Purple Martin Pair at Home

[Anita Rakestraw]

One of the campsite hosts at our state lake has purple martin houses and they've been eagerly used by a number of pairs. Took several images the day I discovered them. I like the images except for the really ugly houses! Will have to try getting some pictures of them away from their houses.
On this one, I focused on the far bird.

Mark III, 4/4/08, 6 pm
1-400mm @ 390, handheld
ISO 200, EV 0, f/5.6, 1/500

[Lana Hays]

Anita
Is this a big crop? They seem to lack some detail. It would be nice if there was a way to put some perches nearby. However....for now, why not back up and get some images with the whole house. It might make a more attractive "habitat" image and I'd say you could do a lot of experimentation with different angles. Contests such as Nature's Best has a section on "Backyard Habitat". I think it would be a fun and worthwhile project.....and a lot of experience.