Testing Cameras While Birding … Sony A6300 vs Nikon Coolpix 950

Year 13

In many respects this is NOT a fair test, but it is an interesting comparison. The back story is my faithful Canon SX70 “super zoom bridge camera” is no longer reliable … not because the camera is sub-par, but because I have taken tens of thousands of images with the device and it is just plain worn out. The SX70 is no longer in production, and when found “new” costs $1,300+ which I am not willing to pay for an old model camera. However I still like super zoom bridge cameras assuming one uses them in photographic conditions that make their chances of delivering great images a high probability.

With that thought in mind I bought a Nikon Coolpix 950. I purchased a used, mint condition still in the box 950 for $700. Like the SX70, this camera is out of production but one may find brand new 950’s for about $850. Today was my first day using the Nikon.

Early in the morning only an hour after sunrise while on a bike ride during the “golden hour” of photography … thus while in excellent light … I photographer Minnesota’s state flower, the Showy Lady Slipper. I think the camera did a good job.

Later in the morning around 11:00 am in horrible, glaring light I had the chance to go birding. A Ruffed Grouse Mom was very cooperative. She posed in the road and allowed me to take images with both my new Nikon Coolpix 950 and my Sony A6300. Keep in mind the Sony is a much better camera with a significantly better and bigger sensor. I think both cameras delivered! However, bright light is exactly what is needed for Bridge Super Zoom cameras to have success.

Nikon Coolpix 950

Sony A6300

A bit further down the road I came across this Broad-Winged Hawk which had just made a kill. I reached for my Sony A6300 camera first because I know it is much better in challenging light (heavy shade in bright light conditions). The hawk did not wait around to given me a chance to try my new Nikon.

Birding Pine Island State Forest / Fiero Truck Trail

Year 13

If you like to bird Pine Island Forest west of Big Falls, which includes Toomey Williams Forest Road, Pine Island Forest Road and Fiero Truck Trail, this morning 3.5 miles north of Pine Island Road on Fiero Truck Trail there are now “no trespassing signs” on both sides of Fiero Truck Trail posted by the Red Lake Nation starting at Trapper Jim’s Corner (exactly 3.5 miles north of Pine Island Forest Road).

I suspect this is part of the dispute between the Red Lake Nation, the State of Minnesota and the federal government … mainly over Upper Red Lake which is 19 miles distant. Given the new signs, I turned around at Trapper Jim’s Corner, but the road is definitely still open. Continuing north eventually allows a person to exit the wilderness towards Littlefork via County #77, but would be trespassing on posted tribal lands. Thankfully the first 3.5 miles includes the best birding habitat on Fiero Truck Trail. I realize ownership of this land is in dispute. However, given the popularity of this wilderness area, I wanted folks to be informed. I saw zero “no trespassing” signs anywhere else which included Toomey-Williams, Pine Island and the first 3.5 miles of Fiero Truck Trail.

This is the Google Maps Link to Trapper Jim’s Corner

Another Merganser Morning!

Year 13

For the past two weeks we had an amazing number of non stop house guests, including at various times all of my eight grandchildren. As the family tended not to get up till later in the morning, the nearby Lester River Ravine was a great birding getaway for me. It only took five minutes to reach the ravine, and I could spend quality birding time but still be home by 8:00 to 8:30 am. which was prime breakfast time. Before the Common Merganser Ducklings escaped to the big lake (Lake Superior), it was fun to watch them near the mouth of the river. These images are from ten days ago, and the youngsters were my primary focus. If I moved slowly and stayed low, Momma Merganser was willing to put up with my presence.

Common Merganser Ducklings (movie at end of images)

The Movie! (video link for email subscribers)

The same morning I was watching the mergansers, I found both a Red-Necked Grebe (somewhat rare for NE Minnesota) and an American Coot.