White-crowned Sparrow

Gallery: AvianPosted October 20, 2013111 views9 comments

White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys)

Place: Water Ranch, Gilbert, AZ
Date: October 11, 2013, 7:48 am
Equipment: Nikon D300, Nikkor AF-S 300/2.8 plus TC20E III (2x), Gitzo 1325, RRS BH55, Sidekick
Exposure: ISO 400, Aperture priority matrix metered, 1/640th @ f/8
Raw on Mac, PSCS3, 80% of frame
Not baited, not set up, no cloning, no noise reduction

A companion shot to my previous post, taken 47 seconds later. I used the time to move a little closer to increase the size of the sparrow in the frame.

I realize that some object to the shadows on the subject, but for me I’m fine with them sice the eye is in thre clear. The shadows on the breast help define the form of the sparrow for me.

Honest critiques requested; all comments appreciated. If possible please view the large version before commenting.

Comments

9 comments

Comment posted by Philip Hodgkins on October 20, 2013 at 8:48 PM

I agree re the shadows. The subject fares much better in the large image in details. Is that a Honey Locust the bird is perched in?

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

Comment posted by Richard Ditch on October 20, 2013 at 9:03 PM

Is that a Honey Locust the bird is perched in?

I'm not sure I'd know a Honey Locust, or even if they grow here in AZ. This is one of our common mesquite trees.

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

Comment posted by John Jeevaratnam on October 20, 2013 at 10:41 PM

Beautiful light and a sharp photo. I like the shadow on the bird, they add depth to the composition.

Registered on July 29, 2013, 112 Posts, 229 Comments

Comment posted by keith mitchell on October 21, 2013 at 3:15 AM

Richard the shadows are not a problem for me it shows the bird in it's habitat which I must say I like.

Keith.

Registered on July 12, 2008, 127 Posts, 1735 Comments

Comment posted by Robert Bunch on October 21, 2013 at 9:34 AM

I like this one for pretty much the same reasons as the previous post but I do prefer the looser crop of your first one. The shadows are not an issue for me.

Registered on May 18, 2004, 124 Posts, 2503 Comments

Comment posted by Keith Bauer on October 21, 2013 at 11:47 AM

I like both of the images you've posted of this. My personal preference is the first image. For me, the mood of it is just more serene.

Registered on November 20, 2003, 458 Posts, 4836 Comments

Comment posted by Nate Chappell on October 21, 2013 at 4:23 PM

I like both posts but also prefer the first one, this feels a little tight near the top to me.

Registered on February 1, 2006, 1158 Posts, 19528 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Marsh on October 22, 2013 at 12:08 PM

The shadows are not a problem for me Richard. It makes it more natural and interesting.The face of the bird has good light and shows good detail in the large version.I also like the comp and perch.

Registered on December 29, 2012, 21 Posts, 225 Comments

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on November 26, 2013 at 8:00 AM

"I realize that some object to the shadows on the subject, but for me I’m fine with them since the eye is in the clear. The shadows on the breast help define the form of the sparrow for me." I agree with this statement Rich.
So I would usually go with the closer view.. But in this case I actually prefer the previous post.
The perch and bird share the frame nicely there. I like the birds pose better, & there's more 'head room'.

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