Black-and-white Warbler

[Ryan Schain]

I went out Warbler hunting yesterday morning. I came back with 8 species of Warblers, 2 species of Vireo, along with many other first of the year birds (Orioles, Kingbird ect). Although the only Warblers to come down low enough to photograph well was 1 Northern Parula (I missed the shot), and this male Black-and-white, I always love seeing them regardless.. The setting on this shot is less than ideal, but I think the male Black-and-white Warbler is one of the best looking birds in existence. They also make for a pretty challenging subject in deep woods. I had my camera set for an angle with decent light for a fast shutter speed, and of course, the one time the bird is low enough to photograph it crossed the trail out of the good light into the shade, and I got stuck using a slower shutter speed.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4044/4568813612_9f825049a6_b.jpg

1/160
f/6.3
400 mm
ISO 400
+1 EV

[Scott Frye]

My eye goes to the white sky at the top and then to the bird. As far as ss goes -- a good rule of thumb is to shoot at least as fast at the the focal length of the lens -- in this case 1/400 of a sec.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Photographing warblers without setups really is challenging. I like the curious pose and sharpness in this one. The bright area in the upper left is a bit distracting.

[Ryan Schain]

Thanks guys

Axel, I totally agree the bright area is distracting, and wish it didn't intersect the bird.

I have these other angles, but I'm not sure either one is significantly better:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3621/4568814198_8355f07c2f.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3206/4568177081_2fd7cfbe17.jpg

[Axel Hildebrandt]

I like the one with the fanned tail, if there were more eye contact, it would be great.