • ƒ/6.3
  • 1/2500 sec
  • ISO 2000


Glossy Ibis
Glossy Ibis - Bombay Hook NWR - 08142022 - 04-DN.jpg
  • ILCE-1
  • Sony FE 200–600mm F5.6–6.3 G OSS (SEL200600G)
  • 600.0 mm
  • ƒ/6.3
  • 1/2500 sec
  • ISO 5000
 
Last edited:
Not my best bird in flight shot but my most unique. I was take pictures of migrating bird on the California Coast when a dog got all the birds airborne at the same time. I could take a few pictures while covering my camera since I heard all the bird droppings falling down left and right.

birds.jpg
  • ILCA-99M2
  • Sony 70-300mm F4-5.6 G SSM II (SAL70300G2)
  • 110.0 mm
  • ƒ/5
  • 1/2000 sec
  • ISO 160
 
I had a Turkey Vulture come to my yard this afternoon to feast on a dead squirrel. I was able to get pretty close to get some photos. He finally took flight when I got a little too close. After he flew to the roof of a neighbor's house I saw another circling overhead.
JRV00724-ARW_DxO_DeepPRIMEXD.jpg
  • ILCE-7RM5
  • FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II
  • 200.0 mm
  • ƒ/4
  • 1/1000 sec
  • ISO 160


One of them returned later and I took a few more photos and then got some of him flying off.
JRV00748-ARW_DxO_DeepPRIMEXD.jpg
  • ILCE-7RM5
  • FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II
  • 70.0 mm
  • ƒ/3.5
  • 1/800 sec
  • ISO 1600
 
Male Chaffinch in Flight.
A7 IV, 200-600 lens.
In woodland.
Male Chaffinch in Flight_2.jpg
  • FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS
  • 200.0 mm
  • ƒ/5.5999999046326
  • 1/4000 sec
  • ISO 6400
Male Chaffinch in Flight.jpg
  • FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS
  • 200.0 mm
  • ƒ/8
  • 1/5000 sec
  • ISO 10000
 
Great Blue Heron coming in for a landing

A1_07461.jpg
  • ILCE-1
  • Sony FE 200–600mm F5.6–6.3 G OSS (SEL200600G)
  • 600.0 mm
  • ƒ/6.3
  • 1/2000 sec
  • ISO 1250
A1_07468.jpg
  • ILCE-1
  • Sony FE 200–600mm F5.6–6.3 G OSS (SEL200600G)
  • 600.0 mm
  • ƒ/6.3
  • 1/2000 sec
  • ISO 1250

A1_07476.jpg
  • ILCE-1
  • Sony FE 200–600mm F5.6–6.3 G OSS (SEL200600G)
  • 600.0 mm
  • ƒ/6.3
  • 1/2000 sec
  • ISO 1250
A1_07492.jpg
  • ILCE-1
  • Sony FE 200–600mm F5.6–6.3 G OSS (SEL200600G)
  • 600.0 mm
  • ƒ/6.3
  • 1/2000 sec
  • ISO 1250
A1_07490.jpg
  • ILCE-1
  • Sony FE 200–600mm F5.6–6.3 G OSS (SEL200600G)
  • 600.0 mm
  • ƒ/6.3
  • 1/2000 sec
  • ISO 1250
A1_07502.jpg
  • ILCE-1
  • Sony FE 200–600mm F5.6–6.3 G OSS (SEL200600G)
  • 600.0 mm
  • ƒ/6.3
  • 1/2000 sec
  • ISO 1250
 
There were several Tree Swallows swooping around this morning.

JRV00795-ARW_DxO_DeepPRIMEXD.jpg
  • ILCE-7RM5
  • FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS + 1.4X Teleconverter
  • 200.0 mm
  • ƒ/8
  • 1/800 sec
  • ISO 250


JRV00820-ARW_DxO_DeepPRIMEXD.jpg
  • ILCE-7RM5
  • FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS
  • 400.0 mm
  • ƒ/5.6
  • 1/2500 sec
  • ISO 250
JRV00823-ARW_DxO_DeepPRIMEXD.jpg
  • ILCE-7RM5
  • FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS
  • 400.0 mm
  • ƒ/5.6
  • 1/2500 sec
  • ISO 250
JRV00824-ARW_DxO_DeepPRIMEXD.jpg
  • ILCE-7RM5
  • FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS
  • 400.0 mm
  • ƒ/5.6
  • 1/2500 sec
  • ISO 320
 
I still waiting for my first swallow in flight catch. Great job.
 
I still waiting for my first swallow in flight catch. Great job.

Thank you. They are certainly a challenge. I set up for Tracking Zone and was able, after several tries, to lock onto one and get some good shots. The first image was not as sharp but was one of the first tries where it did lock onto a bird.
 
