It’s funny how we relate to our subjects sometimes. When I’m in my blind, it’s a Junco, or a Chickadee, or even a Towhee. But when this bird shows up, it’s THE Willow Flycatcher. I have no proof that it’s the same bird, but I’ve only seen one at a time and this is the 4th year I’ve had one and I think the third year I’ve seen it coming to my pools to bathe. I was wondering if it would be here again this year and it showed up today.
I got more conventional poses and several after bath, wet bird images, but somehow I liked this one the most, despite the lack of eye contact.
7DII, Sigma 150-600 C @ 421 mm, tripod with ballhead and Sidekick mount, f/8, 1/400, iso 2000, manual exposure. Processed in LR & PS CC. Noise reduction with Neat Image, feather enhancement with Topaz Detail 3. Cropped from a horizontal to 2769x3462. Raised the brightness of the bird and perch in processing. Taken this afternoon at 1:53. Bird and perch in shade, background in filtered sun.
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Gorgeous detail, as always, Dennis. I like the fact that he’s lookin’ down. Brightness seems just right, and the contrasting background seems about right to my eyes and on my monitor. Nice capture; Flycatchers are such cute birds.
Dennis, I am so glad to hear that you a “special bird” that keeps returning to your pool setups for bathing and posing for you. We had a Hummingbird with a patch of white feathers on top of her head (most unusual from all others), and this year she didn’t return, so I guess that she has died. I had gotten really attached to her, always pleased to see her. So I know what you mean.
This is an excellent pose with really nice lighting. I love the perch on a slant as well. Excellent shot.
