Monthly Archives: April 2014

A Gem in the Hill Country

Last week I spent two days with Sandy and Leslee Hurwitz at their “Transition Ranch” northwest of Uvalde, Texas.  They are in the process of building the ranch into a nature photography destination, so I was invited to provide advice.  In my opinion, the greatest challenge to starting another photography ranch is having topography and wildlife that offer something different.  The Transition has all of that.

We photographed at a blind that is being constructed but where food and water had been in place for several months.  Many species of birds visited that site.  All that remains to be done there is to get the blind finished and prepare a number of good bird perches.

Some of the birds you will see in this week’s newsletter were located in the oak and juniper (cedar) covered hills within the ranch.  Most notable among the species in this habitat are black-capped vireo, golden-cheeked warbler, and Montezuma quail.  With just a little extra work, I think some mammals like gray fox and white-tailed deer will be available at the blinds.

Here are some of the bird photos from my two days at “Transition”.  Remember, just click on a photo to make it enlarge and sharpen.  By clicking the arrow on the right edge of each photo, you can advance to the next shot.

Endangered black-capped vireo perched in hill country habitat.
Endangered black-capped vireo perched in hill country habitat,

 

Black-capped vireo perched on dead juniper limbs.
Black-capped vireo perched on dead juniper limbs.
Golden-cheeked Warbler in juniper.
Golden-cheeked Warbler in juniper.
Curious endangered golden-cheeked warbler in prime habitat.
Curious endangered golden-cheeked warbler in prime habitat.
Male hooded oriole at the creek blind in late afternoon.
Male hooded oriole at the creek blind in late afternoon.
Western scrub jay visited the photo blind to feed.
Western scrub jay visited the photo blind to feed.

All of these bird photos were made with a Canon 7D camera, 500 mm IS lens, Feisol carbon fiber tripod and Wimberley head.

Cautious male summer tanager coming in for a drink.
Cautious male summer tanager coming in for a drink.
Black-throated sparrows are abundant at Transition Ranch.
Black-throated sparrows are abundant at Transition Ranch.
Cedar Waxwings are winter and spring residents.
Cedar Waxwings are winter and spring residents.
This blue grosbeak was looking for a perch with complimentary colors. This lichen covered rock was a perfect find.
This blue grosbeak was looking for a perch with complimentary colors. This lichen covered rock was a perfect find.
Lark sparrows were a part of the bird diversity at a Transition Ranch photo blind.
Lark sparrows were a part of the bird diversity at a Transition Ranch photo blind.
Lincoln's sparrow is spot-lighted while taking it evening bath at the bird blind.
Lincoln’s sparrow spot-lighted while taking it evening bath at the bird blind.
Prickly pear cactus covered in blooms.
Prickly pear cactus covered in blooms.

My visit to Transition Ranch was pretty much unscripted.  While roaming the hills, we photographed prickly pear cactus in bloom, endangered birds, a quail nest and many other subjects.  You should plan your April, 2015 to include a photo trip to Transition Ranch.

Accommodations and meals are a part of the nature photography package.  All you have to do is relax and enjoy the scene.

Larry

Way out West – Big Bend National Park

It’s been a long time between posts.  I’ve been to Big Bend National Park with a workshop and then on to Galveston’s Featherfest.  This past week, Sandy Hurwitz and his lovely wife, Leslee, hosted me at their Transition Ranch west of Uvalde where we photographed as many birds as possible in two days.  More about that later.

For four days, Joe Zinn and I lead a group of 8 photographers around the huge west Texas park in pursuit of the perfect landscape photo.  I think they all got it.  Unfortunately, you will have to look at some of my shots instead.

Remember to click on the images to change them to a larger, sharper format and to get the “next” button.

Agave and Chisos Mountains at sunrise.
Agave and Chisos Mountains, Big Bend National Park at sunrise.

All these images were done with a Canon 5D Mark II camera; 16-35 mm or 24 – 105 mm lenses, Feisol carbon fiber tripod and ball head, and electronic release.  For the shot of cactus (below), I used the super-wide lens focused from about 12″ while I leaned against a small ledge over the river.

Cactus and Rio Grande above the Hot Springs in the eastern part of Big Bend National Park.
Cactus and Rio Grande above the Hot Springs.

 

Rock formation at sunrise with Chisos Mountains in the background.
Rock formation at sunrise with Chisos Mountains in the background.

 

Santa Elena Canyon in black and white.
Santa Elena Canyon in black and white.

This image (above) needed some clouds to make the black and white image pop.  Nevertheless, I decided to do it anyway.

First light on Ocotillo and Santa Elena Canyon.
First light on Ocotillo and Santa Elena Canyon.

 

The Rio Grande and Chisos Mountains from overlook near Rio Grande Campground.
The Rio Grande and Chisos Mountains at sunset from overlook near Rio Grande Campground.

 

Light painting an old church in Terlingua, Texas on a clear night.
Light painting an old church in Terlingua, Texas on a clear night.

After I set up my camera and composed this scene (above), I went inside to light paint while another photographer triggered the 30 second exposure.

Boquillas Rim in the Sierra del Carmen range on the Mexican side of the Rio Grande at Big Bend National Park.
Boquillas Rim in the Sierra del Carmen range on the Mexican side of the Rio Grande at Big Bend National Park.

I waited for this scene to develop by allowing the sun to reach the western horizon.  After the closer mountains were in shadow, the Boquillas Rim turned pink in the warm sunset light.

In the next newsletter, I’ll share some bird photos from area ranches.

Larry