California Towhee

[Mark Schmitt]

Spotted Towhee (male)
El Dorado Park; Long Beach CA.
Spring; early morning
Setting: closed undergrowth; very low light, near stream

Very low lighting conditions as this was shot in an area of thick vegetation. The perch is actually a loop of branck only 6 to 8 inches from ground; BG is vegetation some 15 to 20 feet beyond perch

EXIF: Canon 30D, EF 500 IS L @ 4.0: 1/125 @ f 5.0, Exp comp -1; fill flash Canon EX 580, exp comp -.33 stop, Better Beamer extender; metering, partial mode; white balance, manual 5200 K; Apertue priority: monopod; RAW image.

Work flow: Adobe Lightroom, CS2. Crop approx 80% of full frame.

[James Salywoda]

Very nice shot Mark I like the pose captured good details and color a little more room in front of the bird would be nice taking away the squarish comp.... Thanks For Sharing!

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Great exposure control, details, BG and head angle. I agree regarding a bit more room at the left.