Tree Swallow

Image Critiques Avian Critiques
1

Tree Swallow
Tree Swallow1760×2500 526 KB

I’ve hardly had time to shoot anything lately but a pair of Tree Swallows have been interested in one of the birdhouses I put up last year, and I managed to get close enough for a few shots. Last year it was used by Western Bluebirds, and they have been hanging out near it too. We’ll see who wins. I should try to mount it lower before it’s occupied.

Specific Feedback Requested

All comments welcome! Dark spot in UR corner needs to go.

Technical Details

Is this a composite: No
Canon R5, 648mm and about 70% of the full frame, f/14, ISO 1600, 1/1250 sec, tripod. Minor tonal tweaks with some light clouds. The brightest whites were not technically blown but featureless and a linear profile couldn’t recover any detail.

2

A fine look at this swallow. Nice bg and good perch. Thanks for providing them a place to nest. Put up another box and each species can settle in!

3

You caught him in a nice pose. The whites look pretty good with detail showing in most areas. Agree about the URC, but otherwise it’s a nice background that works well with the swallow’s colors.

4

Thanks @terryb and @Allen_Brooks! I have 4 nest boxes up, only two visible from the house. Bluebirds are hanging around both of the ones I can see, but no idea if it’s the same couple. The other day I found one of the ones away from the house crammed full of acorns!! (They got dumped, and probably put right back. I’ll check tomorrow. No shortage of granaries here with a lot of dead oak limbs from aging and fire-damaged trees.)

5

Really like this, Diane. The head position really sells it. The background is fine and accentuates the bird. Love the soft out of focus areas.

6

HI Diane
Nice looking Tree Swallow, I like the head turn and eye contact. The whites look ok and the over all framing is balanced.