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ZEISS DTI thermal imaging cameras. For more discoveries at night, and during the day.

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  1. MelospizaMelodiaFan

    What does this bushtit have?

    Any ideas?
  2. MelospizaMelodiaFan

    Warbler, Northern California, March 12, 2024

    I think this is a female or immature yellow rumped warbler of the Audubon variety. Question: would there be immature plumage in March?
  3. MelospizaMelodiaFan

    Shorebirds & Loon, Northern CA, Jan 2024

    1. Dunlin, or short-billed dowitcher? Or something else? I am leaning towards short-billed dowitcher because the bill lacks curvature. From Petaluma, CA 2&3 are of the same bird. Pacific Loon? The lack of white on the back and the fine bill make it seem right. From Bodega Bay, CA
  4. MelospizaMelodiaFan

    Jan 30 release of products

    43rumors.com broke the news about 3 products to be announced on Jan 30: 1. OM-1 MkII 2. 9-18mm MkII 3. 150-600 f5-6.3 (not Pro) Of interest to this forum would be #1 and #3. Regarding #1, the site says it is the same sensor as the original OM-1 (😨), but with faster buffering and improved AF...
  5. MelospizaMelodiaFan

    Hawk, Northern California, Today

    I want to say red-shouldered hawk, based on the coverts and tail feathers, but I am not sure. I did not hear its call today, but I have heard RSH often in the area where this photo was taken. Looks like an juvenile immature.
  6. MelospizaMelodiaFan

    The most important thing you learned about photography in 2023?

    What did you learn last year that made the biggest difference in your bird photography? For me, it was to sharpen only the parts of the photo I need by masking off the subject. The idea is to avoid sharpening noise in the background, where it is often the most noticeable. Consequently, you...
  7. MelospizaMelodiaFan

    Missing feathers on a gull

    What is going on with this gull's feathers? It doesn't look like molting. Is it a disease or injury?
  8. MelospizaMelodiaFan

    Herring Gull? Northern CA (Petaluma) this week

    Herring gull is the best I can come up with based on the large body, non-bulbous beak, yellow feet, light eyes, and black wingtips. Can someone confirm or offer an alternative? Thank you!
  9. MelospizaMelodiaFan

    Mystery waterfowl, this week, Sonoma County, CA

    I saw these three overhead and snapped this photo. I am lost with this one. Thanks a lot for your help.
  10. MelospizaMelodiaFan

    Shorebirds, Petaluma, CA (Sonoma County)

    What are the small birds around the American avocet? My guess is western sandpiper, but I would like someone to confirm or correct. Thanks.
  11. MelospizaMelodiaFan

    How do you (personally) find birds to photograph?

    Do you go hiking, set up a blind, drive around, set up a feeder, take a safari, or grab a camera when you see something in your yard? I am curious about how other people go about bird photography. I personally go to a park or trail with trees or water and walk slowly, listening and watching...
  12. MelospizaMelodiaFan

    Sparrow, Sonoma County, Nothern CA

    This one almost has a duck-like appearance. Initial searches point to Lincoln's sparrow because of the fine streaking, buff wash across the face and upper chest. Can some please confirm? Thanks a bunch.
  13. MelospizaMelodiaFan

    Unknown sparrow - Sonoma County, Northern CA

    Are these savannah sparrow? Small beak, short tail, streaked... Thank you!
  14. MelospizaMelodiaFan

    White crowned sparrow? Hybrid? Sonoma County, CA

    This looks like an immature white crowned sparrow, but the lack of an eye stripe hinders me from making a positive ID. Is this a hybrid with a golden crowned sparrow? Or something else completely?
  15. MelospizaMelodiaFan

    Upgrading from Bridge Camera to M43

    I am making a list of expectations now, to be followed by observations of how things play out. I am currently using a Panasonic FZ150 point-and-shoot camera, the results of which you can see in my gallery. I have learned a lot about photography and post-processing with this camera. On a nice...
  16. MelospizaMelodiaFan

    Hermit Thrush? Sonoma County, CA

    Thought this was one of the usual birds in my neighborhood and snapped a shot as an afterthought. Now I think it is a Hermit Thrush, which would be a lifer for me. Can someone confirm? Thanks.
  17. MelospizaMelodiaFan

    Hummingbird, Rohnert Park (Sonoma County), CA

    Taken 2 days ago. Anna's is more common here, but I think there is a chance it might be female black-chinned. Or maybe I'm seeing things. 1. Beak is slightly curved, although I'm not sure that is a definitive field mark. 2. Beak seems longer in proportion to the body, which would indicate...
  18. MelospizaMelodiaFan

    Rumored Panasonic Lumix G9 ii with Phase Detect AF

    I've read several rumors now about at G9 mark ii with phase detect AF coming at the end of this 2023. Up till now, that was an Olympus exclusive for micro 4/3. For bird photography, that would be a significant upgrade and make the G9 a strong contender. Hopefully the price will be appealing to...
  19. MelospizaMelodiaFan

    Rumored OM System lenses: 50-200mm f2.8 and 50-250mm f4

    https://www.43rumors.com/ft4-om-digital-might-announce-the-50-200mm-f-2-8-and-50-250mm-f-4-0-in-late-2023/ Would any of these interest you? I am interested in the 50-250mm f/4. If it is less than 1 kg, weather sealed, and around $1K USD, that would be my future birding lens. (In other words...
  20. MelospizaMelodiaFan

    Glaucous Winged Gull? Ventura, CA (Winter)

    Taken on Feb 6, 2022 I think it is immature Glaucous winged because of 1) Mostly black beak 2) Dark eyes 3) Lack of dark wingtips (vs. western gull) 4) Beak is less bulbous (vs. western gull) Thoughts? Thanks in advance :)
  21. MelospizaMelodiaFan

    Western Bluebird in a hover

    I've seen lots of Western Bluebirds, but yesterday was the first time I saw this. The bird was silhouetted against the sun, so I didn't know what it was until I viewed the image. I was pretty amazed to see a passerine hunting the same way as a tern, kestrel or kite. That was pretty cool. I...
  22. MelospizaMelodiaFan

    What is this? Turkey Vulture with a Band-Aid?

    These photos were taken 26 May 2023 in San Leandro, CA. Only today did I notice something funny on the vulture's head. It looks like some kind of bandage to me. Does anyone know what this is? Could it be some kind of avian flu related activity? I heard they were testing vaccines for condors on...
  23. MelospizaMelodiaFan

    Bridge Camera Photography Showcase

    Let's see your best photos taken with a bridge camera! If possible, include the camera model and settings, and why you like the image. I'm excited to see what you share! Here is my best so far: Taken with FZ150, f/5.2, 1/640, ISO400, 108mm The lighting is the key here. It was a mostly sunny...
  24. MelospizaMelodiaFan

    El Cheapo here, what do you think of my plans?

    I am mostly new to photography, but I have one community college course under my belt. I've always been interested in birds, just started photographing them a couple of years ago with a point and shoot Lumix FZ150 that I got second hand for under $100. I wasn't sure I'd keep taking bird photos...
  25. MelospizaMelodiaFan

    Osprey - what is this bulge?

    Is this a full crop? Or just fluffed feathers? Thanks!
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