Western Meadowlark

Gallery: AvianPosted October 1, 2009190 views18 comments

Sturnella neglecta

Taken this past Sunday at a state park that is nearby.

D200, HH and resting on window, f9, 1/640, ISO 320, 200-400mm VR w/1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light. Cropped to vertical presentation from a horizontal.

Some may not care for the OOF meadowlark in the background but I find that the bird adds depth to the image. I also like that I can see the OOF bird is looking towards the primary subject.

I am developing a keen appreciation for this species with thier lemony colored chest, intricate feather patterns and how delightfully vociferous they are. I did not get to see the Eastern Meadowlark much in FL because I spent more time on the coast with shorebirds than I did inland.

As always, I sincerely appreciate your comments and critiques, thank you for looking.

Comments

18 comments

Comment posted by Kurt Bowman on October 1, 2009 at 11:17 AM

I am not surprised about you getting an appreciation for this species Lia. The Western Meadowlark is one of my favorite birds and I love their song. I really like the oof bird in the BG. I think it makes this a very unique shot. Nicely composed!

Registered on June 19, 2008, 1005 Posts, 8028 Comments

Comment posted by Monica Siri on October 1, 2009 at 2:24 PM

Very nice composition. I like the pose of the first bird and the second too. Great detail and very natural colours and tones.

Registered on September 20, 2009, 132 Posts, 3764 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Bielefeld on October 1, 2009 at 3:23 PM

Lia, I like the second bird and agree it adds depth and interest to the image. Great job on the exposure as this species is not easy to get right. I really like the comp you chose with all the rock surface. Very nice and sharp to boot. Well done.

Registered on December 6, 2008, 360 Posts, 7132 Comments

Comment posted by S Govindarajan on October 1, 2009 at 4:43 PM

A different meadowlark image from what we usually see here, Lia. I like your composition a lot. The addition of the perch adds lots of interest. The OOF meadowlark and its pose nicely complements the main subject. Along with the background, it gives a nice sense of habitat.

Great techs in what seems harsh light.

Registered on April 19, 2008, 115 Posts, 1921 Comments

Comment posted by Jim DeWitt on October 1, 2009 at 5:52 PM

Excellent capture, Lia. The OOF bird adds a lot to the composition for me, and I see that your signature lighting and low camera angle are starting to turn up in your Utah shots.

The geologist in me also likes the thick layer of salt encrusted on the basalt boulder.

Something about the shot reminds me forcefully of one of may favorite Utah authors: Terry Tempest Williams, and especially her terrific book, Refuge. Highly recommended.

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

Comment posted by Ron Dudley on October 1, 2009 at 6:41 PM

This is unique and very appealing for me Lia. I like the expanse of rock in the setting, the eye contact from the primary bird and the way the lighter OOF elements in the UL background almost provide a starburst effect to help highlight the OOF bird. But I agree with you - it makes a huge positive difference that the OOF meadowlark seems to be looking at the foreground bird. Excellent.

Registered on March 30, 2007, 437 Posts, 10915 Comments

Comment posted by May Haga on October 1, 2009 at 7:26 PM

Excellent. I like the inclusion of the second out-of-focus bird and I like that it is looking towards the main bird. This makes a very natural setting. Like the 'perch' and pose of the bird.
May

Registered on February 22, 2007, 714 Posts, 8470 Comments

Comment posted by Carrie O'Brien-Sib on October 1, 2009 at 7:38 PM

Lia, I love the gold tones throughout the photo. The little gold flower behind the bird in the background is a nice touch. The photo simply "flows!" Great job! I like your work!

Registered on August 4, 2009, 149 Posts, 889 Comments

Comment posted by David Sparks on October 1, 2009 at 8:11 PM

The lovely bird deserves the (OOF) admirer! I like the stately pose, nice techs, and unusual (for me) perch. I like your composition.

Registered on May 26, 2007, 290 Posts, 4270 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Ditch on October 1, 2009 at 8:22 PM

Excellent detail. Nice to see a different composition once in a while - you already know my thoughts on diversifying your portfolio. I'd be tempted to bump the contrast a little here but it is fine as posted.

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

Comment posted by Nate Chappell on October 1, 2009 at 9:29 PM

I like it a lot as posted Lia, its kind of a funny shot with one bird posing for the camera and the other bird watching the posing bird.

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

Comment posted by Doug Backlund on October 1, 2009 at 9:46 PM

Lia: I have some images like this that I've never posted, but I also like the oof bird in the bg setting. Maybe I'll post one of mine one of these days, now that you've broke the ice.

Registered on September 29, 2005, 252 Posts, 3380 Comments

Comment posted by Terry Sohl on October 1, 2009 at 11:50 PM

The soft feel to the lighting here is great...I think I like the contrast right where it is. I think it would be lovely with just the solo bird, but agree this composition with the 2nd bird is also nice.

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

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on October 2, 2009 at 10:05 AM

Excellent image, Lia. I find it interesting that the desert birds follow the rule of being a bit thinner and paler than the ones up here on the wet side. I like the composition a lot. The other bird looking on adds a nice touch. Nice job getting these at all-they always seem to fly as soon as I stop.

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

Comment posted by Rob Drummond on October 3, 2009 at 4:53 AM

Wonderful detail in the front bird Lia

cheers
Rob

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

Comment posted by Guy Rogers on October 3, 2009 at 6:59 AM

Hello Lia.

Really do love this the bird and the setting along with the composition couldnt be better.

Registered on January 16, 2007, 450 Posts, 995 Comments

Comment posted by Cheryl Molennor on October 3, 2009 at 9:11 PM

I like the bird in the bg. Tells a bit more of a story with the two

Registered on June 30, 2009, 300 Posts, 5051 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on October 3, 2009 at 10:20 PM

I'm late to be commenting, just want to say how much I enjoy (and envy) this great photo. Really interesting rock formation. The two birds work well together in your composition.

Registered on January 28, 2005, 879 Posts, 12098 Comments