NikonGear'23

Images => Themes, Portfolio Series, PaW, or PaM => Topic started by: Chip Chipowski on November 02, 2015, 03:18:56

Title: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Chip Chipowski on November 02, 2015, 03:18:56
Couldn't find a serial bird thread, so here goes.

D300 w/ 70-300VR @200mm 1/60
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Bjørn Rørslett on November 02, 2015, 03:34:31
Bird on wire. (D2X, AFS 200/2)

Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Øivind Tøien on November 02, 2015, 04:22:58
Ouch.


Here is one: "What are you doing to my cabin!"

(http://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s9/v16/p1606306026.jpg)

D5100, f/5.6 @ 420 mm, 1/160, ISO 1600
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 02, 2015, 05:41:41
:)
two old funny favourites
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Akira on November 02, 2015, 06:14:32
Elsa, the first one carries whole a lot of pathos, at this young age!

This is repost of a recent one, I'm afraid, but it is the only one "sharable" from me...
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 02, 2015, 06:53:50
thanks Akira

I like your "tanning" bird. I love it when they do this - it's so human - like
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Eb on November 02, 2015, 07:31:02
:)
two old funny favourites
Old, but good one's Elsa!  Geese are a serious lot:


(http://www.pbase.com/emueller/image/141551774/original.jpg)



(http://www.pbase.com/emueller/image/141551773/original.jpg)
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Akira on November 02, 2015, 08:05:12
I like your "tanning" bird. I love it when they do this - it's so human - like

Glad you like it, Elsa!

Old, but good one's Elsa!  Geese are a serious lot:

Eb, apparently the geese in your images don't exactly enjoy bathing.  :D
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 02, 2015, 08:18:03
Eb, we have the Red Knobbed coot doing this fighting all the time - I have yet to capture it successfully. Your images shows how serious they get!
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Akira on November 02, 2015, 09:49:29
I've remembered yet another one!
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Bjørn Rørslett on November 02, 2015, 10:14:00
A Modern City Bird.

(a crop of an IR image that has been published in books - I just fancied this strong crop at present)
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: rosko on November 02, 2015, 10:33:08
Maître Corbeau...
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: afx on November 02, 2015, 10:34:51
two old funny favourites
The second one looks like a Tyrannosaurus Rex attacking...
COOOOL!

cheer
safx
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Bjørn Rørslett on November 02, 2015, 10:50:11
"Got more than I bargained for ..." or "Bird in Paradise"

Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Bjørn Rørslett on November 02, 2015, 10:59:57
Big Brother sees you - everywhere you try to hide.
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Bjørn Rørslett on November 02, 2015, 11:33:16
South African Cormorants.

Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Jørgen Ramskov on November 02, 2015, 11:53:11
A repost:

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/285/19680984798_85691dcfc3_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vZ9c77)
Not talking to you! (https://flic.kr/p/vZ9c77) by Joergen Ramskov (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jramskov/), on Flickr

In other news, I just became aware that there are sea eagles at the lake close by. Saw one in a bird scope yesterday. It was pretty far away though and I don't own anything longer than the 70-200mm, so chance of a picture. It does make me want that new 200-500mm lens :)
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Bjørn Rørslett on November 02, 2015, 12:06:35
Here is a Sea Eagle (Lofoten) with D200 and the AFS 28-300 Nikkor. It is an "easy" bird to shoot because it is so impressively big, wing span of 2 m or more.

Are the Danish eagles descending from birds from Norway? I know we have contributed to re-establishing Sea Eagles in other countries, Sweden and Scotland come to mind, by exporting reared chicks and younglings.
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Jørgen Ramskov on November 02, 2015, 12:25:25
I don't know where it came from but it is certainly likely to come from Norway. According to the link below, birds of prey was hunted intensely here in the late part of the 18th century (not sure that is correctly written), but it returned around 1990. I was told there were 2 sea eagles frequently spotted at the lake.

The lake, Egå Engsø, is an artificial lake created in 2006 and according to the wikipedia article linked below, the lake attracts many different bird species in high numbers, with 169 species registered up to 2010.

Link with danish info about the sea eagle: http://www.dofbasen.dk/ART/art.php?art=02430
Info about Egå Engsø: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eg%C3%A5_Engs%C3%B8
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Peter Forsell on November 02, 2015, 12:38:58
Big Brother sees you - everywhere you try to hide.

The Panopticon! Awesome.
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Bjørn Rørslett on November 02, 2015, 12:51:54
The Panopticon! Awesome.

Thanks. This was an idea I developed for a portrait interview in the leading Norwegian photo magazine. It printed excellently over a double page spread.
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Akira on November 02, 2015, 14:58:45
Birds and sunrise...
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on November 02, 2015, 16:35:43
Stunning photos!

Akira, what species is that little bird with the white around the eye? Looks very similar to a bird we get here, called the Cape White-eye:
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on November 02, 2015, 16:38:51
Elsa, just for you, the Red-knobbed Coot:
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on November 02, 2015, 16:44:14
But for me the two most beautiful species are the Bee-eaters (which continue to elude me) and the Kingfishers.

This is the Malachite, perhaps the prettiest of the southern-African members:

Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Tom Hook on November 02, 2015, 17:35:42
Birds in Flight
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Akira on November 02, 2015, 19:27:28
Akira, what species is that little bird with the white around the eye? Looks very similar to a bird we get here, called the Cape White-eye:

Peter, this one is called "Mejiro" (meaning literally "White-eye") here in Japan.  Apparently the species is Zosterops japonicus.

Your images are all stunning, but the Red-knobbed Coot looks interesting.

Tom, the first one looks like a time-resolved photograph!
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Fons Baerken on November 02, 2015, 20:33:33
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/772/21418895161_3c87d380c8_b.jpg)

Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Fons Baerken on November 02, 2015, 20:39:37
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8725/16740571079_0e322c6940_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Fons Baerken on November 02, 2015, 20:44:04
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7308/14129556874_393793be7e_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Fons Baerken on November 02, 2015, 20:46:45
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7126/14051084993_722e6d0003_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Fons Baerken on November 02, 2015, 20:53:12
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3796/12287827286_f83aff0355_b.jpg)

this one with the 100-300mm f/5.6 ais on D700
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: rosko on November 02, 2015, 21:23:25
These chickens are not edible...
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: John Geerts on November 02, 2015, 21:27:33
A flock of Seagulls...
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: BobM on November 02, 2015, 21:46:24
Just an endangered Sparrow.
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: charlie on November 02, 2015, 22:06:27
4 birds on the rocks.
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Chip Chipowski on November 02, 2015, 22:38:58
Wonderful shots here!

A few more birds on the rocks.  D200 w/55mm f/3.5 Micro Nikkor
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Anirban Halder on November 03, 2015, 11:02:37
This is very colorful thread with beautiful birds!

Few birds shot here and there in Uptown Minneapolis, USA. (D200 + 200mm f4 Micro Nikkor)
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Frank Fremerey on November 03, 2015, 12:09:46
where is Mongo?
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Jørgen Ramskov on November 03, 2015, 12:16:03
Mongo from that other site? I don't think he's a member here or knows about this site. I don't think he was a member of the old NG site.
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Anthony on November 03, 2015, 12:42:04
Seagull attack.
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Anthony on November 03, 2015, 12:44:43
Kittiwakes.
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Akira on November 03, 2015, 12:52:55
]
where is Mongo?

Mongo from that other site? I don't think he's a member here or knows about this site. I don't think he was a member of the old NG site.

Mongo does know about this site, but he is reluctant to disclose his real name, unfortunately.
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Jørgen Ramskov on November 03, 2015, 13:08:04
Ok, didn't now that.
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Jakov Minić on November 03, 2015, 13:32:42
John's and Anthony's seagulls are spectacular!
Usually birds are shot from distance with tele lenses, these I like in particular because of their vicinity.
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Anthony on November 03, 2015, 19:46:17
Thanks, Jacov, glad you like them.
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Eb on November 04, 2015, 02:32:56
Seagull attack.
Very much enjoy the wider-angle close-ups you have managed, Anthony!  It is so unusual for wild birds, imaged full of presence, (hope that is apt definition, no other word comes to mind.)  I can see how this technique can work with aggressive sea gulls and eye level vantage.
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 04, 2015, 04:53:37
big birds
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Eb on November 04, 2015, 06:06:44
big birds
Elsa, between your goose, the ostrich and Anthony's seagulls, I'm becoming very nervous!   :-\
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Fons Baerken on November 04, 2015, 07:42:50
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5824/22583589960_c1cea2846d_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Bjørn Rørslett on November 04, 2015, 07:56:33
Elsa: the perfect "Angry Birds" photo?
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Fons Baerken on November 04, 2015, 08:05:55
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5824/22583589960_c1cea2846d_b.jpg)

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5624/21710801013_a9a1cc96e1_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: John Geerts on November 04, 2015, 08:49:19
John's and Anthony's seagulls are spectacular!
Usually birds are shot from distance with tele lenses, these I like in particular because of their vicinity.
Thanks Jakov.  They were so close (especially the one-legged) you could touch them. And it's shot at 35mm (With the 17-35)
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Jakov Minić on November 04, 2015, 09:39:56
Elsa, you made me laugh with your big birds!
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Anthony on November 04, 2015, 10:19:37
Thanks, Eb, I was on a boat at the time, which made eye level access easier.

As for big birds, here are a couple of condors.  The first a female, is an uncropped image, the second, the male, is slightly cropped.  D3s and 70-300.
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on November 04, 2015, 11:47:57
With D800 and 500/4 AF-S VR
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: rosko on November 04, 2015, 15:24:48
Nice images, here !

