BDR and first BIF.

[MN Shutterbug]

Buzz was right, the river is froze solid. Also, as mentioned in other thread, eagles are scarce. I was told that there have been no more than 3 or 4 around since a month ago. I saw two, one behind branches up high in a tree and the other one on the wrong side of the river that a person would have needed a 600mm times 2, to reach. Oh well, it was a super nice day to be out. Here are a few shots from the day, nothing worth keeping. Everything but the swans, were way too far out. Hopefully, I'll have better luck tomorrow on the Mississippi river. At the motel I'm at in Red Wing, there's actually a pickup with a boat hooked up to it. The dude has got to be nuts.

OK, not bif but still, a flight shot.

Couple mallards

Lone drake

Same lone drake but this shot shows just how far away he was with the 400mm lens.

Sharing the hen?

The swans. Wow, white on white. Tough not to blow out something, especially with the sun shining.

[WifeKidsandDog]

You did a great job on the swans, so much detail in the feathers. That's a great shot. I like the bifs too.

[Kyle Sandberg]

The swans looke excellent. I like the hen sharing one a lot. Great color on her.

[finnbay]

Nice swans and the ducks on ice aren't so bad either!

[MN Shutterbug]

Thanks guys and gal. But, doesn't anyone like the jet? At least, the jet moved slow enough for me. Man, them ducks move fast. It reminds me of when I used to duck hunt. I had a hard time hitting them then too. At least now, the ammo doesn't cost and the hunting season is always open. I just wish they wouldn't have stayed out so far. After looking over my exif, I see now that the lone mallard was shot at just 250mm. I don't know how that happened.

Well, I'm going to hit the sack and get up bright and early for another exciting day.

[Dbl]

I like the swans and ducks on ice as well, and yes I think the Sun Country jet is very nicely done. The color against the blue sky on it is great, really pops.

[buzzsaw]

I wouldn't steer you wrong brotha. ( ; I'll kep an eye on BDR and let you know when it looks better. I'm planning on staying in town this weekend and BDR will get a look.