Black-and-White Warbler

Gallery: AvianPosted October 25, 201593 views5 comments

Black-and-White Warbler (Mniotilta varia)
Phoenix, AZ
Date: October 15, 2015, 9:06 am
Equipment: Nikon D300, AF-S 300/4, handheld
Exposure: aperture priority spot meter, ISO 800, 1/320^th second at f/11
Raw, PS CS3 on Mac, 43% of frame

I’ve had little time this week for working on images or even commenting, so here’s a recent shot from the files.
Black-and-white Warblers are an eastern species that stray regularly to the western U.S. I’ve seen them here in AZ 6 out of the past 21 years, and this is second time one has been in our yard. It was present for about 2-3 minutes from the time my wife Carol noticed it – just enough time for me to grab my binoculars to confirm her ID, and then the camera for a couple of quick shots.

Some viewers might find the warbler too small in the frame, but I like the positon in ther frame and the light, plus the characteristic behavior for the species.

Honest critique requested; all comments appreciacted.

Comments

5 comments

Comment posted by John Tobias on October 25, 2015 at 8:58 PM

Richard, I like how you have this guy highlighted on the tree trunk. Nice alert pose. If possible would like to see just a bit more detail in the face, the highlite area along the lower jaw. Thanks for sharing. I have only seen one of this warbler, photo no way as good as yours.

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

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on October 25, 2015 at 10:30 PM

I love the spot light effect on the warbler, Richard. The small size in the frame suits the size of the bird. Great pose and eye contact and your techs are spot on as usual.

devil

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

Comment posted by Steve Thompson on October 26, 2015 at 3:58 PM

Richard, like Dennis I like the "spotlight look" this photo has which brings your attention right to the bird. Almost looks like a Nuthatch pose.

Registered on August 7, 2014, 125 Posts, 2319 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Ditch on October 26, 2015 at 4:54 PM

Almost looks like a Nuthatch pose.

That was the cryptic reference I made to "characteristic behavior for the species." The Black-and-white Warbler feeds on the trunks and branches of trees, much like a nuthatch, creeping up and down looking for insects and seeds trapped in the bark. It makes it much easier to identify the species as a result.

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

Comment posted by Hans Overduin on October 28, 2015 at 1:03 PM

One of those images that one needs to open in the larger version to fully apreciate it ! Love it, well done ! Cheers, Hans

Registered on August 31, 2011, 491 Posts, 3807 Comments