Tree Creeper

Tree Creeper at pool
This is a shot from the fourth visit by this bird in three days so I suspect that they are nesting in the vicinity. Had none at all last year Used the camera on the quiet setting but the bird still "flicked" very nervous species. A beautiful combnationof browns White underneath whichof cours is the bit predators don't see.
D7100
Nikor 70-300 mm
80% of full frame
800 ISO
180thsec @ f9
EV -1 Contrast down 1- sharpening normal
Image size Fine/medium.
Thanks for looking.
JohnR

Gorgeous shot John. Excellent sharpness and detail, and a nicely chosen crop that tells a story about the bird's environment. Perfect head angle and lovely dappled sunlight, too.

I have nothing to suggest that would improve this in the slightest.

Did you build a water feature to attract birds or is this a natural setting? I promise to deduct no points either way, just my curiosity at work.

Russ

Hi Russ
Thanks Its been there about 40 years, since I came here. Its a spring fed little stream that runs on down through the forest into a large brook. Most of its journey is underground. At this spot there is a slight depression and the water tends to stay in there - even when other spots are dry. I built a permanent wooden hide many years ago. It is surrounded by Oak forest, rchards and meadows so it gets a good range of stuff. I used to use three flashes but with digital now its a lot easier. Glad you like it.
PS I only charge £100 a day !! (joke!) I don't let others use it generally for one simple reason. They go in the hide and when something turns up they wave their long lenses all over the place and you don't see a bird for a week !! There's a nack of moving the lens at critical times -usually as the bird dips its head in the water !
John

Another super shot from your water feature John. I like the way that the bird stands out against the background even though they are similar colours, even the reflection. Lovely detail and sharpness on the subject. Keep them coming.

Gorgeous detail, wonderful light, great setting! You must have a paradise there, and some very happy birds!

Thanks both. The birds are generally happy Diane ,but Sparrow hawks have cottoned on to the fact that wet birds are easy prey !! Can be a bit of a problem
John

A beauty John, lovely bird nicely shown. Thank you for sharing.

Love this one John. Cool species, sharp detail and a great pose.

very nice John,nice IQ,like how you can see the stones in the water,nice light.

Lovely shot John I like the dappled light.

This is a wee cracker John. Its good to see one somewhere else rather than on a tree :S3: Super details and pose. Great work and thanks for sharing

Will

Excellent image, John. Love everything about it.

Thanks for your comments and looking.
They are an incredible mix of browns
Glad you like the stones Cris- I played about with them a bit back. Got rid of some of the white ones.

John

Have they named that pond after you John. They should. Excellent image with great detail and color. I have been enjoying all of your pond
shots. They are marvelous. Keep em coming!

Ed

Thanks
You're welcome Ed
John