A Better Lark!

Gallery: AvianPosted January 2, 2013240 views8 comments

I went back to Oberly Road in Alpha, New Jersey, today. Spent the day shooting the Horned Larks and Savannah Sparrows. I am so happy to have gotten a better image of a Lark than the last one I posted!! Catchlight in eye - check.

The Larks are so much fun to shoot because they are a challenge. There is almost never a clear shot of them, because they're always behind corn stalks and grass. They are little puff balls on the ground - in most of the shots, they look like they don't come equipped with legs. They are squinty little things! Their eyes are half-closed in every other image, especially the ones that would have been great if they had only had their eyes open. And they are SO easily spooked. Even just coasting up slowly in a vehicle usually sends the whole flock packing.

I'm always mildly shocked when I take a picture I actually think is good.

PLEASE do not hesitate to critique this, though. That's how I've learned so much!

Canon 7D
300f4 L + 1.4TC
January 2, 2013
1/2500
f 5.6
ISO 640
Cropped to vert

Comments

8 comments

Comment posted by Peter Cross on January 3, 2013 at 12:19 AM

Exquisite detail in this Rebecka. He gave you a great pose and you captured it very well. It is, indeed, a puff ball. Nicely excecuted.

Registered on April 3, 2010, 271 Posts, 1342 Comments

Comment posted by Ken Archer on January 3, 2013 at 5:31 AM

This one's a beauty Rebecka

Wonderful detail and a great pose. The surrounding habitat is very complimentary.

Very Nice Work!

Ken Archer

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

Comment posted by Tom Lusk on January 3, 2013 at 10:14 AM

"I'm always mildly shocked when I take a picture I actually think is good". Quote of the year, so far!

This is an excellent look at this species. The detail is as good as any photo I've seen. The habitat is lovely. The low angle, too. If anything, I wonder if you've tried different crops - if you have the room.

Good stuff!

Registered on September 17, 2005, 312 Posts, 600 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on January 3, 2013 at 12:53 PM

Excellent, Rebecka. Wonderful detail and good light with a nice head turn.

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

Comment posted by Richard Ditch on January 3, 2013 at 2:56 PM

Nice pose and natural colors. Good detail. I'd trade a bit off the top for more space on the left if possible.

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

Comment posted by Patrick O'Healy on January 3, 2013 at 2:58 PM

Very nice shot. Agree with Rich's suggestion about the crop orientation.

Registered on March 13, 2011, 326 Posts, 1679 Comments

Comment posted by Rob Drummond on January 3, 2013 at 10:20 PM

Lovely detail and eye contact Rebecka

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

Comment posted by Terry Sohl on January 3, 2013 at 11:37 PM

The setting makes this for me. It's such a great complimentary set of colors surrounding the bird. Love the pose of the bird, and the composition as well. Beautifully done!

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