Red-winged Black Bird

[Mike Wilhelm]

D7000 300mm F4 w/1.7 tc, 1/400th, F10, -.33 bias, 560 ISO

Tempting this and a few companion birds to the backyard feeders yesterday, the perch found some sun and what I think is a reasonable shot of this species. Having taken many dozens of shots with limited success, this one was the best. Can anyone give me some tips on how to deal with the dark color, the glare off the feathers and the difficulty of getting detail of the feathers. Thanks for any advice.

[Arthur Morris]

You have done quite well with everything that you asked about. I have found that black glossy subjects are best photographed in overcast conditions without flash.... I like your pano crop that fits the bird's posture.

[Mike Wilhelm]

Thank you, Artie. Please allow me to expand on my questions. I asked about problems I'd been having and of which I was aware. What about things I didn't ask about of which I may be unaware?

[Arthur Morris]

YAW Mike. Aside from the somewhat harsh light the perch is a bit large for the bird (and is not too interesting). And the big trunk in the BKGR is a big trunk.

From where you stood with the gear you had you did very well.

RWBBs are a difficult bird to photograph....

[Morkel Erasmus]

I agree with what Artie has said above...any glossy bird can run tricks on a camera sensor's mind

what time of day was this? the light appears harsh but I'm not sure if it is only the result of the flash on the iridescence of the feathers, or if the light was harsh to begin with

[Mike Wilhelm]

This was an early afternoon shot with full sun at my back. Perhaps I should have tried a lower exposure bias to help compensate. I don't know if that would have helped or not.

Regarding the perch, this is an instrument of my creation. What would you suggest that would be more appropriate and interesting?

[Arthur Morris]

If you picked and put that perch in place you should be arrested by the Set-Up Police :)

You need to pick a thinner perch for smaller birds, try to find one with character, and consider your BKGR more carefully.

There is an extensive primer (pages 395-432) on setting up your backyard in APB II (916 pages on CD only).

Alan Murphy's Guide to Songbird Set-ups is for those who have mastered the basics and want to take their set-ups to the next level.

ps: What is the fish????

[Mike Wilhelm]

Yes, I consider myself incarcerated for that improper perch blunder. I'll study that issue. Thanks for your help.

The fish is a European Brown Trout caught from and released back to the White River in North Arkansas.

[Arthur Morris]

Good plan and thanks for the fish info.