Intimate view of a hunting Blackpoll Warbler.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Well, the last thing I expect to photograph in Ottawa in mid-November is a warbler! This guy was found by a local birder in early november and has hung around the same group of 3 pines since. This species had never before been reported in November up here, so a good sighting for both birders and photographers. As an added bonus this is my first ever sighting of this species. Time is running out on this guy before everything freezes and snow covers food sources:eek:.

This individual (male, fall plumage) is pretty oblivious to people, and on this particular morning I surprisingly had lots of alone time with it...and lucky me it came down to eye level (it kept most of its time much higher in the branches). Just about full-frame (cropped a bit at right). A pine needle crossing the throat and cheek was cloned/patched out.

Canon 40D + 100-400L @365mm, aperture priority, evaluative metering, 1/250s., f/6.3, ISO 800, +0.3 EC, natural light, handheld.

[Harshad Barve]

Such a cute bird , techs spot on as usual, nice pose and liked HA very much here
TFS

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Dan, the DOF falls away pretty quickly, but the detail around the head and chest are pin sharp. I like how the top pine needle frames him.

[Leo Berzins]

Delightful intimate shot Daniel. Sharp where it matters most and I like his grip on the pine needle.
How far away should he normally be at this time of year?

[Marina Scarr]

Love the way this little guy is grabbing at needles with both feet and the way his tail is fanned. Very nicely exposed as well. I think a little more room would have better shown off the bird in its habitat.

[Jim Crosswell]

I know the challenge in getting this shot. I followed Golden-crowned Kinglets around for a couple of hours weeks ago. Great image of this reluctant migrant!

[Daniel Cadieux]

Delightful intimate shot Daniel. Sharp where it matters most and I like his grip on the pine needle.
How far away should he normally be at this time of year?

Thanks Leo. It should be in South America by now - or at the very least close to arriving there.

[Suzanne Huot]

What a bonus for you to find this little delayed migrant I hope he makes it .Habitat surrounding him adds to interest of post

[Betsie Storm]

Like this little guy, Daniel, especially the way he is hanging onto the pine needles! I think the shallow DOF adds to this image.