Flamingos feeding in the Diep River, Woodbridge Island

Lessor / Greater flamingos feeding in the Diep River, Woodbridge Island

"A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo." - Charley Harper

Encouraged to see the Lessor and Greater flamingos back (feeding and relaxing)…

The significance of these image are the fact that this is the first time I’ve noticed the flamingos in this area for the past two years. I’ve been watching them coming to this specific area for the past +- two weeks.

For those of you familiar with the area: Image was captured on the edge of the small island towards the ‘pump station’ side along Milnerton High.

For me this is a significant indicator that may be the start of replicating the ‘old days’ of seeing 30 to 40 bird species in a single morning.

Just good to see the greater flamingos feeding in of one their traditional Diep River / Woodbridge Island habitats.

Also visible in the top image: a few sleepy Pied avocets, White-breasted cormorant, Common greenshank and a feeding Black-winged stilt.

With Canon EOS 6D / EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens @ f/8

Sewage Problems at Milnerton Lagoon, Woodbridge Island

Greater flamingos
"Greater flamingos, scientifically known as Phoenicopterus roseus, are among the most recognizable and iconic bird species in the world. Here's some interesting information about them:

• Appearance: They are tall, elegant birds with long necks and legs, and distinctive pink plumage. The pink coloration comes from the carotenoid pigments in the algae and crustaceans that flamingos feed on.

• Habitat: Greater flamingos are found in various wetland habitats, including coastal lagoons, salt pans, estuaries, and shallow lakes. They are commonly seen in Africa, Southern Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Asia.

• Behavior: Flamingos are highly social birds and often gather in large flocks, sometimes numbering in the thousands. They are known for their synchronized feeding and breeding behaviors.

• Feeding: Their diet primarily consists of algae, small crustaceans, mollusks, and other aquatic invertebrates. They use their specialized bills to filter-feed in shallow water, stirring up mud and silt to find food.

• Breeding: Flamingos typically breed in large colonies, often on mudflats or islands in saline or alkaline lakes. They build cone-shaped mud nests, and both parents take turns incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks.

• Conservation: While greater flamingos are not considered globally threatened, they face various conservation challenges, including habitat loss, disturbance to breeding sites, pollution, and climate change impacts on their wetland habitats.

• Adaptations: Their uniquely shaped bills are adapted for filter-feeding. They have rows of tiny bristles (lamellae) inside their bills, which help them filter out small food particles from the water.

• Migratory Patterns: Greater flamingos are known to undertake seasonal migrations in search of suitable feeding and breeding grounds. Some populations may travel long distances between their breeding and wintering areas.

Overall, greater flamingos are fascinating birds with their striking appearance, intricate social structures, and adaptations for life in wetland environments." (Source: ChatGPT 2024)

Woodbridge Island Bird Species Index

Canon Photography Training Milnerton Woodbridge Island | Kirstenbosch Cape Town

Woodbridge Island Map for Bird Photography, Cape Town

Birds / Birds in Flight Photography Diep River | Woodbridge Island

Little Egret in Flight over the Diep River / Woodbridge Island

Woodbridge Island Map for Birds in Flight Milnerton, Cape Town

Birds in Flight Photography Opportunities Cape Town
Best birds in flight shooting opportunities are along West Coast Drive along the the Diep River all the way into the Table Bay Nature Reserve

Bird Species at Woodbridge Island Cape Town
There are more than 200 bird species around the Rietvlei / Table Bay Nature Reserve / Woodbridge Island areas. I have captured more than 70 bird species on / around Woodbridge Island as indexed on the Vernon Chalmers Photography website.

Birds in Flight Photography Training Opportunities
Woodbridge Island offers a safe natural environment for capturing a variety of birds for the new / developing photographer in terms of focal length reach (70-300mm to 400mm lenses are adequate some great bird in flight shots).

