I took my point and shoot with me to Marl Bed Flats this morning, but the lighting was pretty poor until I began to head back to my car. The above photo was from the trail back to the parking lot. It was a little contrasty, but since Canon’s S100 lets you shoot RAW images, I was able to get something out of the scene. The S100 also has an HDR mode, but it only produces JPEG images. I plan on testing that out more in the future. I’ve tried it a few times but haven’t reached any conclusions; so far I think I’ll be better served taking three RAW images and doing my HDR work on the computer.
The wildlife at Marl Bed Flats was pretty fun. I found a Northern Harrier far off in the distance while out on the flats and heard a Sora, but things were most interesting right at the parking lot when I returned to my car. There was a lot of activity–Tufted Titmice, Carolina Wrens and Northern Cardinals were all calling. As I looked through the trees I found Pine Warblers, Yellow-rumped Warblers, Black-and-white Warblers, a Yellow-throated Warbler, an Orange-crowned Warbler, two Blue-headed Vireos and a White-eyed Vireo, and a few Ruby-crowned Kinglets and Blue-gray Gnatcatchers. After after having fun observing them for a little while I went to get in my car and then I noticed a Cooper’s Hawk flying overhead. I don’t know if the hawk was attracted to the commotion or the cause of it, but it was very nice to see.
I was also reminded this morning that feral hogs roam freely about this place. This one was rather close, but paid me no attention.
Scott Simmons
Scott Simmons, based in Florida, is a lover of nature, landscape, and wildlife photography. Scott became interested in photography in 2001 when he was given his first SLR camera. When he acquired a telephoto lens, he became progressively more interested in birds and other wildlife. Scott enjoys learning about bird habitats and behavior, striving always to take images that are both beautiful and interpretive. Scott believes photography is a great vehicle to help others to appreciate the wonder for the stuff of earth.
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