I set up nest boxes each spring for the bluebirds and chickadees. It’s always interesting to see what treats the adults will bring back for the chicks. To get this shot, I anchored a stick on the nest box with a piece of firewood. The birds readily used the stick as a perch when first approaching the nest box. I don’t provide the insects as there is a large field adjacent to my backyard with plenty for them to hunt. Background is that field in the distance.
Canon 7D2, 400mm f4 DO IS II, 1.4x TC III, tripod
ISO 400, f10, 1/640s
Allen, I like your post very much, especially considering that the bird has a snack in it’s beak. Looks like you got really good eye contact with this fellow. I like the way the bird is framed and I enjoy the simplicity of the background. In my estimation, a lovely image and I personally can not think of anything I’d have done differently!
Beautiful shot, Allen. I am really studying your settings, as I have been enjoying a couple of Bluebirds in our yard too after installing a nest box last year. I was pushing my shutter speed up, and not so much my f-stop. Maybe I will try that. I have a Canon 300 mm f2.8 with a 2x TC on a Gitzo tripod and Gimbal head, shooting through my window with a Canon 5D Mark III. I may try the 7D Mark II again as well, as I see that is what you were shooting with here. I have to say, I didn’t get a shot this good last year, but you are giving me something to shoot for!!! Your work in both the Avian and Macro has inspired me to improve. This image could easily be on the front of a magazine!
Excellent, Allen. I do the same thing with our western Bluebirds, but this one held the Katydid at a perfect angle for you. The f/10 worked perfectly for depth of field. A lovely image.
This is beautiful Allen. I like the position of the bird on the branch and, of course, that snack in its mouth is just great, it gives extra interest to the image. I really like the smooth background and the feather detail is super.
IQ on this is through the roof. Love the pose, eye contact, and prey. I suppose the image could be improved if we could see the prey’s head a bit better. Have to get your blue birds trained a bit better this summer! I’d also love to see if you could find a perch with some moss or a bit more character.
Just something to consider. Might need to bring in Alan Murphy!
