Snow Buntings

Group shots like this always give me trouble, and I think you've done reasonably well here. The pattern is mostly solid with only a couple large empty spots. The setting is easy to identify without being intrusive on the flock. The species is easy to identify - not always the case in shots of large flocks.

Removing the 2x converter would have allowed for f/2.8 and less depth of field, to soften the background further and also allow 1/1000th second shutter speed. That would be fine if the flock was large enough to fill the more expansive field of view. A 300/2.8 shot wide open might have been the ticket here if you had one.

Very nice image. It is a great behavior shot. This is the closest I can ever get to Snow Buntings. They are normally very skittish.

I agree with Cindy. cut or clone the edge partials. Next time go for higher ISO, maybe 800, and a bit faster shutter speed.

hmm, if I ever see more than 1 Snow Bunting as a time, I'll tell you what I figure out :). I saw one a couple days ago, but when I went back today it had finally gone after 2 weeks. Snow Buntings are rare here most winters.

Not bad at all, Lindy. I have yet to get a flock image that really appeals to me. The distinctive plumage does make these stand out. I think I agree that a higher shutter speed and less dof might help make the birds pop more.

I quite like this image, it's hard to tell the sharpness without a larger image but I think generally you would want a faster shutter speed than you used. Cool shot Lindy

I like it. I've never seen a snow bunting, so this flock shot is very attractive IMHO. I would have liked to seen a larger image, just so I could see more details. Thanks for sharing.

I was wondering which one you focussed on too
A wider aperture with a faster shutter speed would have been my choice too but I'd still be more than happy to have taken this one.
Well done.

Geoff.

I think this is a fine shot, Lindy. I like it a lot. Seeing the group behavior and being able to identify the species is darn good with this much action going on!

Battery/power pack (MB-D10, I think) stuffed with high quality batteries, set on CH will give you 8 frames/sec capability. And set to continuous focus and the setting on the back of the camera that sets the focus brackets- put it on the solid white square. (Sorry, silly I can't remember the name of the function switch…) That's what I do for snow geese and such with decent results. Up the ISO to about 1000 if possible, and I'd say f 5.6 is the smallest aperture to go for if shutter speed and not dof is the priority. Hope that helps.