Black Phoebe

Gallery: AvianPosted April 24, 201696 views3 comments

Black Phoebe (Sayornis nigricans)

Place: Gilbert Water Ranch, Gilbert, AZ
Date: April 11, 3:39 pm
Equipment: Nikon D7200, Nikkor AF-S 300/2.8 & TC20E III (2x), G1325, RRS BH-55, Sidekick
ISO 800, aperture priority spot metered, 1/320^th sec @ f/11
Raw, PS CC 2015, Mac, 51% of frame

Black Phoebe is the western counterpart of the widespread Eastern Phoebe, and like the eastern bird has a strong affinity for water. It makes a nest out of grass and straw near water, and it is my guess that is what is happening with this bird. It sure looks like a messy business!

As always: honest critiques requested; all comments appreciated. Please view the larger image before critiquing if possible.

Comments

3 comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on April 24, 2016 at 7:01 PM

Ah! I was trying to figure out why a flycatcher would have mud on its beak. The nest building explains it. Wonderful detail in the larger image, Richard. Nice bg and the diagonal perch it perfectly positioned in the frame.

devil

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

Comment posted by Allen Brooks on April 24, 2016 at 11:29 PM

Nice pose and perch. Good handling of the dark and light colors in the Phoebe.

Registered on July 27, 2011, 262 Posts, 2597 Comments

Comment posted by Kurt Bowman on April 25, 2016 at 10:02 PM

Not a bird I see very often (including posts) so thanks for sharing. I wasn't aware they nested near water (rare to see one near me), so nice to see an image of them in that environment. Good techs as always.

Registered on June 19, 2008, 1005 Posts, 8028 Comments