Little Grebe

[Simon Wantling]

After finding myself and nice quite little pond I've started a Little Grebe project for this year as this location has a number of them hidden away. Its one of those locations which has very dark over grown areas contrasting with very bright areas with terrible glare. I went out today at first light to try and capture some images and the one here is an image from this morning. Not very good conditions so had to pump the ISO right up but I'm quite happy with the result, although I will return in better light. The image is cropped with some noise reduction to the background and a little to the bird itself, but all being all, I think the image quality isn't that bad. Would love to know what you think. Cracking little birds though and a nice composition.

5D MKiii, 500 + 1.4X, ISO3200, f5.6, 1/800ss.

[Karl Egressy]

Nice species, well photographed.

[Loi Nguyen]

Simon, the image IQ looks good at ISO-3200. Overall, I think it is a little dark with the majority of the bird in the shadow. Not sure what the object in front of the bird is. With patience, I'm sure you will get the bird in a better light. Loi

[Daniel Cadieux]

Cute subject, I can see why you want a photographic project with them as they are so photogenic. I like the water colour and texture. I'd prefer the subject a tad larger in the frame but realize it may be cropped to its IQ limit. A better head angle would have been great, and the stick in the water is a bit of a distraction IMO. Still well done, and I'm sure you'll have a blast with them in the coming weeks!

[Simon Wantling]

Thanks for the comments. They are lovely little birds so will keep trying to get better light and opportunity. I actually left the broken reed in as I thought it added to the composition, but I can see your point.

It's only a 15 minute drive from my house so will hopefully get back this week if possible.


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[Joseph Przybyla]

Beautiful bird nicely shown. I agree the piece of reed is a distraction, it draws my eyes away from the bird.

[Iain Barker]

Hi Simon

I like this image especially the colours in the water. These are difficult birds to get in the open as they always seem to stick right to the edges of the water so you have done well there.
Looking forward to what you might get in better light.

TFS
Iain

[Jonathan Ashton]

Simon, you did well and I am sure as time passes you will get closer shots, it will be a very well invested project for you to pursue a lovely little bird.