Lucy's Warbler

Gallery: AvianPosted June 19, 2011152 views16 comments

Lucy's Warbler (Vermivora luciae)

Place: Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Superior, AZ
Date: June 13, 2011
Equipment: Nikon D300, Nikkor AF-S 300/2.8 & TC20E (2x), G1325, RRS BH-55, Sidekick
Exposure: ISO 1000, aperture priority matrix metered, 1/40th @ f/5.6
Raw, Photoshop CS3 on Mac G4, no noise reduction, 55% of frame

Our smallest warbler (the same size as kinglets), and the least colorful. Range limited to the desert southwest, closely following major river drainage systems.

I like the understated colors overall and the way the few green leaves add to the composition.

Honest critiques requested; all comments appreciated.

Comments

16 comments

Comment posted by Ron Bielefeld on June 19, 2011 at 1:56 PM

Really a nice comp Rich. I agree, the leaves really add to the image. Nice look at this warbler too. A species I have never seen. I have always liked the understated beauty of our more bland colored speices. This is no exception. Well captured.

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

Comment posted by Glenn Woznick on June 19, 2011 at 2:30 PM

Hello Richard, nice photo.. I also like the leaves, but the tree in the background, takes away alittle from the photo, IMO
nice, sweet pic.
Glenn

Registered on May 7, 2011, 13 Posts, 29 Comments

Comment posted by David Williams on June 19, 2011 at 2:57 PM

Very nicely done, Richard. I am with you on the green leaves in the shot..........without that color, I don't think it would have been quite as nice.

Registered on March 8, 2005, 315 Posts, 2291 Comments

Comment posted by Dan Walters on June 19, 2011 at 4:03 PM

Very nice! Really shows how small this bird is!

Registered on October 30, 2005, 405 Posts, 3693 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on June 19, 2011 at 5:08 PM

Beautiful composition, Richard.

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

Comment posted by David Sparks on June 19, 2011 at 5:39 PM

Richard:
I like the entire composition with large trunk or branch on the left, the contrasting (in size) smaller perch, the understated color of the BG with the contrasting green leaves, and, of course, the pose of the warbler.

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

Comment posted by Ron Dudley on June 19, 2011 at 6:37 PM

I love this - the delicacy of the leaves goes so well with the tiny bird and I like the leaning branch to the left. The background tree doesn't bother me. Excellent results from the D300 and the photographer at ISO 1000 and 1/40th.

Registered on March 30, 2007, 437 Posts, 10915 Comments

Comment posted by Cheryl Molennor on June 19, 2011 at 8:32 PM

I really like the angle you shot this at with the greens all in focus as well as the bird. The softness of the colors add alot as well.

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

Comment posted by May Haga on June 19, 2011 at 9:00 PM

The branch looks like a swing. Nice setting. Very pleasing image.
May

Registered on February 22, 2007, 714 Posts, 8470 Comments

Comment posted by Sharon Hallowell on June 19, 2011 at 10:11 PM

oooooh this is special! Love the delicate look and lighting. Very, very nice! Sharon

Registered on November 1, 2003, 392 Posts, 4810 Comments

Comment posted by Jim DeWitt on June 20, 2011 at 1:14 AM

Among your best posts, Richard, and a gem of a species. Excellent composition.

Registered on August 28, 2006, 1240 Posts, 8506 Comments

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on June 20, 2011 at 2:05 AM

Very sweet! Love the detail in the tree and bright leraves. The large image shows a touch of catchlight - I bet you could bring it out a bit more with some levels adjustments.
Fine image, as always.
Sandy

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

Comment posted by Rob Drummond on June 20, 2011 at 7:38 AM

Love it Richard - as you mention, "the understated colours" but also the splash of green. Great setting

cheers
Rob

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

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on June 20, 2011 at 11:38 AM

Looks very similar to some other warblers here.. I may have seen this species and not even recognized it..
I agree that the green leaves make all the difference in this comp. They contrast this birds plain color nicely.
Well done Richard.

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

Comment posted by Charles Gangas on June 21, 2011 at 11:29 PM

Lovely composition Rich. The muted colors are beautifully enhanced by the soft green leaves-wonderful 'small in frame' image.

Registered on August 12, 2009, 544 Posts, 2414 Comments

Comment posted by Steve Balke on June 25, 2011 at 10:10 PM

This is a beautiful comp as posted, Richard. I wondered why the comparatively large tree does not spoil it: I think it's because it's quite far from the bird and is sort of faded in color. The bird and its branch are so delicate, I find that surprising.

Registered on June 18, 2009, 229 Posts, 2915 Comments