Thanks, @Peter_Morrissey and @Dennis_Plank! Dennis, I need different settings to stand a chance to keeping a takeoff in focus. The light was low and the SS was only 1/250 sec, to keep the ISO / noise low. I’ve always felt that when the subject is blurred, the focus will favor a sharper area, and here focus stayed on the perch. (That was easier to see in some intermediate frames that were deleted.) Maybe most of the problem here is more motion blur rather than focus blur.
I should use some sunny day to play with takeoffs and landings.
This series just scream “Diane”. There is a certain “thing” about your images; apart from being amazing, that make them yours. No need for a signature.
Love the poses and the branch is gorgeous. I wonder if the first baby leap off a branch takes courage?
Thanks, @David_Bostock and @glennie! Interesting thought about courage to make that first leap. I just finished a wonderful book about birds – basically a simple journaling thing but with surprisingly astute observations about behavior and fun illustrations: “The Backyard Bird Chronicles” by Amy Tan. (Yes, THAT Amy Tan.) She started getting acquainted with birds a few years ago during the Covid lockdown and has been influenced by Bay Area bird illustrators John Muir Laws and Keith Hansen. She would have wondered the same thing and probably provided observations to back it up.
I’m hoping to have more opportunities to watch youngsters this spring with my new blind setup away from the house. Ted may have to get used to kibbles for breakfast as that’s when the light is good.
