Puffin Paradise: Exclusive Bird Photography Workshop with Dreamy Lighthouse Island Accommodations

Ready to elevate your wildlife photography to breathtaking new heights? Picture this: the first golden rays of dawn painting the dramatic cliffs of a secluded Gulf of Saint Lawrence island, and you're already there, camera in hand, just a gentle stroll from your cozy lighthouse haven. Picture Atlantic puffins, their beaks brimming with silvery fish, returning to nourish their precious pufflings, all bathed in that magical early light: no frantic commutes, just pure, unadulterated photographic bliss with the charming Puffins right at your doorstep.

It's not just another photography workshop; it's an exclusive immersion into a world teeming with life. Under the expert guidance of Christopher Dodds, you'll not only refine your technical prowess in capturing stunning portraits and mastering the dynamic art of birds in flight but also find yourself in what many consider the ultimate sanctuary for Atlantic Puffin photography.

Imagine filling your portfolio with intimate shots of these charismatic seabirds, razorbills, guillemots, and more, all bathed in the remarkable early light this location uniquely offers. After a rewarding day of shooting, return to the comfort of newly renovated lighthouse accommodations and indulge in delectable gourmet meals, the sounds of the ocean lulling you into a peaceful slumber.

This is your chance to step directly into a photographer's dream. Don't let this unparalleled opportunity to capture a complete portfolio of Puffin images in this idyllic setting slip away. Secure your spot now and transform your photographic aspirations into stunning realities!

Atlantic Puffin flying with fish at first light (Fratercula arctica, Macareux moine, Frailecillo atlántico, ATPU) from my Deluxe Puffins Galore Lighthouse Island Workshop Adventure. Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, Quebec, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony FE 2X Teleconverter @1,200mm. ISO 12,800, f/8 @ 1/4,000s Manual exposure.

Osprey in flight with Black Crappie in Golden Light

That early morning mist hanging over Lake Blue Cypress, the sun just kissing the tips of the ancient, water-bound cypress trees... there's a magic to it, especially when the air fills with the triumphant cries of Ospreys. One particular moment stands out during my recent "Ospreys Galore & so much more" workshop. Clutching a fresh catch (Black Crappie. Alternate names for the species include calico bass, speck, speckled perch, speckled bass, moonfish, grass bass, strawberry bass, shiner, crawpie, oswego bass, sac-a-lait, and marigane noire). This magnificent bird called out to its mate in the soft, golden light. Our trusty Captain Don maneuvered the pontoon perfectly, allowing us to capture a series of images before letting the Osprey deliver the black crappie to its nest for its chicks to enjoy their breakfast in peace.

Moments like these demand gear that can keep up with the speed and spontaneity of nature, and let me tell you, the new Sony 400-800mm zoom lens paired with the Sony a9 mark III and the Sony 1.4x teleconverter is an absolute game-changer for wildlife photography.

Think about it: a single lens that effortlessly transitions from a generous 400mm reach to a staggering 800mm, and then, with the seamless addition of the 1.4x teleconverter, stretches all the way to 1120mm! This versatility is pure gold in dynamic environments like Blue Cypress. One moment, you're framing a wider scene of the Osprey in its watery habitat; the next, you're zoomed in tight, capturing the intricate details of its plumage or the glint in its eye. No more fumbling with lens swaps and potentially missing that crucial shot.

But reach is only half the story. What truly elevates this combination is the blazing speed and pinpoint accuracy of the a9 III's autofocus system. With its global shutter, the camera locks onto subjects instantaneously, and the Real-time Tracking keeps even erratic flyers like Ospreys locked in focus as they soar and dive. Adding the 1.4x teleconverter introduces more glass into the equation, but I was genuinely impressed by how little it impacted the autofocus performance. The lens and camera communicated flawlessly, delivering sharp, in-focus results even at those extreme focal lengths.

OSPREY in flight with a Black Crappie (Pandion haliaetus, Balbuzard pêcheur, Águila pescadora, OSPR) from my Ospreys Galore Workshop at Lake Blue Cypress near Vero Beach, Florida, USA. Image copyright ©Christopher Dodds Sony a9 III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Lens with Sony 1.4X Teleconverter @1,120mm ISO 8,000, f/13 @ 1/5,000s. Manual Exposure mode. Join me for my Ospreys Galore workshop every April. To learn more, CLICK HERE.

