Singapore – A major bird migration hub + Bird migration season is coming soon 

Even though Singapore is a small country by land size, we are a major bird migration hub, just like our international hubs for aviation and shipping. Singapore is part of the East Asian-Australiasian Flyway, migratory birds making a pitstop in Singapore, giving bird photographers here in Singapore many opportunities to photograph them in action, the diversity and beauty of those migratory bird species. 

Recent research findings have also indicated that Singapore’s status as a major migratory bird hub has grown in stature, Singapore now has become the intersection of 2 major flyways, adding the Central Asian-Indian Flyway to the East Asian-Australiasian Flyway.

Bird Photography with Canon EOS R6 Mark II

In my earlier #WMBD2023 article, I shared about my bird photography with Canon EOS cameras, from Canon cameras that I previously owned or those cameras that I reviewed. For #WMBD2023 14th October, I would be sharing about my bird photography with the Canon EOS R6 Mark II camera that was recently added not too long ago into my Canon photography setup. 

My bird photography/wildlife photography tips are published earlier in May 2023 article that you can check it out, have a read if you are starting out on your bird photography adventures with Canon EOS cameras and lenses.

As the bird migration season in Singapore is just round the corner of year end 2023, I would set aside more time for bird photography with my Canon EOS R6 Mark II whenever I am able to, visiting the various nature reserves (Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Central Catchment), parks (Pasir Ris Park, Jurong Lake Gardens) and beaches for bird migration season in Singapore.

World Migratory Bird Day 2023 (October Edition)

To all fellow bird and wildlife photographers, nature and wildlife conservationists and supporters, we all can do a part in spreading the awareness for our birds, water and nature areas, not just on World Migratory Bird Day itself. 

Let’s continue to spread the word, awareness, conservation and protection for our wildlife and nature areas, in Singapore and around the world.

* A TGH Photography x Canon EOS R6 Mark II Explorer Series Production *

The post World Migratory Bird Day 2023 (October 14th) appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

On the other hand, I haven’t been writing about bird photography as much as I should, even though I have a strong interest in this field. Therefore, in conjunction with WMBD 2023, I am finally putting together my bird photography adventures and experiences over the years. 

World Migratory Bird Day 2023 Theme: Water

The theme for WMBD 2023 is Water and the importance for migratory birds. Water is fundamental to all living on planet Earth. Water is a scarce natural resource, human beings are increasing demand for water, placing huge stress on our land and nature ecosystem. With our aquatic ecosystem under huge stress and threats, our flora and fauna are also affected as well. 

To all bird photographers and bird watchers,, let’s celebrate World Migratory Bird Day 2023, as well as eBird Global Bird Day 13th May 2023, share the birds you spot on eBird, photograph the birds if you can, spread awareness on conservation – birds, water and nature spaces.

Singapore – A major migratory bird hub / stopover destination 

Just like Singapore is a global air transit hub for the world with our iconic internationally famous Changi Airport, we are also a major migratory bird hub / stopover destination. Singapore is part of the East Asian-Australiasian Flyway, migratory birds making a pitstop in Singapore, giving bird photographers here in Singapore many opportunities to photograph them in action, the diversity and beauty of those migratory bird species. 

Recent research findings have also indicated that Singapore’s status as a major migratory bird hub has grown in stature, Singapore now has become the intersection of 2 major flyways, adding the Central Asian-Indian Flyway to the East Asian-Australiasian Flyway.

Singapore, a small country by land size, now can play a bigger and wider international role in the migratory birds journey with those 2 major flyways, a transit hub for migratory birds. 

Article References:

• NParks article Feathered Global Ambassadors: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/nparksbuzz/issue-42-vol-3-2019/conservation/feathered-global-ambassadors 
• Mothership https://mothership.sg/2020/12/migratory-bird-central-asian-flyway-singapore/ 
• Nature Portfolio Scientific Reports: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-77897-z 

Bird Photography with Canon EOS cameras 

Over the years, I have enjoyed my bird photography with various Canon EOS cameras and lenses, from my own camera equipment to review units. For WMBD 2023, I would like to share curated bird photography works from my more recent bird photography shoots.

West Coast Park / Sungei Ulu Pandan Kechil 

Sungei Ulu Pandan (Clementi / Sunset Way)

Pasir Ris Park / Sungei Tampines 

Labrador Park

Botanic Gardens 

Windsor Nature Park

The above collection of bird photographs were shot with various Canon mirrorless cameras that I am currently using or tested/reviewed them most recently over the past 1-2 years. such as the EOS R3, EOS R7, EOS RP and EOS R50 cameras. 

