gorging on petals

[John Chardine]

My friend called me this evening asking if I had images of Cedar Waxwings. I ran over to his place to find a flock of 30+ birds feeding on Crab Apple blossom (yes we still have blossom up here!). I have no idea what the nutritional value of petals is but these beautiful birds had apparently spent most of the day stripping the big, old tree.

I cropped to leave about 35% of original pixels. Dodged the face to bring out some detail, and sharpened. The light was harsh even though the sun was going down.

Model: Canon EOS-1D Mark IV
Lens: EF500mm f/4L IS USM +1.4x, 700 mm
Program: Aperture Priority
ISO 800, 1/1000s, f/7.1
Exp. comp.: 0.0
Flash: no flash

[Kerry Perkins]

John, this is a beautiful capture. Sure looks like it is scolding you! I have been trying to get a good shot of some Cedars for a couple of years - haven't gotten anything this nice! They are such strikingly colored and patterned birds... It's great to have friends who will call you and tell you about a good bird opportunity!

[Jeff Cashdollar]

John,

This is a good example of using depth of field wisely. Bringing in the fore front including the food and muting the background. The f/7.1 was a great selection.

[Svante Larsson]

Lovely !!! Very nice framing by flowers and leaves of a beatiful bird.

[Chris Baker]

Nice one John, I like unstaged natural feel of the shot. Nice bird and very well presented. TFS

CB

[Julie Brown]

Nice behavioral shot, John. I too, like the DOF and the habitat shown. The flower colors are complementary to the bird.

[John Chardine]

Thanks to all for the comments!