I had the privilege of photographing a nice Eastern Kingbird's nest at eye level recently. Lot's of good action, and when I felt that my presence was 100% tolerated by them I went in even closer to see if I could get some neat intimate stuff. Had the kingbirds not liked my move I would have backed away immediately, but low and behold it was as if I was not there standing halfway up on my step-ladder . I got a lot of good opportunities, with this one being my favorite. I did notice that bees and wasps were by far the favorite on the menu - I suspect that the kingbirds had also found themselves some nests to visit, albeit for a different purpose!
Canon 7DII + 500mm f/4 II + 1.4TC III, manual exposure, evaluative metering, 1/400s., f/13, ISO 1600, natural light, handheld, full-frame, a couple of white flecks in the branches removed, as well as on the adult's head, darkened the lower right corner branches.
Well done Dan, as you said this is real intimate...The birds are beautifully framed by the branches of the tree. Lovely detail as per normal from you. This is an exceptional image with a great look at the chick being fed by the parent. From low down muddy to half way up a step ladder Great work and very well presented.
Love this shot Daniel and the natural setting. Details look really nice and sharp.Detail of the bee is great going down the gullet.Just a beautiful setting all around. TFS
Great to see an image 'typifying' nature, very well timed Dan and at f/13...
TFS
Steve
Thanks gang! Steve, glad you noticed the techs...I wanted to make sure that both the adult and whichever chick being would be within dof. I took a chance on the SS, but it turned out in my favour :-)
Steve, glad you noticed the techs...I wanted to make sure that both the adult and whichever chick being would be within dof. I took a chance on the SS, but it turned out in my favour :-)
Hi Dan, just a thought, but could you also add a bean bag too, at the top of the ladder (secured), to bolster more support? F/13 rarely do I see folk go beyond f/8 or 9 here, apart from Artie, but a great call and quick thinking for sure. I'm really surprised how many folk done use that little button on the camera to achieve DoF.
Thanks Steve. Yes, a beanbag would be a good idea, but at 1/400s. I'm good to go freehand. That was a fun nest, and as luck would have it not thirty feet from this one a waxwing was sitting on her eggs on a wide open nest, and also at eye level...another project!
That was a fun nest, and as luck would have it not thirty feet from this one a waxwing was sitting on her eggs on a wide open nest, and also at eye level...another project!
Excellent Dan, fingers crossed for you, as this could create an excellent series of images and the Waxwing is such a beautiful bird. Not sure the ladders will ever make the 'golden ticket' status of Mr Salem's truck , but hopefully they will be lucky for for you.