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Sapsucker at nest
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Sapsucker at nest

by Terry Sohl

Gallery: AvianPosted January 12, 2011117 views6 comments
I had found this nest hole this spring while on a walk, but only had one day to come back and try to shoot. Turns out the day was about as dark and gloomy as could be, but I tried anyway, and with some patience (and a firm tripod), ended up with some sharp shots at very low shutter speeds.

Canon 50D, 400 5.6L, ISO400, 1/50, f7.1, 430EX @ -2.

Comments

6 comments
Comment posted by Steve Balke on January 12, 2011 at 10:15 PM
Amazingly sharp for such a low ss, Terry. Most of the bird looks really great. I looked closely at this image though and do see some lack of detail in some of the breast feathers. With your firm tripod it seems to me that motion of the bird could be the source. Of course, it could be lighting too, or superfine feathers, or some other cause. I'm so surprised that the bird stayed sufficiently still for this shot to be as sharp as it is!! Temperature low (maybe its frozen?). How about using a flash? :toast:
Registered on June 18, 2009, 229 Posts, 2915 Comments
Comment posted by Brian Gatlin on January 13, 2011 at 8:29 AM
The nest hole is a great touch, Terry. I like the comp, and sharpness looks great, especially under those conditions. I'd be happy to have this.
Registered on March 21, 2009, 202 Posts, 4187 Comments
Comment posted by Andy Shepherd on January 13, 2011 at 12:51 PM

Works for me, Terry. Nice to see the inclusion of the nest hole in the shot. Very good job considering the SS.

Andy...
Registered on September 24, 2006, 123 Posts, 1254 Comments
Comment posted by Jim Hackley on January 13, 2011 at 3:01 PM
Looks very good to me for 1/50 sec, nice job getting this in the gloomy conditions, well done.
Registered on September 17, 2009, 302 Posts, 5535 Comments
Comment posted by Richard Ditch on January 13, 2011 at 7:26 PM
Nice image as posted. Good detail; natural colors.
Registered on November 1, 2003, 1031 Posts, 12705 Comments
Comment posted by Rob Drummond on January 13, 2011 at 8:13 PM
Nice use of the flash Terry - good job at 1/50

cheers
Rob
Registered on November 8, 2003, 617 Posts, 8267 Comments