Dancing with the Wind and a Willet: Willet in flight a la Sony a9 Mark III and the new Sony 400-800mm Zoom Lens

The stage was the wild, windswept beach at Sebastian, Florida, and the star? A stunning willet in striking plumage. If you've ever tried to lock focus on a shorebird in flight, you know they're not exactly known for their predictable flight patterns. Add gale-force wind into the mix, and you've got yourself a real avian acrobat. Tracking that kind of erratic movement, especially when aiming for tack-sharp focus, can sometimes feel impossible.

This is where the magic happened. I had the remarkable Sony a9 Mark III in my hands, paired with the brand-spanking-new Sony 400-800mm zoom, and to reach out and touch those distant subjects, I had the 1.4X teleconverter attached. This combination is a game-changer.

That incredible autofocus system on the a9 III was crucial, with its pre-capture and real-time recognition. It kept me locked onto that willet even as it twisted and turned in the wind. And the 400-800mm zoom, with the added reach of the teleconverter, gave me the flexibility I desperately needed. One moment, the bird was relatively close, buffeting in the wind; the next, it was soaring further out to sea. Instead of fumbling with prime lenses, I could smoothly and quickly adjust my focal length (the lens adjusts from minimum to maximum zoom in 1/4 turn of the zoom ring) while keeping the willet perfectly framed.

The sheer capability of this Sony setup transformed a potentially frustrating experience into an exhilarating one. It allowed me to react instantly to the bird's unpredictable movements, to frame those fleeting moments of beauty against the dramatic backdrop of the windy beach.

Walking away from Sebastian that day, my memory card filled with images that I was truly excited about, I was reminded once again of the incredible advancements in camera technology. This Sony combo isn't just about megapixels or fancy features; it's about empowering photographers to capture the wild beauty of our world, even when nature throws us a curveball – or in this case, a gale-force gust!

Willet in Flight Dorsal View (Tringa semipalmata, Chevalier semipalmé, Playero aliblanco, WILL). From my recent Ospreys Galore Workshop Lake Blue Cypress on April 9, 2025 at Sebastien, Florida, USA. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a9 III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Lens with Sony 1.4X Teleconverter @770mm ISO 3,200, f/11 @ 1/5,000s. Manual exposure.

Green Heron Calling in Flight Sony 400-800 with Sony 1.4X Tele-converter

A distinct, loud guttural "skeow" broke the silence as we waited for this Green Heron to take flight from a perch it landed on in front of us a few moments earlier. I tracked it flying directly across my frame as it took flight and called—the fleeting moment when you get the shot or don't. Thankfully, the new Sony 400-800mm with the 1.4x teleconverter attached to the Sony a9 mark III was already poised and ready.

What struck me immediately was the sheer versatility of this setup. Going from 560mm to 1,120mm with a 1/4 turn of the zoom ring while maintaining exceptional image quality is a game-changer. There was no time to swap lenses; frankly, I wouldn't have wanted to. The integrated zoom allowed me to track the heron smoothly as it flew, adjusting my composition on the fly.

And the autofocus? Absolutely tenacious. Even with the added magnification of the teleconverter, the focus locked onto the heron's eye instantly and held firm as it zipped past: crucial for capturing birds in flight, where even the slightest hesitation can mean a missed opportunity. The resulting images are tack sharp, revealing the intricate details of its plumage. The detail retention and auto-focus speed are remarkable.

This encounter perfectly illustrates the power and flexibility of the Sony 400-800mm with the 1.4x. It's a setup that allows you to react quickly, achieve incredible reach, and capture breathtaking sharpness, even in challenging situations. This lens is a serious contender for wildlife photographers who demand the best and need to be ready for anything. It's not just about getting closer; it's about capturing the moment with stunning clarity.