Introduction to Advanced Birds in Flight Photography - Canon EOS DSLR / Mirrorless Training
Vernon Chalmers offer a variety of skills development options for introduction to advanced Birds in Flight Photography / Canon EOS Autofocus training - All Canon photographers with entry level Canon DSLR cameras up to the latest Canon EOS R bodies are welcome to contact Vernon Chalmers for more Birds in Flight Cape Town Skills training opportunities.

Canon Birds in Flight Photography Training Woodbridge Island Cape Town View

Gallery of Birds in Flight Photography captured at Woodbridge Island, Cape Town View

Woodbridge Island Cape Town - Google Map 

Woodbridge Island Milnerton Cape Town Map  :  Google Map / Woodbridge Island Directions Map

Vernon Chalmers Photography Studio Milnerton | Cape Town Map and Direction

Grey Heron in flight - Woodbridge Island Cape Town

Birds in Flight Photography Cape Town

Birds in Flight Photography Cape Town

Canon Photography Training Milnerton Woodbridge Island | Kirstenbosch | Intaka Island, Cape Town

For Sale: Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens

Used Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II Lens For Sale, Cape Town R26 000 (neg)

With / Without Canon Extender EF 1.4X III Teleconverter

For Sale: Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens, Cape Town

Pre-Owned Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens : Field-Tested by Vernon Chalmers

This Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens is For Sale currently in Milnerton (opposite Woodbridge Island), Cape Town. I am selling this lens on behalf of a private client. The lens is just over two years old and I have had the opportunity to carry out various in-field pre-sales evaluation shoots over the past few weeks (at Kirstenbosch Garden and Woodbridge Island).

General lens description

The Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens is a professional wildlife lens popular amongst Canon EOS / EOS R enthusiast and professional photographers alike. It is versatile lens with a variable aperture range (f/4.5 - f/5.6)  and a zoom range between 100mm - 400mm which is ideal for wildlife, nature and other genres. The largest aperture (f/5.6) at 400mm makes the lens ideal for close-up garden bird, flower and insect photography. This is mainly due to its impressive Minimum Focus Distance (MFD) range = lens to subject focus range. This lens will perform well on any Canon EOS / EOS R APS-C (Crop) of Full-Frame body. View brief / detailed lens specifications below the four images further down.

Note: For pairing this lens with any EOS R APS-C / Full Frame body the Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R optional accessory is required. It is fully compatible with all Canon EOS digital bodies without any adapter. 

Impressions of the lens and performance

I paired the lens with one of my mid-range Canon EOS 70D (APS-C / Crop) bodies for both field trips. The lens performed well within the expected performance of any other Canon professional L-Series I have used (my own) / evaluated (on behalf of Canon SA) at the same locations in terms of sharpness, autofocus speed / accuracy, Image Stabilisation and ergonomics. I have been using Canon L-Series lenses for more than 10 years and although I am used to most specifications I was highly impressed with the minimum MFD (0.98 m) for such a 'long' lens - meaning I could really focus from close proximity on butterflies and small birds - and still shoot at 400mm. The autofocus, sharpness and bokeh = quality of deliberate background blur is also an improvement over the original lens (mark 1 version). The lens is more / less the same weight as the previous generation, but still marginally lighter than most lenses in the traditional non-Canon 150 - 600mm category.

Focal length / Exposure settings used
I mainly used the lens in the 300 to 400mm focal length range with the Canon EOS 70D either in Aperture (Av) Mode or Manual mode with Auto-ISO at various Apertures and Shutter Speeds.

Close-Up Photography at 400mm

The lens can also be used with various compatible extension tubes and close-up lens filters for close-up photography (reducing the MFD) at up to full focal length reach of 400mm. The 4-Stop Image Stabilisation system works well to counter camera shake when shooting close-up subjects handheld.

