Feathers in the Texas Hill Country

[Chris399]

Here a few shots from last weekend in the Texas Hill Country. As always CC welcomed.

Male Blue Bird shot with 400mm 2.8 with 2.0TC effective 800mm

Female Blue Bird shot with 400mm 2.8 with 2.0TC effective 800mm

Mocking Bird shot with 400mm 2.8

Mocking Bird shot with 400mm 2.8

Thanks for looking


Chris

 

[MiFleur]

These are gorgeous, I like the first and last one the best,
the last is in an unusual position, I like that, the eye is sharp and I love the branch. Nice gradient
the first one is the traditional pose tack sharp shot!, I find it slightly dark.
Love the composition on #3 with the low branches
the second one is not bad at all, but the bird looking down is not as attractive!

Great series!

 

[Rafterman]

LOVE the Bluebird shots!

1st Mockingbird: nice, but that leaf got in the way.

2nd Mockingbird: not bad, but would have been better if the light was better and he was looking at you. I sometimes find myself tweeting or whistling at the birds in order to make them look at me if the shutter noise doesn't get their attention. I feel silly, but they turn around to see who's chirping every time!

 

[WesternGuy]

Chris, these are great shots, especially the blue birds and the bokeh is great, well maybe a little less so in the last one, but still pretty good. :thumbup:

WesternGuy

 

[shelby16]

Great job! Beautiful birds, I miss Texas!

 

[Chris399]

Guys - Thanks for all of the positive comments.

I was really experimenting with the 2.0TC on the 400 to see if the IQ was sustainable. For stable shot, when the little creatures are not moving, and given my current level of ability, the AF is quite accurate and IQ is acceptable.

I agree with the comments on the Mocking Birds. The rose leaf did get the way and the light was not spectacular on the bird/fence. Sometime you have to shoot what is given and I tried to make the best of it.

I made all of these shots from a heavily shaded area and fought the shadows for most of the morning.

Again, thanks.


Chris