Verdin

Verdin (Auriparus flaviceps)

Place: Water Ranch, Gilbert, AZ
Date: March 18, 2011
Equipment: Nikon D200, Nikkor AF-S 300/2.8 & TC20E (2x), G1325, RRS BH-55, Sidekick
Exposure: ISO 400, aperture priority spot metered, 1/1250th @ f/8
Not baited or set-up
Raw, PS CS3 on Mac G4, 56% of frame – vertical cropped from horizontal

Although a common and easily found species here in the desert southwest Verdins are a challenge to photograph becasue they are so small and so hyperactive. When I get an opprtunity to photograph one that holds still in clear view I take it and worry about composition later. I would have preferred leaving more space on the left but a thick branch cuts across the ULC just beyond the place I cropped, and that required a similar crop from the right for balance.

Honest critiques requested; all comments appreciated. I hope you will check out the larger version if possible before commenting.