Original Canon Lens Case and Canon ET-83D Lens Hood

Recommendations for considering this lens for purchase 
This copy of the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens is in immaculate condition. I would personally rate the lens a 9 out of a possible 10. The lens was well maintained, stored in lens case when not used and above all, not used very often - as the client uses two bodies with different lens pairings - one for wildlife and then one for everything else.  All Canon bespoke accessories are provided - even with original Canon packaging. I personally bought the original EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens from the same client almost two years ago (for the same reasons as above) and was just as pleasantly surprised with the condition of the older lens - and that lens was used over a much longer period than this lens. This lens will add professional value to any Canon photographer looking for a high-quality L-Series lens for personal and / or professional application(s).

Client's personal application and use
My client mainly used this lens, on occasion, for wildlife and nature photography. This lens (in conjunction with other Canon L-Series lenses) were paired from time to time with a Canon EOS 7D (APS-C), EOS 5D Mark III or EOS R6 (both Full Frame). The images I've seen captured with this lens from all three bodies were mostly sharp, well focussed, vibrant with pleasing bokeh (background blur) - where applicable.

Canon Extender EF 1.4X III Teleconverter Option
The lens is available for purchase with or without the Canon EF 1.4X III Teleconverter. The teleconverter will further extend the lens (by 1.4x) - especially when used with a Full-Frame Canon EOS or Canon EOS R body.

The extender / teleconverter is also in excellent condition (it was acquired at the same time of lens purchase). I did not use the extender as I used the Canon EOS 70D - which already provides for extended magnification with the 1.4 crop factor of the camera.

Optional For Sale Lens Accessory : Canon Extender EF 1.4X III

Pricing Options:

• Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens R26 000 (neg)
• Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens with Canon 1.4 X Extender R28 000 (neg)
• Canon Extender EF 1.4X III Teleconverter R3 500 (not negotiable)

Reason for selling:
Client upgraded to a Canon EOS R6 System (with RF 100-500mm lens) recently.

Purchasing process / Possible purchase
The lens and accessories are available for inspection / testing at Arnhem Milnerton (either in my Studio or Home / Office). 

Arnhem is opposite Woodbridge Island, Milnerton Map | Directions

Client will ultimately decide on final price / payment will be direct to client.

Contact Me direct for more information / scheduling an appointment.

Below are four Vernon Chalmers images captured recently with this pre-owned Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens (paired with the Canon EOS 70D)

More Kirstenbosch butterfly and flower images >>

More Woodbridge Island bird and flower images >> 

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens : Woodbridge Island

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens : Woodbridge Island

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens : Kirstenbosch Garden

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens : Woodbridge Island

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens Key Specifications

• Lens Type:  Zoom lens
• Focal Length: 100–400mm
• Image Stabilisation (4 stops)
• Lens Mount: Canon EF
• Max Aperture: f/4.5–5.6
• Min Aperture f/32–40
• Min Focus (MFD) 0.98 m (38.58″)
• Max Magnification 0.31×
• Weight :1570 g (3.46 lb)
• Length: 193 mm (7.6″)

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens Detailed Specifications

Photography Training Intaka Island | Kirstenbosch Garden | Woodbridge Island

Flexible Private Photography Training Cape Town

Flexible Photography Private Training Cape Town / Cape Peninsula

Private Photography Training Courses / Sessions

Bird Photgraphy Table Bay Nature Reserve / Woodbridge Island

Photography Training Milnerton, Cape Town  / Anywhere in the Cape Peninsula

Offering individual photographers with private and flexible Canon EOS / Photography training classes in Milnerton, Cape Town.

 Samsung Galaxy Smartphone Photography Training >>

Learn Photography from the comfort of your own Home / Garden

Take your Canon EOS / EOS R and Powershot Photography to the next level around your own house and garden. Training sessions can be arranged anywhere in the Cape Peninsula More Information

Training Objective (For Canon EOS / EOS R Bodies)

To assist the developing Canon EOS photographer with an integrated learning approach for mastering the more advanced camera and exposure settings within selected application and genres of any Canon EOS / EOS R APS-C or Full-Frame interchangeable-lens camera (i.e Canon EOS 1300D / 60D / 7D / 6D / 5D).

