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
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.
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.