American Tree Sparrow

Gallery: AvianPosted February 1, 201159 views9 comments

This was taken at the feeding station of a wildlife management area. It is a species that I was really hoping to photograph this winter, but most of the areas I've found them in are a tangle of twigs. So I was happy to have this cooperative subject. I like the evergreen perch, but I'm wondering how much the snipped off branch detracts from the image, since it doesn't appear natural. I'm also a little bummed that his tail is completely hidden as though he didn't have one.

Any comments on that or anything else are welcome. Thanks.

Nikon D80
Mode: Aperature
ISO: 400
Lens: Nikon 300mm f/4 & TC-17E II
Exp: 1/500 sec at f/8
Hand held
84% of FF

Comments

9 comments

Comment posted by Terry Sohl on February 1, 2011 at 11:10 PM

Good clean look at this guy, and I do like the evergreen setting. The clipped branch doesn't bother me, nor does the tail. I might trim the bottom to make it more of a horizontal than the present square composition.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 513 Posts, 6889 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Bielefeld on February 2, 2011 at 7:09 AM

I agree with Terry. No biggie about the branch. I would take a bit off the bottom is this were mine. Great look at the bird, which really stands out nicely.

Registered on December 6, 2008, 360 Posts, 7132 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Ditch on February 2, 2011 at 10:58 AM

I'm with Terry and Ron on this.

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

Comment posted by Sharon Hallowell on February 2, 2011 at 11:11 AM

Agree with some off the bottom, but otherwise this is very nice! Sharon

Registered on November 1, 2003, 392 Posts, 4810 Comments

Comment posted by Albert Darmo on February 2, 2011 at 3:14 PM

Hi Jeff

Good capture of this Sparrow! no problem with the branch. agree with the others about a horizontal.
Albert Darmo. Canada

Registered on November 25, 2008, 1386 Posts, 11978 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Dudley on February 2, 2011 at 7:11 PM

The bird looks good Jeff and I like the setting. I think the cut branch is minor and agree with the cropping suggestion.

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

Comment posted by Jeff Loomis on February 2, 2011 at 8:44 PM

Thanks for the feedback. Since it seems unanimous, here's a repost with some taken off the bottom and little off the left. The result is equivalent to a 6x4 aspect ratio.

Registered on January 26, 2010, 68 Posts, 719 Comments

Comment posted by Mia McPherson on February 3, 2011 at 8:39 AM

Jeff, I agree with Terry and Ron about this. I have one soft image of this species, wish I had more.

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

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on February 7, 2011 at 9:03 PM

I like this setting Jeff, the square comp works for me.
Fine details, nice light and color too. Has that sparkling eye as well..
The bi-colored bill does it for me

Well done

Registered on July 24, 2008, 1201 Posts, 10758 Comments