Winter Bluebird

Gallery: AvianPosted January 26, 201178 views12 comments

Since its currently nothing but white outside, I thought I'd post something with a little color. This was taken a couple weeks ago when I found a patch of Staghorn Sumac being frequented by some Eastern Bluebirds.

This perch certainly fits the idea of 'simplifying', but I wonder if it might be a little too stark in this case. I'd love to hear your thoughts on that, or anything else you notice that would make this image better.

Nikon D80
Mode: Aperature
ISO: 400
Lens: Nikon 300mm f/4 & 1.7TC
Exp: 1/1250 sec at f/8
Handheld
Heavy crop from both sides, but no vertical crop. Result is 40% of FF.

Comments

12 comments

Comment posted by Richard Teller on January 27, 2011 at 12:05 AM

Nice perch, detail and comp. Over all nice image.

Registered on August 23, 2010, 1162 Posts, 6692 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on January 27, 2011 at 1:11 AM

The fine detail on the sumac is quite interesting and intricate, good thing the image is so sharp that we can appreciate all of it and keeps the perch from being too stark in my opinion. The long stem also emphasizes the small size of the little Bluebird. A good composition.

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

Comment posted by Andy Shepherd on January 27, 2011 at 4:54 AM

The clean and simple composition works for me, Jeff. Sweet bird too, wish we had these in the UK.

Andy...

Registered on September 24, 2006, 123 Posts, 1254 Comments

Comment posted by Rob Drummond on January 27, 2011 at 5:44 AM

Nice one Jeff - love the comp and the colours of the perch and chest complement each other. Great hairy perch also

cheers
Rob

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

Comment posted by Brian Gatlin on January 27, 2011 at 7:56 AM

perch, pose, and sharpness are all really nice, Jeff. bird might be just a little high in the frame for my taste, but it would be easy to add a little blue if you wanted. I've never been a big fan of bluebirds against blue sky, but I think it works well here because the blues are different enough that there's some contrast. I like the simplicity of this--it's a good looking shot.

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

Comment posted by Mia McPherson on January 27, 2011 at 8:20 AM

Jeff,

I don't think this is too "stark", I like the simplicity of the frame and perch. Lovely pose & eye contact.

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

Comment posted by Jeff Loomis on January 27, 2011 at 12:04 PM

Thanks everyone. The fuzzy perch was a key element to me. Now that I know where they're hanging out, maybe I can coax one down to a lower perch so the background isn't all sky. Brian, I agree he's a little high in the frame. Maybe I'll try adding canvas (a new task for me).

Registered on January 26, 2010, 68 Posts, 719 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Hackley on January 27, 2011 at 4:44 PM

Nice pose and look from the bluebird, a fine shot overall. I might be inclined to show less of the perch like Brian had mentioned but that is a personal choice, well done.

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

Comment posted by Dan Moore on January 27, 2011 at 7:22 PM

Excellent perch and comp. Lovely post!

Dan

Registered on February 11, 2010, 143 Posts, 1248 Comments

Comment posted by Luke Ormand on February 9, 2011 at 12:19 PM

Not sure how I missed this one... the detail on the perch is awesome and the bird is gorgeous. Would love a bluebird on a natural post like this

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

Comment posted by Simon Bennett on February 9, 2011 at 4:33 PM

Lovely image - I especially like the composition and eye contact.

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

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on March 5, 2011 at 7:33 AM

Haven't seen one bluebird here in Central Texas for the past year, not usually the case..I think the "fuzzy" perch & comp works fine, simple and effective. Nice & sharp, details held up well with the 60% crop too.
I like it

Registered on July 24, 2008, 1201 Posts, 10758 Comments