Side trip to Villa Escudero

[Ramon Quisumbing]

It was a rainy morning today in BK Valley, so we left early and stopped by Villa Escudero which is only a half hour from BK - courtesy of my cousin Carmela Quisumbing-Balcazar who is one of the owners of VE. I got to test my new camera equipment some more, while having my feet and sandals cleaned by the fast-flowing water inside the beautiful spillway of VE. Thank you for your hospitality, Carmela!

Canon EOS 1D Mark IV, 800 mm lens, 1.4x converter, tripod with half-Gimbal head.

Indigo-Banded Kingfisher (Alcedo cyanopecta)
The IBK made one brief appearance only and perched in the deep shade. F/8, 1/60 sec. I am not too happy with the results which could be clearer. Perhaps I should have used a slower shutter speed.


Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea)
F/8, 1/100 sec.


F/8, 1/100 sec.


Grey-Streaked Flycatcher (Muscicapa griseisticta)
F/8, 1/60 sec.


We stayed in VE for only an hour. On the way out, we saw a Barred Rail (Gallirallus torquatus) dig up an earthworm, and then run to the thick grass. All of a sudden, 2 chicks came out, and the BR gave the worm to one of the chicks.
Canon EOS 1D Mark IV, 400 mm lens, handheld, F/14, 1/250 sec.

[Ely Teehankee]

That is the male Indigo Banded Kingfisher. It has two bands compared to one on the female. Well done Ramon & Mabuhay.

[Ramon Quisumbing]

Thanks, Ely.

[mantarey]

Very nice series Ramon. The Grey Wagtails are excellent, sharp and well exposed.

You're right, slower shutter speeds to gain more light. Our average speed to get adequate brightness when the IBK is in the dark areas is about 1/6 sec. Good thing this bird will stay still for a few seconds just enough not to have only blurs to take home.

[Ramon Quisumbing]

Thanks for the advice, Rey.

[William Lim]

Nice captures, Ramon. You must be enjoying your new gear. You can increase the ISO, the 1dm4 handles high ISO very well but not a very slow shutter speed, IMHO.

[Ramon Quisumbing]

Thanks for the advice, William. I have been setting the ISO on Automatic, but I will try raising the ISO in low light.