Just a little "Thank You"

[Colin Knight]

When I first started with these Bluebirds, excellent suggestions were provided by some folks here. Over the last couple of days, I've incorporated them. One of the most recent was that I should change the perch- the one I had set up was a bit ragged.

Who knew it could be so hard? The birds rarely landed where I wanted them, finding a good branch and keeping it in position isn't easy, and they only hit it for a short time before they hop into the nest. I spent 4 hours out there today, but got some good stuff.

So here it is, the new perch. I feel like this took it to another level. Thanks again!

7D, 500mm, ISO 250, 1/400 sec, f/4, 75% of original frame.

[Lance Peters]

Hi Colin - do you have Alan Murphys songbird guide - I believe it has info on how to get them to land were you want them to.
Have enjoyed the series - loved the video.
Big Congrats :)

[Julie Brown]

Nice shot! Love the pose, the eye is sharp, the BG pleasing. Just one good image can make all that effort worth it, don't you think?:)

I need to go and check out your other images!

[Colin Knight]

Thanks again, Lance!

Julie, I got a couple worth saving today. I love the way the branch "balances" the scene:

[Arthur Morris]

Sweet. The first one could have used some fill flash :) The perch is a huge (wrong word...) improvement.

[Colin Knight]

I have your blog up now Artie. I'm getting smarter by the minute. :)

[Julie Brown]

I agree with you about the perch. The first one is good, the second one is beautiful. Gorgeous color, and I like the bug! :cool:

[Colin Knight]

Julie, what's your opinion on the branch that is chopped off on the bottom right of the second frame? I'll admit....I love it.

[Alfred Forns]

Hi Colin Like the second post much better, bird looks great and the meal is a plus !!! Glad you efforts are paying off !!!

... would increase ISO for more shutter speed, 7D performs well !!!

[Colin Knight]

Alfred, I like that one much better as well, I just didn't know how people would respond to the chopped off leaf. I love it!

You are correct, the 7D does very well at higher ISO. However, I get nervous when I have to crop so much.

[Troy Lim]

Colin, I like the first shot, the leave just offset the bird being all the way on top.
That being said, I noticed some noise in the first shot than 2nd.

[Colin Knight]

Thanks Troy. The first shot may be in for some NR then. Thanks for your observations!

[Mark Young]

Very nice couple of images. I like the second one over the first one. I prefer the pose and composition of that one, but they are both good images, and not to mention a very nicely blurred bg! I wish I could get that effect with my images!

[Colin Knight]

Thanks mark. The background is completely natural, I'm happy to say. There is a grove of trees about 100 feet back from the perch. It is quite attractive.

[Dave Mills]

Hi Colin, I like both images. I feel your hard work and persistance has paid off. I do like the uncut leaves in the first better. Well done...

[Arthur Morris]

I have your blog up now Artie. I'm getting smarter by the minute. :)

Check out Tuesday's post on sun versus clouds! (www.birdsasart-Blog.com)