Be sure to take a look at my other blog posts from my trip to Florida with only a Sony a9 mark III, the new Sony 400-800 and both teleconverters (1.4X and 2X):

FE 400–800 mm F6.3–8 G OSS Mini-review. Is this the "Holy Grail" for bird photography? by Christopher Dodds

Less is More: Finding Freedom with only the Sony a9 III and 400-800mm in Florida

Red-shouldered Hawk and the freedom of the new Sony 400-800mm Zoom lens

Green Heron Calling in Flight (Butorides virescens, Héron vert, Garcilla Verde, GRHE). From my recent Ospreys Galore Workshop Lake Blue Cypress near Vero Beach, Florida, USA. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a9 III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Lens with Sony 1.4X Teleconverter @1,036mm ISO 3,200, f/13 @ 1/5,000s. Manual exposure.

Less is More: Finding Freedom with only the Sony a9 III and 400-800mm in Florida

I am live and buzzing in the Florida sunshine, ready for the start of my Ospreys Galore Workshop tomorrow! I just landed yesterday, and this morning, I was out before the sun rose and the dew fully lifted. And let me tell you, the light? Absolutely glorious. The wind? Just a whisper, and in the perfect direction. And the subjects? Spectacular roseate spoonbills. Pink perfection against the early morning glow.

Roseate Spoonbill landing in spectacular first light (Platalea ajaja, Spatule rosée, Espátula rosada, ROSP). Image made April 4, 2025, while scouting for my Ospreys of Florida Workshop. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a9 III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Lens @400mm ISO 4,000, f/6.3 @ 1/5,000s. Manual exposure. Full frame image

I made a rather deliberate choice for this trip: JUST the revolutionary Sony a9 III and the brand-spankin'-new Sony FE 400–800 mm F6.3–8 G OSS. Just one incredible camera body and one incredible zoom lens. And after this morning’s session, any lingering doubt I might have had has completely vanished.

Getting here was a breeze, literally. Travelling with a single, lightweight, small camera bag (an 18-litre bag with room to spare) felt unbelievably liberating. No more juggling multiple cases, no more strategic repacking in airport security. It was a refreshing reminder that less truly can be more, even before you click the shutter.

But this morning… this morning was the real confirmation. Those spoonbills, with their vibrant plumage and elegant movements, were simply breathtaking. And having the reach and versatility of that 400-800mm lens allowed me to capture them in ways I could only have dreamed of with a more restrictive setup. Whether I was framing a tight portrait of their unique bill or capturing a closer scene of them landing directly toward me, the camera and lens delivered. And the a9 III’s speed and responsiveness? It’s like the camera anticipates the action.

There’s a certain joy in simplifying your tools. You become more attuned to your surroundings and more focused on the moment. You’re not fumbling through a bag of lenses, second-guessing your choices. You’re present, you’re ready, and you’re making the most of the gear you have.

Seeing those spoonbills in that perfect light, knowing I had the right tool for the job, was pure magic. This single-lens approach isn’t a limitation; it’s a focused freedom. And after such a spectacular start, I’m even more excited to see what the rest of my Florida adventure holds. Stay tuned!

FE 400–800 mm F6.3–8 G OSS Mini-review. Is this the "Holy Grail" for bird photography? by Christopher Dodds

Sony 400-800mm: A Bird Photographer's Perspective

Canadian Nature Photographer Christopher Dodds with the new Sony FE 400–800 mm F6.3–8 G OSS zoom lens and the Sony a9 Mark III mirrorless camera. April, 2025.

Pursuing stunning images of birds has long driven photographers to seek lenses with ever-increasing focal lengths. This demand arises from the inherent challenges of photographing often small, distant, and rapidly moving subjects in their natural habitats. The recent introduction of the Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS lens has generated considerable excitement within the bird photography community, as it represents Sony's longest telephoto zoom lens to date. This lens promises unprecedented reach for Sony E-mount users, leading to the central question: does the Sony 400-800mm truly live up to the hype and deserve the coveted title of a "Holy Grail" lens for bird photographers? All of the other reviews I have seen (and there are many now) show examples of slow and big wading birds that most cameras today don’t find challenging, so I set out in search of unpredictable, fast-moving and difficult-to-track birds on a low contrast, cloudy and dark overcast day to truly put the lens (and camera) to the test!

