Brought out the big Gun for some backyard birding...

[brewmaster15]

Still cold here. Still Snow on the Ground. I was going to try and get out today, but really the options are limited and though its only 32F the wind today is bad....feels like 15F! So I dug an old friend out from the closet. Its real beast of a lens.. Pentax SMC 500mm F4.5 itss old (late 1970's) , its manual, its beat up and ugly, and the hardest lens I have here as far as handling. On Camera, its about 2 Feet long. It is still a very good piece of glass and fun to play with.

No exotic photo location though. Just out the open window. Have to say its better than being outside but not by much! That room cooled off way too fast!


20170216_104755 by Al Sabetta, on Flickr


20170216_131130_01 by Al Sabetta, on Flickr

al

[brewmaster15]

Some pics... tufted titmouse...

IMGP4436 by Al Sabetta, on Flickr


IMGP4437 by Al Sabetta, on Flickr


IMGP4439 by Al Sabetta, on Flickr


IMGP4458 by Al Sabetta, on Flickr


IMGP4475 by Al Sabetta, on Flickr

[brewmaster15]

Mo-dos (Mourning Doves)

IMGP4554 by Al Sabetta, on Flickr


IMGP4556_01 by Al Sabetta, on Flickr


IMGP4562 by Al Sabetta, on Flickr


IMGP4587 by Al Sabetta, on Flickr


IMGP4587_01 by Al Sabetta, on Flickr


IMGP4589 by Al Sabetta, on Flickr


IMGP4590 by Al Sabetta, on Flickr


IMGP4593 by Al Sabetta, on Flickr


IMGP4600 by Al Sabetta, on Flickr


IMGP4640 by Al Sabetta, on Flickr


IMGP4701 by Al Sabetta, on Flickr


IMGP4704 by Al Sabetta, on Flickr


IMGP4708 by Al Sabetta, on Flickr

[brewmaster15]

squirrels ...of course! If theres bird seed, theres squirrels!

IMGP4718 by Al Sabetta, on Flickr


IMGP4752 by Al Sabetta, on Flickr


IMGP4753 by Al Sabetta, on Flickr


IMGP4756 by Al Sabetta, on Flickr


IMGP4563 by Al Sabetta, on Flickr


IMGP4662 by Al Sabetta, on Flickr


IMGP4644 by Al Sabetta, on Flickr


IMGP4595 by Al Sabetta, on Flickr

[brewmaster15]

Matt, This last set is for you. 500 mm lens with 2x tele-converter. You lose a little light and detail but these shots are zero cropped.. from the same distance as this one..


IMGP4718 by Al Sabetta, on Flickr


With 2X Pentax tele-converter ( made for use on this lens)


IMGP4792 by Al Sabetta, on Flickr

IMGP4790 by Al Sabetta, on Flickr

IMGP4785 by Al Sabetta, on Flickr



Truthfully I do not use this particular tele-converter much ... more for documenting but it works as most do in a pinch.

al

[Disgirl]

Your pics are great Al!
We enjoy and feed our birds too, and used to feed squirrels when we had them. I wouldn't mind taking some of your snow. We have had none for about 2 years and I miss it. I know you are tired of it though. Think Spring...
Barb

[brewmaster15]

Your pics are great Al!
We enjoy and feed our birds too, and used to feed squirrels when we had them. I wouldn't mind taking some of your snow. We have had none for about 2 years and I miss it. I know you are tired of it though. Think Spring...
Barb

Thanks Barb,
I shouldnt complain, up until this month its been a mild winter. I am ready for Spring though! actually I was ready before winter came!
Al

[Second Hand Pat]

Really nice photos Al I love morning dove and you captured them nicely. They are a beautiful bird. That one squirrel looks cold and love its grey coat. I need to setup a feeder for birds.
Pat

[Discus-n00b]

Nice shots Al! Saw your message earlier but could only view on my phone, finally home and able to view on the computer and they didn't disappoint. Really good stuff for such a dated piece of equipment. Doves are some of my favorite birds, like a classier pigeon. They look great and I love the sounds they make especially when startled. I had a few the other day that were just behind a few branches, I think I captured one well enough but I want to get some clear shots like you have here. Love when they puff up LOL

[SMB2]

Nice shots, Al.
Tree rats have to eat too!