Having recently bought Alan Murphy's CD on songbirds, I decided to give his backyard technique a try. I put a bird-food paste on the backside of the branch and within an hour had this Downy (and lots of other birds) visiting it. (I had Downy's already visiting our suet feeders) This was taken on a misty, overcast day. You can see a few raindrops in the image.
(I agree with crop suggestions, and HA. Here is a re-crop. Appreciate the suggestions)
Canon 7D, 600MM, 1/640@ F4, ISO 400
Here's my setup. I mounted the dead limb to a light stand which makes is very stable and easy to move it around.
Last edited by Steve Deam; 05-21-2010 at 07:29 PM.
Reason: Re-post image
V nice, all techs.
Could only wish for a little better head angle and catch light in eye. But then likely loose some his striking red head splotch. So, don't know what to do.
Might also consider cropping a bit off of left side.
Nice branch setup. And your camouflage is perfect, I can't see you at all!!! Or did you get one of those new invisibility cloaks ?? Or, wait, maybe can't see you because your are taking the photo! That would explain it!!
Tom
Look like you will have lots of fun with the setup. Overcast condition help with the black/white bird, black is not block while white is still in check. I might moved a bit to the left to get the head angle more parallel to the viewer. The perch feel a bit dominating in this image so I might crop off the left as Tom suggested. Also like the hint of rain drops, really add to the image.
Hi Steve, Nice setup and great looking lawn:)
You did a good job with exposure,lighting etc. Agree that some could be taken off the left and would have preferred the birds position to be angled more towards the viewer.
Once these birds locate a food source they will be in and out all day. You should have many opportunities...
Downy
