Marsh Wren Calling

Gallery: AvianPosted June 1, 2013176 views5 comments

Today I went kayaking at a nearby wildlife refuge. I got a relatively late start so lighting was not optimal and the bald eagles I hopped to find (and photograph) were not around - nor was their purported nest even remotely accessible (a good thing I suppose). I did, however, get this Marsh Wren which is a new species to my photographic catalogue. I would have liked more time/angles/poses with them but they're a finicky bunch and shooting from a kayak is not the most maneuverable platform when trying to photograph small birds in cattail marshes.

Nikon D7100 300mm f4 + 1.7X TC HH from kayak
f/8
1/1250s
ISO 500
Shot in Cropped Mode (1000mm EFL)

Full Frame, minor adjustments in LR4 and CS5

- Luke

Comments

5 comments

Comment posted by John Neukirch on June 1, 2013 at 10:43 PM

At least you caught his eye and beak free and clear. I feel your pain, been there many times, would of, could of, should of. You take what you can get! Lots of these little birds are really shy and like to stay in the tangle and mess, anybody that shoots them understands very well. I think your large version is exceptional in spite of the blurring twigs, love his strattled stance.

Registered on July 9, 2012, 207 Posts, 1476 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on June 1, 2013 at 11:05 PM

Nice job on the focus through all the reeds, Luke. I love that typical wren perching habit of grabbing two reeds. Nice singing pose as well.

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

Comment posted by Richard Ditch on June 2, 2013 at 11:09 AM

I like this as posted. These birds are often hard to see and this "hidden" view captures that aspect perfectly while still showing the wren.

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

Comment posted by Martin Dunn on June 2, 2013 at 11:16 AM

I like it Luke, The pale colours of the reeds and the pale blue sky work well to highlight the main subject. Sharpness on the wren is terrific.
If I were anthropomorphising (is that a word?) I would say it looks as though the poor little fella has his feet on two reeds that are pulling him apart and he is crying for help.

Registered on February 20, 2013, 198 Posts, 1011 Comments

Comment posted by Randy Bacon on June 2, 2013 at 8:39 PM

Nice shot, a real sense of place and a good job of getting a good clean look at the eye. Not sure what the problem is with shooting from a kayak, what with wind, current, sun angle, juggling paddles and camera gear, and oh by the way moving subjects - should be a breeze! You handled it well and got a fine shot of an elusive subject in a classic pose, well done. By the way, congrats on the addition of a new bird to your collection.

Registered on November 24, 2008, 56 Posts, 492 Comments