More poultry...
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: armando_m on November 04, 2015, 20:34:42
incoming
(https://armando-m.smugmug.com/Travel/Petatán/i-9jxMmqG/0/L/_DSC9104-4-L.jpg)

feeling lucky ?
(https://armando-m.smugmug.com/Travel/2013-02-11-Isla-Isabel/i-bV59mgK/0/L/_DSC1084-L.jpg)

you are not welcome
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7141/6797237679_9d3c5912eb_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Anthony on November 04, 2015, 20:50:38
Love the two boobies!  So much character.
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: chris dees on November 04, 2015, 21:33:09
Great pictures!

lilac Cheeked Kingfisher, Sulawesi (Indonesia).
D810 + 300E + TC1.4x III
ISO3200 1/160 F5.6 about 50% crop
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: rosko on November 04, 2015, 22:11:26
And more poultry... :)

Those ones are certainly fighting for territorial purpose, or female...or both. :o

With the 300mm f/4.5 AI (non IF).
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: afx on November 04, 2015, 23:16:10
Learning to fly:

(http://images.afximages.com/photos/i-JMPd3wD/0/L/i-JMPd3wD-L.jpg) (http://images.afximages.com/photos/i-JMPd3wD/0/O/i-JMPd3wD-O.jpg)

Willi, a 2jr. old Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus, Gänsegeier) is learning to fly.
Born blind he now has one eye working and the bird trainer at Poing ( http://www.wildpark-poing.de/) is training him how to fly which is partly integrated into the daily bird of prey show.
Shot in 2006 with a D200.

cheers
afx
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Lars Hansen on November 05, 2015, 13:42:52
Lots of birds and lots of noise before "bedtime".. great Hitchcock'ish mood.

Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: rosko on November 05, 2015, 13:58:45
Learning to fly:

This one is certainly not very easy to handle...

I would prefer to train a kestrel ! ;D
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Asle F on November 05, 2015, 18:23:44
Some kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla) at Svalbard
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7224/6996185468_496ee2654d_o.jpg)
 (https://flic.kr/p/bEehco)Krykkjer ved Sjettebreen (https://flic.kr/p/bEehco) by Asle Feten (https://www.flickr.com/photos/afoton/), on Flickr

A seagull at Sunnmøre
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7176/6882235655_876a2cb05b_o.jpg)
 (https://flic.kr/p/buafTr)Måke (https://flic.kr/p/buafTr) by Asle Feten (https://www.flickr.com/photos/afoton/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 05, 2015, 18:36:39
sea birds - hows this for shooting at the bird's eye level - going at speed on a boat
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Jan Anne on November 05, 2015, 21:51:36
Great idea for a themed topic and once more interesting to see how different the same subject is seen and captured by the different photogs.

Here's one from the Rotterdam zoo during a local mini NG event:
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3635/3600508836_8469ec832a_o.jpg)
D300 & 200-400/4VR, NL 2009

Same bird but this time around the 2m minimum focus distance for a nice close up of those amazingly beautiful eyes, one of the reasons I liked the 200-400 zoom
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3411/3602625573_cafa09b9c3_o.jpg)
D300 & 200-400/4VR, NL 2009
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: golunvolo on November 05, 2015, 22:22:17
Jan, impressive. That black background works very well in the first image as well.
This one comes from some time ago, with the d200. Birds going south through the Stretch of Gibraltar.
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: John Geerts on November 05, 2015, 22:23:10
Beautifull details, JA !
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: bobfriedman on November 05, 2015, 22:26:04
Nikon D810 ,Nikkor AF-S 600mm f/4G ED VR
1/1000s f/8.0 at 1000.0mm iso1250
(http://www.pbase.com/bobfriedman/image/158550223/original.jpg)
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: armando_m on November 05, 2015, 22:28:30
Speeding
(https://armando-m.smugmug.com/Travel/2013-02-11-Isla-Isabel/i-nTc3CXK/0/L/_DSC1356-L.jpg)
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: rosko on November 06, 2015, 17:27:05
Crowd...
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: golunvolo on November 06, 2015, 20:23:11
A handsome vulture very very close to the camera. Nikon d300 and 17-35 2.8
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Fons Baerken on November 06, 2015, 20:32:14
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5526/14243120177_6c3d8d5ac8_b.jpg)
right in time for dinner

Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Alaun on November 06, 2015, 20:44:51
two older ones:
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Alaun on November 06, 2015, 20:47:16
Hiding ...
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Anthony on November 07, 2015, 12:33:35
Angry Birds.

Attempted drowning appears to be a key tactic.
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Jan Anne on November 07, 2015, 14:00:29
A Northern Gannet from the local Amsterdam zoo at 200m and f2, what a lens that was
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4034/4413733501_38a157660f_o.jpg)
D3s & 200/2VR, 2010
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Alaun on November 07, 2015, 14:06:03
From the other side of the spectrum (UV: Panasonic GH3uvvir, UV-Nikon 105mm, Baader U ):

Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Thomas G on November 07, 2015, 16:05:41
Seagulls. We had some here but they are the birds to come close enough for the short lenses.

D700, 17-35/f2.8

Full Flapps:
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on November 07, 2015, 18:11:48
Beautiful photos everyone!
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: bobfriedman on November 07, 2015, 19:55:47
Nikon D810 ,Nikkor AF-S 500mm f/4G ED VR
1/2000s f/8.0 at 500.0mm iso900
(http://www.pbase.com/bobfriedman/image/158529646/original.jpg)
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: bobfriedman on November 07, 2015, 19:56:35
Nikon D810 ,Nikkor AF-S 500mm f/4G ED VR
1/2000s f/8.0 at 500.0mm iso640
(http://www.pbase.com/bobfriedman/image/158529626/original.jpg)
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Akira on November 07, 2015, 20:40:17
Nikon D810 ,Nikkor AF-S 500mm f/4G ED VR
1/2000s f/8.0 at 500.0mm iso900

Bob, this is a stunning capture!
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: bobfriedman on November 07, 2015, 22:54:40
Nikon D810 ,Nikkor AF-S 500mm f/4G ED VR
1/2000s f/8.0 at 500.0mm
(http://www.pbase.com/bobfriedman/image/158529642/original.jpg)
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: bobfriedman on November 07, 2015, 22:55:58
Nikon D810 ,Nikkor AF-S 500mm f/4G ED VR
1/2000s f/8.0 at 500.0mm iso450
(http://www.pbase.com/bobfriedman/image/158529632/original.jpg)
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Øivind Tøien on November 08, 2015, 00:15:33
Two old slide scans of captures from Svalbard in the Norwegian high Arctic:

Northern Fulmar (Fulmaris glacialis) in front of the glacier Kongsbreen in Kings Bay, captured from the research vessel Jan Mayen.
#1
(http://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s1/v5/p1841235279.jpg)



Common Eider (Somateria mollissima) female on her nest in Ny-Ålesund, pretending to be invisible:
#2
(http://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s4/v67/p1669977283.jpg)
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 08, 2015, 05:50:32
Beautiful beautiful images. Bob - I love that diver
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Øivind Tøien on November 08, 2015, 06:10:19

Yes that diver image has fantastic timing, well done.
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Andrew on November 08, 2015, 12:26:38
First, buzzard from blind, D750, 200-400+TC1.4, second-can't find original and don't have "file info
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 08, 2015, 13:24:55
This morning in my front garden
ISO 1600
f5 SS 4000
D3200 & 300 F4
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: rosko on November 08, 2015, 13:56:29
Well done, Elsa !

This is a superb image. 8)
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 08, 2015, 14:05:07
Thank you Rosko!
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: armando_m on November 08, 2015, 15:11:09
Angry Birds.

Attempted drowning appears to be a key tactic.
Impressive action series !
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Fons Baerken on November 08, 2015, 16:55:31
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5736/22686505100_83fa94a7d8_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Anthony on November 08, 2015, 17:33:00
Impressive action series !
Thanks, Armando, it was not something I have seen before.
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Thomas G on November 08, 2015, 19:16:08
First, buzzard from blind, D750, 200-400+TC1.4, second-can't find original and don't have "file info

I like the goose and the plane shot.
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: bobfriedman on November 08, 2015, 20:28:48
This morning in my front garden
ISO 1600
f5 SS 4000
D3200 & 300 F4

WOW.. now that's an interesting duck!
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Mike G on November 08, 2015, 22:25:26
WOW.. now that's an interesting duck!

Bob that is a species of Coot (Fulica crostata)
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: bobfriedman on November 09, 2015, 00:34:39
Bob that is a species of Coot (Fulica crostata)

thanx.. i am really bad with ducks... i mean coots :)
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 09, 2015, 07:02:40
It's called a Red Knobbed Coot  - plentiful where I live.
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Jan Anne on November 09, 2015, 09:24:33
It's called a Red Knobbed Coot  - plentiful where I live.
It looks a lot like a Dutch Coot whom misplaced his marbles ;) :P

The little chicks are adorable up close btw with their brightly coloured feathers and huge feet (they walk on water plants).
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 09, 2015, 12:37:51
Herewith hen with Babies
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Jan Anne on November 09, 2015, 15:08:47
Herewith hen with Babies
Great image Elsa of the Coots in their natural habitat.

I can totally hear mom say "Yes dear, we are the Jesus amongst birds"  ;D ;)
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Mike G on November 09, 2015, 16:11:37
I did say Red Knobbed Coot, but somehow it didn't get posted, curious.

European coot have extraordinary feet! So here is a photo of a shy Amsterdam Coot and his tootsies!

Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Chip Chipowski on November 09, 2015, 16:40:13
Andrew, I really like the airplane tracking the birds!
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 09, 2015, 17:56:01
Mike - our coots also have feet like that.
interesting that yours dont have knobs!
see in the water
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Mike G on November 09, 2015, 19:41:42
Elsa, I don't know about your Coots but the euro ones are quite stroppy with other birds and will even see off swans who get too close especially when there are youngens about!

I find the action of their feet fascinating to watch but of course you need clear water to see them!
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 10, 2015, 01:34:15
Mike - yes. They are very aggressive and typically fight with their feet.
They are not as painful as the ducks and Egyptian Geese, as they stay on the water 99% of the time and don't sh*t all over hour lawn, roof etc.
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Anirban Halder on November 10, 2015, 06:32:49
This morning in my front garden
ISO 1600
f5 SS 4000
D3200 & 300 F4
You must be having quite a garden with a beautiful view, Elsa! I've never seen such a pretty duck.
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 10, 2015, 07:25:02
Thank you Anirban  ;)
Yes I have lots and lots here

And this morning - for the first time - a Manderin Duck
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Øivind Tøien on November 10, 2015, 09:58:40
White tailed eagle in Northern Norway captured with 105/2.5, heavily cropped:
#1
(http://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s7/v161/p1623756697.jpg)



#2
(http://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s9/v2/p1691419885.jpg)



Cormorants:
#3
(http://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s5/v127/p1816478678.jpg)



Juvenile white tailed eagles waiting for parents coming with a catch:
#4
(http://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s1/v6/p1771856883.jpg)
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Øivind Tøien on November 10, 2015, 10:16:01


Too early arrival on the tundra north in Alaska (or rather a late spring):
#1
(http://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s2/v60/p1731402627-6.jpg)



Where are all the other ones? ....
#2
(http://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s7/v161/p1630343199-6.jpg)
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 10, 2015, 11:22:36
Øivind - that duck looks lost :)
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: rosko on November 10, 2015, 11:56:30

Too early arrival on the tundra north in Alaska (or rather a late spring):


It probably takes some rest before carrying on its journey toward south. 8)
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Øivind Tøien on November 10, 2015, 13:51:01
Thanks for the comments. The "duck" is a Canada goose  :) , and its faith is unknown. It is a big bird though, so it could probably keep going for a while if it was in good condition and did not become fox or wolf bait. Some smaller passerine birds arriving were probably in more trouble, having a much higher weight specific metabolic rate and limited energy stores. Plenty of raptors around, here is a short-eared owl hunting for rodents along Sagavanirktok ("Sag") River.
#1
(http://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s2/v52/p1685463372.jpg)

Captured using manual focus on a poorly balanced 300mm lens from a moving vehicle...



Short-eared owl and northern harrier in the air at the same time. At the time of capture I thought they were a pair of owls..., not having time to study the harrier.
#2
(http://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s11/v33/p1667153375.jpg)



Rough-legged hawk
#3
(http://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s3/v43/p1692645700.jpg)



A closer look at the northern harrier. Wing position is not so typical in this on though.
#4
(http://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s9/v86/p1825238848.jpg)



Northern Goosehawk
#5
(http://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s11/v28/p1820104506.jpg)


We also observed golden eagles at a distance. All within a few hours.
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: bobfriedman on November 10, 2015, 14:09:18
Thank you Anirban  ;)
Yes I have lots and lots here

And this morning - for the first time - a Manderin Duck

looks like a wood duck to me..
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 10, 2015, 18:21:37
looks like a wood duck to me..

oh my goodness yes it does - sorry it seems I was completely wrong -
I dont however see that we get Wood ducks in Sa? but it dure as hell does look like one

Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on November 10, 2015, 19:32:52
Some stunning photos here again!

Some more from me:

Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: bobfriedman on November 10, 2015, 20:10:39
Nikon D800E ,Nikkor AF-S 600mm f/4G ED VR
1/2000s f/8.0 at 1000.0mm iso1600
(http://www.pbase.com/bobfriedman/image/158891974/original.jpg)
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Thomas G on November 10, 2015, 21:33:22
Quote
Reply #119
I like the controlled, balletesque steady stride here a lot. Compelling shot!
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: bobfriedman on November 10, 2015, 22:50:00
Nikon D800E ,Nikkor AF-S 600mm f/4G ED VR
1/2000s f/8.0 at 1000.0mm iso1600
(http://www.pbase.com/bobfriedman/image/158855399/original.jpg)
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: bobfriedman on November 10, 2015, 22:51:48
Nikon D4S SLR ,Nikkor AF-S 600mm f/4G ED VR
1/1250s f/8.0 at 1000.0mm iso2000
(http://www.pbase.com/bobfriedman/image/155324246/original.jpg)
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Chip Chipowski on November 11, 2015, 01:29:05
Bob - I love the perturbed (stoic?) bird!
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: John Geerts on November 11, 2015, 09:14:20
A great look and setting, beautiful.
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Øivind Tøien on November 11, 2015, 09:43:28

Great image, however I think it looks more like angry bird.
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: bobfriedman on November 11, 2015, 11:04:39
Great image, however I think it looks more like angry bird.

possibly impatient waiting for its past due mate..

Nikon D4S SLR ,Nikkor AF-S 600mm f/4G ED VR
1/1600s f/6.7 at 1000.0mm iso900
(http://www.pbase.com/bobfriedman/image/155324249/original.jpg)

or maybe not..

Nikon D4S SLR ,Nikkor AF-S 600mm f/4G ED VR
1/1250s f/8.0 at 1000.0mm iso2000
(http://www.pbase.com/bobfriedman/image/155334999/original.jpg)
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Akira on November 11, 2015, 11:46:39
Bob, your post #122 is a smash hit!
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Fons Baerken on November 11, 2015, 21:16:05
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5690/22558208699_5ca66d8174_b.jpg)

D700, 70-200/2.8 vr2, @200mm/f5
2011
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Fons Baerken on November 11, 2015, 21:21:54
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/699/22558326729_15b2a90d89_b.jpg)

more older stuff this from 2009
the boat to Texel

d300 80-200mm afd @200mm /f8
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Akira on November 12, 2015, 14:43:20
Fons, the image on the post 129 is superb!
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Fons Baerken on November 12, 2015, 21:39:48
So much Akira thank you :)
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Ron Scubadiver on November 12, 2015, 22:09:19
(https://ronscubadiver.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/dsc_5720.jpg)

South Africa, January, 2013

From this batch: https://ronscubadiver.wordpress.com/2013/01/30/bridges-birds-and-signs/ (https://ronscubadiver.wordpress.com/2013/01/30/bridges-birds-and-signs/)
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 13, 2015, 10:47:22
beautiful birds Ron - perhaps lighten them a tad if you like?
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Øivind Tøien on November 16, 2015, 01:27:00
I do not think anyone posted images of willow ptarmigans yet, this is from North Slope of Brooks Range, north in Alaska in end of August a few years ago:
#1
(http://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s3/v42/p1698817939.jpg)


This one could have gone in the autumn color thread too:
#2
(http://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s8/v0/p1656133709.jpg)
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Jørgen Ramskov on November 16, 2015, 09:17:43
Impressive shots Peter!

Visited the local lake again and we saw two sea eagles and lots of other birds - shot with 70-200mm so unsurprisingly, it's heavily cropped:
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5783/23039892135_2515f8ed3d_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/B6Xtez)
Sea eagles at Egå Engsø (https://flic.kr/p/B6Xtez) by Joergen Ramskov (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jramskov/), on Flickr

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5632/23026378972_3635b8f16e_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/B5Ldf1)
Ducks (https://flic.kr/p/B5Ldf1) by Joergen Ramskov (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jramskov/), on Flickr

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/731/22647690449_ce3b0efd7b_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Avikkx)
Swans (https://flic.kr/p/Avikkx) by Joergen Ramskov (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jramskov/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Fanie on November 16, 2015, 11:13:34
Insect cull.
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Fanie on November 16, 2015, 11:21:29
Display flight.
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Akira on November 16, 2015, 14:55:53
Fanie, the second one is stunning!
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 16, 2015, 18:49:24
Gorgeous Fanie - that Black bird is stunning.
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Fanie on November 16, 2015, 18:51:26
Thanks Akira and Elsa, I dream of a 600 f4 one day.....
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Asle F on November 16, 2015, 19:57:24
Great tit (Parus major) seen from my porch

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5722/22676431219_99702f893e_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/AxQCY4)
Kjøttmeis (https://flic.kr/p/AxQCY4) by Asle Feten (https://www.flickr.com/photos/afoton/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 16, 2015, 20:58:40
Fanie - what lens did you use
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Fanie on November 16, 2015, 21:01:41
Fanie - what lens did you use

BIF was done with 70-200 vr1, the first two with 300 f2.8 with TC fitted (either 1.7 or 2x)
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Tersn on November 16, 2015, 22:49:54
BYE-BYE BLACKBIRD

Pack up all my care and woe
Here I go, singing low
Bye-bye, blackbird
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 17, 2015, 03:03:09
Fanie - there is this new lens.... its a 200-500 ....  :P

Tersn - you made me smile - a lot ! cool bird
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Fanie on November 17, 2015, 07:17:25
Tersn, that black bird photo is brilliant.
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Fanie on November 17, 2015, 07:20:31
Fanie - there is this new lens.... its a 200-500 ....  :P



Elsa I will have to try it out first to see how it compares with a 300 with 1.7TC, if it does not give more contrast and sharpness I would only gain a zoom function and some more hardware to pack 😊
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Tersn on November 17, 2015, 07:44:55

Tersn - you made me smile - a lot ! cool bird
[/quote]
Elsa:
Thank you for your kind comment.
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Tersn on November 17, 2015, 07:47:05
Tersn, that black bird photo is brilliant.

