Date: May 24, 2025
Location: Coyote Hills Regional Park
Camera/Lens: Canon R5 Mark II + EF 100–400mm f/4.5–5.6L IS II USM + 1.4x Extender
Theme: Light and Motion
Caption/Reflection:
Captured during golden hour bird photography at Coyote Hills, this great egret drifted past in near silence — no flapping, just pure glide. Its wings locked in a smooth arc, cutting through the still air like a sail catching wind. I used my Canon EF 100–400mm lens paired with a 1.4x extender, then cropped the frame tightly to create this slim, cinematic slice. The background — a blur of yellow blooms — feels almost painterly, soft and dreamlike.
The late afternoon light was perfect — gentle and clean, with no harsh edges — highlighting the graceful motion of the bird. Golden hour bird photography like this requires patience and timing to catch these fleeting moments of silent elegance. Shooting at Coyote Hills Regional Park, a favorite spot for local wildlife, I often find opportunities to capture scenes that feel both intimate and expansive.
Light Notes: Late afternoon light — soft, warm, and diffused, ideal for emphasizing the subject without distraction.
Mood/Intention: Calm flight. Poise without effort, a moment of serene motion.
Post-Processing Notes: Cropped for a wide, minimal feel. Applied light sharpening and adjusted color balance softly to emphasize subject-background separation.
What I like / What I’d improve: The gliding pose was a gift — perfectly timed. Next time, I might try a slightly wider crop to include more environmental context, but I love the simplicity and quiet mood of this shot.
Inspiration/Reference: Silent grace in motion — moments that don’t ask for attention, but hold it anyway.
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