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Meadowlark Madness

Discussion

20 replies
Posted by Kurt Bowman on April 12, 2009 at 12:07 PM
Meadowlark Madness
I captured a few shots of Western Meadowlarks yesterday. They have one of the best songs. I also like their bright colors. I have been working pretty hard at improving my handheld ability. I was very happy to see how sharp these came out. Most images are about 80% of original image.

Canon 50D
Canon 300mm f/4
Most of these were caught around 1/250 using ISO 400
handheld
Posted by Kurt Bowman on April 12, 2009 at 12:08 PM
#2
Posted by Kurt Bowman on April 12, 2009 at 12:09 PM
#3
Posted by John Mumaw on April 12, 2009 at 12:35 PM
Beautiful images of a beautiful bird.
Love the OOF background!

Looks like your handholding abilities were more than par here.
Posted by Jeremy Week on April 12, 2009 at 12:42 PM
I agree Kurt, they have one of the best songs. Good sharpness on the birds. #2 is my favorite.

If your doing hand-held, have you used the string-and-washer technique?
http://www.howcast.com/videos/113764-How-To-Make-a-Tripod-With-a-Piece-Of-String-a-Beanbag-or-Your-Body

I find it works pretty well for me.
Posted by Kurt Bowman on April 12, 2009 at 12:46 PM
Jeremy, I have tor un out the door, but I book marked and will take a peek tonight. Thanks for the url :biggrin:
Posted by Paul Wegemann on April 12, 2009 at 1:44 PM
These are great! I love #2. Handheld?! I am very impressed.
Posted by Rod Chandler on April 12, 2009 at 3:11 PM
Kurt, I grew up in NE Oregon where Western Meadowlarks are abundant. I was thrilled when I moved to Colorado and found these magnificent birds with such a wonderful song. These are beautiful images with a delightful OOF background. Great work! You have inspired me to get out to Aurora Reservoir and show some patience to try and capure some of these guys for myself. Thanks. BTW, I have used a monopod for wildlife and birds with some success.
Posted by Don George on April 12, 2009 at 4:30 PM
Kent, great images. The color and sharpness are fantastic!
Posted by Dave Showalter` on April 12, 2009 at 6:01 PM
Awesome images, all. Colorful with good comps and uncluttered backgrounds.

BTW, the western meadowlark is among the grassland birds on Audubon's "Common Birds In Decline" list ~ habitat loss and fragmentation. :eek:
Posted by Ken Bachman on April 12, 2009 at 8:34 PM
Great shots of our state bird, 2 and 3 especially, sharp and colorful.
Thanks for sharing.
Posted by Kalin Wilson on April 12, 2009 at 10:11 PM
Great shots! Very nice clarity!
Posted by Aleksandra Miesak on April 12, 2009 at 10:13 PM
These are really amazing and #2 is my favorite! One day I'll find the necessary patience needed for capturing birds :smile:
Posted by Jesse Speer on April 13, 2009 at 12:01 AM
Excellent work Kurt. Beautiful backgrounds too. You are putting that dreamy 300mm to good use.
Posted by Morris McClung on April 13, 2009 at 12:15 AM
Ditto on the backgrounds, Kurt. Perfect perch for the shot, too. Well done!
Posted by Stan Rose on April 13, 2009 at 2:37 AM
Cool! I think #2 is the best.
Posted by Todd Caudle on April 13, 2009 at 10:31 AM
These are absolutely textbook, Kurt. Well done indeed!
Posted by Don Grall on April 13, 2009 at 12:42 PM
#2 is a classic meadowlark shot, Kurt. Great job! The only thing that's missing is a catchlight in the eye. If Mother Nature isn't providing it, a little flash fill will do the job.
Posted by Guy Schmickle on April 13, 2009 at 2:02 PM
Yep, #2 is my pick as well. Love it when you catch em belting out a song!
Posted by Dan Walters on April 13, 2009 at 10:17 PM
Great images!! All look very sharp. Nice colors as well.
Posted by Matthew Kennedy on April 15, 2009 at 4:11 PM
Great stuff. Looks like you got pretty close too if those are 80% of the image.