Fanie:
Than you for your generous remark.
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Frode on November 17, 2015, 10:45:40
A lots of really nice and interesting pictures, folks.

Bjørn, you really have a way of "seeing" things, impressive and inspiring!

This one is from one of the mountains in Rogaland, Norway; eagle sailing on the wind.
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: tommiejeep on November 17, 2015, 13:25:28
Not my normal gear for birding  ;) and not fast action  :)
(http://images.nikonians.org/galleries/data/500/P7290064.jpg)
EM1, 40-150 2.8 w/tc1.4 handheld.... Female Sunbird
Just for fun.... the Migrants have started arriving and yesterday spotted a Falcon. This morning shot a Harrier hunting and a Booted Eagle.  No sign of an Osprey  >:(

Terje, great Blackbird image
Fanie, cool image, Kestrel???
Tom
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on November 17, 2015, 15:06:51
Seems like I should sell my long lens, somebody else can definitely use it better!

Fanie, the Drongo and Lanner are great, was the Lanner at Dullstroom BOP?

Tersn, great blackbird!

Bob Friedman, your work blows me away.
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Fanie on November 17, 2015, 15:17:59


Fanie, the Drongo and Lanner are great, was the Lanner at Dullstroom BOP?



Thanks Peter.

Yip at Dullstroom.
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 17, 2015, 17:36:55
it is what it is
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 17, 2015, 17:41:36
A very very seldom seen bird in my garden - I think I might have seen it less than 10 times in 30 years. Hardly managed to get this before it went on its way - hence the quality
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Fanie on November 17, 2015, 18:52:25
it is what it is

It is beautiful.
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Tersn on November 17, 2015, 19:36:14
it is what it is

Yes, and what are they?
Good shot.
And what is the name of your rarely seen bird below?
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 18, 2015, 06:05:22
They are sacred ibis (Black and whites)

the rarely seen bird is a waxbill. I am not sure how rare it is - but it is rare at my house for sure. tiny little thing
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: tommiejeep on November 18, 2015, 06:39:55
I normally have to look for these in the hottest part of the day since they feed from late morning until 1PM.  This one was passing through my pool area, for a bath, in the late afternoon  :)

Venus Flycatcher
D750, 80-400 afs, handheld at approx. 8 mtrs.   ISO 3200, 1/500, total shade.  Light is from NIK  ;)
(http://images.nikonians.org/galleries/data/500/D75_7600.jpg)
I did get a fun image with tons of motion blur at iso 5000
Tom

Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 18, 2015, 08:31:42
Egyptian Geese
When the 300f4 is too long..
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: HCS on November 18, 2015, 19:46:08
hahahaha, this is hilarious  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Fons Baerken on November 18, 2015, 21:03:41
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/324/18703936386_b2ba333766_o.jpg)
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: tommiejeep on November 20, 2015, 09:43:53
Just for fun from this morning... sort of went OTT on the PP  ;D
(http://images.nikonians.org/galleries/data/500/D75_8325.jpg)
D750/80-400 afs handheld (I had just switched from the D7100/300 2.8 w/tc1.4 ...duh
Not sure what will happen to the image since I cannot take it from my computer.
Tom
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 20, 2015, 19:02:06
Fons and Tom - both those images could have been taken right here at my house :) they look all too familiar!
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on November 20, 2015, 19:13:48
Elsa, is this the new lens, or still the 300? Super sharp!
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 20, 2015, 19:28:12
Peter  - sadly its not sharp - I grabbed the (new) lens while I was talking on the phone with a friend as this monster came flaying over. 2 shots and it was gone. So really a hit and miss thing. And that lens doesnt want to be used with only 1 1/2 hands  :(
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on November 20, 2015, 20:07:44
Well, it looks pretty good on my screen!

One thing when doing BIF instead of stationary portraits is not to look too much at 100% magnification. Along that route lies sure madness!
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 21, 2015, 02:20:52
Thanks Peter. Birding is not really my thing - although I do shoot them often enough! I hope to better my technique at least. At least the 200-500's focusing is a lot faster than the 300f4's.

Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: tommiejeep on November 21, 2015, 03:10:49
Peter, cool image.  I would call that one of my "almost" images, of which I have thousands  ;D .  Rarely does my settings, available light or choice of gear all come together  >:(
This was taken a few days back, huge crop, with the D750, 300 2.8vr with tc1.7(http://images.nikonians.org/galleries/data/500/D75_7009.jpg)

I have not been shooting Kingfishers much these days but I do love the D750 AF.

Elsa, I really like your Blue IBIS flock in flight. Never seen Blue IBIS  ;) . 
Tom
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Bruno Schroder on November 21, 2015, 11:57:56
Quick grab of the very active goldfinches paying us their annual visit to clear the seeds of the teasels I let grow for them in the garden. No light with rain coming and quite cropped, they are very shy here.
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: John Geerts on November 21, 2015, 12:10:48
Great photo's here !

I usually don't shoot birds. However it's unavoidable they will cross the lens at times. Like on a ferry-boat or in an art-exhibition...

Df with 85K
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on November 21, 2015, 16:13:38
Beautiful Tommie and Bruno!

Elsa, if the 200-500 is faster than the 300f4, it must really be something! My 300f4 is just about as fast as my 500.

Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 21, 2015, 18:44:41
Peter, my 300 takes a while to lock on - the 200-500 locks in in less than half the time
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on November 21, 2015, 19:48:02
Very interesting, and contrary to my own experience of the 300 and my expectations of the 200-500.
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 21, 2015, 20:26:49
peter remember I am not a long lens user - so this is just from my own experience -
my 300 hunts in and out before focussing. The 200-500 does that in half the time at least
maybe I am blond :)
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on November 22, 2015, 12:54:57
I doubt your frequent accusations of cerebral blondness.

There may be a host of other factors contributing?
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 22, 2015, 12:59:16
oh ya and remember its the old 300 f4 - non VR
I don't know if the newer ones are better
But I tell you - this 200-500 is soooo nice - I should buy another one!
I am very pleased I took the Sigma 150-600 back when I did.
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Øivind Tøien on November 22, 2015, 13:08:43

 The 300/4 PF is lightening fast on a good body, except perhaps when going all the way from the close limit to very far in poor light, but then one can use the focus limiter to prevent it from accessing that territory.
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on November 22, 2015, 13:17:10
I was also speaking of the older non-VR 300. I have never even seen the PF.

I am glad you are enjoying your new lens.

Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 22, 2015, 13:59:35
Bruno  - what a special image!
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 22, 2015, 14:01:22
Mousebird - I hope its the correct name
First one for me to photograph - huge crop.
The lens is long -   but not THAT long!
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 22, 2015, 14:03:32
I was also speaking of the older non-VR 300. I have never even seen the PF.

I am glad you are enjoying your new lens.

Peter - I really hope we can see one another when you come down to Cape Town in December. I am going to Malgas Island 11 - 18 December. And I hope by then I know a bit more about photographing birds... On the other hand - I will be shooting Cape Gannits for a week - should know after that experience  ;D
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on November 22, 2015, 14:19:19
Great opportunity Elsa
I suspect you already know everything you need to know, the rest is "just" practice... I think...
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 22, 2015, 14:29:55
Peter - I hope I dont. Otherwise the challenge is no more...
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Jan Anne on December 01, 2015, 22:15:25
I was privileged to see Griffon Vultures on several occasions when visiting Spain a few times over the years, some by looking for them armed with big lenses and some while hiking in the area.

Here's a few of the images of these amazing birds.
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3272/2921979361_6b1147fc32_o.jpg)
D300 and Nikon 300/2.8 plus 1.7TC, Spain 2008

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3225/2932015441_ab53617f86_o.jpg)
D300 and Nikon 300/2.8 plus 1.7TC, Spain 2008
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on December 03, 2015, 18:17:33
Jan, they are indeed enigmatic birds!

Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: armando_m on December 04, 2015, 23:04:19
oldish shot, a bit blurred, but I still like it
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Jan Anne on December 04, 2015, 23:17:26
oldish shot, a bit blurred, but I still like it
So do I, very serene atmosphere, awesome.
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: enough on December 05, 2015, 00:01:22
Thought I might play.  A portrait of a Barking Owl.
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: enough on December 05, 2015, 00:08:21
Another distinctly Australian bird, a New Holland Honeyeater on a Bird of Paradise flower, taken in the backyard
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Bruno Schroder on December 05, 2015, 00:15:17
oldish shot, a bit blurred, but I still like it

I like it too. Chinese painting style.
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: golunvolo on December 06, 2015, 13:06:33
I like it too. Chinese painting style.
So do I.
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: golunvolo on December 06, 2015, 13:08:05
One more vulture from south Spain. This one was very friendly and curious about the "click-click" of the camera.
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Andrew on December 08, 2015, 22:00:39
Jay, Great and Crested Tomtits and Buzzard, from blind, buzzards discussing quality of food...
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on January 06, 2016, 18:50:10
Some from (almost) Elsa's back yard.
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on February 20, 2016, 17:40:29
When the kids keep stealing your seat...
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on February 20, 2016, 17:53:20
Wagtail in my garden (sorry I know my garden must get boring - but I find new birds all the time)
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Jakov Minić on February 20, 2016, 19:33:16
Peter and Elsa have made some cracking bird shots!
There's clarity, there's lighting, there's action, there's character. 
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on February 20, 2016, 19:42:09
Thanks Jakov - but Peter is a bit better than me :)
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Jakov Minić on February 20, 2016, 20:00:53
Thanks Jakov - but Peter is a bit better than me :)
How can anyone be better than you, my dear.
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: rosko on February 20, 2016, 20:56:27
Common robin...
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Jakov Minić on February 20, 2016, 22:23:25
Francis, robin is so mellow and gentle :)
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on February 21, 2016, 06:14:09
thats a beautiful Robin !
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on February 21, 2016, 15:16:20
Elsa, that wagtail caught in the act is beautiful!

