I Keep Going Back!

Over the last three years, I've gone numerous times to the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge just outside of Brigham City. I have gone at least twice each of the last few years to observe the fall and spring migrations that stop along the wetlands that surround the Great Salt Lake. It has a tremendous diversity of birds. Sparrows, Water fowl, raptors... it's an amazing and peaceful trip. Well, of course my camera is ALWAYS co-pilot on trips to the refuge. I do have to say that it has gotten easier to shoot and I better understand the surroundings, the wildlife and even my camera.

I used my Nikon D300 (which I hope to replace with newly-announced D600) and also used my Sigma 120-400mm f/4.5-5.6 zoom lens. I've written about it before, but I think it's worth mentioning again. It does have an image stabilizer in it, but I feel that it performs a lot better with it off. I feel like I get a higher number of sharper images, which is what I want when I'm investing a lot of time and effort into such an endeavor.

My tips for getting good photos here? Drive along the tour route slowly. Keep your eyes peeled! Get out and walk around quietly. Talk to the rangers at the visitor center and on the refuge. Sit and wait, let the birds come to you. Additionally, use the Web site, and call ahead. Find out when the birds are active... when they're moving around and looking for food. This is usually going to be early morning, but you get dramatic lighting and a lot movement. Nothing new... but it does work.