We currently have some snow which is a very rare treat, so I decided to head out and try some of my favourite winter visiting thrush, the fieldfare. With his prolonged cold weather the birds seem to be starving and are starting to feed on berries they usually ignore. This bird was mopping up berries that had fallen to the ground. They are dificult to approach and his photo was taken in some late afternoon sun from the car.
Taken with 1Dmk3 and 500mm lens at ISO400 F6.3 at 1/640s and +1.3EV.
I like the light, sharpness and pose, particularly the head position. I wish the shadows in the snow were less prominent. In this kind of weather some people put out seeds for larks and buntings around here, which helps getting closer to the birds.
Many thanks for the comments. I am trying to ut out as much feed as possible at the moment in different places as the birds are starting to struggle in this prolonged cold weather.
Stuart the fieldfares breast has a yellow / orange colour which varies considerably. This was a particularly well coloured bird and I think was further added to by the yellow late afternoon light.
Hi Rich I love the light in this image and the posture of the bird is beautiful. Looks like our Robins with a less colour on the breast. I might cropped it a little differently taking some off the top. I for got to mention tack sharp. Way to go!!
Ted