BG Gnatcatcher

Gallery: AvianPosted April 15, 2011113 views7 comments

Blue Gray Gnatcatcher...A first for me! Caught this very active little bird early this morning in this budding tree overlooking a little stream. I got only 10 shots of him and this is the only one that wasn't blurred with constant tail wagging before he disappeared into the thicket. It may be too "cluttered" for some of you, but I think it's a nice "spring" image! I do wish that one pod shadow wasn't across it, but this is how it was

50D, 500mm, Iso 200, 1/125, F5
LARGER version also posted.

If someone knows what kind of tree it is, I'd like to know!

Comments

7 comments

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on April 15, 2011 at 8:04 PM

Nice catch!
I like the environment - sometimes, here, we look only for clean BG's - but that is not a natural environment for most birds.
Too bad about the shadow.. it would take careful work, but you might be able to clone it out.
Sandy

Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments

Comment posted by Brian Gatlin on April 15, 2011 at 9:04 PM

these guys are always too quick for me, Sharon. I don't have any objection to the setting, in fact, I find it appealing, but I do agree that the shadow is too bad. details and comp are very nice, and the pose is good, just wish it was angled a bit more toward you.

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

Comment posted by Richard Ditch on April 15, 2011 at 9:13 PM

A lovely setting and good composition. Nice exposure and natural color. Although not ideal I'm ok with the shadow.

Your experience with this bird is typical - I've got very few shots of them I like.

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

Comment posted by Ron Bielefeld on April 15, 2011 at 9:43 PM

The catkins hangind down with the BG really sets this apart Sharon. Love the comp. Personally, I like the shadow it adds even more interest to an already very intrigue image. Well done.

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

Comment posted by Craig Strand on April 15, 2011 at 10:25 PM

I love this Sharon, do not find the opening foliage distracting at all but instead a pleasant habitat addition. A very handsome subject as well..... very nicely captured!

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

Comment posted by Mia McPherson on April 16, 2011 at 7:49 AM

Sharon,

The background/setting doesn't bother me; in fact I find it very appealing because I prefer working with natural settings. I don't mind the shadow either. I love the comp you used because it feels balanced to me. Love the light, natural colors, details and pose of the bird. I do wish for more light in the bird's eye and can see a hint of that in the larger version, you may be able to enhance that. I know how fast these little gnatcatchers move, kudos for getting 10 shots of it!

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

Comment posted by keith mitchell on April 16, 2011 at 4:36 PM

Sharon some might worry about the shadow but i recon it looks fine just as it is in its very natural looking setting,lovely image

Keith..

Registered on July 12, 2008, 127 Posts, 1735 Comments