Personal Requirements

Delegates will be able to select specific areas to suite specific photographic applications / genres depending on personal requirements and current / future lens selections. Training may be scheduled over a period of time and does not have to be completed on a specific date. The primarily is the development of camera and phototropic skills. For more than 10 years I have a the privilege to work with a range of Cabonon EOS . EOS R photographers from South Africa, Africa, US and the USA.

Landscape / Long Exposure Photography Training towards Table Mountain

Flexible Modules

The training will be from any combination of the Canon EOS / Photography training I offer via workshops or private training sessions. All training will be structured around a general Canon EOS Menu / Exposure Modes module and then elective application / genre modules.

Duration of the Training

Three sessions of up to four hours each (with a minimum of fifteen hours) during the day, evening or Saturday mornings. All training will be inclusive of practical applications (depending on application / genre selection).

Camera / Photography Training Resources
Each delegate will receive Canon EOS-specific and application / genre-specific printed notes and updated URLs on my website linked with more related information.

Macro / Close-Up Flower Photography Training Cape Town

Training Location

Most of mt camera . photography training is facilitated in my training studio apartment in Milnerton (opposite Woodbridge Island) - if the training studio is occupied we go a few floors higher with all the Canon equipment, accessories and information exactly the same. This will also depend on specific practical application (which will be discussed. Practical application will be discussed with individual delegates depending on specific interest / application and genres. Map | Directions

Delegates are welcome to Contact Me for discussing specific requirements where-after a Canon EOS Photography Proposal / Invoice will be forwarded to email address(es) op choice with recommended training and EFT / online payment options.

Costing 
Cost per Delegate: R800 per sessions. R2 300 for three sessions (4 hours+ per session and will include selected / specific practicals – depending on selections).

Photography Training Gift Vouchers
This photography training class is available as a Birthday / Christmas Gift training voucher option with a one year validity period. It could also form part of general Canon camera training option as well. More information>>

Learning Areas

It is recommended that delegates who will attending in small groups to have more / less the same learning and practical requirements.

Canon EOS bodies and lenses may differ, but the application and genre requests should be the same.

Specific learning areas are workshops and training sessions I frequently facilitate. Below links to provide more information on the two to three session training I do per genre.

General Learning Areas

• Canon EOS Menu System
• Exposure Settings (Av / Tv / Manual / Bulb Modes)
• Creative application working with Aperture / Shutter Speed
• Canon EOS Autofocus / Manual Focus Techniques
• Adobe Lightroom Post-Processing Introduction (if required)

Specific Training Workshop Learning Areas (to select from)

• Birds in Flight Photography Workshop More
• Canon Speedlite / Ring Lite Flash Photography Workshop More
• Macro / Close-Up Photography Workshop More
• Landscape / Long Exposure Photography Workshop More

Contact Me for more information or discussing other requirements.

Canon Photography Private Training Courses Milnerton, Cape Town

• Introduction to Photography / Canon Cameras More 
• Bird and flower Photography Kirstenbosch More
• Canon EOS Autofocus / AI Servo Training More
• Birds in Flight / Bird Photography Training Sessions More
• Canon Speedlite / Ring Lite Flash Photography Workshop More
• Macro / Close-Up Photography Workshop Cape Town More
• Landscape / Long Exposure Photography Training Sessions More
• Real Estate / Interior Decor Photography Training  More

Birds in Flight Photography Training : Woodbridge Island / Intaka Island

Canon EOS / Canon EOS R / Canon PowerShot Photography Training Milnerton Woodbridge Island | Kirstenbosch Cape Town | Across the Cape Peninsula | Intaka Island

All Images Copyright / Intellectual Property of Vernon Chalmers More Information >>

Macro & Close-Up Photography Training Cape Town

Macro & Close-Up Photography Training  Milnerton, Cape Town

Macro & Close-Up Flower Photography Training, Kirstenbosch Garden, Cape Town 

Vernon Chalmers facilitates Macro / Close-Up Photography Private Training Classes in Milnerton, Cape Town / Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

This is an opportunity for new photographers / experienced photographers with / without Macro lenses to learn more about Macro / Close-up Photography, exposure settings, techniques and various accessories (close-up filters / extension tubes / flash).

