Cactus Wren

Gallery: AvianPosted February 21, 2012351 views19 comments

Cactus Wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus)

Place: Anthem, AZ
Date: December 15, 2011, 9:32 am
Equipment: Nikon D300, Nikkor AF-S 300/2.8, TC20E (2x), G1325, RRS BH-55, Sidekick
Exposure: ISO 400, Aperture priority matrix metered, 1/320th @ f/7.1
Raw, PS CS3 on Mac G4, full frame
No set up, no bait, no blind, no cloning

A lucky shot when this wren landed directly in front of me at minimum focus distance. I like the spotlight effect and the way the wren is contorted to fit the branch. I’d prefer a touch more space but didn’t have a chance to back up even a single step.

Honest critiques requested; all comments appreciated. Please comment good or bad.

Comments

19 comments

Comment posted by Charles Gangas on February 21, 2012 at 3:36 PM

Neat pose and wonderfully colorful background. Good detail for the MFD you were working with Rich, a serendipitous shot for sure.

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

Comment posted by Charlie VanTassel on February 21, 2012 at 4:16 PM

I like the contrast of the flaky perch and the smooth background, along with the inquisitve look of a Wren going about his business.

Registered on October 18, 2006, 644 Posts, 4801 Comments

Comment posted by Scott Frye on February 21, 2012 at 5:04 PM

Very nice lookback and you can still see the eye. Background colors complement the bird well

Registered on February 3, 2007, 387 Posts, 1136 Comments

Comment posted by Philip Hodgkins on February 21, 2012 at 5:22 PM

A nice one, Richard. A good look at the wren in a natural setting.

Registered on July 24, 2006, 2741 Posts, 12349 Comments

Comment posted by wade pettitt on February 21, 2012 at 7:14 PM

Richard, I agree with it being a little tight, but I like the pose and look at the eye. The colors in the perch are great as well. Well Done!!

Registered on May 6, 2009, 184 Posts, 471 Comments

Comment posted by Michael Lotito on February 21, 2012 at 8:13 PM

Looks like some challenging lighting. I really like the way the perch frames your subject. Nice capture!

Registered on June 26, 2009, 181 Posts, 1558 Comments

Comment posted by Roger Kirchen on February 21, 2012 at 8:27 PM

Unique pose and perch. The pose reminds of the Robin's "listening pose" which. From what I have read, the marked head is so that bird can see downward in that direction. I wonder if that's the case here. Very smooth and colorful BG. Love the details. Very nice image.

Registered on March 6, 2011, 95 Posts, 847 Comments

Comment posted by Doug Backlund on February 21, 2012 at 9:58 PM

Wonderful colors and detail. Tip of the bill looks a bit blurred, not a major detraction IMO. The pose gives the wren a curious look, very nice!

Registered on September 29, 2005, 252 Posts, 3380 Comments

Comment posted by Ray Whitt on February 21, 2012 at 10:00 PM

Excellent pose, love the light and color.

Ray

Registered on May 27, 2011, 92 Posts, 2619 Comments

Comment posted by Angela McCain on February 21, 2012 at 10:17 PM

Wrens are great birds. Fast and flitty, getting one still takes a bit of patience. Can't believe you got so close. Like the light across the face. The bark on the tree is very interesting and colorful.

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

Comment posted by Ken Archer on February 21, 2012 at 11:31 PM

Excellent catch Richard, love that head turn. Nice detail, sweet light too.

Ken Archer

Registered on October 28, 2004, 222 Posts, 6683 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on February 23, 2012 at 9:45 AM

Wonderful composition and pose, Richard, and the mottled bg is a great addition. Excellent image.

Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments

Comment posted by David Haynes on February 29, 2012 at 9:51 AM

Richard,
I can't believe I missed this the first time around. Beautiful image. Terrific pose, head turn, eye contact, and sharpness. Background is really nice. Congrats on the WP!!!!

Registered on February 20, 2010, 110 Posts, 1511 Comments

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on February 29, 2012 at 11:20 AM

Wonderful pose, nicely framed by the branch of the tree, perfect lighting on the head and that great eye, and marvelous BG.
Big congrats on the WP!
Sandy

Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments

Comment posted by Peter Conway on February 29, 2012 at 12:10 PM

Beautiful image Richard. Congrats on the award!

Peter

Registered on June 25, 2007, 347 Posts, 3913 Comments

Comment posted by Mia McPherson on February 29, 2012 at 12:24 PM

Congrats on a well deserved WP Rich! Fantastice pose, light... well everything!

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

Comment posted by Jim DeWitt on February 29, 2012 at 2:55 PM

Excellent, Richard. Congratulations on a well-deserved EP.

Registered on August 28, 2006, 1240 Posts, 8506 Comments

Comment posted by May Haga on March 1, 2012 at 10:29 AM

Congratulations on a well deserved WP. I do like the curious look. The background is also very nice.
May

Registered on February 22, 2007, 714 Posts, 8470 Comments

Comment posted by Kathy Barnhart on March 13, 2012 at 9:21 PM

Wonderful, sweet photo with such a great great pose. Colors fabulous, great comp.

Registered on November 11, 2011, 404 Posts, 1639 Comments