Back yard hunting trip

[Dmanmastertracker]

 I really lucked out tonight while sitting on the back porch waiting for a shot of the hummingbird. I hear a thud and this Sharp-Shinned hawk is all over the Junco's, hopping from branch to branch right in front of me trying to grab hold of one. Photo was taken at 7-8' and she was as close as 4' at one point. Miraculously, all the Junco's got away.

[quadrafire]

Freeking AMAZING
Guess I had better keep the camera out for the un-suspected opportunities.

Geez--I always feel like crap after looking at all the photos on here.

I either don't have the mentality or the resolve to keep at it............ugggggggg

[Dmanmastertracker]

 Thanks Quad, I'm just at the point now where my gear is always with me, it's a pain but I've had just enough of these luck shot's to make it worth it. I'm hoping for an owl pretty soon, haven't had much luck with them in the daylight, but it's getting to be a good time of year for them.

[quadrafire]

I had a cool encounter with a small owl this weekend while deer hunting. No camera of course. As unsuccessful as I am with a weapon, maybe I would be better off hunting with a camera.

What lens were you using at that distance?

[Dmanmastertracker]

 I was using a Sigma F5/6.3 AF 150-500mm APO w/ OS. It is about the largest lens you can use hand-held and get decent results. For bird's it's not optimal to be stuck to a tripod, though some day I might splurge on a good fixed-mount telephoto just for certain situations.

[quadrafire]

I was using a Sigma F5/6.3 AF 150-500mm APO w/ OS. It is about the largest lens you can use hand-held and get decent results. For bird's it's not optimal to be stuck to a tripod, though some day I might splurge on a good fixed-mount telephoto just for certain situations.