My new Nikon P1000 arrived today (Oct. 31, 2023), just before noon. I already had a fully charged battery ready to go because this camera takes the same battery as my Nikon P950, for which I had a spare that didn’t go to the repair shop with the P950. So, set time/date and a couple of other quick settings, and I’m out the door. The controls and buttons on the P1000 are virtually identical to the P950.
First stop was Dellinger’s Pond, because I was pretty sure that even though it was the middle of the day I’d probably be able to see some Mallards, at least, and maybe even the Belted Kingfisher that was there yesterday. Yes, on the Mallards, no on the BEKI.
So, here it is, my very first-shot-ever with my Nikon P1000:
After cropping:
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NOTE: I have an appointment in Reno at 9:00 this morning, leaving Quincy at 7:00 a.m. so I’ll only be in for this this first hour. I’ll check back in with this diary as soon as I return.
That title shot? Here’s the very first of the series, no cropping, lens at 97mm. The P1000 will zoom up to 3000mm. This is to give you some idea of how close I was to this hawk. I got lucky.
But before I got out to where this Red-tailed Hawk was, I did take one more at Dellinger’s that came in sharp.
There wasn’t anything more happening at Dellinger’s Pond, so I turned eastward and rode out Quincy Junction Road — “Hawk Alley” as I like to call it, because it has certainly earned that nickname many times over the years and the dozens upon dozens of rides I’ve now made out that way. And whaddya know? First-of-season Ferruginous Hawk, but drat the heat shimmer. Lots and lots of future opportunities in the weeks and months ahead, as this hawk is a winter-only visitor to American Valley.
And, from about two hundred yards, the heat shimmer just can’t be helped.
If you want to check on my last year shots of the Ferruginous Hawk, here’s a link to one of my Daily Buckets featuring the Fergie. Ah, but with the P1000 there will be many good photos to come, I am confident.
I was real surprised that the Red-tailed Hawk on the telephone wire line was not disturbed by my being so close underneath. I’m not one to miss an opportunity if I can get it, so I just started snapping away. Enjoy. These shots have been adjusted for color, contrast, and sharpness, but have not been cropped. This shows the power of the zoom on the Nikon P1000. Incidentally, this is the most powerful bridge camera you can get. I’m not saying it’s the best, but I don’t think I’ll ever buy another camera again.
Head and face shots, no cropping:
I wanted to zoom in on the legs and check for banding. No banding, and with this zoom and sharpness there’s absolutely no question about that.
Here’s lookin’ at ya, kiddo!
I know they look similar, but this shot and the one above are actually different photos. Neither one is cropped.
I rode on just a little farther, and there was one more Red-tailed Hawk up in a tree. These are from about fifty yards distance. After this one, I figured I had enough for starters and headed on back home to get a look at my results on my computer 27” monitor screen, and share with Rick.
It’s going to be a torrid love affair.
😝
Now it's Your Turn.
What have you noted happening in your area or travels? As usual post your observations as well as their general location in the comments.
Thank you.