Bashakill WMA birds

[NYracefan]

A visit to the Bashakill WMA a few weekends ago was very productive. Nice spring day, and lots of activity. My first American Bittern, some surprisingly cooperative Wood Ducks, and a Tree Swallow posing for me.

Shot using a D200/Sigma 50-500/handheld

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[Pancho]

Beautiful pictures

 

[NYracefan]

Thank you.

 

[Randy]

I hope u don't mind:

1. a perfect shot and one of my fav birds
2. nice
3. the eye and head look a little soft
4. sweet but the bird in center takes away some, can u crop tighter behind her and add space in front
5. too hard to see the eyes and that perch detracts from the shot

 

[NYracefan]

Thanks for the comments Randy. That is why I come here, to learn and improve my images. I see what you mean on #3, surprised I did not catch that. #4 could be cropped differently, it was not a big crop, but I could get more space in front. I like #5 since it is looking right at me, but you are correct, they eye is not really visible, and I can see how that distracts from the image. I have learned that the eye is very important in bird photography.

I also need a tripod, but no funds. Handholding that Sigma 50-500 is not a good idea. Normally I use a monopod, but I had forgot to grab it that morning and was not about to go all the back home to get it.

 

[Randy]

Thanks for the comments Randy. That is why I come here, to learn and improve my images. I see what you mean on #3, surprised I did not catch that. #4 could be cropped differently, it was not a big crop, but I could get more space in front. I like #5 since it is looking right at me, but you are correct, they eye is not really visible, and I can see how that distracts from the image. I have learned that the eye is very important in bird photography.

I also need a tripod, but no funds. Handholding that Sigma 50-500 is not a good idea. Normally I use a monopod, but I had forgot to grab it that morning and was not about to go all the back home to get it.

the eyes are everything for humans and animals and even insects

push the shutter speed to as fast as you can by increasing the iso (up to the point where the camera can still do ok) or by opening up the lens (keep in mind you still want good dof)....this will negate any camera shake and need for support.....

 

[steve77]

Nice shots, Jeff. I've been meaning to get down to the Bashakill for a couple years now. Maybe it will happen this summer.

 

[NYracefan]

The place is jumping right now, once it gets really hot it will slow way down.