Virginia Rail

Rohirrim

Was able to get out a bit myself today, no fancy raptor shots :cry, but I was able to capture a few Virginia Rails. First time I've seen these elusive little birds. They tend to stay hidden in the underbrush and can be hard to see. I had a great time trying to shoot them, it was like playing a video game jumping here and there with the camera trying to get shots before they would disappear again. :


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Even though this one has a lot of distracting elements, I liked it as it portrays the birds as they are most often seen - Hiding


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Thank you for looking,

dallas

: It looks like you play the video game very well. I think the little birds are more difficult than the large ones, and your work as usual is outstanding. Thanks for the fine examples of what good photographs should be.

BigAl

Nice shots Steve. Those in the water are really nice! What lens were you using?

Thusie

Very nice shots, huge understatement.

Harryb

Hey Steve,

Your shots just keep getting better. #2 and #4 are just wow.

Rohirrim

Thank you William, you are too kind. The little guys are harder to capture, but I really enjoy the challenge.

Rohirrim

BigAl wrote:

Nice shots Steve. Those in the water are really nice! What lens were you using?

Thank you Al.
Canon 20d
Canon 500 mm L f4.0
Canon 1.4 TC
Tripod with Wimberly sidekick. I now take almost 100% of my shots on the tripod and it makes a big difference.

Rohirrim

Thusie wrote:

Very nice shots, huge understatement.

Thank you Thusie!

Rohirrim

Harryb wrote:

Hey Steve,

Your shots just keep getting better. #2 and #4 are just wow.

Thank you Harry, Coming from you it means a lot.

Poindexter

Nice shots! I don't think I've seen Rails in the Southern part of Virginia......I'll keep an eye out now that I know what to look for.

Art Scott

Really nice...

Rails are almost like a Wilsons snipe...very elusive.

ginger_55

Oh, MY! Such a good sighting!!!!

And good work, too.

Love them birds you have. Some photos more than others, but they are all good, and it is always the way!

ginger (never seen one of those before either, not even in a photo)

Rohirrim

Thank you Poindexter, Art and Ginger. I appreciate your taking the time to reply.

jwear

you got me on this one looked can not find --willl keep looking your work is always clean and sharp nice stuff

Rohirrim

jwear wrote:

you got me on this one looked can not find --willl keep looking your work is always clean and sharp nice stuff

Thank you Jeff. These guys may be easier to find by their voice. They also tend to hang around with your old friend the Sora. I've yet to see a Sora out their, but I believe I've heard their call.

This page has a sample call http://www.birds.cornell.edu/programs/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Virginia_Rail.html but this doesn't really do the call justice.

The Sora call is there too - http://www.birds.cornell.edu/programs/AllAboutBirds/audio/Sora.html

gus

I really like #3 RH...looks very natural. Sort of like 'at least that photographer cant see me any more"