On the hunt

[Dan Busby]

This Chestnut-sided Warbler was hungry. It was migration time at Rondeau Provincial Park in southern Ontario, and the weather had been cool and wet. So insect food was hard to find. The main challenge was that the bird didn't stop moving for even a fraction of a second so timing had to be spot on. I have a number of frames but this one had the best head angle. Lighting was very low but even. Only very basic processing, nothing removed or added. It's full frame so I would have to add canvas to loosen the composition - any thoughts on whether or not I should do that are welcome. All other C&C also welcome.
Canon 7D, 500mm f/4L +1.4x MKII, ISO:640, f/6.3@1/500, Aperture Priority, AI Servo AF, evaluative metering, Gitzo 3530LS tripod and Jobu BWHD MKII gimbal head

[Bill Dix]

Dan, wonderful pose and HA. I know how difficult warblers are to capture in the field. I've only succeeded a few times, and never with Chestnut-sided. Quite amazing that you could get him this close to be full-frame. Beautiful detail in most places, but a few spots have a smooth look that seems like NR was applied, although you don't mention it. (e.g. dark patch behind the eye, portion of breast, and undertail coverts). Close to being too large in the frame, but to my eye it seems like it just meets the 75% threshold, so I'd leave it. A very nice image.

[Dan Busby]

Bill - absolutely no NR done on bird - that's just the different feathers showing different texture. Very light NR done on BG. Thanks.

[Ron Sprunger]

It's a wonderful image -- congratulations! I suspect the focus was slightly behind the eye -- the eye itself looks good, but the back wing is in much sharper focus than the front wing. BG and detail are great, and it's an absolutely lovely bird. I'd love to see the broken branch just in front of the bird removed, if possible. I'll take the tight crop, as it places all the emphasis on the bird.

[Cheryl Arena Molennor]

I've never seen one of these and I hope toome time. Warblers are definately a challenge to capture and you did great. My only wish would be for more dof on the perch.

[Raul Padilla]

sharp and color are fantastic, beatifull specie, i not see any wrong in this photo, congratulation

[Arthur Morris]

Sharp with a nice pose. Perch a bit large for the bird and bird a bit large for the frame. Do you have more room all around?

[Dan Busby]

No room Artie - it's FF. I could try adding canvas. I kind of like the sort of dominating posture in the frame this little bird has .

[MohsenVahedipour]

So cute. Like the sharpness, yellow colors, Neat BG, nice pose & HA. A little tight in the frame, but working for me.

[Joe Senzatimore]

My vote for a bit more room. Fine job capturing such a fast moving subject. Big Congrats.

[Jim Crosswell]

I like the pose, HA and details. It is a little tight for me but still a beauty! Do they still have the feeders there?

[Dan Busby]

I like the pose, HA and details. It is a little tight for me but still a beauty! Do they still have the feeders there?

Jim - they still have feeders around the visitor center. But these guys don't go to feeders - they are found mainly along areas of ponds, flood zones, wet areas. That's where the insect food is.

[Stu Bowie]

Super pose, and the yellows really look lovely on the warbler. I agree the subject is a bit large in the frame.

[Mital Patel]

Dan,
Very well taken shot provided the situation. would love to see bit more room around as felt it bit tight in frame.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Great pose and techs. I agree it is rather large in the frame...the TC off would have been perfect but I understand you didn't anticipate getting a warbler so close...the TC would have likely been on if I was in the same situation too.