Distant Jacana in Breeding Plumage

[Ely Teehankee]

Candaba is still the same in the sense that the birds are there but somewhat further away. The nearest photograph I had was at 35.6 meters. The 800 mm with a 1.4X TC was of little help but nevertheless it was still an enjoyable day having seen some ducks and the Jacanas in breeding plumage.


Canon EOS 1D Mark IV, Canon EF 800mm f5.6L IS USM. All pictures with Canon TC 1.4X Series II. Manual exposure in available light. Bean bag on car window for support.



The Pheasant-tailed Jacana (Hydrophasianus chirurgus) are in breeding plummage and its gold plumage glistens in the sun. The first one I photographed was at a distance of 58.8 meters.
1/640 sec., f/8, ISO 200




I saw some Garganey (Anas querquedula) and it is nice to watch them swimming with the other ducks. Here is a couple of them with the male looking more handsome. Measured distance 58.5 meters.
1/1000 sec., f/8, ISO 800




Here is a male Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) following two females swimming in the pond. The distance is still at 58.5 meters.
1/2000, f/8, ISO 800




This is the closest that I was able to photograph the Pheasant-tailed Jacana at 35.6 meters.
1/1250 sec., f/8, ISO 400




This one was taken at 48.5 meters and the sun was just starting to set.
1/800 sec., f/8, ISO 400

[William Lim]

Nice captures, Ely

[Ely Teehankee]

Apr 17, 2012 12:43:35 GMT William Lim said:

Nice captures, Ely

Thank you William. I am looking forward to a closer meeting with the birds the next time I go. Lucky this time to see the pairs of Garganey and Northern Shoveler. Mick would be happy about this as he likes the ducks of Candaba.

[Ariel Matias]

These shots are too far from the reach of my lens Still you came up with nice sets.

[Michael R. Anton]

Cool captures, Ely! Congrats!

[Ely Teehankee]

Apr 17, 2012 22:20:14 GMT Ariel Matias said:

These shots are too far from the reach of my lens Still you came up with nice sets.

Thank you Ariel. This type of shots are not as much fun as when they are within 10-20 meters. After all we want to see more of the bird than its surroundings.

[Dennis Alfaro]

very nice sir esp the Jacana.

[Ely Teehankee]

Apr 18, 2012 5:00:38 GMT Michael R. Anton said:

Cool captures, Ely! Congrats!

Thank you Anton. It could have been better but having something like this is better than nothing. Maybe next time they will be closer. (Wishful thinking) LOL.

[tina mallari]

Jacanas in breeding plumage is always a real blessing to see. I find these birds so beautiful and one of my favorites. Lucky you Ely !!! Even if you find them far, your pictures turned out wonderfully :-)

[Ely Teehankee]

Apr 18, 2012 7:27:37 GMT Dennis Alfaro said:

very nice sir esp the Jacana.

Thank you Dennis. I wish I could get closer to them as they are very nice to photograph when they are in breeding plummage.

[Ely Teehankee]

Apr 18, 2012 14:49:03 GMT tina mallari said:

Jacanas in breeding plumage is always a real blessing to see. I find these birds so beautiful and one of my favorites. Lucky you Ely !!! Even if you find them far, your pictures turned out wonderfully :-)

I have always wanted to photograph Jacanas but the opportunity seldom comes. The last time I was able to photograph them was in San Simon as pointed by Doc Chito. I have not heard from him for some time now. They were about a dozen of them but they were also far and short tails. The colors were not as nice as now when they have their breeding plumage. Hopefully the next time it will be closer.

[Mark Itol]

Despite the distance you managed to get nice shots of this beautiful bird. I've yet to see and photograph one. Thank you very much for sharing.

[Ely Teehankee]

Apr 21, 2012 11:02:37 GMT Mark Itol said:

Despite the distance you managed to get nice shots of this beautiful bird. I've yet to see and photograph one. Thank you very much for sharing.

Thank you Mark. Maybe next time there will be a chance to get closer to the bird for more details.