Bearded Tit

Most of you will probably be thinking I've taken the following shot in Norfolk or maybe Suffolk. I doubt any of you would guess that this was taken in central London this morning, in Hyde Park. The reedbed is about as deep as a bus stop, and maybe 40m long, but has been home to two female/juvenile Bearded Tits for over a month now. News got out a few days ago, and having heard that they were giving superb views I made the effort to get down there early Saturday morning. The views were better than expected, and I watched them from about 8 feet away for 3 hours. The light was poor though, and, seeing that the forecast for this morning was clear skies at dawn, I forced myself up early again! The promised clear skies never materialised however, and the sun was obscured by a large bank of cloud until 2pm this afternoon, a mere 6 hours after I'd arrived there! This is one of the shots when the sun did come out.

Techs:
Nikon D300s
Nikon 200-400mm f4 VR
Handheld
F4
1/1600s
ISO 500
Tiny bit of Bearded Tit cloned out from the bottom left.

Please view large, and all C&C welcome as ever.

Thanks for looking,

Oscar

Must be great to have that sort of time to spend Oscar. I was stripping down my blocked plumbing

Looks well worth the time and effort, although for my taste I would tone the bird down a little

Bob

Would prefer to see hom/her further up in the frame. Lovely tones and light got there though!

Hi Oscar a fine image in what looks like great light.

Phil.

I'd prefer to see the eye a little more to the left, and a little more space all round. Still a fine image, and worth the early mornings!

David

cracker, wonderful backdrop

Well worth all your efforts - it's a beautiful compopsition.

A lovely image, expertly produced. Well done indeed!!

Gorgeous light & colours Oscar. Must have been a great experience being so close.

Nick.