Mexico - Day 1 - 08 Nov 2008
I tried using the Auto ISO setting on the Nikon D300 so that I could shoot a mininum 1/400 sec. at f/8. The camera would adjust ISO to the changing sun and shadows, but I found that I was disappointed in the resulting exposures. I felt that the camera was slow to focus and would produce too many overexposed frames. In the camera's defense, the lighting was harsh; between sunlit white buildings and dark shadows, there were few moments where flying birds were properly illuminated and allowed for clean captures. Still, I would go back to shooting Aperture-Priority (f/8) at ISO 400 for the rest of the trip.
I did manage a few keeper flight shots of a Western Gull as it flew back and forth along the pier.
As the ship began pulling away from the pier the swirling waters began to attract a number of gulls, including this dark-mantled Western Gull.
It was followed shortly by a light-mantled, speckled-headed California Gull.
A fly-by Heerman's Gull flashed its square white elbow patches that Howell and Dunn mention are found in less than 1% of adult birds.
Leaving the harbor we watched as dozens of Brown Pelicans swarmed a nearby fish market that had already attracted dozens of California and Heerman's Gulls. A very dark-brown, first-year Heerman's Gull passed close enough to the ship to allow a capture.
A presumed, third-cycle Heerman's Gull, also passed below us. This bird could also be a non-breeding adult.
As we left the Port of LA in our wake, the setting sun bade good evening to all, including a group of California Sea Lions already asleep on a passing buoy. This was one photo that Auto-ISO produced well (at ISO 1600)!
Los Angeles Harbor, Los Angeles, California, US
Nov 8, 2008 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Protocol: Stationary
Checklist Comments: Robin and I arrived at LAX and boarded a bus for the Port of Los Angeles, where the NCL Star waited for us to board her. After registration, security, and a quick meal our room was ready for us. We had a balcony on Deck 11 that allowed us stunning (ahem...) views of the pier and parking lot.
3 species
Heermann's Gull (Larus heermanni) 3 A fly-by Heerman's Gull flashed its square white elbow patches that Howell and Dunn mention are found in less than 1% of adult birds.
Western Gull (Larus occidentalis) 2
California Gull (Larus californicus) 1
View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S4
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (https://ebird.org/home)
Nov 8, 2008 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Protocol: Stationary
Checklist Comments: Robin and I arrived at LAX and boarded a bus for the Port of Los Angeles, where the NCL Star waited for us to board her. After registration, security, and a quick meal our room was ready for us. We had a balcony on Deck 11 that allowed us stunning (ahem...) views of the pier and parking lot.
3 species
Heermann's Gull (Larus heermanni) 3 A fly-by Heerman's Gull flashed its square white elbow patches that Howell and Dunn mention are found in less than 1% of adult birds.
Western Gull (Larus occidentalis) 2
California Gull (Larus californicus) 1
View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S4
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (https://ebird.org/home)
