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Thread: Sand Martin

  1. #1
    BPN Member William Dickson's Avatar
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    Default Sand Martin

    Attached Images Attached Images
     
    Canon 1DX
    f/4 500mm with 1.4
    f/5.6
    1/3200
    ISO 1250

    One of my bird watching friends informed me of a Sand Martin colony in a recently disused quarry. I went along early on Thursday where I saw the large sand bank with over hanging branches and roots. I managed to get fairly close, by laying behind a smaller sand bank, and using a beanbag. I would have liked to try some BIF, but, if I stood up or even knelt, it would have spooked the birds. My time was limited as the weather was deteriorating. I think its well worth a revisit as there is a large pond nearby, where the Sand Martins will be feeding regularly once the chicks are born. Wished this one had chosen a thinner perch

    Will

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    Like BG, light, tone, details, pose and frame. Yes, the thinner perch could be better but this one has very good color and tone. Well done. TFS.

    Cheers,
    Miro

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    I think the perch and pose are very nice. I like the tones of the background very much as well and think they compliment the bird. This is overall a very nice image of Riparia riparia but I think a few things could enhance the shot even more. The colors of the bird seem off to me. These birds are not really so golden brown. They are more of a muted brown with slight gold tones. More of a dark sand color (hence the name) If I were guess it looks like it is a bit over saturated and perhaps the exposure was brought up a bit too much in post which is causing the colors to be off. The background also looks like it could use a bit of noise reduction, especially the dark areas on the top right that look off to me. I have two colonies of these birds that are within a 20 minute drive from my house and will be trying to get some shots of them soon. I'd be happy to get one like this.

  4. #4
    BPN Member William Dickson's Avatar
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    Thanks for the comments, much appreciated. Hi Issac, I think it's the morning sun, that it is making the Martin look this colour. I took a few shots of different birds, and all appeared this colour. I don't think it is called Sand Martin, because of the colour. It is because they mostly nest in sand, just as House Martins, mostly nest on houses.

    I hope you manage to get some great shots of these lovely little birds.

    Will

  5. #5
    Macro and Flora Moderator Jonathan Ashton's Avatar
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    I l ike this one Will the colours are complimentary exposure and details good, I think you have some good times ahead!

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