First Sandhills of 2009 Northern CA

[Chris Knight]

Well at least the first I have spotted. Had my camera set on a slow shutter trying for motion blur shots, so I did not get any great shots of them by the time I had realized that it was sandhills and just watched them took a shot and them remembered the settings. Then they were getting by me. But it was great to see them after a long summer of missing them. Link to shots on the website. Raw shots
http://kadvantage.smugmug.com/photos/650127656_W4XaR-L.jpg 1/60shutter f32 300mm
http://kadvantage.smugmug.com/photos/650127864_PBMhP-L.jpg (http://kadvantage.smugmug.com/photos/650127864_PBMhP-L.jpg)1/3200 f4 300mm

[Nagesh Mula]

Hi Chris, what would be best spot to photograph them. I know Lodi is a good place to see them but they are far away and its really difficult to get a good picture of them with 400mm.
I would greatly appreciate your advice here.

[Chris Knight]

These were at the Consumnes River Preserve. The Isenberg Crane reserve (Lodi) is a good spot but yes they are to far off most of the time. The sun is also against you there. I find the Consumnes better for fly bys and most of the time there are closer and less skittish in the fields. Then it is being in the right place at the right time. If you can see where they are working to and from. I do a lot of driving around the area in my daily job, so I get more of a chance to see where they are working. Also Staten Island is part of the CRP but is on the other side of the levee from the Lodi area. Also see a lot up near Sutter Buttes area and Gray Lodge Wildlife area

http://www.cosumnes.org/
http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/folsom/cosumpres.html

[Ray Rozema]

Hi Negash. Consumnes River preserve across from the main building is a good place. Especially if you get there just before sunrise, before they leave to feed. FYI be careful parking on the road the police patrol the area frequently even though it is remote area.

[Chris Knight]

Well looks like they are really starting to come in. Saw(Monday 21st) 7 at Yolo Bypass heading towards Consumes River and at least (Tuesday 22nd)150 up near Graylodge Wildlife Area. Heavy numbers of Northern Pintail, Teal and Gadwalls as more water is being put on the fields.