Horned Lark in Flight (Eremophila alpestris, Alouette hausse-col, Alondra cornuda,HOLA). Lake Saint-François National Wildlife Area, Dundee, Quebec, Canada, while testing the new Sony 400-800mm zoom lens. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a9 III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Lens @800mm ISO 3,200, f/8 @ 1/5,000s Manual exposure.

For bird photographers, particularly those obsessed with capturing birds-in-flight, the Sony FE 400–800 mm F6.3–8 G OSS is a game-changer. Its unparalleled reach in a zoom lens format is its most compelling feature. Finally, we have a lens that bridges the gap, offering more reach than the 200-600mm without sacrificing the versatility of a zoom.
The autofocus, driven by dual linear motors, is exceptional. It locks onto subjects with remarkable speed and accuracy, crucial for tracking erratic flight patterns. This lens, paired with the rapid burst capabilities of modern Sony bodies (120fps with Sony a9 III), delivers a high keeper rate, even with challenging subjects.

Image quality is superb throughout the zoom range. Sharpness and detail rendition are excellent and essential for capturing the intricate details of plumage. While an ever-so-slight softness is noticeable (to me) at 800mm, it isn't very evident in most practical applications.

Handling is surprisingly good for such a long lens. The internal zoom maintains balance, making handheld shooting manageable for extended periods for those who can manage the weight. The smooth zoom ring allows quick adjustments, which is vital for reacting to dynamic situations. While I will be replacing my 200-600 with the 400-800 (2475g / 5.5 lbs), my wife (Julie) finds it too heavy to hand-hold for long and much prefers the lighter 200-600 (2115g / 4.7 lbs).

The f/6.3-8 aperture is a trade-off, demanding careful consideration of light conditions. However, the extended reach, autofocus performance, and high ISO capabilities of Sony’s latest cameras outweigh this limitation. The lens's compatibility with teleconverters pushes its reach further, though the 1.4x is the sweet spot for maintaining image quality. I don’t expect to use this lens with my 2X teleconverter, but my limited testing does show the sharpness falling off at the longer focal length of 1,600mm, which starts to stress even the best auto-focus systems.

Compared to the 200-600mm, the 400-800mm offers significantly more reach and arguably superior autofocus. While the 200-600mm is versatile, the 400-800mm is a specialist tool tailored for those prioritizing maximum reach.

American Tree Sparrows (Spizelloides arborea, Bruant hudsonien, Suirirí piquirrojo, ATSP) Quebec, Canada, March 29, 2025, while testing the new Sony 400-800mm zoom lens. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a9 III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Lens @800mm ISO 2,500, f/8 @ 1/5,000s Manual exposure.

In conclusion, the Sony 400-800mm truly shines for birds in flight (BIF) photography. Its rapid zoom and exceptional reach allow for seamless tracking and capturing of dynamic avian subjects. The ability to quickly adjust framing is critical when following unpredictable bird movements, making this lens an indispensable tool for wildlife enthusiasts. While tele-extenders expand the lens's reach, it's important to note a slight decrease in image sharpness, especially at the maximum magnification. To counteract this and freeze any camera shake, a high enough shutter speed is paramount: somewhat challenging at its maximum aperture of F/11 with the 1.4X or F/16 with the 2X. Additionally, the extreme reach of this lens magnifies the effects of heat shimmer, which can significantly impact image clarity. Therefore, carefully considering atmospheric conditions is essential when shooting at longer focal lengths. The slight autofocus slowdown with teleconverters is a reasonable trade-off for the extended reach and doesn't detract from the lens's overall excellence. Despite these minor considerations, the lens's overall performance for BIF photography is outstanding, offering a level of versatility and reach that is difficult to match.

While the "Holy Grail" moniker is subjective, the Sony 400-800mm is undeniably a top-tier lens for bird photography. Its combination of reach, autofocus, and image quality elevates it above the competition, making it a worthy investment for serious bird photographers.

Common Raven Firesky Silhouette (Corvus corax, Grand corbeau, CORA). Quebec, Canada, while testing the new Sony 400-800mm zoom lens. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a9 III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Lens @800mm ISO 3,200, f/8 @ 1/5,000s Manual exposure.

