With the start of Summer, the new Canon RF200-800 still remains connected to my camera most of the time. Such a great lens, when paired with the R7 for an incredible 1280mm full frame equivalent telephoto reach! So, I keep making frequent trips to Frank Lake, as well as capturing anything that flies close to home.
I'm not going lie, this RF200-800 is large (shown next to my EF70-200 2.8 IS III mounted on my R7). At around 5 lbs it can be tough to hold steady for longer periods. Thankfully, the non-removable tripod collar has become a great handle to carry the camera from one spot to another.
Always something close to home. Quick trip down the main road from our house, I find eagles, hawks, and a variety of smaller birds. On this trip looking for a hawk I noticed the day before (without my camera), I spotted this small bird I couldn't make out sitting on the electrical cables. Turns out, it's an American Kestrel.
A Swainsons Hawk sitting on our backyard electrical pole. Apparently, these hawks will winter in South America - some 6,000 miles on a one way trip!
A mourning dove sits on a post at our neighbours.
Frank Lake, June 21, 2024. Redhead.
Frank Lake, June 21, 2024. Cinnamon Teal.
Frank Lake, June 21, 2024. Greater Scaup.
Frank Lake, June 21, 2024. Killdeer.
Frank Lake, June 21, 2024. Wilson's phalarope. This one winters in Argentina!
Frank Lake, June 21, 2024. He wasn't scared to get close - too close for my lens!
Frank Lake, June 21, 2024. Red Winged Blackbird.
Frank Lake, June 21, 2024. Yellow Headed Blackbird.
Frank Lake, June 21, 2024. Western Grebe.
Frank Lake, June 21, 2024. Black necked Grebe.
Frank Lake, June 21, 2024. Double crested Cormorant.
Frank Lake, June 21, 2024. Ruddy duck. Love the blue bill.
Frank Lake, June 21, 2024. American White Pelicans. Look at those over 8 foot wingspans!
Frank Lake, June 21, 2024. Greater Scaup.
Frank Lake, June 21, 2024. American Coot.
Frank Lake, June 21, 2024. Meadowlark...in mid-song.
Beautiful as always. Mountains to the west, with that amazing ever-changing sky.
Frank Lake, June 22, 2024...I returned the next morning, about 20 mins after sunrise (got there at 5:45am!). This Black-necked Stilt was making quite the noises, so had to grab his photo first!
Frank Lake, June 22, 2024. Black necked Grebe.
Frank Lake, June 22, 2024. Yellow-headed blackbird...getting too close. He sure didn't mind me!
Frank Lake, June 22, 2024. California Gull.
Frank Lake, June 22, 2024. Redhead.
Frank Lake, June 22, 2024. Double-crested Cormorant.
Frank Lake, June 22, 2024. American White Pelican flying low across the lake.
Frank Lake, June 22, 2024. There is no shortage of yellow-headed blackbirds!
Frank Lake, June 22, 2024. California or Herring Gull? With mist from the lake in background, slowly being burned off by the rising sun.
Frank Lake, June 22, 2024. Wingspan! Landing American White Pelican.
Frank Lake, June 22, 2024. Errrr. These Great Blue Herons (my favourites) are always so tough to find, and then get in flight!
Frank Lake, June 22, 2024. Group of American White Pelicans, enjoying that early morning sun and swim!