Rosko, that's a beautiful Robin!
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Jan Anne on February 21, 2016, 17:09:32
When I was working from home last Wednesday a colourful visitor said hello for the second time, this time I had a camera lying around so I could actually digitalise the rare occasion. I would call this a very nice change compared to the flying rats we had in Amsterdam (aka pigeons).

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1448/24545151873_560ed45998_o.jpg)
Sony a7S with 125/2.5 APO Lanthar, shot through the kitchen window and heavily cropped
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: BillO on February 22, 2016, 03:28:58
Jan Anne, that is a magnificent visitor.  It looks like a version of our North American pheasant.

Rosko, a very pretty robin, but not common to us in North America.  Our common robin looks like the following and not nearly as attractive:

Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on February 22, 2016, 18:14:48
Here in SA, we don't have a "common" Robin, but we do have some other Robbins. This one is called a Cape Robbin:
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: ArendV on February 22, 2016, 19:24:16
A nice series of different robins and a pheasant considering next steps.

A Long-eared owl overwintering with 20 others in the top of a pine tree not too far away from my home.
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5689/23999395691_296597f5d2_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Thomas G on March 02, 2016, 22:33:51
still someone around?

Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: BillO on March 03, 2016, 04:00:54
Very nice Thomas.  Perfect exposure to keep the detail in that white without washing out.

Fascinating to see just how clean those white feathers are.
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Chip Chipowski on March 03, 2016, 06:37:33
Statue Birds
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Thomas G on March 03, 2016, 06:49:06
Very nice Thomas.  Perfect exposure to keep the detail in that white without washing out.
Fascinating to see just how clean those white feathers are.
thank you, Bill.
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: ArendV on March 03, 2016, 08:47:34
Blue tit

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7580/16127857381_3fd437cca0_o.jpg)
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on March 03, 2016, 12:51:07
awesome pics - some so sharp it scares me
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: ArendV on March 07, 2016, 20:03:00
Sharp birds are not scary  ;)

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1584/25441155472_95aab33f0a_o.jpg)
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Akira on March 07, 2016, 20:17:01
Three gangsters in the rain.  D750, Nikkor-Q C 200mm/f4.0@f5.6.  Cropped to about 1/2 of the original frame.
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: FredCrowBear on March 08, 2016, 03:14:42
Akira - As smart as crows are, you have to think that they are planning something. 

That 200mm Q-C is serving you well. 
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Akira on March 08, 2016, 04:37:22
Akira - As smart as crows are, you have to think that they are planning something. 

That 200mm Q-C is serving you well.

Fred, thanks for the comment.  Apparently it's not easy to outguess their conspiracy...  The 200mm Q C continues to amaze me either on DX, m4/3 or FX.
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: armando_m on March 08, 2016, 15:41:41
One from the weekend

The Red billed tropic bird was very exited to have people walking near his nesting place and was flying all over the place,

I'm amaze what AF-C D51 can accomplish even with the lowly 70-300 VR zoom, I shot a series of images and all were in focus on the bird, granted I had lots of sunshine.

Getting a decent composition was just a matter of keeping the zoom slightly wider, on this one I had the zoom at 250mm, and this is a crop of a horizontal image
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Akira on March 08, 2016, 17:40:39
Wow, Armando, this is so beautiful!  I appreciate your reflex nerve more than the AF-C.
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on March 08, 2016, 19:18:22
Beautiful photos!

Another less impressive try.

Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ArendV on April 18, 2016, 21:03:43
Woody
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1682/26214598600_0cdb674a0a_o.jpg)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on April 18, 2016, 21:27:24
Geez kids - how must one compete with these great images (not that it's a competition but you know what I mean)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ArendV on April 24, 2016, 12:36:57
Grey Heron

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1546/25996538284_09fcdea7cf_b.jpg)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Akira on May 11, 2016, 12:46:27
So, this is a record-breaking shot in terms of poor image quality.  But the combo was all I had at this moment. :P

D750, AF-S 50mm/f1.8@f5.6, ISO100.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on May 11, 2016, 12:54:00
Well at least you had the right camera with you.... as for the lens .... haha  ;D
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Akira on May 11, 2016, 12:59:54
Well at least you had the right camera with you.... as for the lens .... haha  ;D

Oh, yes, Elsa.  The best camera is always the one you have with you.  :D

And this is the second worst.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on May 11, 2016, 13:32:41
I feel I was "hooked" the first time I photographed birds (last December). I am a bird "addict". I need my dose every couple of days.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on May 11, 2016, 13:39:04
Here are some pictures
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Akira on May 11, 2016, 13:47:35
ElSid, these images prove how much you are "hooked".
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on May 11, 2016, 14:59:35
Akira, you are right. On Friday morning I am going on a 9 day tour in the north part of Greece. I will visit places I have not seen before. One of them, lake Kerkini, is a favorite of birdwatchers and photographers. Stay tuned.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ArendV on May 24, 2016, 19:28:57
I really admire the blue tits in our garden bringing fresh food to their young every couple of minutes, flying on and off !

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7787/27151962691_22fa3e4e92_o.jpg)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: chris dees on May 24, 2016, 20:45:30
From a couple of years back.
Birding with a super wide angle; D700 + 16-35/4.0 @16mm
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on May 24, 2016, 20:50:06
just fooling around
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: chris dees on May 24, 2016, 20:51:13
You don't always need a 600mm for birding.

Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ArendV on May 25, 2016, 20:06:27
 :) WA would do in this case....

D500 @ISO 5000 (with minimal NR in postprocessing, actually like the character of this noise).

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7359/26640866023_3cdd393f71_o.jpg)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: FredCrowBear on May 26, 2016, 02:39:37
Arend

I agree with you.  I think that the noise with the D500 is much less 'offensive' (for the lack of a better word) than the noise from my D7100 or D300s.  To my untrained eye, the noise at this level looks much more like grain than noise. 

I am very impressed with the D500. 

What lens for this shot?

Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: FredCrowBear on May 26, 2016, 02:54:14
Mallard in a salt marsh creek.  D500 and Nikkor 200-500mm. ISO 720, f11, 1/500s.  Cropped to about 2500 horizontal before resizing to 1200 for posting on NG.  Very impressed with the D500. 

Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ArendV on May 26, 2016, 06:17:42
Fred, lens is the Nikkor 300/4E PF VR with TC-14E III attached, wide open @f/5.6
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Alaun on May 28, 2016, 22:47:41
"I like my umbrella" 
 8)



Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Akira on May 29, 2016, 02:03:18
Looks pretty.  Nice capture, Werner!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on May 29, 2016, 07:54:34
This thread can go on for 10 years and you guys will still come up with excellent new shots.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on May 29, 2016, 07:58:08
big ones
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Jakov Minić on May 29, 2016, 09:05:10
Elsa you have a brilliant sense of humor. Your photos make me laugh repeatedly :D
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on May 29, 2016, 09:48:10
Elsa you have a brilliant sense of humor. Your photos make me laugh repeatedly :D
Thank you Jakov x
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Asle F on June 01, 2016, 19:54:14
A Spring fever grouse hen
(https://c6.staticflickr.com/8/7052/26792753693_9e5cfe2da2_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/GPzSec)
Rupehøne (https://flic.kr/p/GPzSec) by Asle Feten (https://www.flickr.com/photos/afoton/), on Flickr
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Jakov Minić on June 01, 2016, 20:51:46
Asle, Asle, Asle...
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: golunvolo on June 02, 2016, 19:47:00
Asle, Asle, Asle...
+1
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on June 02, 2016, 19:47:55
Looks more like a winter fever goose to me :)

beautifully executed Asle
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Alaun on June 02, 2016, 20:56:09
Washing .. Drying .. Ironing   8)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Asle F on June 02, 2016, 21:09:41
Looks more like a winter fever goose to me :)

It was 7. may, and they are white in the winter, so it is actually spring.

One more of the same bird, this time in company with its partner. The spruce in the background is just as small as it looks.

(https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7683/26814477323_c9cc1a5251_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/GRvcUx)
Rupepar (https://flic.kr/p/GRvcUx) by Asle Feten (https://www.flickr.com/photos/afoton/), on Flickr
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Akira on June 03, 2016, 00:47:20
Werner, LOL!  Excellent idea and images!

Asle, I prefer the newest one.  The inclusion of the environment makes the image more vivid.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Asle F on June 03, 2016, 19:40:27
Asle, I prefer the newest one.  The inclusion of the environment makes the image more vivid.

Tank you for the feedback. Because the first one is isolating the subject, and the second one is with enviroment, they are very different, and can work in different settings, so it is not necessery to prefer one over another. The last one is the one I was most uncertain about, so i am glad you like it.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Alaun on June 03, 2016, 22:37:21
Thank you, Akira.

The D500 with the 200-500 is my first "long" combination and makes fun. But most of the birds here are tiny and hide away in trees.

Here a "Tirili"  from my first "birding tour" (3h in the forest, I saw only this one bird ...).
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: BW on June 03, 2016, 22:44:04
It was 7. may, and they are white in the winter, so it is actually spring.

One more of the same bird, this time in company with its partner. The spruce in the background is just as small as it looks.

