Clovis" 2026 Images

[markiver54]

[brm4450]

[clovishound]

Here's a side shot. I much prefer head and side shots for the angles on the bird, but when they fly you have to take what you can get. Unfortunately with this shot, the background stinks. I could do a background replacement, but I don't like doing that. FYI, on the previous shots with two birds in them, the male was flying a bit behind the female. That means I had to focus on one or the other, and there wasn't enough depth of field to encompass them both. The male was the one my camera grabbed focus on, and he is sharp in all four images. This is a constant issue when the birds are traveling in pairs, which is very common, especially in the spring and early summer, when they are breeding and raising little ones.

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Here's a squabble between a couple ibises and a yellow legs they see as competition. They didn't react at all to the ducks in the immediate area. The ducks don't eat the same things the ibises and yellow legs do.

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I've had hooded merganser on my bucket list for a while. Finally got one, unfortunately, it was in the air and too far away. At first I thought they were loons. After I got home and got to looking at the image better, and talking with someone else, I believe they are hooded mergansers.

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[CT_Shooter]

[clovishound]

Well, the Pup and I just got back from the first day of the CNPA convention. They announced the winners in their annual "Member's Choice" contest. The Pup took an honorable mention int the Tier 2 "Small Stuff" category. I took a 3rd place in the Tier 1 "Small Stuff". I was thinking I might not place this year since I have to run with the big boys and girlssince I had wins last year. They had a record 999 entries this year.

There were some incredible images that won. I'll post a link to the winning images whenever they hit the website.

[markiver54]

That competition must be VERY tough.
It's hard to imagine anyone capturing better pictures than you and the Pup.
Keep up the excellent work!

[clovishound]

I appreciate your kind words. Believe me, there are folks in our group that constantly turn out stunning work. I am proud of the images I produce, and feel that the Pup and I have improved greatly over the last couple years. However, I am under no illusion that my work is unique, or world class. And that's OK. We are doing this for enjoyment and fulfillment, and has it's own rewards. We constantly strive to improve, which is part of the enjoyment.

I will also say that feedback I get from friends, here on the forum and elsewhere, make the getting up early and braving mosquitos and bad weather well worth the effort. Photography is an exercise best enjoyed by sharing.

[CT_Shooter]

Congratulations to you and Pup, Clovis. Your efforts are greatly appreciated; almost as much as your skill and talent. Thanks for bringing it all here.