Sandhill Cranes Passing Through

NorthernFocus

Work has been getting in the way of photography lately:cry I finally got out this week to use my new lens (Nikkor 200-400VR) for the first time. Between bad weather and work it sat on the shelf for a month.

It's fall in Alaska and the sandhills and geese are grouping up for the trip south. I made a couple of trips to the local wildlife refuge and got a few fairly decent captures. I have to say I'm impressed with the lens. Plus I'm getting back in shape carrying it around :dunno

Nikon D300
Nikkor 200-400 f4 VR

1/1600s f/8.0 at 400.0mm iso400


1/1000s f/6.7 at 650.0mm iso800 (1.7x TC)


1/1600s f/8.0 at 650.0mm iso400 (1.7x TC)


1/1000s f/6.7 at 650.0mm iso800 (1.7x TC)


1/1000s f/8.0 at 400.0mm iso800


1/1000s f/6.3 at 400.0mm iso800

Ric Grupe

The males hopping at each other is very comical. I observed this same behavior last weekend but was unable to capture it. Nicely done!

Maestro

Good set! Sandies are on my list of "must photograph" birds!

NorthernFocus

Thanks for looking, guys. These guys are fun to watch hopping around and such. I'll probably get out with them one more time before they fly. It'll be turning white around here pretty quick after that :cry

Here's another BIF:

1/1250s f/8.0 at 400.0mm iso400

Giphsub

Great Bif I like #3 in the set. You can see right through its nostril!

Harv

Great set. clap

NorthernFocus

Thanks for the comments. That third one is my favorite so far.

dbaker1221

love it when they "dance" good shot

NorthernFocus

Thanks for the comment Dave. Sandies really look goofy dancing and hopping around. But it makes for good photos