Eagle Bluffs

EAGLE BLUFFS CONSERVATION AREA

by John Gilbert - Photographer

July 21, 2018
(Click on any image to enlarge it)

On Saturday July 21, 2018 fellow "Friends of Eagle Bluffs Photography Club" member Bob Colvin and I headed to Columbia, MO to photograph the Sunflowers at the University of Missouri Columbia South Extension Farm.  Several club members, who live in the area, had told us about this research facility and the field planted in Sunflowers.  The field is located east of the AC exit off of New Haven Road.

We left Jefferson City, MO at 6:30 am to be able to take advantage of the morning light.  It was a gorgeous day, blue skies and not to hot.  Once we got there we spent a couple of hours just walking around the perimeter of the field taking pictures.  I used a Fujifilm X-T2 and Nikon D500 with a 150-600 mm zoom lens.  Bob was shooting a Canon 7D MKII and 150-600 mm Lens.  The zoom lens made for a shallow-depth-of-field and combined with a wide open aperture f/5.6 made for some nice background bokah.

This first image was taken with a Fujifilm X-T2; Fujifilm 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 Lens; F/5.6; 1/680 second; and ISO 250.  I love the rich colors this camera produces.

There were bees of various types everywhere collecting pollen.  Click on this image to enlarge it and note the pollen all over its body and especially the collection on the rear legs.  Taken with a Nikon D500 and Sigma 150-600 mm Contemporary Lens at a focal length of 500 mm.  Aperture f/8; Shutter of 1/2000 of a second; and ISO at 400.

After several attempts I was able to lock in on this little butterfly.  They are flighty and move from flower to flower quickly.  I really liked the patterns on its wings and the greenish-yellow hue of its body.  Nikon D500 with Sigma 150-600 at 360 mm.  Aperture f/5.6, Shutter of 1/1000 second; and ISO of 160

For the day I took 673 pictures and could fill up this whole post with Sunflower pictures alone.  I am saving some for flickr.  I was supersized with all the keepers but then out subjects were close and cooperative. After having a great morning we headed to Eagle Bluffs to check out the wildlife.

We were headed to pools 14 and 15 when Bob spotted this young Juvenile setting in a dead tree.  He was right above the road and not the least bit intimidated by our presence. He set there as if it was his throne watching out of his lands and all the while continuing to strike poses for our enjoyment.  By the way the waters at Eagle Bluffs are low and there was little to no water in pool 15.  However, this is perfect for Heron and Egrets hunting for food.

Nikon D500,  Sigma 150-600 mm set at a 500 mm focal length.  Aperture f/8; Shutter speed of 1/1000 second, and ISO of 400.

It pays to travel in pairs because four eyes are better than two and thanks to Bob Colvin who spotted this Red-Headed Woodpecker who, like the Eagle, was not going to get left out of this photo-shoot opportunity.  I just love when nature gives us such great photo models to work with.

Nikon D500,  Sigma 150-600 mm set at a 500 mm focal length.  Aperture f/8; Shutter speed of 1/2000 second, and ISO of 500.  It wasn't until I got this image on my computer and was processing it when I noticed the cobwebs.  I read somewhere that the number of Red-Headed Woodpeckers are down so for me this was a great catch.

We circled on around to pool 15 and on the way back we noticed a Doe with a fawn in the distance and out of camera reach but I and able to see them clearly with a set of Nikon Binoculars.  They were pretty far away and I regret at least not taking a landscape shot with them in it even though they where a block or two from us.  As we continued in their direction,  the Doe and not one but two Fawns came out of the woods and posed for us while crossing the road.

Nikon D500,  Sigma 150-600 mm set at a 600 mm focal length.  Aperture f/8; Shutter speed of 1/2000 second, and ISO of 500.

Bob got the best shot of one of the Fawns running but this one for me was not bad, not bad at all.

Nikon D500,  Sigma 150-600 mm set at a 500 mm focal length.  Aperture f/8; Shutter speed of 1/500 second, and ISO of 500 and EV at +1.

As we were gearing up to leave I noticed this Blue Heron across the Distribution Channel.  It was pretty far away and I was not expecting to capture anything of substance but to my surprise I got a pretty clean shot.  He tried to fly off several times and we just kept pace with him.  He appeared to have capture a fish, maybe dead that might have been two big for him to swallow and I was intrigued on capturing this situation.

Nikon D500,  Sigma 150-600 mm set at a 600 mm focal length.  Aperture f/8; Shutter speed of 1/2000 second, and ISO of 500.

For me this was a very successful day of practicing my photography but wait there is one more shot.  We came across two Bow Hunters and one of them agreed to pose for us.  He even pulled back his bow so we could get an action shot.  I will let Bob tell you his name and a little about him.  We ended up having a great conversation with him.

Well that capped off an exceptional day for both of us and with that it is always good to leave on a positive adventure.  Thanks for stopping by and please leave me a comment if you liked the adventure and the images.