Redwing

[Reynir Skarsgard]

Taken just after he took off from the top of the tree.

Canon EOS 7D
Canon EF 400mm f/5.6
1/2500 sec
f/8.0
ISO 640

[John Chardine]

Congratulations Raynir, these are difficult images to create. Usually the movement is so quick that the bird moves out of the depth of field or the shutter speed does not stop the action. You nailed it here with the right settings. And the bird cooperated by flying parallel to the focus plane. The background is great and I like the inclusion of the spruce tree (although it would have been better not to cut the bottom branches if possible).

[Kerry Perkins]

Reynir, very nicely done! Congrats on a super capture. Technically superb and artistically presented. A little bit of flash to fill in the shadows might have made it even stronger! Great anticipation, preparation, and execution. You were definitely in the groove with this one. Two thumbs up!

I love that we have another 7D400 shooter.

[Reynir Skarsgard]

Thanks guys. I'm very happy with this shot, it's actually the first time I've gotten a really good shot of one of these in flight.
This bird is one of a pair that nested there nearby, had 6 little chicks that have now left the nest. They were flying around gathering worms for the babies when I took this, I watched their movement pattern and was able to position myself for this shot and the bird cooperated very nicely.
As for the branches, John, I could crop it a bit lower although that would bring the lower branches into the frame and cut them off, not sure that it would improve the shot all that much so I went with this crop.
The 7D+400 is a great combo Kerry, I absolutely love it.