Dark-eyed Junco

Gallery: AvianPosted February 10, 2010116 views15 comments

This one is from a lull in the blizzard we had all day. Anyone want some snow? I tried taking a bunch of photos at Iso1600, but the noise was just terrible, so I decided to try some with flash. I was worried that the flash would bother the birds, but they didn't seem to care one bit. I wish I could get my snow as sparkley as Nick's

50D, 500mm, Iso200, F7.1, 1/200 LARGER version posted, too!

Comments

15 comments

Comment posted by Cheryl Molennor on February 10, 2010 at 10:34 PM

Sharon, I think the flash worked well but the bird itself looks to me to need a tad brightening. I love the sparkely snow and the exposure on the whites is great as well as the detail.

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

Comment posted by Charlie VanTassel on February 10, 2010 at 11:01 PM

Really sharp, Sharon. I like to watch snow on TV, or here on NPN. I agree it could be a tad brighter.

Registered on October 18, 2006, 644 Posts, 4801 Comments

Comment posted by Wayne Rhodus on February 10, 2010 at 11:59 PM

Wonderful detail Sharon. Sorry to hear you've been bogged down by the blizzard. I agree that a bit more brightness would be in order.

Registered on November 16, 2003, 157 Posts, 3326 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on February 11, 2010 at 1:54 AM

Your snow is pretty sparkley Sharon!

I am going to be the contrarian by suggesting that the brightness is fine, I don't see a need for any adjustment. I'm really not sure but the Junco looks just a bit cyan to me, perhaps picking up some of the colors from the icy environment.

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

Comment posted by Brian Gatlin on February 11, 2010 at 7:48 AM

No thanks, Sharon--we've got plenty of snow here. 6 ft so far this winter.

But I'm headed south for a week as soon as I get off work.

I like this, and think the brightness looks good as is for a blizzardy day. Nice details too.

Registered on March 21, 2009, 202 Posts, 4187 Comments

Comment posted by Kevin Thompson on February 11, 2010 at 7:51 AM

Well done Sharon...

Registered on March 15, 2005, 114 Posts, 2639 Comments

Comment posted by Craig Strand on February 11, 2010 at 8:06 AM

One has to love the detail you captured with the flash. Beautiful bird and comp. Congratulations Sharon!

Registered on March 30, 2008, 416 Posts, 2885 Comments

Comment posted by Giorgio Gregori on February 11, 2010 at 8:44 AM

Excellent shot Sharon,
could be a postcard of winter. Very sharp. Besides subject, I like a lot delicate tones, snowy ground and OOF falling snow.
Giorgio

Registered on November 16, 2007, 87 Posts, 793 Comments

Comment posted by Nick Saunders on February 11, 2010 at 8:59 AM

Lovely setting for this species Sharon. Keep at it, maybe you'll get some sparkly stuff

Registered on February 6, 2008, 321 Posts, 3035 Comments

Comment posted by Nate Chappell on February 11, 2010 at 3:11 PM

Love the snow and nice detail. I agree with Gary that their might be a cyan cast to the whites in the bird here.

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

Comment posted by Ron Bielefeld on February 11, 2010 at 3:13 PM

I like this Sharon. I am not sure it needs to be brighter. I would have to see it. I think the flash worked well for you here.

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

Comment posted by Mia McPherson on February 11, 2010 at 6:46 PM

Sharon,

I'm still hoping to get a junco shot much like this one in the snow. My mom loves these little birds and I'd like to get a great one, print it and mail it to her.

Your snow looks sparkly to me. I like the pose of the junco and I especially like the setting. I could see this a wee bit brighter, but not much as it might ruin the mood the image conveys to me.

Registered on June 25, 2007, 491 Posts, 12566 Comments

Comment posted by David Sparks on February 11, 2010 at 8:05 PM

Sharon:
Congrats on a nice capture in tough conditions. I like it as presented and perhaps would like it even more with the modifications suggested by others, but I would be delighted to have it as is in my files.