Red-winged Blackbird

[Geoffrey Montagu]

Finally a break form the mini heat wave in central NJ. Went to a local wildlife preserve and watched a female RWBL in the process of bringing in nesting materiel. Behaviorally, it was interesting to see another female in the background acting as a consultant / lookout. Occasionally the builder would fly over, land on the same tall grasses for a moment, then back to constructing the nest. Additionally, before she would drop to the hidden nest site, she would land, a few yards away on either a tallish Milkweed plant or in this instance a Multiflora Rose plant for a few seconds. C&C welcome.

D500, 1/2500s, f 6.3, ISO 1000, Gitzo, Wimberley Gimbal head.




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[William Dickson]

Hi Geoffrey The bird pops real well against the greens. I like the pose you have captured and the colours throughout. The nesting material adds to the image. Nice POV.

Will

[gail bisson]

I really like this Geoffrey!
Beautiful light and landing pose. Love the catchlight.
IQ on the bird is excellent. Would have loved for the near wing to be within DOF but this is certainly not a big issue.
My only suggestion would be to crop from the bottom a bit.( to the "G" in your signature).
Great color palette.
Gail

[Bill Dix]

Great upwing dynamic pose, lovely grassland BG. Nesting material a big plus. I had the same thought re. crop from bottom.

[Alex Becker]

Really nice setting and pose -- love the browns and orange/red shoulders against the green. Nesting material is great and I agree with the crop. I would also think about cloning out the brown straws on the bottom as well especially with the suggested crop. I love how you can see the branches bending under the bird. TFS

[Geoffrey Montagu]

Thanks everyone.

Geoffrey




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