Shootout at Robinson Preserve Produces a Variety of Views

It’s always eye-opening to see how different people view a moment in time. That was the idea behind the Photography Shootout at Robinson Preserve. I thought it would be fun to see what people would come back with given a limited amount of time in the same location. About 35 photographers showed up and I did not see the same photo twice. Photographers were fortunate enough to get all the weather during the two-day event. We started with fog, then rain, then wind. The next day was sunny, even if it was a little cold. The other advantage of finding unique shots at Robinson Preserve is the size of the preserve and the variety of terrain.

The birds were out in full force in the fog on that Saturday morning. The photographers who braved the weather got some ethereal photos that really highlighted the beauty of Robinson Preserve. They also got plenty of wildlife action. Sure photographers saw a bevy of birds but there were also otters, raccoons and lizards. The 35 photographers turned in about 130 photos in four categories from the two days at the preserve. The Best in Show, a stunning photo by Ken Macejka, will be on exhibit at the Valentine House in Robinson Preserve beginning in March.

The best part was seeing a community of photographers get together in one place. They were really interested in seeing one anothers work and applauded the photos shown at the awards ceremony — all of them, not just the winners. I was particularly proud to see the next generation of photographers there. Two 11-year-olds signed up and competed against the adults. And they turned in exceptional photos. It was nice to see that they were already developing an appreciation, and an eye, for nature and wildlife. It also confirmed for me that the environment is in good hands with this up and coming generation.

The photography contest was such a success that I’m convinced we should probably do it again next year. I’m looking forward to meeting more photographers and seeing what they bring back. Now I just need to decide on where to do the next contest. Some places that come to mind in Manatee County are Emerson Point Preserve, Tom Bennett Park, Rye Preserve, Duette Preserve or Ft. Hamer. Of course we could always go back to Robinson Preserve. I’m sure I’m missing one that you would like to see on the list, so let me know.

Top winner in the 2020 Shootout at Robinson Preserve. Photograph by Ken Macejka

Your own back yard can yield amazing photos

This time last year I traveled to the Conowingo Dam at the border of Pennsylvania and Maryland to capture photos of eagles. The Conowingo Dam is famous for attracting eagles who feed there in the winter. The eagles are famous for their epic fights over the fish that are caught. They chase each other through the air grabbing for the fish. The juvenile eagles in particular chase the adult eagles for the fish.

I went with great expectations of getting amazing photos I couldn’t get anywhere else. And I froze trying to do it. The eagles fish there in the coldest part of the year — late November through February. Standing on the edge of the water in the north that time of year can take your breath away. Also last year the water levels were high, meaning the eagle activity was slow and contained to the far side of the dam. I had a great trip and had a great time with new friends, but I didn’t come home with the spectacular eagle photos I was hoping for.

This morning out at Robinson Preserve, I was reminded of that trip when directly above my head I spotted a juvenile eagle chasing an osprey for a fish. I didn’t have to travel 1,100 miles to catch the chase close up and even though I forgot my jacket on this chilly Florida morning, I didn’t freeze while watching the spectacle. It was an amazing thing to watch. The birds were close and the chase was dramatic. You could hear the osprey warning the eagle to back off, but that juvenile wasn’t listening. He was focused on breakfast — the fish the osprey had just caught.

The chase went on for a while, until the osprey finally gave up and dropped the fish and the eagle dove down to get it. The osprey flew off in search of a fresh fish. I noticed several ospreys out fishing this morning and it’s always fun to get photos of them diving and coming up out of the water. It’s rare to see an eagle chase an osprey, but it happens and it happens in our own back yard. It was a good reminder that you don’t really have to travel far to find amazing photos.

Get out of a rut by trying something different

I’ve written here before about my dog and his penchant for walks at Robinson Preserve. It’s practically a daily ritual now. We all get up, my wife and I have some coffee and breakfast and the dog starts talking to us. I mean that too. There are whines and yowls and some other vocalizations that I can’t quite describe. He’s not allowed to bark at us, although that happens too, but he has found other ways to let his demands be known.

So I grab my camera while my wife grab’s the dog’s leash and we head to the preserve. The ritual has brought me plenty of photo opportunities and I have great shots from Robinson Preserve, but the routine started to fill a little stifling. I felt like I was getting the same photos over and over and I was getting creatively frustrated. It’s what led me to grab an old 500mm reflex lens as I headed out to Robinson Preserve one morning last week. Maybe it wasn’t the best idea, but it was “different.”

With the old lens over my shoulder we hit the trail. Our first encounter was a Bald Eagle…and about 7 other photographers with cammo covered monster lenses. As I struggled to see into the dark abyss of the f8 mirror lens to focus on an eagle i can barely see, a photographer beside me commented, “Oh I see you are using a 500 reflex…you need to look at this….it’s a new Nikon 500mm PF ED f5.6, it’s real nice.”

