Persistence pays off

[rtbaum]

I have seen it asked, "What does it take to a bird photo?", "What is the best lens?", etc.

I took up this hobby with what I consider to be decent body (Nikon D90), the best lens that I could afford at the time (Sigma 400mm 5.6 APO telemacro). And practiced a LOT!! I had to learn to substitute good technique for IS as this baby does not offer that benefit. I found that the only way that I could handhold was at very high shutter speed and high ISO. I learned to remove the noise which is a constant at this shutter speed and high ISO.

The most important lesson learned is patience and scouting of my quarry, learning the birds habits, and intentionally being in the right place at the right time.

Today it begins to come together


Meet The Newlyweds


Ole and Lena checking out the new digs, built by Ole last year ending several years as an immature Eagle


Ole heads off to work gathering more branches to give the nest the right touch


Lena checks out the neighborhood (and the weird guy in the van)

I have been watching this nest since February, based on the size of the nest, and the gentleman in the house adjacent to the nest, this year is the first year that the nest has been occupied, as Ole had not yet found a mate after building the nest. I will look forward to documenting this nesting pair as things progress and presumably in better light

[RichardTaylor]

Good series.

[Shadowman]

Nice efforts and back story.

[IzzieK]

Awwwww......that was a nice story Randy. Very romantic....

[rtbaum]

You do realize, dear Isabel, that you are responsible for naming any and all offspring

[IzzieK]

You do realize, dear Isabel, that you are responsible for naming any and all offspring

That is nice...the first one will be named AI WON.... (Oi! Asian influenced.)

[NorthernFocus]

Nice job Randy. Totally agree on the patience comment. Similar to my signature line.

[Downrigger]

Very nice series. You are no doubt correct that developing good "birder" attributes including patience and knowing where to look/when to look/how to see enables the best images, and these make that point.
I'm impressed at the noise reduction achieved by the combination of you and the D90.

[rtbaum]

I passed by the happy couple's new abode this morning, Lena is sitting on the nest. Apparently she approves of Ole's decorating choices. Keeping my fingers crossed.

[Kyle]

Wow great shots.