Today's venture to LaFortune Park on my lunch hour...
I actually went in search of the numerous Great-tailed Grackle (or Mexican Grackle) that typically haunt this spot, but wouldn't you know it, there wasn't a single one within photo range. I could hear them, but never spotted more than a blue-black flash. Instead, I found the critters shown below. 111 shots, and only a few worth keeping. UGH! I butchered a lot messing with the fully manual mode of shooting, so I'll be glad for my classes that start this Monday!
A bit over-exposed, eh? This odd couple stayed within 1 foot of each other as they covered the entirety of the large golf-course pond.
Obligatory shot of the fountain. 50 Shades of Gray? BAH! I'll take shades of GREEN any day!
Then, creeping down into a concrete storm drainage area in search of potentially sunning turtles, which disappeared with a splash as soon as I looked their way, I found this pleasant surprise...
He let me get fairly close, although he hobbled up the concrete on the other side when I pushed it. It gave me the chance to catch him against a completely bland background so I could highlight the full colored beauty (right before he hoarked up a small fish just seconds after this shot).
Messing with settings, I ended up getting back on the "basic" size of jpeg instead of "fine" jpeg, so might have lost a little bit of detail there, but it's hard to tell if it was that or my attempts to go full manual. Mostly, this day was a fun learning experience, and SO MANY MORE REASONS for me to crave that 55-200mm zoom that's on my short list!