Show your Bird Portraits

[jrista]

Nuthatch

I don't often get a chance to photograph these guys, as they don't spend much time in the forests near me. A few weeks back, I was up at my parents home in the mountains, 8600 feet surrounded by Roosevelt National Forest. The lighting was utterly terrible, and the bird kept flitting from tree to tree. I had a tough time keeping the ISO setting correct. In this case, I used ISO 800, when it probably should have been ISO 1600 or so. Despite that, the 5D III did phenomenally well, and the +100 shadows lift still looks superb.

Not the greatest composition, however I noticed during processing that this cute little bird had a grub of some kind on his beak. When I can't get aesthetically pleasing photos, I am happy to get action shots.

Canon EOS 5D Mark III
Canon EF 600mm f/4 L II
Handheld

 

[nineyards]

Nuthatch

I don't often get a chance to photograph these guys, as they don't spend much time in the forests near me. A few weeks back, I was up at my parents home in the mountains, 8600 feet surrounded by Roosevelt National Forest. The lighting was utterly terrible, and the bird kept flitting from tree to tree. I had a tough time keeping the ISO setting correct. In this case, I used ISO 800, when it probably should have been ISO 1600 or so. Despite that, the 5D III did phenomenally well, and the +100 shadows lift still looks superb.

Not the greatest composition, however I noticed during processing that this cute little bird had a grub of some kind on his beak. When I can't get aesthetically pleasing photos, I am happy to get action shots.

Canon EOS 5D Mark III
Canon EF 600mm f/4 L II
Handheld

Funny(and frustrating) how that works. These guys I photograph on a whim due to their abundance in my haunts, whereas a "dime a dozen" type bird in your locale I would give my right arm to even get a glimpse of much less photograph.

 

[Jack Douglas]

You got that right. I have more nuthatches than chickadees and that's a lot. if I sat still they'd sit on my head.

Jack

 

[nineyards]

Finally getting a chance to look back at some woodpecker shots. Thought the dual eyelid was pretty cool. Unfortunately when eyelids are closing the head is moving and critical focus is tough (with a 6D anyway).

Jack

That first photo in your series of Pileated is crazy sharp
Good capture

 

[Jack Douglas]

Thanks 9yards. When it looks like I can get close I try to go with the 300 2.8 and when it happens it's exhilarating. Usually though I'm afraid to not have the 2X on the lens for fear of losing the more distant shot. Photography sure is a realm of compromises!

2-3 weeks ago this was an easy capture, but not now. When they're not feeding young I never see them.

Female, crop from about 1/4 of the frame - 6D 300 2.8 1000th F4 ISO 640

Jack

 

[Don Haines]

You got that right. I have more nuthatches than chickadees and that's a lot. if I sat still they'd sit on my head.

Jack

 

[Click]

Female, crop from about 1/4 of the frame - 6D 300 2.8 1000th F4 ISO 640

Jack

Very nice shot. Well done Jack.

 

[jrista]

Finally getting a chance to look back at some woodpecker shots. Thought the dual eyelid was pretty cool. Unfortunately when eyelids are closing the head is moving and critical focus is tough (with a 6D anyway).

Jack

Wow, those are some major closeups, man! Love the first one.

 

[Jim Saunders]

I will sincerely miss this lens when it goes back to the rental place! Jack Douglas made a kind remark about a previous shot I put up, here is one better; I'd say the lesson is that the iridescence of magpie feathers is strongly directional. This particular bird seemed quite curious where the rest of the local squadron (well, charm apparently) of them had fled, he or she or it even came down from the roof onto the deck rail and stood around for a bit.

Jim

 

[jrista]

Great shot!

 

[jrista]

Beautiful. Love the clarity, simply amazing.

 

[Jack Douglas]

Thanks guys for the kind comments. Yes, Don is the nuthatch king! They are aggressive little guys - no fear.

Jack

 

[Lemmy Shoyu]

Thanks all for looking and thanks for sharing!

 

[Jack Douglas]

Need a little help with this sparrow in Alberta. Seems it might be immature.

Jack

 

[jrista]

Need a little help with this sparrow in Alberta. Seems it might be immature.

Jack

Aye, looks like a juvie. I honestly cannot say exactly which species...given his dash-striped underbelly, I'm thinking Henslow's or Lincoln's, but I cannot be sure without more comprehensive photos (particularly a broadside shot). I have my digital Sibley's guide, which has great juvi renditions for most bird species...I might be able to ID if I can see more.

 

[Menace]

Great shot!

Lovely shot. Well done.

 

[Lemmy Shoyu]

Thanks!

 

[Jack Douglas]

Thanks Jon, I think you're right on Lincoln's. I don't have more views unfortunately.

Jack

 

[2n10]

Thanks Jon, I think you're right on Lincoln's. I don't have more views unfortunately.

Jack

I agree on Lincoln's Sparrow. The buffy chest and mustache did it for me.

 

[DFresh]

I photographed this bird from a boat in a cove in Connecticut. An ID would be appreciated, thanks!!