Crested Caracaras (X-posted in Lounge)

[Maestro]

I haven't been around much. I have a lot of personal crap going on right now and I am burned out professionally, but at least I have a job. Anyhow, as sort of therapy, I went on a three day adventure to the Lower Rio Grande Valley and spent some time alone on several ranches. I will be processing photos for weeks to come.

Here are but a few of the crested caracara images I obtained.

[Mira]

1. Oh, expletive, Maestro. I knew I was missing you, but I did not know how badly.

I think it's 1 - 4 - 6 and seven for me. What splendid creatures.
I suspect that you have managed to get your life into more balance after creating such beautiful portraits.

[Maestro]

8. Thanks Mira

Life is well life. My job is driving me crazy but the district, at least, removed the problem, and then just personal stuff. I think I am going through a mid-life crisis about ten years too early but the photography is helping. I will be posting more. Be on the look-out.

[Celebration]

2. oh, so glad to have you back

They are all wonderful, but the symmetry of the last one is truly amazing. Plus getting two in one picture??? I have no idea how you did that! Keep posting them!

[Maestro]

9. The last one took a few tries before I and the camera's auto focus

got it right. I have many more that did not work. The two together wasn't that difficult. These caracaras like be in groups like vultures. They are very un-falconlike even though they are falcons.

[CC]

3. Exquisite.

You've been missed along with your birds. I swear you get better and better at capturing the feathered ones along with anything else you shoot.



If I recall you are in education. Try hard to remember why you went into the field. Seems the powers that be try very hard to get rid of those that care but the kids need those that care all the more. Hang in there. :hug: (This coming from someone with lots of teachers, a principal and a county school superintendent in the family.)

[Maestro]

12. Thanks CC -nt

[Tindalos]

4. Awesome

I always look forward to your posts and these pictures certainly don't disappoint. I love them all.

[Maestro]

13. Thanks Tindalos -nt

[CurtEastPoint]

5. All are terrific but the last one is just plain amazing!!

Great pix.

[Maestro]

14. That one is one of my favs

I already want to go back and improve on it.

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

6. the last one reminds me of A6's

and f4]s and f14's landing on carrier decks... they have that same spread out, "oh shit" looks

I guess the guys at Grumman spent a lot of time looking at birds when they were designing those babies.

[Maestro]

15. My dad was a Navy pilot.

I used to live on naval air bases. A6s, F14s and F4s were in my backyard, literally. And yes, that last pic does sort of have that feel.

[Elfin Yeti]

7. If this is what you come up with...

...while enduring "personal crap" and while "burned out professionally", I can't wait to see what you produce when your life is more in balance! You are truly gifted -- I hope you find solace and peace once the chaos subsides. I look forward to seeing more of your work! Thanks for posting these magnificent pictures!

[Maestro]

16. It takes my mind off of things just enough.

But of course reality sets back in soon after, but that is why I relive the experience each time I look at the photos.

[flamin lib]

10. Glad to see yer still 'round.

Sorry to hear the job is strssin' ya tho. Like most teachers I suspect you love the job but hate the work . . .

You sure do beautiful work. Now if I could just talk ya' inta' using a blind and baiting the critters into a prepared lighting situation . . .

[Maestro]

17. I'd actually love to do that but the investment

in all the lighting equipment and the difficulties lugging it around in the field are two things stopping me. :)

[hippywife]

11. Gorgeous as usual!

That last one is breathtaking!

I've never seen or heard of this bird. They are quite incredible. :hi:

[Maestro]

18. They are unique for sure.

Thanks for looking.

[DisgustipatedinCA]

19. Maestro

Hi. I don't know anything about your photography background, maybe it's how you make your living, but I did want to make you aware that your shots are right up there with the best birder pros who post their galleries to the forums of dpreview.com. This is especially true of the last shot. Congratulations on getting some truly amazing photos. Are you using the Sigma 50-500, by chance?

[Maestro]

20. Thanks DigustipatedinCA

I am by no means a professional. It is just a hobby like it is for most of us here. Heck it is like therapy at times. I sincerely appreciate your kind comments. BTW, I used either a Canon 300mm F4L IS sometimes with a 1.4x TC attached or my Sigma 500mm prime lens and Manfrotto tripod.