A little embarrassed, I quickly assured him I had other lenses, but I am not sure he really believed me. With frustration as my companion, I moved on to a less crowded part of the preserve and continued to search for something different. After a morning experimenting with the lens, I came home with my eagle picture and all the little doughnuts that a reflex lens creates. It was nice to have something different, but my wife saw me getting stuck and arranged for me to go out to Myakka State Park with a friend that weekend to get something different. It helped. And then the next time I visited Robinson Preserve a pair of hawks helped me get further out of my rut.

I learned too, that I am not the only photographer who feels that way. The Preserve is close by and it is rich with opportunities to photograph many beautiful bird species. I know how fortunate I am, but every photographer should know it’s ok to want a change of scenery or if that’s not possible to remember it’s a great time to think about experimenting with the equipment they have. Pull out an old lens every now and then and see if you can make some magic happen.

The snowbirds are back and it's beautiful

In case you hadn’t noticed the snowbirds are back. I know you have probably experienced an uptick in traffic. And if you shop for groceries on a Saturday, certainly you have pushed through the clogged aisles and maybe even had to hunt for a grocery cart. But I’m not here to remind you of life’s little irritations. I’m here to tell you the snowbirds are back and it’s beautiful.

I witnessed a traffic jam of epic proportions this morning as dozens of White Pelicans all tried to land at the grocery store known as the pond at Robinson Preserve. Seeing those elegant birds glide above the Preserve, drop down and lower their big feet like landing gear, and then ski across the water is something to behold. I could stand for hours watching — and taking photos of this wonderful phenomena. It was an amazing sight and it reminded me to be grateful for all of those who visit Florida for a week or for a season. This is the time of year that brings variety — whether in the people or the wildlife and sometimes there’s the combination of both. And yes, sometimes it tests our patience, but more often it brings wonderful opportunities.

I love the variety of birds that come in this time of year. I enjoy trying to identify the different ducks by their plumage. I relish the mix of colors, roseate spoonbills and yellow-crowned herons mixed in with the White Pelicans, with their black-tipped wings. I am thrilled with the different scenes across Florida. And the human snowbirds mean it’s the season for all sorts of activities. The restaurants are livelier, there are festivals and celebrations of all types, there is a variety of music as bands are playing throughout the region and there are parties everywhere. You certainly can’t claim boredom this time of year.

I have developed lasting friendships with a few photographers and birders who visit Florida during the season. I learn something from all of these seasonal residents and I enjoy their company here and even online when they are at their summer homes. I’ll even say something like, “I wish JoAnne (the most knowledgeable birder I know) was here to tell me about this bird I’m looking at.” So yes, I miss the snowbirds when they head north. And that means today, I greeted the snowbirds with a wide smile and my best lens.

Photography takes a lot of practice, and a little luck

As I headed out to Robinson Preserve with the dog and my wife this morning, I grabbed my 600 f4 telephoto lens. My plan was to shoot small birds. The small birds tend to be quick, so the long lens comes in handy.

I knew I was in luck when I heard the sound of a Belted Kingfisher soon after arriving at the preserve. I also knew I was in for a challenge. Kingfishers are among the fastest small birds out there. They can travel at 45 miles per hour and they can dive 20 to 40 feet into just inches of water. Trying to get a great photo of these birds in action is tough. Sitting on a branch is one thing, but as soon as they leave the perch all bets are off! That’s where practice and patience come in.

First the practice: I’ve been shooting photos for four decades (or so) now. So you’d think that was plenty of practice, but no. My subject matter has always been varied and I have had to learn how to shoot photos in various situations, sometimes with very little time or warning. Now that I am out taking photos in nature, I still have to practice constantly. I shoot landscapes, wildlife and birds — all sorts of birds and some are easier than others. So to stay proficient, I go out with my camera about five days a week and I purposely look for different subjects. And besides I like the birds doing what birds do, fly, fish, eat, flip, fight, dive or just do something besides sit there.

I love landscapes, seascapes, mangroves and still life. Making those photos come alive presents a far different challenge than trying to capture a Belted Kingfisher diving for his breakfast. There are different lenses, different camera settings, different shooting styles for those scenarios. I don’t want to get rusty, so I go out and make sure I’m looking for something different often.

Today’s skills test was all about quick action. With a bird like a Kingfisher, high ISO’s help with higher shutter speeds, tracking the bird is almost impossible as it heads to the water, so I take my best guess and hope I am close. The best advice: Be patient and shoot like crazy! Getting that perfect (or close to perfect) shot also calls for knowing your subject, observing behavior and habits can give you that extra edge, but remember it takes time, so be patient with yourself.

I came home with more than a few photos that weren’t sharp enough or not framed quite the way I wanted, or I just missed it completely. I could have stopped sooner, but I would have been disappointed with what I brought home because I didn’t take the time to wait for the perfect shot and to make sure I got it several times over.

My reward: I brought home a few photos that show just what a Kingfisher can do. It’s fun to see these little birds in action and it’s fun to share that with others — it just takes patience and practice.