Show your Bird Portraits

[josephandrews222]

This guy just kept 'walking' closer and closer to me--the experience reminds me how important reach is for those posting in this little corner of the 'net (details: 560mm [100-400II + 1.4III]; f9.5 + 1/350s + ISO 800) and catalyzes thoughts of picking up the R7 + 800mm f11 combination that is often touted here on CR.



The above was treated with Topaz Sharpen.

Spring is trying to break out here in the midwest USA and the male Northern Cardinals are loud and quite visible in the immediate vicinity of our home (the location of virtually all posted here by yours truly)--but only ONE brief sighting of the (to my eye, the more beautiful) female Northern Cardinal.

On the rare occasion I head elsewhere for bird-watching etc., my frustration level rises rather quickly; birds in the wild and I seldom get close enough for decent images like the one posted above.

So it's time for another go-round with an adapted 1.4XIII/100-400II combination mated to the M6MkII/electronic viewfinder set-up--but this time with a nod to ergonomics:

Extension Grip for Canon EOS M6 mark II

Worldwide shipping - Battery Grips, Extension Grips, Cages and Accessorioes - Custom Battery Grips online store.

www.custombatterygrips.com

I'm not holding my breath but the early returns are positive.

 

[Maximilian]

Nesting or just resting?

Definetly nesting!

WARNING!!! Cuteness! WARNING!!!

The first time the grey geese have goslings here.



One egg probably was not fertilised

 

[Click]

So cute. Nicely done, Maximilian.

 

[Maximilian]

Some more cute family goose pics.
The parents were quite nervous. And when I tried to get just a little bit closer, they went into the water at once.
I hope they will stay that careful. I've read that three goslings are at the lower end of an average clutch.

 

[shire_guy]

Tawny Frogmouth

These guys use their natural camouflage to hide out during the day usually posed chin up to mimic a broken branch. A Eucalyptus tree is hard enough to spot them in, but in a Paper Bark tree (Melaleuca) they are almost impossible to spot.


View attachment 208547

 

[Click]

Maximilian and shire guy,

Very nice shots, guys!

 

[Maximilian]

Tawny Frogmouth

These guys use their natural camouflage to hide out during the day usually posed chin up to mimic a broken branch. A Eucalyptus tree is hard enough to spot them in, but in a Paper Bark tree (Melaleuca) they are almost impossible to spot.

And the plumage looks almost like there was too much sharpening done. (But I see, you didn't do that
Such a camo for sure is hard to spot.
Great job @shire_guy

 

[Maximilian]

This marsh tit ignored any direction to look at my lens
The second was through twigs and I couldn't get a fully free sight.

 

[shire_guy]

Maximilian and shire guy,

Very nice shots, guys!

Thank you Click

 

[shire_guy]

And the plumage looks almost like there was too much sharpening done. (But I see, you didn't do that
Such a camo for sure is hard to spot.
Great job @shire_guy

Thank you for your comments Maximilian.

That was a good pick up on the plumage, I messed up in post. I normally only apply a small amount of general contrast to the whole photo but one of the layers (mainly chest area) had the contrast slider pushed a long way over. That was an error that I should have picked up before posting.
I have re posted the image below.

View attachment 208575

 

[Maximilian]

"One-legged" heron.

 

[Click]

This heron looks great on this branch. Nicely done.

 

[Maximilian]

I really like those long-tailed tits (aegithalos caudatus).
The first pic looks like it's performing chins for workout

 

[Click]

Nice series, Maximilian.

 

[Maximilian]

The last set of pics from the grey goose family.
I hope the next time I can get closer without disturbing them.

 

[Click]

So cute. Nice pictures.

 

[Nemorino]

Hedge hopping:
R5 + RF 100-500L + 1.4TC @ f/10, ISO 10 000/12 800, 1/4000s

h

 

[Click]

Nice series, Nemorino.

 

[Maximilian]

Hedge hopping:

Really cute. Looks like a dunnock.
Fantastic how well those high ISO levels work!

 

[Maximilian]

Robin photos from December I haven't processed yet.
I like the contrast with the snow. My usual setup:
5D4, 100-400L II + TC, @560 mm, f/8, 1/500, ISO3200
I am really happy that the details are so well even at that ISO level.
You can imagine from the first pic that it was f***ing cold that day (-14°C, 6°F)