An ortolan (Emberiza hortulana)

[Nikolay Staykov - shotlandetsa]

This lovely bird is photographed today, early in the morning - 8:37 AM.

Canon 40D, Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8, f/4 at 1/800sec, iso200 +2/3

tripod, remote switch, camo tent

PP: standard post-process - 7% sat, 2% contrast, S/H, USM 400/2/1

I get used to go for my shots early in the morning when the light is so soft. To take this photo I get up about 4:30-5:30 , travel, climb to a mountain with ~20kg equipment, position and wait :)

Of course this is just one of the several species I see there. I hope to get better close-ups when the expected 300-800 sigma came the next week :)

Here is a 1024 px version of the photo >

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Great find and setting, well worth the effort. Too bad the sun was not behind you. I find the bright area in the BG a bit distracting.

[Steve Canuel]

Hello Nikolay,
I like the way the rock anchors the composition to the lower right corner. The bird is nicely colored and has a pleasing pose but the shadow across the face reduces the impact of color an detail. I admire your efforts to get the image :)
Steve

[Doug Brown]

Ah, the joy of bird photography! Lugging a ton of equipment around before the crack of dawn. It's a pretty bird, but I have to agree with Axel that the angle of the sun detracts from this image. Lightening the head may minimize the impact of the sun's position relative to you.