Spruce Grouse

[Ryan Schain]

I haven't posted in awhile. Last weekend myself and two birding friends observed a male Spruce Grouse displaying only a few yards away, at one point even landing at my feet. While the light was super low in the dense Spruce Grove and it was overcast and raining, I did manage some shots with ISO 1600 and a slow shutter speed.

Spruce Grouse
Rangeley, Maine
March 25, 2012

Canon EOS 7D
Canon EF 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6 L IS

1/50
f/5.6
135 mm
1600 ISO
-1 EV

[Karl Egressy]

Beautiful picture taken in its natural habitat. Nice pose and HA. Lovely details.
It is amazing that you managed to get such a clean no noise shot at ISO 1600.

[Marina Scarr]

This is an awesome capture and what a great environmental feel to it. Your bird looks well processed and I love the angle. The BG does NOT overshadow your subject. I would like a tad more room on the bottom b/c it appears as though his toe or toenails may have been clipped just a tad.

[Melissa Groo]

Wow, this is a stunning bird and capture. I agree with Marina on a touch more room at the bottom. Great soft light that really brings out all the subtle variations of color.

[dankearl]

1/50 @ 1600?
You have a really steady hand and are really good at PP!
The IQ is great and a very nice subject.

[Ryan Schain]

Thanks all. Unfortunately that's pretty much a full frame image at 135 mm, with no room on the bottom! Gotta love those boreal birds that haven't seen people!

[Ron Sprunger]

Wonderful! Well done indeed, and a beautiful bird to boot. Great IQ and environmental feel to it.

[jack williamson]

Very good IQ at iso1600 and 1/50. Beautiful detail on the grouse and I love the invironment in this one.

Jack