Payback from the birds

[Stinky]

So I figured after a very, very long winter of feeding the birds, I figured the least they could do was allow mw some close-ups. So last weekend, I placed a chair about 10 feet from the feeder and sat still. Several birds came in and I only got to spend about 20 minutes doing this because of the kids activities. Here are 2 for your viewing. Thanks.

Tufted Titmouse


White-breasted Nuthatch

[IzzieK]

#1 is very nice and sharp...Good one. #2 needs a bit of rotation? for better presentation? Is that bird really purplish around the edges or is it my screen?

[Shadowman]

Very nice.

[John 2]

Two nice shots. What are they? Do you know.

[deetheturk]

Nice shots Steve,#1 is my favorite

[Downrigger]

Very nice. You took nice advantage of your light.

[Wavelength]

Excellent; both

[bnnrcn]

I like them both

[Dave Humphries]

Hi Steve,

Good captures, but watch your exposure - personally, I would have shot the first 1/2 stop less and the second probably 1.5 less (to avoid blowing the paler plumage). Manual exposure is how I'd achieve that (after review of some test shots) - if the bird is always sunlit, IMHO there is only one correct exposure, so find it - and set it manually. (maybe you did, I can't see EXIF data)

My experience is that if I rely on one of the semi automatic exposure modes, it almost always stuffs it up, depending upon the background brightness and/or the shades of plumage (small white feathers blow easily) - and not always having enough time to set the correct EC (exposure compensation).

Still a good exercise and worth repeating if the kids co-operate

[Stinky]

Thanks for the comments from all.

Dave - I always shoot manually but was probably right on the exposure. I was wondering how to do away with that. Great advice. Will give it a try for sure.