I have more bird photography shots curated inside this photo album, a small collection of Birds in Singapore (Flickr album), you can view them here – https://flic.kr/s/aHsjBnNjyL 

Bird Photography Tips

Here are some handy and useful bird photography tips for those who are starting out on their bird photography journey.

Camera Equipment

Based on my Canon cameras usage, reviews and experiences, you can read more about my reviews on those Canon cameras listed below:

Cameras

Canon EOS R3 | EOS R5 | EOS R6 | EOS R7 | EOS-1D X Mark III | EOS-1D X Mark II | EOS-1D X |

If you have the budget, go for the EOS R3 (FF mirrorless) or EOS-1D X Mark III (FF DSLR), the EOS R5 and EOS R6 are also very capable FF mirrorless cameras, well liked and received by bird photographers. The EOS R7 (APS-C mirrorless) has recently been added, becoming a popular mid level camera suitable for bird photography. 

Lenses

• Fast lens (big aperture lens if you own one e.g. 400mm f/2.8)
• Telephoto zoom lens: RF100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L | EF200-400mm f/4L with 1.4x Extender | RF100-300mm f/2.8L | EF or RF 70-200mm f/2.8L
• Telephoto prime lens: RF600mm f/4L or EF600mm f/4L | EF500mm f/4L | RF400mm f/2.8L or EF400mm f/2.8L | RF600mm f/11 | RF800mm f/11 |

Settings

• AI Servo (Canon) | AF-C (Nikon) | Continuous AF (Sony) |
• Subject tracking: Animal 
• High FPS (e.g. 20fps)
• Fast shutter speed (1/1250s to 1/2500s depending on the action and activity)
• Tripod (for the big prime lens)

Beyond the technical specifics and hardware

• Read, learn, know and understand more of the birds that you are photographing. 
• Observe the birds, their surroundings, actions, and patterns. 
• Be patient, don’t make too much noise. 

Bird Photography Locations in Singapore

While Singapore is a very small country in terms of land size, we do have our own nature reserves and outdoor nature areas that we can be proud of. For bird photography, there are a number of destinations that bird photographers like to visit for their bird photography action.

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is the most well-known bird photography location in Singapore, this wetland reserve tucked away in the north west corner of Singapore is the hub for migratory birds, taking a pitstop for rest break and refuelling their body for further flight down south. 

Other popular bird photography locations in Singapore include Central Catchment (Bukit Timah to MacRitchie, Windsor Nature Park), Kranji Marshes, Pasir Ris Park, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Hampstead Wetlands Park, Lorong Halus / Coney Island, Pulau Ubin, Jurong Lake Gardens, Bishan-AMK Park, Marina Bay East/Gardens By The Bay. 

West Coast Park, Labrador Park, Southern Ridges, Fort Canning Hill, Tampines Eco Green, are also bird photography locations that bird photographers would also visit and check out.

World Migratory Bird Day Information 

If you like to know more about World Migratory Bird Day, please visit the links below for more information and updates.

• Website: https://www.worldmigratorybirdday.org/ 
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/WMBD 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/worldmigratorybirdday/ 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/WMBDcampaign 

World Migratory Bird Day 2023 (May Edition)

To all fellow bird and wildlife photographers, nature and wildlife conservationists and supporters, we all can do a part in spreading the awareness for our birds, water and nature areas, not just on World Migratory Bird Day itself. 

Let’s continue to spread the word, awareness, conservation and protection for our wildlife and nature areas. 

The post World Migratory Bird Day 2023 (May 13th) appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

I have been always interested in bird photography although I don’t show as much or share as much on bird photography as compared to my other photography genres. Looking back at my articles coverage, I realised I haven’t done enough on bird photography, even though I am interested in nature and wildlife photography. 

Singapore, while it’s a small country by land size, she’s like a transit hub/resting point for migratory birds during the Northern Hemisphere winter season. Our bird migratory season starts around October to March. During this period, bird photographers, avian and wildlife fans would love this period of time to view and watch migrant birds transiting here in Singapore for refuel and rest before they continue their journey southwards. 

Moving forward from World Migratory Bird Day 2021, I would take time to write more about my bird photography adventures and coverage, starting off from my home country, Singapore. I am planning to introduce the nature areas/places to visit in Singapore for bird photography and photos of birds that visit those nature areas/places such as Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.

I cannot call myself an expert on birds, I do have some knowledge and understanding of the birds in general. As I share more bird photographs and the environments in my articles, I hope to improve on my knowledge and understanding of the birds and my natural environment as well.

