The image was captured with my old D1X and a 50-500 Sigma lens. I don't use them any more but when the light was right the combo aways worked. I still have 3 male Painted Buntings feeding in the back yard, pretty soon they will head north. Rod
Beautiful bird, I wouldn't mind having those in my backyard. :) Too bad the OOF leaves cover the tail and I might clone out the branch sticking out of the head.
This wonderful painted bunting led me to your website on smugmug.com. I think your Florida photographs have a special feel to them. It's obvious you are very familiar with the territory.
I live in Miami, but love what SW Florida offers. Your photos of Corkscrew make the place look extraordinary. Yesterday I photographed painted buntings at Okeehelee nature Center in Palm Beach. Backgrounds are not as fetching as yours. Thanks for posting.
Sharp detail and vibrant color. How lucky you are to have these beauties in your backyard!! Wish the leaves weren't blocking part of the tail, and the bird is just a bit tight in the frame for my tastes. You might consider cloning out the branches behind the bird's head.