Spring Birds - Finally! - Still Working on Technique

[Suzan J]

Hello All: I am enthusiastically forging ahead with bird projects. I have dutifully followed some of your valuable previous advice and I think I am managing to get somewhat closer to my subjects. I am wearing CAMO (lol) and have been trekking about in the early morning. Also, as you folks have suggested, I am crouching low in hiding spots and waiting patiently for the feathered creatures to find me... These shots are severely cropped, but I hope I am getting somewhat better. C & C is welcome.

I think this is a Dark Eyed Junco, but feel free to correct me...

_DSC0081 by Soo J, on Flickr


_DSC0113 by Soo J, on Flickr


_DSC0046 by Soo J, on Flickr

I think this is a Flicker. He was VERY hard to track.

_DSC0031 by Soo J, on Flickr

[davidedric]

Nice photos, Suzan, definitely improving Number 2 is my favourite, lovely catchlight in the eye, and the right crop for me.

Last photo is certainly a (northern)flicker, but can't see if male or female from this shot. Like you say, tricky little blighters!

[Nat]

Very nice progress....I, too, think #2 is your best compo....ah, the flicker on flickr... I have yet to get a shot of the lovely bird...they don't like to be photographed, I'm afraid....

[kaneohebud]

Susan:
Excellent feather detail and clear eyes. You did a really great job capturing small birds, which are the most difficult to photograph because they rarely stay long in one place. Congratulations.

[jamn4ex]

Birds are so much fun. I have been chasing flickers for 2 years they are kinda shy to the camera. I like the junco in 3 best.

[NorthernFocus]

Nice job, Suzan. You must be pretty sneaky. I have to stick with big birds and wait for them to come to me. Well done.

[FlyingSquirrel]

Nice job on these, Suzan...welcome to the "Camo Club" LOL Are you in full garb including facemask, gloves, and covering the camera too? If you don't have a facemask, the rest of the camo won't do much, FYI (Remember, their beady little eyes are sharp! Haha.) As you can tell I'm somewhat of a fanatic on the subject of camouflauge, and have thoroughly made myself look like a crazy person at the local parks. The odd stares and occasional giggle from onlookers (those that actually see me) don't really bother me much anymore

I like #2 and #3 the best. #2 I'd crop off the right side just to the left of the distracting squiggly twig. #3 the color temp looks a bit too warm to me.

[Suzan J]

Yes, I suppose I have been called "sneaky" on occasion. Strange, how this is a talent I'm now trying to develop! I have not yet taken the full plunge into a complete camo outfit. So far, I have been limited to my husband's sweatshirt and ball cap. I do, however, have my own camo coloured, soft-soled rubber boots (good for quiet stalking) and I have found a nice little hollow by the river bank where I can hide. If anyone were to stumble into the vicinity, I'm sure I would scare the wits out of them. Thank you for the suggestions and advice. It is always appreciated.

[Brownbear]

Very nice! #1 is my favourite, followed closely by #3. I really like the colours and composition in number 1 and the pose you captured in #3.