Song Sparrow

Gallery: AvianPosted January 8, 2016120 views9 comments

A big change from the Egrets, but taken just a bit down the car loop from that series. I always stop at this patch of Blackberries/Teasel (both invasives) because the song sparrows really seem to like them. This time I found a cooperative one.

7D2, Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary at 600mm, beanbag on car window, f/7.1, 1/800, iso 400, aperture priority, pattern metering. Processed in LR5 & CS6. Cropped to 13MP. Taken December 30th at 11:43 am at Ridgefield NWR.

I appreciate all your comments on the heron series and look forward to your input on this image.

Thanks,

Comments

9 comments

Comment posted by Cay-Uwe Kulzer on January 8, 2016 at 2:49 AM

Dennis,

although the overall setup looks a bit cluttered, busy, I like the image. Probably it is because of the mainly monochromatic colors, in which the sparrow stands out pretty well.

I am really surprised about the image quality of the Sigma and I may have to test it, even when I would prefer the Canon 100-400 ...

Technically not nits, great sharpness and good exposure.

Registered on January 27, 2004, 494 Posts, 4021 Comments

Comment posted by Sharron Sims on January 8, 2016 at 10:17 AM

Dennis,
I really like the spiny teasel bur in the image. I think it adds interest and context. I like the monochromatic look too.

Registered on April 28, 2014, 54 Posts, 166 Comments

Comment posted by Pete Bengeyfield on January 8, 2016 at 11:10 AM

Excellent positioning on the sparrow. Also, a good feel for the camoflague provided by color.

Registered on December 2, 2003, 1247 Posts, 3439 Comments

Comment posted by John Neukirch on January 8, 2016 at 11:33 AM

I really like this image and even though the BG is pretty messy there is enough separation with the bird and perch to make it stand out nicely. I’ve always been a fan of sparrow images in their complementary habitat. Rarely do they present such a fine unobstructed view for very long. Beautiful warm light, way to go! devil

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

Comment posted by Steve Thompson on January 8, 2016 at 12:25 PM

Very sharp detail in the feathers and a nice head turn too. Backgrounds a little busy but it works alright. Well done!

Registered on August 7, 2014, 125 Posts, 2319 Comments

Comment posted by Philip Hodgkins on January 8, 2016 at 4:22 PM

Almost a duotone. The sparrow really stands out in what would be very cluttered with a broader spectrum of color. The 150mm—600mm really is working for you! Mine has done better once I calibrated it. cool

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

Comment posted by Jim Zablotny on January 9, 2016 at 12:49 PM

Hi Dennis,

I like sparrows and your photo is nice and sharp and composed beautifully. BG is very busy, but it is a type of habitat that song sparrows prefer. ......................Jim

Registered on January 17, 2004, 705 Posts, 3594 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Ditch on January 9, 2016 at 5:43 PM

I like tihs as posted and don't consider the BG cluttered or a problem in any way. It is perfect habitat for the species and makes a fine monochrome image. I'd back off slightly on thre sharpening in the larger version.

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

Comment posted by Jim DeWitt on January 10, 2016 at 1:31 PM

Excellent, Dennis. Really lovely.

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