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ANNOUNCING: Songbirds of Pelee Photo Walk a Christopher Dodds and Sony Canada Free Event

May 5 and 6, 2025: A free event sponsored by Sony of Canada

Experience Peak Spring Migration at Point Pelee with Christopher Dodds

Join a fully licensed, exclusive photo walk in Point Pelee National Park, led by renowned photographer Christopher Dodds. Capture the magic of spring migration during its statistically prime time when vibrant warblers descend in spectacular "fallouts."

• Optimal Timing: Witness the legendary warbler migration at its absolute peak.

• Expert Guidance: In-the-field instruction from Christopher Dodds, boasting 40+ years of experience as a highly respected photographer, photo tour leader, educator and public speaker.

• Technical support: Sony’s Patrick Chan will join to provide in-depth technical assistance for Sony Cameras.

• Free Sony Loaner Gear: The latest and greatest Sony professional cameras and lenses will be available for free trials.

• Flexible Gear: You can achieve stunning results with lenses from 400mm; super-telephoto lenses are not mandatory.

• All Skill Levels Welcome: Learn and grow at your own pace, with a supportive and inclusive atmosphere.

• All Brands Welcome: Everyone is welcome.

• Point Pelee Mastery: Benefit from Christopher's profound knowledge of Point Pelee National Park, honed over decades of capturing its natural beauty.

• Win a Prize: Sony is giving away one pair of Sony WH-CH720N Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones ($249.99) each day. Available in person at the event only!

• Free Sony Swag: Sony is giving away some fine swag. Available in person at the event only!

Space is limited, so act quickly!

Kentucky warbler (Geothlypis formosa, Paruline du Kentucky, KEWA) from my SONGBIRDS OF PELEE WORKSHOP at Point Pelee National Park of Canada in Leamington, Ontario, Canada ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Sony Alpha a1 Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony FE 2X Teleconverter @1,200mm. ISO 8,000, f/8 @ 1/4,000s Manual exposure.

American Tree Sparrows

I'm thrilled to have had the opportunity to field-test the groundbreaking Sony FE 400-800mm F6.3-8 G OSS zoom lens! Thanks to Sony of Canada, I received the first Canadian copy, and it's been a fantastic week of testing. Stay tuned for my mini-review soon! In the meantime, enjoy this image of American Tree Sparrows in the fresh snow from March 29, 2025.

American Tree Sparrows (Spizelloides arborea, Bruant hudsonien, Suirirí piquirrojo, ATSP) Quebec, Canada, March 29, 2025, while testing the new Sony 400-800mm zoom lens. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a9 III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Lens @800mm ISO 2,500, f/8 @ 1/5,000s Manual exposure.

American Kestrel in flight dorsal view

This American Kestrel kept distracting us while watching a Snowy Owl during my recent Snowy Owl Workshops. It had flown past us and offered a nice view against the white “cloudy bright” sky, but I stayed on the bird in case it banked around. I was treated to this full dorsal view as it banked around in front of some out-of-focus pine trees, which proved a perfect background.

American Kestrel Landing (Falco sparverius, Crécerelle d'Amérique, AMKE) Ontario, Canada, during my recent Winter Owl Workshops. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a9 Mark III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony FE 2X Teleconverter @1,200mm ISO 5,000, f/8 @ 1/5,000s Manual exposure.

American Kestrel Landing

Here is another from my last Winter Owl Workshop on February 25, 2025. This is the Kestrel that Dave Evans spotted first with a European Starling. It dropped the Starling and flew to the nearest telephone pole as I stopped the van. We set up hoping it would return to its feast - we all left smiling!

More Kudos!

“I have been home for a few days, and I just wanted to thank you for such an amazing time this past week! …… I am so grateful that I got the opportunity to join and learn from you. I truly appreciate all of your advice, help, and patience. The whole week was an incredible experience!”  - Maya Alpert | California | USA (Group 8/8 Owls February 2025).

American Kestrel Landing (Falco sparverius, Crécerelle d'Amérique, AMKE) Ontario, Canada, during my recent Winter Owl Workshops. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a9 Mark III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony FE 2X Teleconverter @1,200mm ISO 16,000, f/8 @ 1/5,000s Manual exposure.