(https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7683/26814477323_c9cc1a5251_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/GRvcUx)
Rupepar (https://flic.kr/p/GRvcUx) by Asle Feten (https://www.flickr.com/photos/afoton/), on Flickr
The hen has a perfect camoflage. A beautiful time of the year in the mountain :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Jan Anne on June 04, 2016, 01:35:00
Last week or so the field next door is visited regularly by one or two Storks feeding on worms and frogs, this one is from today.

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7484/26835365244_6ee2c7d222_o.jpg)
Canon 100-400IS MkII on Sony a7RII, heavily cropped
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: tommiejeep on June 04, 2016, 05:59:20
Jan Anne , nice one  :) .  Great timing.  The only Storks I have left are Open Bills and they eat snails  ;) .  Yup, I certainly understand big crops shooting at 400mms  :) .

These are a couple of frame fillers at 420mms.  Distance makes huge difference.
Both with D750, 300 2.8vr w/tc1.4 handheld

Shy Caucau.  They look black bodied unless you get just the right light  :) and on the run... they do not fly that much but run, hop, around in the bushes/trees
Would have been interesting to have a D500 and 'naked'300 2.8vr  ;)

Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Frank Fremerey on June 04, 2016, 12:53:21
Werner. Nice shots. The 200-500 was too heavy for me to handhold. Today I got the 300 PF in exchange.

The forest is difficult territory, even at dawn when the real action is. Much better are "Streuobstwiesen" (meadowns with scattered old fruit trees) or Cemetaries. Both tend to have bigger distance between the trees. and so a better chance to see the action.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Frank Fremerey on June 04, 2016, 12:54:13
Common robin...

Wonderful sensitive take. looks like the little bird is thinking...
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Anthony on June 04, 2016, 13:02:08
Last week or so the field next door is visited regularly by one or two Storks feeding on worms and frogs, this one is from today.


Well caught - bird and photographer, both.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on June 04, 2016, 15:45:26
These were taken at a lake (Kerkini), in the north part of Greece, an excellent wetland.
D500+TC 14E III+300mm PF.
1. PODICEPS CRISTATUS
2. ARDEOLA RALLOIDES
3. ARDEA CINEREA   
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on June 04, 2016, 16:38:25
This fella is a Fork-tailed Drongo.

A bird that usually looks very boring, right up till the moment it appears in good light!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Frank Fremerey on June 04, 2016, 18:42:50
here is the real world performance of the D500 AF with the 300 PF Nikkor @f=4

(out of cam JPEGs, details in third post)

1) AF does not get it for a few frames
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Frank Fremerey on June 04, 2016, 18:44:05
2) The AF gets is and nails it for the consecutive frames
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Frank Fremerey on June 04, 2016, 18:54:13
3) Detail from one frame (switch noise off when using low ISO below 1600)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: tommiejeep on June 06, 2016, 06:55:08
The Sid, interesting that you got a Pond Heron and Grey Heron in the Med.  I shoot both in Goa.
Peter, cool shot of the Drongo.
Frank, you are making great progress  :)

Hunting and Whoops said the .....shame the KF headed for the electric wire instead of back to its' perch.  D750, 300 2.8vr w/tc1.4 handheld... need to bring out the 500vr  ;)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on June 06, 2016, 09:38:22
Hi Tom. Very nice photos. The birds you mention are common in the Med.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on June 06, 2016, 19:41:35
Thanks Tom

Great KF!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: chris dees on June 06, 2016, 20:30:48
Since a few days I have a Sigma 150-600 Sport.
Although heavy it works very well with a D500.

First - Eurasian Skylark (about 15cm) 20% crop
Second - White Wagtail
Third - Black-tailed Godwit 20% crop
Fourth - Pied Avocet 30% crop
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Frank Fremerey on June 06, 2016, 23:32:56
tommiejeep: As long as I get the chance to practice on the Swifts every other day ... yet due to my work & children and wife I miss a lot of opportunities to shoot the Swifts ...

I keep fighting!


BTW: What is a KF? the gekko-eater: * D75_7622.jpg
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Fons Baerken on June 11, 2016, 20:28:50
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7391/27327995580_923b3d9f65_o.jpg)

Df  zf85mm f/1.4
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: chris dees on June 11, 2016, 21:19:57
tommiejeep: As long as I get the chance to practice on the Swifts every other day ... yet due to my work & children and wife I miss a lot of opportunities to shoot the Swifts ...

I keep fighting!


BTW: What is a KF? the gekko-eater: * D75_7622.jpg

KF = Kingfisher  :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: John Geerts on June 14, 2016, 14:55:04
I am not really ínto birds, but sometimes they just fly in the frame and keep waiting...
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Frank Fremerey on June 18, 2016, 14:37:33
Here is the first image, taken a few days ago, that shows the direction I am heading.

D500. 300PF.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: chris dees on June 18, 2016, 14:52:16
D500 + Sigma 150-600 Sport + Sigma TC 1.4x.
ISO10000 some basic LR PP
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ArendV on June 18, 2016, 21:16:14
young great tits (D500 with 300/4E VR wide open):

1
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7594/27142687753_460b86bc8b_o.jpg)

2
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7576/27652913342_9e9af8c83a_o.jpg)

3
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7513/27475185960_e20d681115_o.jpg)

Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Frank Fremerey on June 19, 2016, 01:15:10
Arend. Same combos suits me well too, yet you obviously are a
experienced bird shooter and I am just starting to fall in love with
that topic. Great shots.

I start to see birds. Yesterday between two heavy pour downs I
 managed to drive on my bicycle. Fast. One of these little birds
flew in front of me just at the same pace as me.

Wonderful all the colors and details ... seems they laugh all the time
... taking their picture ... no ... watching them without taking their
picture is such a pleasure, such a gift!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ArendV on June 19, 2016, 04:50:31
Thanks Frank and you describe well the joy of bird watching. I always bring my camera with me going out in nature, but certainly do not always come back with a nice picture. Still it is always a nice experience !
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on June 19, 2016, 11:33:37
Reply to #274. Frank, you have caught the same virus I caught last December, when I mounted the 300mm PF on the D810. Then the D500, which I got the first day it came to Greece, was a natural move. I am not an experienced photographer but I can see how good the D500+300mm PF combo is. Here are some photos with this combo.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Frank Fremerey on June 19, 2016, 14:19:33
ElSid: these look a bit like my first shots with the combo. Try some sytematical test with variation of:

a) exposure times
b) VR-Setting
c) AF-Settings
d) RAW conversion settings

This is only about the technical aspects, nothing concering the pictures per se.

With the gulls and the first shot you seem to have hit the right combo.

The little bird seems rather rough like I would expect from a 100% crop of a 20k-ISO-file. I guess there is a RAW conversion issue or too high ISO.
The otherwise superp pelican shot suffers from camera shake and/or defocussing.
The bird landing on water seems to suffer some RAW conversion issue too.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on June 19, 2016, 14:47:44
Frank, thank you for your comments and advice. All shots were handheld and focus, as you remarked was not "right". The little bird and the landing pelican are 100% crops. I will try to experiment, as you suggested, and hopefully my "hit" rate will go up.
Thanks again.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Frank Fremerey on June 19, 2016, 20:26:08
Give NX-D a try. I dismissed the software for quite a while then saw it is the best option we have currently when it comes to D500-RAWs
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ArendV on June 23, 2016, 19:41:36
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7642/27670082922_555f294b44_o.jpg)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: FredCrowBear on June 24, 2016, 02:04:44
Arend - That is adorable!  What lens?
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ArendV on June 24, 2016, 07:00:41
Thanks Fred and I used my standard birding combo: 300/4E VR with TC-14E III, wide open @f/5.6.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Eddie Draaisma on July 04, 2016, 21:26:05
.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Eddie Draaisma on July 04, 2016, 23:49:30
.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Eddie Draaisma on July 04, 2016, 23:53:19
.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on July 05, 2016, 19:41:38
Red-knobbed Coot doing it's best Ostrich impersonation...

D750 + 500mm f4
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on July 05, 2016, 22:11:48
Really funny! Good timing of the photographer!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: John Geerts on July 05, 2016, 22:20:26
Beautifull done, Peter.

Lovely images of those Storks, Eddie, and a very pleasant color and rendering.  What combo did you use?
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Eddie Draaisma on July 05, 2016, 22:34:50
Lovely images of those Storks, Eddie, and a very pleasant color and rendering.  What combo did you use?

Thanks John. These were all shot on tripod at base ISO with the D3s and 300/2.8VRII with a TC14E II in between.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on July 06, 2016, 05:47:31
Thanks Kim

An ostrich's foot.

Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: sayanda on July 06, 2016, 12:39:39
Love those Storks Eddie, lots of them here in Portugal now, they were almost extinct in the 80´s but have made a great comeback. Some of them stay all year and no longer winter in North Africa.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Eddie Draaisma on July 06, 2016, 14:21:43
Love those Storks Eddie, lots of them here in Portugal now, they were almost extinct in the 80´s but have made a great comeback. Some of them stay all year and no longer winter in North Africa.

Thanks Sayanda and welcome to Nikongear! Same over here in the south of The Netherlands; a great comeback and some of them also stay during the winter.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Frank Fremerey on July 07, 2016, 23:44:34
Today. More swifts...

D500 & 300PF. A dream team if light & distance are sufficient
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: tommiejeep on August 08, 2016, 04:59:04
Stuck at home so messing about with a pair of nest building Purple Rumped Sunbirds , D750, 300 2.8 vr1.  I am allowed to drive now but not in the chaotic Goan traffic
Just messing with PP
(https://images.nikonians.org/galleries/data/500/D75_9085.jpg)
and the female, that does all of the work  ;)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on August 09, 2016, 20:55:14
Lunch
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Akira on August 09, 2016, 23:31:22
Frank, these are stunning captures!