Do visit my Birds in Singapore album on Flickr, forming part on my wildlife photography collection on Flickr. When it’s safe to travel overseas again, I would love to have some travel trips dedicated to wildlife and bird photography in different continents around the world and adding them to my wildlife photography collection. 

For all bird photography and wildlife photography lovers out there, let’s continue to play our part. Photographing birds is just like Sing Fly, Soar like a Bird, free and flying high up in the sky. 

The post World Migratory Bird Day 2021 appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Canon’s 70-200mm L range is built on a legacy and strong standing from the EF70-200mm series, both f/2.8L and f/4L models. They are well loved by professionals and serious amateurs alike, for its accuracy, sharpness, optics and versatility. I started off with the EF70-200mm f/4L USM before upgrading to EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM. The RF70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM lens is built upon those strong foundations and it got even better, sharper and lighter with the modern RF lens mount and EOS R technology. 

During my review of the Canon RF70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM lens, I shot a wide range of photography genres from portraiture, wildlife, product and landscapes. This lens was a breeze to use, fast and accurate, sharp and clear photographs, sweet bokeh at f/2.8 too! For those photographers who regularly use the 70-200mm focal length range especially Canon users who have the EF70-200m f/2.8L or EF70-200mm f/4L lenses, this would be a very familiar lens to you when you use it. I personally own the EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM lens and I can attest to its quality and versatility. 

Here are some of my content creation articles shot with the Canon RF70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM lens:

SingapoRediscovers with Canon RF24-70mm and RF70-200mm 

Sudio Tolv Audio Photography Adventure

After using and testing the RF70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM lens, I am also considering whether to make the switch from EF to the RF model even though I am using both EF mount (with my Canon EOS-1DX Mark II) and RF mount lenses (with my Canon EOS RP) in my current setup.

Thoughts and Views

The 70-200mm focal length lens is well loved by professionals, it can cover a number of different photography genres. The photographs shot with this lens are sharp, detailed and beautiful. Bokeh at f/2.8 is creamy, smooth and beautiful. It’s a fast and accurate lens, photographers would love this lens and I do know a number of photographers swear by the 70-200mm lens. 

The RF70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM lens is compact, shorter and lighter than its EF counterpart, the EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM lens. One distinct difference is when you zoom out, the lens barrel is extended in the RF model versus internal barrel extension in the EF model. There might be some photographers who have concerns on the lens barrel extension allowing air/dust to get inside the lens and/or those who prefer the internal barrel extension in the EF model. 

Personally, I believe and trust in Canon’s L lens engineering, design and built quality, along with its weather sealing, they have decades of L lenses design and production. I have pushed my EF 17-40mm and EF70-200mm L lenses in the outdoors and commercial work for over a decade, they are very sturdy and can handle such demanding conditions. The RF70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM lens can handle the outdoors and commercial usage just like their predecessors from their EF L lenses family. 

The Canon RF70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM is most welcomed by professionals, part of the RF holy trinity lenses setup from the Canon RF family (add the RF15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM and RF24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM lenses to complete the setup).

With the lens image stabilisation up to 5 stops and paired with the EOS R5 or EOS R6 with the 5-axis In-Body Image Stabiliser feature, this powerful function and features helps us photographers and videographers in our shoots that we sometimes don’t realise about the two features in action when using the Canon EOS R6 or EOS R5 that would be most welcomed by photographers. 

Key information on Canon RF70–200mm f/2.8L IS USM

• Filter size: 77mm
• Max aperture: f/2.8
• Weight: 1070g 
• Image Stabilisation: up to 5 stops
• Electronic floating focus control with 2 Nano USM
• Additional Control Ring
• Dust and Drip Resistant 

For working professionals who wish to switch to Canon EOS R and RF lenses setup, the RF70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM is one of the lenses that you would definitely be getting (or you want to have) for your professional photography setup. There is also the RF70-200mm f/4L IS USM lens that is now available in the market for you to have options to choose from.

More photographs shot with Canon RF70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM lens can viewed inside this Flickr photo album. Do check out my Canon EOS R6 review article and Canon EOS R5 review article and photos shot with the EOS R6 and EOS R5 in this Flickr photography collections. If you are planning to get the RF holy trinity lenses setup, here’s my RF24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM review article and photos shot using RF24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM inside this Flickr photo album. 

I would like to thank Canon Singapore for the opportunity to review the Canon RF70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM lens.

The post Canon RF70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Review appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.