Israel Palestinian Honeybird (Palestijnse Honingzuiger) 15 meter sandstorm D800 DX Mode Nikkor 300mm f/4D equivalent 600mm standard camouflage in Israelian desert with our back towards sandstorm protecting our equipment.

Extra info: F11 full screen!

If you never want to miss pictures any more and shoot great pictures from time to time, try to remember this:

1. Always use at least standard camouflage or more in case of shy birds.
2. Know the birds and their biotopes, migration, breeding and feeding habits.
3. Always move slowly in the field. Any moment a special bird may be near by.
4. Concentrate at your photography. Don’t get distracted even not by birders.
5. Carry spare batteries and memory cards in your pocket (when birding).
6. Set camera to switch into standby mode 30 seconds to save power (EVF, VR).
7. Keep your camera(‘s) switched ON. You need every second when something unexpected happens!
8. Preferably use “APERTURE Mode Birds“: always ready, no check & reset.
9. Clouds are backlight! So overexpose rather than underexpose!
10. Do not underexpose too much if birds with dark head/wings: Avoid low colour contrast in Blacks.
11. Keep practicing (and setting your camera accordingly) all seven advanced autofocus features from time to time, both with DSLR and MLC. You may need them one day.
12. When shooting try to get light in bird’s eyes. It makes the bird look far more alive.
13. Practice changing converters safely in the field if you use them. Use clean pocket or the like.
14. Know by heart: Nikkor lenses minimum focus distance.
15. Know by heart: Nikkor lenses move focus ring clockwise far focus, counterclockwise close focus.
16. Remember: eventually every sitting or resting bird will move or fly so: just wait and be ready …
17. Remember: bird flying far away: focus at any far object like tree or tower, thereafter bird itself. So if lens is focussed at shorter distance, focus lock at new distance will happen quicker because Nikon lenses always start finding autofocus in “far” direction.
18. Try shooting pictures also in bad weather or poor light! They can be surprisingly interesting!
19. Always try make seemingly “impossible” shots. Loose few minutes or miss great picture. This time may be your only chance in lifetime and you will continue improving your reaction speed and skills.
20. Know English species names to exchange information with non-dutch birders.