Happy Easter to everyone out there who is celebrating. It was a busy week for me – work was the usual craziness, and then in the evenings Tricia and I spent our time getting prepared to have 11 guests for Easter. So, I got out less than I usually would at this time of the year. The thing about it though, when there is a lot going on in my life like this, I enjoy birding just a little bit more when I am able to get out. I walked Winding Waters Trail at Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge early this afternoon, and boy did it feel good to be out and walking a trail on a gorgeous day like today.
Nothing says happy Easter like an angry looking Osprey. Okay, maybe I can think of a few things, lol. Anyways, it’s the time of the year when we get our first of the year for so many birds, so here’s a couple of shots of my first Osprey of the year.
Had my first Osprey yesterday while trout fishing!
‘Tis the season! Matt
You have such beautiful pictures Matt. I am trying to pick up birding but I don’t take very good pictures. When you have time could you tell me what camera you use and the type of lens? Also, did you use a reference book to learn? I took pictures of House Finches and a Northern Flicker this past week but the pictures leave a lot to be desired. Hope all is well with you!
Thanks so much for the kind words. My camera body is the Canon 7D Mark II. The lens I use the most now is the original Canon 500mm prime lens – it’s a very old lens, but super sharp and I love it. My second lens is the Canon 100-400mm Mark II; this is the lens I would recommend for someone just starting out.
In the spring of 2012, I read Bill Coster’s Creative Bird Photography. That book shaped the way I take pics to this day. I’ve reread it several times, and I still subscribe to Coster’s email blast. If you get it and read it, let me know what you think.
Matt
Thank you so much Matt! Really appreciate it!
Matt,
Happy Easter to you and Trish! I hope you get many new spring birds this week! John
Happy Easter John! Things are going to start getting really good… can’t wait! Matt
I walked Winding Waters this morning also. Thought I might run into you somewhere but it was quiet. My best bird of the day was a Glossy Ibis that flew into the beaverpond on Pine Hill Road. Unfortunately it didn’t stay more than a minute or two, but I got good looks at it and it was a beauty. I hope you and Tricia had a great day!
We really did have a great day – Tricia cooked up a storm and everyone loved it. Nice job with the ibis – hopefully it sticks around. Matt
Happy Easter! Great shot. I can see tinges of blood on its legs
Thanks Jodi, Happy Easter to you too. I missed the blood : ) Matt
Awesome, Matt. Happy Easter, brother, and I hope you shared some of these wonderful osprey pics with Dad. xo
Happy Easter Aileen. And yes, I did share them with dad, how could I not? Lol. Matt