Black-throated Sparrow

It looks as though you're going to have some fun with that camera. This is a beautiful image with loads of detail. Well done Bob!
Pete

This is really gorgeous, Bob! Can't get much better than this, especially during the sunny mid day!
Dusty V

Hi, Bob,

I think you done good.

Bill

If this is what you call 'practice', I can't wait to see when you 'get it right'!!

This is too good!

I'm jealous. Jealous of the bird, the light and even the cactus. I suppose I could go to the local nursery and put a cactus by my feeder. Do you think a photo of a scruffy White-throated Sparrow in the rain on a cactus would work?

Hard to imagine it getting any better than this. I've never seen one, but can surely see the exposure difficulties it would pose.

Margaret

Hi Bob,

Beautiful! Expertly done! Love the diagonals too.

Did I mention I hate you?

Thank you Bob!

Question about the cactus. Is this plant native to your region? I like it very much, but if these don't grow in the wild it's a bit odd perch, if you know what I mean. The shot itself is beautiful..

Peter

Absolutely stunning Bob! So clean and so beautiful! Great job with all the tecs.and controlling the mid-day shadows!

Chris Davidson

Simply outstanding Bob!

Very impressive Bob, and what a beautiful bird !

COOL perch Bob! And excellent exposure on a difficult to expose bird! I'd wish for a little more DOF to get the tail in focus. I love the composition too...nice diagonal lines!

A lovely image Bob. I love the perch, & the image just works so well
Glad to see you have got the hang of your new camera

Regards
Matthew

<b>Originally posted by Peter den Hartog:</b>

<i>Question about the cactus. Is this plant native to your region? I like it very much, but if these don't grow in the wild it's a bit odd perch, if you know what I mean.</i>

Hi Peter, thanks for the comment. The cactus is <b>Cholla</b> (genus <i>Opuntia</i>), a native to the desert southwest North America - as are Black-throated Sparrow who nest in Cholla cactus. I can assure you this Cholla was well rooted into the ground.

Excellent!

Although this is a common bird here (has even visited my urban back yard), I haven't been able to get this close. What kind of bag blind are you using - I don't want to cook in one here in overly sunny AZ.

<i>What kind of bag blind are you using - I don't want to cook in one here in overly sunny AZ.</i>

Rich, I use the N-visi/Bag blind sold by <a href="http://www.kirkphoto.com/accessories.html" target="_blank">Kirk Enterprises</a>. It's pretty much identical to the <a href="http://www.rue.com/equip.html#e103" target="_blank">LL Rue pocket bag blind</a> (lots cheaper). It gets pretty darn toasty here in my desert too and I've used mine for short periods in temps up to the low 90's.

I have both of those bag blinds laying around somewhere, and I've never taken a single photo from either one. I guess I'm too claustrophobic to put more effort into using them, and I hate to not be able to see what's going on around me. I am curious as to how you are able to use flash in one of those things. There's only a slit for the lens. Did you cut another hole for the flash unit?

Sorry Bob, I came back for another view and can't resist leaving an additional post as well!
This image ROCKS!
Chris Davidson

<i>I am curious as to how you are able to use flash in one of those things. There's only a slit for the lens. Did you cut another hole for the flash unit?</i>

Hi Bob. Yes, that's exactly what I (and others I know) did. Put the blind over your lens and tripod, cut a 2 or 3 inch long slit in the blind right where your flash bracket and cords need to go through. I use it this way all the time. Works swell.

And Chris D., thanks, you made my day.

Sweeeeet!! The perch is just right.

Terry Hartley

Time to use one of these...

Bob...this is.. SWEET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A technically perfect image and outstanding composition!

Michael

Nice work, good exposure in the whites, brings out the detail in the plumage. A bit soft on the tail, but does not detract from the overall beauty of the shot.

Greg

Good detail and exposure, well taken.

Greg

Spectacular shot!!!
Very very compliments Bob