Elsa, apparently a lot of things look over-sized in SA!   :o :o :o
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: stenrasmussen on August 09, 2016, 23:33:36
Thanks Kim

An ostrich's foot.

Excellent photo showing the dinosaur heritage.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on August 09, 2016, 23:38:13
Peter - the foot is a stunning close up so beautifully executed - and well seen.
too may good pics in this thread!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on August 14, 2016, 14:39:49
CRAP weather and lighting today - but look what I got
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ArendV on October 08, 2016, 11:39:02
Nice action Elsa !

(https://c7.staticflickr.com/6/5020/30152026246_ba6285cfbf_o.jpg)
Jackdaw in flight / Kauw in de vlucht (https://flic.kr/p/MWr1Vu) by Arend (https://www.flickr.com/photos/vermazeren/), on Flickr
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on October 08, 2016, 13:50:53
Great photos Elsa. Are they taken with the 200-500? I am using the 300 PF and I feel the need for more distance, especially when I shoot small birds like the following 4 photos. Are you satisfied with the 200-500?
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on October 08, 2016, 14:10:42
Thanks Arend and Elsid

Elsid - I am a 200-500 slut. Best thing since slice bread for me personally. Not perfect by a long shot - but -
Very cheap
Can shoot hand held
More than sharp enough
Still not long enough for the little birds - unless you sit on top of them. But then - even a 600 isnt long enough.
Needs fast shutterspeed  - I have to push ISO quite a bit at times as it is a f5.6
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Jakov Minić on October 08, 2016, 15:07:29
Arend, Elsa and Elias, lovely bird shots!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on October 16, 2016, 16:46:06
Stunning shots of the mating Pied Kingfishers Elsa

Elsid, those are none too shabby! There is lots of discussion in some places about which is better for birds, the 200-500 or the 300PF + TC1.4E, so you are probably not as far under-gunned as you think.

As Elsa said, there is no such thing as a long enough lens for small birds. On the other hand you will find that atmosperic conditions (unless you live in a very cold climate) becomes seriously detrimental above the range where 500-600mm is "enough".
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on October 16, 2016, 17:05:37
Thanks Jakov and Peter.
Peter, The 4/500 would be better, but I cannot afford it. You are right in saying that the 300 PF plus TC is OK compared to the 200-500.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on October 16, 2016, 19:59:42
Elsid, yes, but it's lead is not what it was three years ago!

The Tamron 150-600 sure started a revolution that has been great for all aspiring wildlife photographers.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ArendV on October 19, 2016, 19:57:04
Peter, I really like the last one - funny couple !

(https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8138/30431776645_b664abe841_b.jpg)
_DSC0765-Edit (https://flic.kr/p/Nn9NYe) by Arend (https://www.flickr.com/photos/vermazeren/), on Flickr

(https://c8.staticflickr.com/6/5469/30449498695_0c4d4c1523_b.jpg)
old vs.... (https://flic.kr/p/NoHD7P) by Arend (https://www.flickr.com/photos/vermazeren/), on Flickr

(https://c5.staticflickr.com/6/5339/30137310980_e0a9291fcc_b.jpg)
new (https://flic.kr/p/MV8AA1) by Arend (https://www.flickr.com/photos/vermazeren/), on Flickr
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Frank Fremerey on October 27, 2016, 01:59:43
ArendV: So much affection in these shots. You really love & enjoy these little ones and show it. I wish I was anywhere near your expertise in birds. I started in May and had little practice only. What refreshing shots!

Here are my newest attempts. What I already know is that I should switch to single point AF earlier to have more results with a good focus (had to delete most) and that I should have used a lower ISO value. Any other hints what to improve?
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on December 11, 2016, 21:49:52
Frank, the last 2 shots are very nice. I have found that single point AF is good for stationary birds and group for birds in flight.
Here are some shots taken a few days ago.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: tommiejeep on December 22, 2016, 14:34:33
Dancing Egrets..     A bit OTT with the PP but just for fun,  Tried group focus on the D500 for the first time.  Similar to D750 but better.  Still not good for small birds at distance.
D500, 300 2.8 vr with tc1.7.  I am liking the camera but having to learn the metering.  Putting a great many click on the camera learning the limits.

Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Erik Lund on December 22, 2016, 14:46:05
Very lively shot, but the guy sleeping in the bg makes it odd when you notice it
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: tommiejeep on December 22, 2016, 15:14:04
Thanks Erik, would I be that good in PS to get rid of the other bird.  I actually did lighten up the BG.  I just shoot them where they are  ;)
These are a couple with no extraneous birds  :) .  Obviously learning the limits of the camera and using it as I use the D750 and D3S.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ArendV on December 28, 2016, 12:27:24
(https://c7.staticflickr.com/1/710/31092730774_527676bfe9_h.jpg)
morning nap (https://flic.kr/p/PnynB5) by Arend (https://www.flickr.com/photos/vermazeren/), on Flickr
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on December 28, 2016, 12:53:41
geez the standard is quite high in this thread.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Akira on December 28, 2016, 15:32:00
Wow, Arend and Elsa, these make amazing static-dynamic contrast!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on December 28, 2016, 15:44:50
Arend - your image is superb.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on December 28, 2016, 15:45:50
Tommie - wow - stunning in flight. Your kingfisher is so different in colour to what we have here!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Matthew Currie on December 28, 2016, 20:52:00
I  haven't had the greatest luck with birds, and my D3200 is not prime for BIF even before the 55-300's focus mechanism began conking out during my latest trip to Peru, but I did get a few, and I kind of like this one, if only for the name of the bird.

It's a horned screamer!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: tommiejeep on December 29, 2016, 14:35:26
Arend, I much prefer this crop  :) ,  Elsa, cool image, glad you are having fun, Matthew, wow, that is a BIF  but what the heck bird?
Elsa, we have eight or nine Kingfishers.  Jus got some images of a Black Capped I had never seen, much less, photographed.  Very different blue.

Long Lens.... lol... took the D500,300 2.8vr, TC2EIII.... not as good but took the a7rII, FE 70-200 instead of EM1, 40-150 2.8 w/tc1.4  both very big crops  ;) .  Both images with a7rii and FE 70-200 f4 handheld.  The D500 is not too happy with the TC2EIII.   Funny, the D7100 was no good with the TC2 but the D610 was.
 
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Fanie on December 29, 2016, 15:11:32
One of my favorite Kingfisher photos, happened to catch him below a low water bridge very early one morning, had to use a flash.

Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on December 29, 2016, 15:28:24
Fanie - dis beautiful!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Fanie on December 29, 2016, 15:31:07
Fanie - dis beautiful!

Thanks Elsa
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on January 02, 2017, 19:17:33
I agree with Elsa. The bar is set very high in this thread. Allow me to make my contribution in the hope that you will like my shots.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on January 02, 2017, 19:40:38
From a few years ago

300mm AFS F4 & D300

(http://www.pbase.com/celidh/image/125338333/original.jpg)

A 105mm & TC14 isn't an ideal combination, but when it's all the reach you have.....

(http://www.pbase.com/celidh/image/149370394/original.jpg)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bjørn Rørslett on January 02, 2017, 20:15:14
These hibernating Whooper Swans fed in a small local river that didn't freeze over in winter. These birds are usually quite of humans, but here they allowed me to come to the near limit of my 300/4.5 Nikkor AIS , or even closer. Alas no additional extension at hand.

Light levels were very low in February, thus shutter speeds went down a lot and I played instead with capturing their funny movements.

Left - or right ?
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Matthew Currie on January 02, 2017, 21:25:17
TommieJeep, the bird in question really is called a "horned screamer."  It's a common critter in the Peruvian Amazon.   
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Fanie on January 04, 2017, 20:40:26
In my garden last week.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on January 05, 2017, 06:56:07
ahhhhh Fanie!! Those are the most beautiful birds ever. You are so lucky to have them
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on January 05, 2017, 06:58:02
These hibernating Whooper Swans fed in a small local river that didn't freeze over in winter. These birds are usually quite of humans, but here they allowed me to come to the near limit of my 300/4.5 Nikkor AIS , or even closer. Alas no additional extension at hand.

Light levels were very low in February, thus shutter speeds went down a lot and I played instead with capturing their funny movements.

Left - or right ?

I like the playing part - it's fun and I like the image. I do think though the bird /s might wake up with a headache after this  ;D
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on January 05, 2017, 06:59:46
Colin - I like the comp / position in flight. well timed.

ELSID, wow - you are just adding to the high standard here!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on January 05, 2017, 15:35:27
My garden do not have so exotic birds ;)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Akira on January 05, 2017, 16:21:06
The birds should not necessarily be exotic.  You captured an attractive moment of two different birds (or male and femaile of the species?).
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Lars Hansen on January 05, 2017, 18:15:08
Dining dive  :)   
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on January 05, 2017, 21:07:00
The birds should not necessarily be exotic.  You captured an attractive moment of two different birds (or male and femaile of the species?).
It is male and female og the same species.

Dining dive  :)   
Interesting dining possition ;)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on January 05, 2017, 21:15:47
Bent - those look quite similar to our house sparrows? Altough not "exotic" - one of my favourties
Lars - those are upside down birds - quite exotic haha
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Thomas G on January 05, 2017, 22:28:11
the four winds plus one (pidgeons)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on January 06, 2017, 03:20:03
the four winds plus one (pidgeons)
four corners of the earth?  ;D
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: tommiejeep on January 06, 2017, 13:29:08
I just sold my D700, hate to do it but getting ready for the Df2 or D760 or D820  ;)  .  I promised the young man a couple of CF cards since he only has a D7000... anyway , I checked the cards and found some old images.... D300s , 300 2.8vr with tc1.4 handheld.  There were also some Kite surfer images and some Russian Women wearing Thongs (but I learned my lesson  ;D)
He was watching the Crab but it was too big to tackle  :)

Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on January 06, 2017, 19:06:28
loooovely -
that second bird has a lot of legs...
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bruno Schroder on January 06, 2017, 22:05:55
Great white egret at Lac du Der
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on January 06, 2017, 22:47:49
Pelikans
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on January 06, 2017, 22:55:50
Colin - I like the comp / position in flight. well timed.

