Brambling

Gallery: AvianPosted December 4, 2010139 views12 comments

1D Mk iv, 600mm f4, 1/2000s, f4.5, iso 400. Cropped to vertical.

This is a new species for me and they had been giving me the runaround for a couple of weeks. I was pleasantly surprised when this one turned up in my garden today. I don't usually like head-on shots, but in this case, I liked the moment of "connection" after the chase. I also like the funky head shape!

Comments

12 comments

Comment posted by Harry Harris on December 4, 2010 at 3:26 PM

I really like the Brambling's expression. I just started photographing birds in June and about two weeks ago I decided to try and capture some of the smaller fellows. I turn my lens and they fly off or go into the reeds. I like the story, and I will have to be patient. Great shot and sharp. Thanks for sharing.

Registered on August 2, 2010, 169 Posts, 741 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Ditch on December 4, 2010 at 4:23 PM

I'm a fan of head-on shots for the most part so this works for me. Neat background color. I'm not thrilled by the out-of-focus snow at the bottom of the frame, though.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 1031 Posts, 12705 Comments

Comment posted by Ian Mason on December 4, 2010 at 5:08 PM

Thanks all.

Charlie

Have you see this bird with the crown lowered?

I have certainly had distant sightings of one with the crown lowered, but today, in the 20 minutes or so it appeared, it was raised like this. No idea why they do it.

Registered on December 14, 2005, 399 Posts, 2305 Comments

Comment posted by Mia McPherson on December 4, 2010 at 6:37 PM

Ian, the look on this brambling's face has me laughing, the shape of the head does too. What a fun image! Lovely background, the bird stands out great from it, and the exposure, sharpness and details of the bird looks very good. I might crop some of the OOF snow off of the bottom, perhaps about half of what is there? Congrats on images of a new species!

Registered on June 25, 2007, 491 Posts, 12566 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Dudley on December 4, 2010 at 7:27 PM

That raised crown is awesome Ian. Great colors to go with that almost black to blue background. Neat that you got a catchlight in both eyes with this side light - I think that made a big positive difference. I like Mia's suggestion to crop out about half the OOF foreground snow.

Registered on March 30, 2007, 437 Posts, 10915 Comments

Comment posted by Wayne Willison on December 4, 2010 at 7:59 PM

The head on approach adds dynamics to this image. Great techs, Ian and I really like the bg. I'd also say cut some from the bottom. Love the snoot full of snow.

Registered on April 10, 2009, 292 Posts, 3967 Comments

Comment posted by Steve Balke on December 4, 2010 at 8:34 PM

I'm fine with it as posted, Ian. Like others, it made me laugh....twice!! I think this fellow reminds me of some people who I have known. The OOF snow in the foreground serves to give the image more depth. Great detail, color and background too.

Registered on June 18, 2009, 229 Posts, 2915 Comments

Comment posted by Derrick Lipinski on December 4, 2010 at 11:05 PM

Very unique perspective, Ian. Congratulations on capturing a new species. Wonderful blue background makes for a nice, clean image.

Registered on October 5, 2007, 58 Posts, 2039 Comments

Comment posted by Charles Gangas on December 5, 2010 at 12:33 AM

I too like the head-on shot Ian. I agree with Mia suggestion concerning the OOF FG, which I think would direct the eye to the wonderful texture of snow at base of the bird.

Registered on August 12, 2009, 544 Posts, 2414 Comments

Comment posted by Geoffrey Baker on December 5, 2010 at 10:35 AM

Excellent pose, looks like a shaving brush

Well done Ian.

Geoff.

Registered on August 20, 2010, 192 Posts, 980 Comments

Comment posted by Monica Siri on December 5, 2010 at 4:37 PM

Congrats on a new beautiful capture, Ian. The head shape is super.

Registered on September 20, 2009, 132 Posts, 3764 Comments

Comment posted by Angela McCain on December 6, 2010 at 1:39 AM

Fun image. Like the bit of snow on his beak. This is a really weird head shape.

Registered on April 19, 2009, 367 Posts, 3589 Comments