Click below to check out another blog post from the encounter:

Snowy Owl Workshop Testimonial from Wink Gaines

This is a beautiful female Snowy Owl on the hunt from February 12, 2025, during week 6 of 8 Winter Owl Workshops. It started as a miserable day with snow and freezing rain, the perfect recipe for Snowy Owl hunting after the storm. We had some great opportunities, as this female hunted directly in front of my group several times. Be sure to see the fabulous image that Wink Gaines made below!

Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus, Harfang des neiges, SNOW) Ontario, Canada, during my recent Winter Owl Workshops. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a1 II Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony FE 2X Teleconverter @1,200mm ISO 5,000, f/8 @ 1/5,000s Manual exposure.

Testimonial and image from Wink Gaines:

“ I couldn’t have asked for a better experience while participating in one of Chris Dodds’ Snowy Owl workshop in February 2025. Chris is a photographer’s photographer! His meticulous field preparation and expert understanding of owl behavior and natural habitats are unmatched. While in the field, Chris is always on hand, offering tailored advice on camera settings, lens choices, and technical matters —no matter what gear you’re using. His approachable nature and years of guiding photographers to hidden, exceptional wildlife hotspots make his workshops stand out, ensuring an unforgettable experience that goes above and beyond what most photographers have encountered.”

— Wink Gaines | North Carolina | USA | www.winkgainesphoto.com

Snowy Owl photograph courtesy and copyright Wink Gaines www.WinkGainesPhoto.com

Snowy Owl Workshop Update

Last week was another great week of Snowy Owl photography during week 5 of 7 Winter Snowy Owl Workshops. It was an awesome group and everyone’s patience in the cold was rewarded by many hunting missions by this beautiful Snowy Owl.

Join me in Canada 🇨🇦 for an Ethical and Responsible Snowy Owl Photography Workshop. We will not feed, bait, lure, call or disturb the owls we photograph. Some spots are still available for my February 24-28, 2025 Winter Snowy Owl Workshops & 2026 trips are filling quickly!

Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus, Harfang des neiges, SNOW) Ontario, Canada, during my recent Winter Owl Workshops. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a1 II Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS Lens @400mm ISO 1,000, f/8 @ 1/6,400s Manual exposure. Full frame image.

Snowy Owl Flying Pink Sky

We have been having a blast during my Snowy Owl Workshops this winter. This image was made at first light as the Snowy Owl took flight. I carefully removed the top of the telephone pole and a wire from the lower portion of the image.

Join me in Canada 🇨🇦 for an Ethical and Responsible Snowy Owl Photography Workshop. We will not feed, bait, lure, call or disturb the owls we photograph. Some spots are still available for my February 17-20 & February 24-28, 2025 Winter Snowy Owl Workshops. Click the link below to learn more or sign up.

Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus, Harfang des neiges, SNOW) Ontario, Canada, during my recent Winter Owl Workshops. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a9 III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony FE 2X Teleconverter @1,200mm ISO 16,000, f/8 @ 1/5,000s Manual exposure. Full frame image.

Rough-legged Hawk in flight ventral view

This is another image from our terrific encounter with this Rough-legged Hawk as it circled us a few times last Wednesday during my recent Winter Snowy Owl Workshop. See yesterday’s post: Rough-Legged Hawk in flight dorsal view.

Rough-legged Hawk in flight ventral view (Buteo lagopus, Buse pattue, RLHA). Created during my recent Winter Owl Workshop in Ontario, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a9 III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony FE 2X Teleconverter @1,200mm ISO 1,600, f/8 @ 1/5,000s Manual exposure.

Rough-Legged Hawk in flight dorsal view

This is one of many images made during a close encounter with this Rough-legged Hawk during my Winter Snowy Owl workshop recently. The bird circled us several times, giving everyone fantastic views; stay tuned for more.

The rough-legged hawk gets its name from the feathers that run down its legs to its talons, keeping it warm in frigid temperatures. After breeding in the Arctic tundra, rough-legged hawks travel south to open fields and grasslands.

See: Rough-legged Hawk in flight ventral view

Rough-legged Hawk in flight dorsal view (Buteo lagopus, Buse pattue, RLHA). Created during my recent Winter Owl Workshop in Ontario, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a9 III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony FE 2X Teleconverter @1,200mm ISO 1,600, f/8 @ 1/5,000s Manual exposure.