Small Flower Macro / Close-Up Photography >>

You do not have to own a macro lens to attend this workshop / private training - I will demonstrate various cost-effective ways to capture macro and / or close-up shots (even with your current DSLR and non-macro lens.

Assistance will be provided for purchasing any future macro lenses / macro flash or macro / close-up accessories - even after the workshop / private training.

Flower Photography Training at Kirstenbosch Garden Practical Sessions >>

Cost: R2 300 per person (maximum two people at R2 000 per person) - Three four hour sessions (time to be scheduled around individual delegate requirements for private one-on-one training in Milnerton, Cape Town). 

Different costing will apply for Kistenbosch Garden Practical Photography Sessions.

Photography Learning Objective / Training Level
For assisting the developing photographer with the understanding and application of introductory to intermediate macro  / close-up photography accessories  / exposure settings / photography techniques (with ongoing Macro & Close-Up Photography Training support).

Integrated Hands-On Learning Approach
The workshop will have an integrated hands-on learning approach throughout all sessions (with your own Canon EOS / Canon EOS R gear and / or by using supplied Macro / Close-Up accessories).

Macro / Close-Up Photography Learning Areas

• Introduction (Macro vs. Close-Up Photography)
• Macro / Close-Up Subjects (Food, Flower and Insect Photography)
• Macro vs, non-Macro / Other Lenses
• Cameras / Lenses / Accessories 
• Exposure / Focus Settings
• Macro / Close-Up Techniques
• Adding Light / Macro Lighting
• Macro and Speedlite HSS Photography
• Autofocus vs Manual Focus Options
• Composition Guidelines

All Macro / Close-Up Photography Workshop promotions, bookings and logistics are facilitated by Vernon Chalmers Photography Training.

Macro and Close-Up Photography may also form part of other modular training (if required). 

Contact me for more Information Vernon Chalmers Photography Training >>

(Click To Enlarge)

Flowers in the Rain (Canon EOS 70D) : Paddocks Milnerton

Wild Flower : Macro & Close-Up Photography Training Kirstenbosch Garden

Flower Close-Up Photography with Canon EOS 700D (Speedlite Flash)

Small Flower with non-Macro lens and Canon Extension Tube

Inside a flower: Canon EOS 6D / EF 70-300mm f/5.6L Lens

Small Flower Photography Woodbridge Island / Table Bay Nature Reserve

Red Pepper Macro : Canon EOS 70D / 100mm Macro Lens

Inside a Chocolate Bar : Canon EOS 70D / 100mm Macro Lens

Photography Training Gift Vouchers
Macro & Close-Op Photography training is available as a Birthday / Christmas Gift training voucher option with a one year validity period. It could also form part of general Canon camera training option as well. More information>>

Canon Photography Private Training Sessions Milnerton,  Cape Town

• Introduction to Photography / Canon Cameras More 
• Bird / Flower Photography Training Kirstenbosch More
• Canon EOS Autofocus / AI Servo Master Class More
• Birds in Flight / Bird Photography training More
• Canon Speedlite / Ring Lite Flash Photography Training More
• Landscape / Long Exposure Photography Sessions More
• Real Estate / Interior Decor Photography Training More

Canon Photography Training Milnerton Woodbridge Island | Kirstenbosch Cape Town | Around the Cape Peninsula

Canon Camera / Lens Field Testing Service Cape Town

Canon Camera / Lens Testing Service Cape Town with Vernon Chalmers

Canon Camera / Lens Testing Cape Town / Cape Peninsula

Canon EOS Camera / Lens Field Testing Service Cape Town for Enthusiast Photographers

R800-00 for up to three to four hours Field Testing (and detailed report)

Canon EOS Camera Field Testing Service Cape Town

Testing and general settings, discussion / improvement and recommendations (one Canon EOS body and up to two lenses).

