As mentioned in a prior post, I didn’t get deeply into bird photography until the year that wasn’t, 2020. Last year I my interest and skills in bird photography grew. I still have a lot to learn but it’s a fun learning curve. Last year we took a road trip up north in Ohio and did a drive through the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge in Oak Harbor, Ohio.
Some weekends during the year they allow cars to drive around the refuge and depending on where the birds may be, you may not even need to leave your car. While that has some benefits, a big problem I discovered is that no matter how smoothly you think your car runs, there will be vibrations which often transfer to you and your camera – especially if you have a long zoom lens even with image stabilization.
For that “problem” I suggest pulling over and turning off your engine and have something to rest your camera lens on over the door or window. A cut pool noodle can work or you can get a photo sand bag to use. I opted to get the sand bag which is actually a rice bag. Rice was cheaper than beans and both are lighter than sand.
One of the first images I got was this one of an Egret and his reflection.
This was taken from the back seat of my car. It was one of the closer to the road birds (besides the geese that were constantly rowdy) we came upon on our drive. There will be more coming next.
Teri 📷
Images by T.Dashfield Photography 
He’s lovely.
Thanks, Tim. They are graceful birds.
The photo is beautiful, I love the symmetry!