FritzImages 2018 Feb Blog

FritzImages 2018 Feb Blog

Before I left Albany, NY to travel to Tampa, FL my daughter texted to ‘take pics of the supermoon.’  Rather than say, ‘sure,’ I rebelled inside because I am tired of all the media attention to these Super celestial events.  However, magic fairy dust and luck stepped in, and I was able to take an image of the first Blood Moon Lunar Eclipse in 152 years while at the Viera Wetlands. 

Viera Wetlands

The Viera Wetlands is an area notable for its quantity and variety of bird species. During my week there I was able to put my glass on about thirty species. Each day was separate from the day before. I suppose I could have journeyed to other areas close carry-on.  However, each day I came home with a unique keeper image that would have passed by if I did.  One tip I would pass along. If the wetlands have had a rainstorm, the park will close the road to vehicle traffic.  That is a great benefit to those who like solitude and don’t mind hiking.

Viera wetlands Map

1. The loop (in red arrows) that I outline here is two miles long.  It is best to begin as the park opens. As you start the sun is rising behind you, The wetland wild grass reeds are wonderfully illuminated.
2. Around 7:30-8:00 Am, I’d hang around the first corner near the starting point.  There is a good chance you can capture an image of bands of 20-30 flocking ibis-headed your way from their roost on Hammock Island.  Be prepared and have your camera settings ready.
3. At the 1/2 way point of Cell 4, keep your eyes peeled for critters near cedar upland island.  I have always spotted nesting Florida SandHill cranes in the area.
4. Toward the upper end of Cell 4 are various ducks and coots.
5. At #3, you overlook the entire wetlands.  This is the moment you’ll want the car.  A 7:00 am drive will get you here quickly for the sunrise pano.  Be sure to have those GND ready.
6. Keep your eyes open as birds can be seen foraging, swimming, preening or drying their feathers.  
7. At #7, keep your eyes peeled on both sides of the wetlands.  I have captured images of deer, woodpeckers, and hawks which are outside the inner swamps.

 Equipment Mischief

Panasonic BQ-CC17

After I used up my Eneloop pro batteries, in my Nikon SB-5000 Speedflash, I went to recharge them on my MAHA  MH-C204W. Although this charger has worked satisfactorily with these batteries in the past, this time it seemed to take longer than usual, was very warm to the touch and the ‘good to go green’ lights did not come on.

It was time for an upgrade, and after a bit of research, I decided to spend $26 at B&H and get the Panasonic charger packaged with a set of 4 batteries.  This new charger is sold by the battery manufacturer, and it has a built-in power plug, so there is no need to carry that power cord.  This is a great price, and you also get four batteries.

Really Right Stuff FA-QRCS2 Cold Shoe SNAP QR Adapter

I thought I had all my bases covered to use my Nikon SB-5000 speed flash, a Better Beamer on the Really Right Stuff  B87-QR: Medium Flash Bracket.  My goal was to get a bit of a catch light in my critter images. Also to make the backlit images pop just a bit.

However, the SB-5000 flash base needed the RRS FA-QRCS2 (Cold Shoe For RRS Flash Gear) to attach to the flash bracket.  I had left this little do-dad at home, and a quick reorder from B&H @ $34, and I am back in order.  This small adapter has a unique dovetail that also interconnects to other RRS connector systems.

RRS FA-QRCS2

Porter Case

I have been traveling for over ten years with this unique roller case.  For one thing, it is a hard case. It has four large latches, one of which has a TSA combination.  The luggage case is like a bucket for holding your gear that you check in, although you could use this as a carry-on.  The surprise feature is that the case can be configured to be a cart and you can load and carry 150 of other suitcases or bags.   I have relied on this feature when I need to bring three cases with me.  I was happy to have this cart when I had to schlep my luggage when I could not find any airport carts.  The model that I purchased is the PCI Standard w CART @ $259