Rock Wren fledglings

This was a dream opportunity of a Rock Wren nest area! It was in a rock retainer wall 6 feet from a residential street. I was able to drive right up to these little guys and shoot for hours. I didn't even remove my seat belt! Cropped to 21mpx, cloned a few bright spots out in the bg and remove a small leaf.

Camera Model: NIKON D800, tripod mounted in my car
Shutter speed: 1/250 sec
Aperture: 11
Exposure mode: Av
Exposure compensation: +1/3
Flash: Off
Metering mode: Multi-segment
ISO: 1600
Lens: 300mm f/4
AF mode: AF-C

Hi Dan. What fun it must have been to watch this little group. I like seeing the fuzz on top of their heads. The OOF rock in the upper left corner is drawing my eye, but otherwise a very nice composition.

They are SO cute!! I would crop from the top (and a little from the bottom) and get rid of any remaining triangle in the UL. Then you get 110!

Dan, I hardly ever edit someone's photo's, but I thought this was really good and the OOF rock was a real distraction.
Hope you don't mind.
I just cropped a bit tighter and erased what was left.


db.jpg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dankearl

Dan, I hardly ever edit someone's photo's, but I thought this was really good and the OOF rock was a real distraction.
Hope you don't mind.
I just cropped a bit tighter and erased what was left.


db.jpg

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No problem Dan K. I like what you did but I have to say, the UL rock didn't bother me. I guess after starring at it for 5 hours today, I got used to it:t3

Brilliant, and the first time I've ever seen this scenarion in the online forums. Good eye contact from all five scores highmarks imo. I do prefer the repost.

Ditto on repost, great fledgling shot, interesting marbled type rock they are standing on!

Incredibly cute little birds, and I just love the little feathery tufts sticking out!

Like the original just as much as the RP. I would have darkened that OOF rock instead cropping, I love that "cave" effect it creates, makes the subjects look so safe and cosy there
:S3:

Kind regards,

I have to agree with Gabriela for C&C.....and just to say this is an amazing shot really, and even more amazing this kind of bird survives to in what i guess is quite a vulnerable nest

I like the rock in UL, think it provides a nice framing. Awesomely sweet shot, Dan. I love the curve of the rock they're standing on, and the way the one on the right is looking left while all others looking the other way....

Lovely opportunity and you made the most of it. I am in the camp with keeping the corner rock b/c it helps to frame the image. Here's my take. I have cropped from the bottom and burned much of the rocks. Love all the poses and terrific details.

A wonderful image with some great poses. The upper-left corner didn't bother me at first, but I think Marina's edit works well to tone down the rock. What a wonderful opportunity you had.

Thanks to all for the constructive comments! Here's a link to a video that I captured of these little guys. I am not a good videographer but it is cute, IMO:bg3:
http://naturestoc.smugmug.com/Birds/...Vjc8d&lb=1&s=A

Too cute for words. I liked Dan's repost, but then I saw Marina's and liked that better still. I'm easy. What a great opportunity, well captured.

Marvelous image of beautiful cute little once.
Waiting for mores in the series.
Love the frame.I like the Marina's re post with very nice composition.

Regards,
Satish.

They're so adorable! I love that you captured the whole group in that cave-like setting. A great opportunity, which you seem to have taken full advantage of. Congrats on a very fine image.

Hi Dan, cuteness factor all over here, and just love how the soft plumage is sticking up on all their heads. They look quite safe in their 'cave'. Lets hope they all grow up big and strong.

Wow you got a bunch there
i like the poses and they have good details on them
the rock doesnt bother my eye as i could only see the birds and man there are so many in a frame , wow
sweet image

I agree with Gabriela about the upper left rock staying and why, and I was going to suggest exactly what Marina has presented. I would probably add contrast to the right-most bird to match the others. What a terrific find that was for you...surely a once in a lifetime opportunity and a huge smile maker!!

Very nice image, good suggestions have been made, I would love to see this image toned down a bit, it almost appears to be too bright.

Gotta love those fuzzy little heads. The body positions are perfect too telling the story of there life hanging around waiting for food

Seriously one of my new favorite photos of all times. I think that you captured their essence perfectly and love the framing. The only thing that i would do is to add a bit of contrast to the bird on the right as viewed. He looks just a bit washed out due to having more light on him. Super job with this one.