Suprise at the pond

Today a very beautiful bird landed near my pond wich I build just for drinking birds. A very nice suprise because this is the first time in about ten years a Hawfinch showed himself within 60 feet of me.
I had to act quickly to capture this bird and because I was a bit suprised I had no time to get a good comp. But my time will come O yes, my time will come.

iso 250 1/50 sec. F4

Edwin Kats

Hi Edwin,

I really like this - nice tones and detail. Slightly different to other peoples pond setups. Composition look pretty IMHO.

Great birds aren't they !
Same thing happened at my pool . I got the one shot and nearly fell off my stool !. Spook these from a hide and they really don't like it ! Mine never came back to the pool but I got them in the garden later.
Good shot though. Not too sure about the birch log but can't be choosey!
Cheers
JohnR

Hi Edwin,
Bet you're pleased to have got this one, and rightly so.
If this is what you call a 'bad' composition we'll be in for a treat when you get some you're really pleased with. Composition looks fine to me and I like his 'perch' too.

Thanks guys,

Your right, it's not a bad composition but I would like more room around the bird.

Edwin Kats

Personally, I'd be pleased with it. A great capture od a difficult species.

David

Hi Edwin,
Good shot. I do like the compo and setup.

Hi Edwin, yes I'd be very happy with that, not last for a reaction shot ....... Cliff

Nice looking image. I like it as it is

Lee

what a beauty and a very welcome visitor no doubt. This is a lovely shot Edwin, I like the perch and background.

Matt

Edwin,

Composition looks fine to me. Super shot. Looks likle a nice pool setup you have.

Rob

Well you don't see these every day that's for sure. A super shot and the tightness isn't an issue for me. I guess you could probably make a bit more space if it really bothers you, but I like it as it is.
Eric

I would just be pleased to get the bird! Think I shall have to work on this pond lark too, it's amazing what you guys get turn up! Nice one.

Fran

lovely bird in good light, well worth ten year wait

Paul

Great capture, DOF looks good too at F4..... would love to get an image of a Hawfinch..
Look forward to seeing more images of this cracking bird if it returns to your pool .....

Nice work.
Tony

Don't see many of these Edwin, so you should be pleased, thankful, delighted, grateful....I would be Great image.

I would suggest that you substitute a more graduated approach to the water, few small birds will drink here due to vulnerability, they would have to be heads down making it very easy for the local Sparrow Hawk to surprise them, plus they stand a chance of toppling in.

Excellent/faultless shot of the Hawfinch, just right for the web, but needs more space commercially.

Well Edwin I'd be more than happy with that shot, superb!

Lovely shot Edwin, subtle tones and like the interesting side to your pool