Snow Bunting in flight

This high-key image of a backlit Snow Bunting in flight was made during my Winter Snowy Owl Workshop this week. It is an excellent example of why I keep my shutter speed high enough to freeze action, even when the owl we were set up at wasn’t moving: I am always ready for extraordinary and unexpected action. A couple of spots are still available for my February 17-21, 2025 Winter Snowy Owl Workshop.

Snow Bunting In Flight (Plectrophenax nivalis, Plectrophane des neiges, SNBU) from my recent Snowy Owl Workshop in Ontario, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a9 III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony FE 2X Teleconverter @1,200mm ISO 3,200, f/5.6 @ 1/5,000s Manual exposure.

Snowy Owl In Flight Glance

I was photographing this Snowy Owl out the window of my car while scouting for my Winter Owl Workshops last week when a snowplow scared it off the fence post it was perched on. Although I followed it as it took flight, I hadn’t pressed the trigger because it wasn’t looking at me. I would have missed this, as it glanced back for a fraction of a second, but the pre-capture function in my camera saved me.

Snowy Owl In Flight Glance (Bubo scandiacus, Harfang des neiges, SNOW) Ontario, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a9 III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony FE 1.4X Teleconverter @840mm ISO 3,200, f/5.6 @ 1/5,000s Manual exposure.

Sandhill Crane flying in golden light

A Sandhill Crane landing at dusk against the golden backdrop of blurred Cottonwood trees during my recent Better than Bosque Workshop in New Mexico.

This year, we were fortunate to enjoy golden light and ideal wind direction for most of my Better than Bosque workshop. The Cottonwoods displayed their autumn foliage, creating stunning backgrounds when the light became perfect - smile.

Sandhill Crane flying in golden light (Grus canadenis, Grue du Canada, SACR) from my recently concluded Better than Bosque workshop. Bernardo Wildlife Area (Ladd S. Gordon Waterfowl Complex), Bernardo, New Mexico, USA. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a9 III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony FE 2X Teleconverter @1,200mm ISO 8,000, f/8 @ 1/5,000s Manual exposure. Full frame image.

Wood Duck in flight

Another Wood Duck from my recent Better than Bosque workshop in New Mexico. There was no shortage of Wood Ducks this year, and the wind and light were favourable for photographing them in flight. It is hard not to point your lens at them when they fly past!

Wood Duck in flight (Aix sponsa, Canard branchu, WODU) from my Better than Bosque workshop. Near Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a9 III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony FE 1.4X Teleconverter @840mm ISO 1,250, f/5.6 @ 1/5,000s. Full frame image. Manual exposure.

Hooded (Hoodie) Merganser in flight

A Hooded Merganser in flight over the duck ponds from my recent Better than Bosque Workshop in New Mexico.

Slim and swift on the wing, mergansers are unique among ducks in that they have slender, saw-toothed bills to grab fish and other prey in underwater dives. The most petite and elegant of the three merganser species is the Hooded Merganser, which has a fan-shaped white crest bordered with black (tucked back in this flight image). Unlike the other mergansers, “hoodies” rarely gather in flocks and usually winter on small ponds.

Hooded Merganser In Flight (Lophodytes cucullatus, Harle couronné, HOME) from my Better than Bosque workshop . Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a9 III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony FE 2X Teleconverter @1,200mm ISO 2,500, f/8 @ 1/5,000s. Manual exposure. Full frame image.

Northern Shoveler in flight in golden light

A hen (hen = female) Northern Shoveler prepares to land over golden corn fields while bathed in golden morning light during my Better than Bosque Workshop in New Mexico earlier this month.

As the sun rose, the wind raged in the wrong direction as we drove the North loop in Bosque del Apache NWR. We came upon a mixed flock of ducks and decided to stop and see if any were banking around and posing at a light angle that worked. A few obliged the determined photographer.

Northern Shoveler (hen = female) in flight in golden light (Spatula clypeata, Canard souchet, NSHO) from my Better than Bosque workshop. Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, San Antonio, New Mexico, USA. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony Alpha a9 III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony FE 2X Teleconverter @1,200mm ISO 2,000, f/8 @ 1/5,000s. Manual exposure. Full frame image.