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Posted by Paul-the-other on 17:24:06 11/23/08
Such a beautiful morning it was at Yamato; cool temperatures and least grebes, many killdeer, scores of mottled ducks, osprey overhead, kestrels calling in the distance, a snow goose, blue sky and sunshine. And the always enjoyable company of Paul-L and meeting his wife Jackie.
The snow goose was found in the south lake where it remained for about one hour. The distance was 115 meters making it a so-so picture event. The bird is comfortable on the small island and was surrounded by 25-35 killdeer and some white ibis. It flew to the north island at about 9:21 and using Jackie as a shield to our approach (she was fortunately already in position working with the grebes) we managed to approach to 65 meters. To our surprise the bird was sleeping! For the better part of an hour it floated and occasionally opened an eye to check the surroundings. After an hour nap it walked ashore on the North lake and began to probe the mud.
This was an easy 500mm shot (capture-whatever)with 1.4 extender. The layout is pretty drab but that is the way it is on the North lake. The grebes (two sub adults and one parent) continue to feed about 15 mters in front of Jackie and I. They were totally nonchalant. Probably miffed that they were no longer the center of attention!
If you are into photography a 300mm will do nicely for the grebes but higher power is necessary for the snow goose. Forget the killdeer....they don't show well and stay a great distance out in the middle of the island in the south lake.
Another curiosity happened this morning. A little blue and a snowy were close feeding and where one flew the other followed. It was a comfortable a pairing as I have ever seen. In light of the commentary on this board about cross breeding of these species I thought this might be of some relevance.
Sandspurs are now present so watch your foot wear. The two lakes are separated and accesible by a cement walk making it comfortable for viewing by persons in wheelchairs. Palm Beach is to be congratulated on making this handicapped accesible
Yamato is developing nicely and the terrain has many interesting trees and foliage for set-ups. I took note that there were at least 10 woodpecker holes in the standing dead trees so this area might also prove productive for Spring photography.
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