Field Testing Locations
Milnerton
Woodbridge Island
Google Map >>

Or

Kirstenbosch Garden (for Practical Photography Training as well )
Google Map >>

I receive a fair amount of questions from photographers that are not satisfied with Autofocus (AF) and sharpness / image quality of their Canon EOS body and specific lens pairings.

In many minds proper lens calibration is the the first (and at times the only) solution that most photographers think about after spending countless hours on their own in trying to fix this problem.

Calibration Options
Calibration can be done by the photographer via an in-camera Autofocus Micro Adjustment (AFMA) procedure (if the body is embedded with this function - only higher-end enthusiast / professional bodies will have this option). There are different calibration software options available than can be used for doing your own AFMA or you can go to i.e. ORMS who offers a lens calibration service of +- R2 500 (per lens). Please verify the exact cost with the an ORMS service department near you.

I understand this frustration many photographers experience and for many of  my photography clients I offer assistance in the form of Field Testing various body / lens pairings (as part of the specific camera . photography training they are doing).

Field Testing Objective
Field Testing is the identification of focus problems, possible sharpness and other image quality issues that may be the result of improper AF application and general exposure settings for a variety of genres / subjects during a practical photography application session. Field Testing is not a replacement for / alternative to lens calibration. Calibration may be an option after field testing if the recommended settings and adjustments does not meet expectations.

Canon EOS Camera Field Testing Service Cape Town

Field Testing Performance / Sharpness Standards

With more than 10 years of experience with many different Canon EOS / EOS R bodies and EF / RF lenses I have a good understanding what the AF and sharpness standards of these body / lens pairings should be.

Personally, I have never required the need for any lens calibrations (on any of my Canon EOS bodies / EF lenses) and it is very seldom that I recommend lens calibration of any kind - as most of the problems are solved with proper AF / exposure settings.

Instead of carrying out meticulous and time consuming lens testing (and possible tuning) with test charts I prefer Field Testing - where the camera / lens will ultimately be used. Evaluation of Field Testing via a thorough Adobe Lightroom image analysis should be substantial evidence for providing insight of AF performance and expected sharpness / or lack of sharpness.

In my opinion a thorough Field Testing session would be able to identify any possible calibration requirements (should there indeed be a definite AF / sharpness issues). Most of the time it is a combination of improper AF/ exposure settings and other in-camera settings. 

Field Testing Procedure
This is a walk around here at Woodbridge Island or Kirstenbosch Garden with the photographer and his / her lens pairing(s) concentrating on various subjects to replicate general conditions where different ISO's, Apertures and Shutter Speeds are applied in relations to various AF Mode settings. Field Testing results will depend on AF Mode selection, weather conditions and distance to subject. On return to my photography training studio after the Field Testing I will go through the images on Adobe Lightroom with the photographer for initial AF / sharpness result observation.

Field Testing Report
At the end of the Field Testing I prepare a report which will be discussed / sent to the photographer. In this report I will evaluate different images against my own benchmark expectation of what sharpness (and other criteria) should be. Further recommendations will be offered in terms of AF and exposure settings - and if I think calibration should be considered for improved sharpness (or other improvements).

Please Note: Field Testing is not an empirical analysis of a specific body / lens pairing, but rather the in-field analysis of sensing the handling of such a pairing against acceptable (and ideal exposure ito sharpness, AF performance and other user criteria / concerns).  

Contact Me for more information / scheduling an appointment

© Vernon Chalmers Photography

Canon EOS Camera Field Testing Service Cape Town

Canon Photography Training Milnerton Woodbridge Island | Kirstenbosch Cape Town.