Sulphur-Crested Cockatoos are cheeky birds! We used to use cedar cladding and as external joinery extensively in the 1970’s. Then these guys thought they’d sharpen their beaks on it. Your whole verandah would easily be chewed to splinters by a flock of cockies.
GJF00279.jpeg
  • ILCE-7M4
  • FE 24-240mm F3.5-6.3 OSS
  • 240.0 mm
  • ƒ/13
  • 1/2000 sec
  • ISO 800
GJF00300.jpeg
  • ILCE-7M4
  • FE 24-240mm F3.5-6.3 OSS
  • 24.0 mm
  • ƒ/7.1
  • 1/2000 sec
  • ISO 800
 
California Gull soaring through grey skies
A1_00007.jpg
  • ILCE-1
  • Sony FE 200–600mm F5.6–6.3 G OSS (SEL200600G)
  • 600.0 mm
  • ƒ/6.3
  • 1/2000 sec
  • ISO 400
 
Last edited:
A few of a Great Blue Heron with lunch
Great Blue Heron - Brandywine - 04152023 - 02-DN.jpg
  • ILCE-1
  • Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS (SEL100400GM)
  • 400.0 mm
  • ƒ/5.6
  • 1/4000 sec
  • ISO 1600

Great Blue Heron - Brandywine - 04152023 - 04-DN.jpg
  • ILCE-1
  • Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS (SEL100400GM)
  • 400.0 mm
  • ƒ/5.6
  • 1/4000 sec
  • ISO 8000

Great Blue Heron - Brandywine - 04152023 - 06-DN.jpg
  • ILCE-1
  • Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS (SEL100400GM)
  • 400.0 mm
  • ƒ/5.6
  • 1/4000 sec
  • ISO 8000
 
Haven't caught a bald eagle in flight lately. Today was a good day.
A1_01458.jpg
  • ILCE-1
  • Sony FE 200–600mm F5.6–6.3 G OSS (SEL200600G)
  • 600.0 mm
  • ƒ/6.3
  • 1/2000 sec
  • ISO 640
 
Canada Goose
A1_00947.jpg
  • ILCE-1
  • Sony FE 200–600mm F5.6–6.3 G OSS (SEL200600G)
  • 600.0 mm
  • ƒ/6.3
  • 1/2000 sec
  • ISO 1600
 
Greater White-fronted Geese
Migrating through - not native to this area.
Caught these shots in the rain this morning.

A1_01617.jpg
  • ILCE-1
  • Sony FE 200–600mm F5.6–6.3 G OSS (SEL200600G)
  • 600.0 mm
  • ƒ/6.3
  • 1/2000 sec
  • ISO 2000
A1_01745.jpg
  • ILCE-1
  • Sony FE 200–600mm F5.6–6.3 G OSS (SEL200600G)
  • 600.0 mm
  • ƒ/6.3
  • 1/2000 sec
  • ISO 500
A1_01761 1.jpg
  • ILCE-1
  • Sony FE 200–600mm F5.6–6.3 G OSS (SEL200600G)
  • 600.0 mm
  • ƒ/6.3
  • 1/500 sec
  • ISO 200
 
In high winds and intermittent rain today - a seagull in hot pursuit of an eagle.
A1_01827.jpg
  • ILCE-1
  • Sony FE 200–600mm F5.6–6.3 G OSS (SEL200600G)
  • 600.0 mm
  • ƒ/6.3
  • 1/500 sec
  • ISO 200

Closer shots of the eagle.
A1_01903 1.jpg
  • ILCE-1
  • Sony FE 200–600mm F5.6–6.3 G OSS (SEL200600G)
  • 600.0 mm
  • ƒ/6.3
  • 1/2000 sec
  • ISO 800
A1_01906.jpg
  • ILCE-1
  • Sony FE 200–600mm F5.6–6.3 G OSS (SEL200600G)
  • 600.0 mm
  • ƒ/6.3
  • 1/2000 sec
  • ISO 800
Despite the weather, it was a good day to be out.
 
Last edited:
This eagle was coming onshore with the sunset behind it.. Managed to focus on it with the dot-sight. Had to raise the light on it in post since the ex.com. was set to 0,0... and the bird-watcher community has marked it.. I hate those markings. Bird-watchers love it do.. Finaly back to normal with the albow and the 200-600mm.
DSC07773xx.jpg
  • ILCE-7M4
  • FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS
  • 600.0 mm
  • ƒ/6.3
  • 1/3200 sec
  • ISO 2500
DSC07773.jpg
  • ILCE-7M4
  • FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS
  • 600.0 mm
  • ƒ/6.3
  • 1/3200 sec
  • ISO 2500
 
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