Me First....!

I recently had the opportunity to photograph the Green woodpeckers that nest in my friends back garden. So with my chair hide in tow, I set to it.

I had some real problems with lighting as the the canopy over the birds was that of a small apple tree and so the birds were nesting only about 4ft off of the ground. Outside the shade of the tree the light was harsh as you can see in the BG. Furthermore the birds reacted badly to the flash and moving away from the nest when I used it. so I stopped immediately and tried to concentrate my efforts on controlling shutter speed against ISO and natural light. This worked and the birds didn't seem to mind me being there despite having a wary eye on me each visit.

Anyway, it would be nice to get your thoughts on this image and suggestions for future situations.

Kind regard,

Brett.

Canon 30D, Sigma 50-500mm
F10 @ 1/160
B&C, Sharp in PS
Very small crop top, right and bottom (5-10%)

Brett,

I think this is a lovely shot. Well done i wish i had a friend with these in their back garden

Ian Hardy

Very nice Brett - pity about the BG on the lower right being so 'hot' but it's a lovely shot to have

All sounds terrifically civilised - was there a glass of Pimms and a punet of strawberries to hand too

Thanks guys, I know what you mean about that damn lighting Andy, a real pain for me. I think I might have a couple that aren't quite so harsh and might be able to retrieve something from those.. As for refreshments, it was all to hand and tea was brought to me frequently..

Brett

very nice shot and behaviour, as you say the lighting isn't too great but you've handled it well

Aren't Green Woodpeckers fantastic looking thingsas shown here.
All been said about the lighting, is it worth having another go when light is not so harsh?

Major.

Lovely! It's the youngster that makes the image stand out. I realise that everything is indeed green here (!) but am I in fact seeing a green cast to exaggerate it?

You bring out the interaction between the younster and the parent perfectly.
Sometimes the intese wish to present a perfect avian photograph
covers the adventure of really seeing what happens out there.
Greetings,
Bertl

Nice shot Brett despite the harsh lighting.
Thanks for the Text, you are welcome anytime

Tony

As you say rather harsh light which you have handled very well, what you needed was some light cloud cover, I assume the chick has fledged now so probably no opportunity to do a return shoot?

There does appear to be a slight overall green cast.. I also think that with a little bit of TLC in PS those hotspots could be toned down.... will tell you how next time we meet...