I spend a lot of my free time these days trying to match up old photos with old blog post...so IF you see any weird posts pop up and then disappear that's what is happening. I recently said Summer is Flexing her Muscles and so the heat is rising, afternoons are good to be inside with the AC on while I do my photo replacements...I almost have it down to a scientist, ALMOST...
Eastern Towhee at the Cemetery
We need some rain so Im watering the plants every day that is a chore but we have not had humidity so it dries out very fast, the last 2 days we had some humidity and even a tiny shower. Then last night it poured...so my plants are happy. Saw this today when I went out,
I was happy to see they put up a blinking light and these cones to slow people down and they had 4 signs at this intersection...I hope the cows are home safe.
The Vernal pool was busy with Green Herons all busy looking for frogs...last yr they nested nearby and I think this year they nested here again, I saw 6 in total today..in fact a few of them could have been young ones, they fledge at 30 to 35 days after hatching.
Im trying out a new to me camera. I was about ready to give up and relist it, because I need a bigger view finder. I Love my old camera but now it's giving zoom motor problems. SO if I don't keep this Nikon B700 I will sell it on ebay and purchase the same Panasonic again, I really love my old camera. (Panasonic Lumix FZ80) It has a huge view finder, it's easy to use, the buttons are all in a logical place...its fully manual if you want, and it's pretty tough and stands up pretty good to my abuse. I think it's the sand and pollen that has ruined the zoom motor as that lens feeds out it picks up contaminates, especially in spring. I do try to clean it off.
This was taken with the B700 Chipping Sparrow at the Cemetery
The B700 is 20.1 Megapixel, the FZ 80 is only 18.1...they both have 60X zoom, and 4 K video.
I dont want to rush my decision, because I like it better now than the day I first started using it about 3 weeks ago. Because of the smaller view finder I'm not able to spot birds up in trees as quickly so that is a Big Minus. It has taken me this long just to become familiar with the menu of the camera. And I still don't understand all of it.
This I took with the B700
This I took with the B700
This one below with the FZ 80
Quality wise it's about equal but ease of use the FZ 80 is much faster, easier to find the buttons in a quick grab, and just overall I enjoy using it more. Even with the zoom motor failing it zooms faster.
So that's something I have to decide.
I have my very own Blue Jay, he sits in my window tree so I call him my Blue Jay,
There is racoon visiting my yard again...I tried to photo him thru the window glass and it's at last 50 ft away so not a good shot but I saw movement and zoomed in and that's what I saw...
I know Annie has been going out for barks lately...I guess she saw him.
I did relocate 4 squirrels outta my yard over the weekend. 3 males and one non nursing female. There's 4 more that are making me crazy so they may be going soon. This time of year the forest is full of food.
A couple weeks ago I took my bike to McBee...the sand is deep there but I had a go at it. And I have been trying to figure out how to access a pond that shows on the map in the management area...it looks interesting, I found a service road but the area is fenced and the gate is locked so I need to speak to one of the rangers and see how to get in there...While I was searching I found several Hooded Warbler, the males would not sit still for a photo but this female did...
If the males hadn't been singing I would never have known this was the female...
So a quiet week in my world...next week is supposed to be cooler so I hope to get out and explore more. I had my final shot last Thursday.
PEACE
Every day is a new Adventure.
Sondra, both cameras take good photo's so maybe it just a case of being very familiar and comfortable with the Panasonic. All my photos on my last post were taken with the Nikon Coolpix that I bought from eBay. I'm very pleased with it as it does what I want it too and thats the important thing.. I've been reading a friends blog who takes lots of good pictures and he always buys his camera equipment second hand.
ReplyDeleteOur weather has taken a turn for the better and it looks like warmer weather is on the way.
HI Dave, I haven't purchased a "new" camera in many years, the one Im referring to the FZ 80 sells new for $700. AND it's hard to find a new one as they were manufactured in 2016 I believe. I did try to bid on one recently and lost of course. But Im gonna try to stick with it for now I toss both in the van when I go on my explores, and when I get tired of the learning curve, I just pick up the old one...it does not always have the issue but some days it has the issue all day long...so frustration from both of them currently. I purchased the Nikon from Japan! It arrived in 3 days is that amazing or what? Glad you're getting some better weather here we are getting ready to be blasted by summer. Have a good weekend, Im staying put since it's a holiday weekend, can't deal with the masses just now.
DeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteI love my Canon SX60, if it dies I would buy the same camera. It has great zoom for the bird photos. I hope the cows made it home safely. Love the Towhee, great shot of the Green Heron and the Solitary Sandpiper. The flowers are beautiful. Looks like you found a great spot for birding. Take care, enjoy your weekend!
HI Eileen, Yes I have heard good things about the Canon SX 60 it's the same type camera I am using with the FZ 80 and the NK B700 I just need to relearn how to use the camera Thursday when I went out I took only the B700 so I was forced to use it. The price of everything had jumped....that Canon SX used will sell for what it used to be new. Fall out from Covid and Trumps tariffs.
DeleteEven though you didn't get out much you still have some wonderful photos. Its hard to figure out a new camera and to figure out which one works better for us. They both take great pictures.
ReplyDeleteSo happy you are now fully vaccinated and I'm sure you are to. Have a great weekend. Me I'll stay put as we are in triple digits for a few days.
Hi Jo, Im staying put this holiday weekend, I mean I may go to a local field but to travel far NOPE, too many are planning to be on the roads, 40 million? And many are headed to Myrtle Beach which our interstate is the one most use to get to that area. Im all done with the shots. And happy to be done with it...I will however continue to wear my mask out in crowds inside. Hope your weekend is safe and peaceful.
DeleteHooray for getting the vaccine over with. Cool you have your own bluejay! and all the birds you photographed are wonderful. I did see a chickadee in our hanging basket just a few minutes ago (out the sliding door beside my desk), but as soon as I moved he flew so no chance for a picture. Riding a bike in deep sand makes my legs hurt just to think of. Why do the squirrels make you crazy? But not the raccoon? (I know they can cause problems, but I personally think they're adorable).
ReplyDeleteHi Sallie, It's hard to sneak up on a bird for sure. The squirrels, are all over my feeders constantly making them fall, and destroying the feeders, the Racoon, was in the yard one day and then he was gone, he never offered to get on the feeder, I have trapped racoon before and relocated when they began to destroy things. They are adorable, but not when you have 25 running amuck. They don't just destroy feeders, they destroy my potted plants, my garden plants, they chew up the lawn furniture, the frame and the cushions...they can be a real menace.
DeleteI'm thinking of a new camera too, it's a difficult choice these days! Both of yours take good photos! I know not everyone likes a Racoon but i'd be quite excited to see one :) I hope you've been able to get out this week!
ReplyDeleteHi Pam, I am using the new camera it's the only way to get used to it, and it's getting a little easier each time. I enjoy seeing the racoon come through, something different for sure, they will fight the dogs however so I have to keep my eye on what's going on, they only do that in defense because the dogs want to give chase when they see them. Some animals do not like them I have witnessed a donkey kill a raccoon. I heard a commotion in my neighbors field...and the donkey and horse were chasing something I got my binoculars and saw it was a raccoon. I ran out but the fence prevented me going in the pasture and I didn't get there in time... There was nothing I could do to help at that point! I called the horse and the donkey they came over to the fence and they were shaking like a leaf, I think they were afraid, the whole thing was very unfortunate. Did you see the viral video of the young girl shoving a bear off her fence when her dogs ran out and it started defending it's self? That was something!
DeleteOh wow I can imagine they were quite scared it's a natural instinct for them I suppose. I did see the video, the bear had a couple of cubs didn't it, she was lucky to only get a sprained finger!
DeleteThese Photos Are So Captivating - Well Done
ReplyDeleteCheers
Hi Travis, it's hard to find birds out in the open this time of year the trees are fully leafed out and the birds are either escorting young or working on a second nesting so very secretive...the big Towhee up top was singing for a mate. Thank you for the visit.
DeleteI think your photographs look good.
ReplyDeleteThat Green Heron especially.
So pleased to read you are now fully vaccinated.
Take care, my good wishes.
All the best Jan
Hi Jan, hope your weekend is a good one thanks for the visit. The Green Heron blends in so well with their habitat sometimes it's impossible to see them.
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