Black-chinned Sparrow 2

Gallery: AvianPosted June 8, 201094 views13 comments

Canon 7D, 500mm + 1.4x TC, monopod

1/1250, f/7.1, ISO 640

This is full frame (I told you they were cooperative!). As I mentioned in my previous post, I enjoyed a pair of Black-chinned Sparrows at very close range a few days ago.

This one, I think has nice light and details, and the bugs in the bill obviously add some interest. The only thing I'd wish for would be a bit of a head turn to provide a little more engagement.

I'm a little unclear on the rules, I'm going to post a 100% crop of the bugs because I think they're interesting. Although I think it would go best in here, since it's not a reworked version for critique, I think I have to post it in the forums rather than the critique galleries, so if you are interested, you can see it there.

Comments and critiques are appreciated. Please view larger version if possible.

Comments

13 comments

Comment posted by Luke Ormand on June 8, 2010 at 10:33 PM

I'm awlays happy when I can get a songbird with food in its mouth and this is really special. f/9 would have ensured the front bit of pine tree were in focus and you had the SS for this, but that's the only nit.

- Luke

Registered on February 4, 2009, 1093 Posts, 7035 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on June 8, 2010 at 11:41 PM

The lack of white or black on the bird has helped you out under fairly harsh lighting. He's slightly centered and I agree a bit more of a head turn would have helped, especially to show off the black chin. Hopefully that doesn't sound too negative, it's a nice photo.

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

Comment posted by Rob Drummond on June 9, 2010 at 7:13 AM

Nice detail and lunch Brian

cheers
Rob

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

Comment posted by John Tobias on June 9, 2010 at 10:13 AM

Interesting photo. Good detail where needed. thanks for sharing.

Registered on September 12, 2009, 2120 Posts, 6455 Comments

Comment posted by Kurt Bowman on June 9, 2010 at 11:29 AM

You got nice detail in this shot Brian. always a bonus to get a mouthful of food to go along with it.

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

Comment posted by Jim Hackley on June 9, 2010 at 11:46 AM

A full frame shot, something I have not got in a long time. Wow that is a mouthful, nice job on getting this shot. The background helps to bring out the bird and I like the comp. Well done.

Registered on September 17, 2009, 302 Posts, 5535 Comments

Comment posted by David Haynes on June 9, 2010 at 1:27 PM

Brian,

Larger version is great!! I can't believe you were able to get that close. The details are super. Love the natural setting and the mouth full of food. Composition is good. I agree that a little bit of head turn would be really nice as this looks a little static, kind of like a statue. Really nice shot Brian. Very cooperative subject to say the least.

Registered on February 20, 2010, 110 Posts, 1511 Comments

Comment posted by Simon Bennett on June 9, 2010 at 4:20 PM

That's quite a mouthful, nice pose too.

Registered on February 4, 2007, 350 Posts, 4614 Comments

Comment posted by David Chauvin on June 9, 2010 at 5:30 PM

The mouthful of food is definitely a big plus for this image, Brian. Nice job in what looks to be strong lighting.

Registered on August 5, 2004, 1007 Posts, 5595 Comments

Comment posted by David Sparks on June 9, 2010 at 7:53 PM

Brian:
I agree with your own assessment of the photo, although the major reason I would like to see a little more head turn would be to see the chin. Good work getting so close!

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

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on June 10, 2010 at 12:19 AM

Excellent, Brian. Neat pose and habitat and I like the light. It does seem a bit oversharpened to my eye. It seems that some birds that show a lot of feather structure require less sharpening than normal, and I think this is one of those cases.

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

Comment posted by Cheryl Molennor on June 10, 2010 at 6:33 AM

Nice capture with great detail. I also feel the light was a bit harsh but you handled it well. I'm curious about thos bugs so I'm gonna visit the forum

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

Comment posted by Derrick Lipinski on June 11, 2010 at 12:03 AM

Wonderful detail, Brian. Certainly has a mouthful!

Registered on October 5, 2007, 58 Posts, 2039 Comments