A Sign of Spring

[Phyllis Mandel]

Canon EOS 40D w/70-300mm lens at 300mm 1/250 sec at f/8,0 ISO 400
It was a sunny day, though later in the afternoon with shadows becoming deep in the backyard.

[Nonda Surratt]

Welcome Phyllis

Lovely birds aren't they? Always nice to see them back..spring yes! Is this a large crop? If so maybe less of a crop would show the bird better? Maybe a bit wider aperture for more shutter speed?

[Jim Poor]

Hi Phyllis and welcome. Was this hand-held? At 300MM you need at least 1/300 of a second and once you figure in the crop factor of the camera it goes to more like 1/450.

The pose you captured is nice and the head angle works well. I'd try to lure the bird out of the shadows and onto a more attractive perch by setting up a bird feeder close to something pretty for him to land on.

[Alfred Forns]

HI Phyllis Big Welcome !!!!

With your current set up you will be able to make good images You got plenty of focal length Would consider using a tripod for consistently sharp images

A few things that might help When you photograph in your yard stay away from mixed light A bird half shade/sun will never come out the way you like Get them all in shade or sun if is not strong Look for birds landing with a clean bg Lots of twigs/branches will not make for an attractive image

Take advantage of you camera settings For recomposing use the one shot mode Will allow to press shutter half way down lock focus and compose
Jim made a good point regarding shutter speed Might want to practice if you are hand holding and see what your limits are Photograph a newspaper at different settings

Along the same line Nonda suggested a wider opening allowing a higher shutter speed I'm for that Remember closing to f 8.0 will give you more dof which you don't want It will make the bg worse in this case and lower shutter speed

Glad you are posting Do check the other images and what is being said In no time you will be a pro!!!