These I'm excited about. We were on the way to Cameron Corner, which is where Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia meet.
I LOVE Wedge Tail Eagles, but I've never managed to catch up with one properly. Even when we went to the Territory last year, I only had the 70-200 so just couldn't get close enough before they'd fly away. (The birds I've been chasing are completely wild, usually feeding on road kill.)
On this trip, I had the 50-500. My son spotted a wedgie out the passenger side of the vehicle, so my husband stopped and I tried to grab a few shots - I only had the 70-200 on, couldn't get close enough, changed to the 50-500 but by this time the wedgie had flown. My hubby had also gotten out of the car and noticed this guy on his side of the road, out in the scrub a bit.
I was so excited I was shaking, so a few of the shots I took were blurry because of that. These shots are hand-held, no tripod, while stumbling over lumpy grassy dirt. It was a series of 'take a few steps, take a few shots' again and again. I got within 15.4 metres of where this beautiful animal was feeding before he flew. Don't be fooled as to size here, that roo carcass was massive - and boy! did it stink!
The next shot is the same wedgie after he'd flown to a nearby branch - I got to within 14 metres before he got annoyed and flew off again. On the way back to the car, I tripped and nearly dropped the camera. Hurt my ankle a bit, but saved the gear!
These shots are one of the reasons I'm interested in photography - I'm really proud of them. Enjoy.
WOW great shots! I have had similar experiences while shooting wildlife, its always exciting when you manage to get a good one. Congrats on these amazing captures.
How exciting! And what cool looking birds!! I know how you feel. When I was in Minnesota a couple of years ago, I saw sandhill cranes for the first time, and actually got some photos. Isn't nature wonderful!!
Dang, what a letdown. I saw the title and beside it was "vawendy" and I was expecting to see something else :(
David! I know you're kidding, but the OP may not...
Yeah, thanks. Way to make me feel good about something of which I was really proud. Btw, just so you know, these images are very nearly full frame. I thought that was special. Cheers.