Thanks Elsa.
This was taken a few years ago on my first visit to this part of Wales. I have gone back several times since (once renting a 300mm f2.8 for the purpose) and never achieved results quite as good.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Thomas G on January 10, 2017, 21:14:02
Sometimes I can't omit to snap one (cropped, as I never seem to have sufficient reach)

Jacky blue eyes admiring the pattern
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: tommiejeep on January 16, 2017, 11:25:11
Snack
Hope to take 500vr and tripod tomorrow.... hope some birds show up  ;)
D500, 300 2.8vr w/tc1.4 handheld
Not the funniest image
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bjørn Rørslett on January 16, 2017, 11:36:25
Mallard ducks (IR) on my local river.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bjørn Rørslett on January 17, 2017, 11:40:31
Mute Swans are not native to my country, but in recent decades they are becoming naturalised and increasingly distributed in lowland regions and along the coast line of southern Norway. The specimens in the wild are often shy or aggressive and people quickly learn to stay away from them.

This swan couple explored the coastal shallows for food and deftly kept away from any swell or dangerous breakwaters.

Taken with an 28/2 Nikkor.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: tommiejeep on January 17, 2017, 14:20:09
"Drop me, drop me please, I hate heights.... "
Extreme distance, huge crop.  D7100, 300 2.8 vr w/tc1.4.Black Capped Kingfisher w/frog.. I still do not have a good image of one.  I did use the D500, 500vr with tripod and Gimbal today... better results
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Akira on January 17, 2017, 14:37:33
Tom, this is astonishingly stunning!  Well done!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bjørn Rørslett on January 17, 2017, 14:39:09
That frog must have had a bad day ....
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: armando_m on January 17, 2017, 14:49:45
Impressive kingfisher images !
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on January 17, 2017, 15:48:40
Fantastic shot, unlucky frog  ???
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Anthony on January 17, 2017, 16:20:16
Great shot!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: tommiejeep on January 18, 2017, 04:17:45
Thanks all.  The illegal building in the BG helped  :) .  Later I was shooting the D500, 500vr handheld but just cannot pick up the birds fast enough.  Age  :( .   Shooting the combo from the W200 did give me much sharper images than the 300 2.8vr. TC1.4 handheld.  Only saw a couple of Raptors but they were up very high and one Peregrine that sped by at low level. Too fast for the 500vr on the Gimbal  >:(
Tom
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: tommiejeep on January 19, 2017, 05:33:45
Just for the nuts of it  ;)  .  Working my way through 800 images and decided to have a go at this one. First is OOC jpeg resized.  Second is the NEF worked on in CNX2 and then to PS 2015 CC.  Better ID image of the bird but not good.  I am a single parent for the next 3 weeks so will not have an opportunity to get a better image, hope the KF is still around when my wife returns.  I'm gong to try a different location at the pond.  Not as much of a fun image as the first I posted  :(
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: tommiejeep on January 20, 2017, 06:05:46
For the Bug lovers  ;) .  Not having a much better day than the Frog  ;D
D500, 500vr tripod and W200 (loose)
Took  much longer to eat the bug than the small fish they were catching.  Just playing with PP.  Still some motion blur at 1/1600.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on January 20, 2017, 06:11:29
the kingfishers are in a class of it's own - cute as far as birds go :)
Nice captures
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Akira on January 20, 2017, 08:32:23
All are lively images, Tom!  Thanks for sharing!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on January 20, 2017, 10:03:44
Lovely images Tom. Very well done.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ArendV on January 23, 2017, 08:34:12
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/697/32084075070_56a561d966_o.jpg)
Merel - common blackbird (https://flic.kr/p/QTagJ7) by Arend (https://www.flickr.com/photos/vermazeren/), on Flickr
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on January 28, 2017, 19:35:22
White-fronted Bee-eaters.

Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Akira on January 28, 2017, 23:01:57
Arend, that is an exemplary image of the bird.

Peter, this is literally a dramatic scene.  All "actors" are playing their roles admirably!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: simato73 on January 29, 2017, 20:10:42
Today was a very diverse photographic day for me, it even included a little bird :)
It's in another (lower) league relative to many previous posts here, but I still like it.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Anthony on January 29, 2017, 20:56:25
Robins are great!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: BW on January 29, 2017, 22:25:37
Lovely image of the robin and very pleasant colors. I wish the bird was a bit decentered but very calm athmosphere and it shows the enviroment the bird live in :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Akira on January 29, 2017, 23:11:56
Simone, yes, the robin looks lovely!  Along with the images of the frost, you seem to have had a nice shooting day.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: simato73 on January 30, 2017, 09:43:25
Lovely image of the robin and very pleasant colors. I wish the bird was a bit decentered but very calm athmosphere and it shows the enviroment the bird live in :)
Simone, yes, the robin looks lovely!  Along with the images of the frost, you seem to have had a nice shooting day.
Robins are great!

Thank you Anthony, Thomas and Akira.
It was only two hours out, but it was varied and enjoyable.
Robins are small and fast, with my limited skills I find my best bet to follow them is keeping them in the middle of the frame.
Cropping is always an option if necessary.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: tommiejeep on January 31, 2017, 12:30:39
Taken by surprise  ;) .  I did not spot this Peacock until it was almost to the Jungle.  Not a great shot but first one with this aspect and light.  Normally very early morning. Also I do not know why no long feathers.  Normally they trail behind in a bunch and double the length of the bird.  This was with the D500 ,300 2.8vr ,tc1.7.  I was shooting the D500 on the 500vr but had swapped over to try and catch some Kingfishers fishing. Also shot the Sony a7rii on the 500vr w/adapter to see what the 42MP was like.  Not selling the Nikons... lol
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Akira on January 31, 2017, 20:08:08
Gorgeous and rare (at least to me) peacock shot, Tom!

According to Wiki, they will drop long feathers (upper tail coverts, again, according to Wiki) after the breeding period is over.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: tommiejeep on February 01, 2017, 04:53:46
Many thanks Akira.  Sort of figured as much.   For such an ungainly bird in flight they are much faster than I had thought.  Shooting at 1/1200 years ago was a lot of blur.  In all of my years I have never shot one displaying the full feather fan.  They normally come for drink or take to the air escaping the packs of dogs.  The Hens have very little colour.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Tom Hook on February 02, 2017, 22:44:30

deleted
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on February 03, 2017, 15:34:03
Tom, I have never before even seen a peacock in flight! Lovely image.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on February 09, 2017, 23:43:28
From my recent trip to Evros river delta.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Jan Anne on February 21, 2017, 23:24:05
There's a nest of Buzzards nearby my home and I often enjoy watching them doing dogfights and such in an attempt to hone their newly acquired skill of flying.

Last week I could here one of them close by and saw him capturing moles and such in the distance, but always out of reach of the camera. Then all of a sudden I spotted him resting on a lamppost nearby, grabbed my camera and run upstairs to capture him on eye level.

Sadly my windows open in the wrong direction so I was forced to shoot through double planed isolation glass at an angle which decreases sharpness greatly and causes some weird double line artefacts in the background (like VR causes from time to time) but this is the first half decent shot I got from one of these amazing birds of pray so wanted to post it anyway  :)

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2143/32225789223_7b7e0dd70b_o.jpg)
Canon 100-400IS MKII on Sony a7RII
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on February 22, 2017, 09:21:31
yesterday's crop
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Jan Anne on February 23, 2017, 20:26:56
I was working from home today when my colourful friend walked by the kitchen window again, this time the iPhone was within grabbing distance to capture the event.

Untitled
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on February 24, 2017, 00:56:24
Mandarin's and the last one with a Wood Duck.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: tommiejeep on February 24, 2017, 14:11:43
Don't try this with your light aircraft.... lol
D500 , 300 2.8vr w/tc1.4 handheld... bored so playing around shooting the reflection.  I did get some with mirror image  :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Jan Anne on February 24, 2017, 18:58:06
Awesome Tom, makes the viewer think to realise whats going on!!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on April 02, 2017, 05:55:18
Cedar Waxwings sharing a berry.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Jan Anne on April 03, 2017, 18:19:23
Either a very bold or an extremely stupid Fazant determined to station itself on top of my hundred meter backstop :o

I gave him the benefit of the doubt and rewarded his boldness by taking a mediocre image ;D
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Jan Anne on April 03, 2017, 18:30:29
And todays view from my kitchen window
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2914/33818274165_d054afa84d_o.jpg)
Canon 100-400 MkII on A7RII
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Krille on April 03, 2017, 21:31:09
Golden eagle, from febr-17
DF, 300/2.8
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Jan Anne on April 03, 2017, 21:57:33
Nice!!!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: chris dees on April 03, 2017, 22:19:02
Eurasian Oystercatcher
D500 + Sigma 150-600 Sports
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Fanie on April 07, 2017, 17:24:41
Taken through the sunroof and the cross bars of the roofrack with my D2X & 300 AFI, handheld.

Did not have much hope of it working until I opened it on my PC, best image of my day in the Kruger National Park.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Anthony on April 07, 2017, 17:58:52
Great shot, colours, detail and a threatening pose.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Woodley Willie on April 07, 2017, 18:11:07
I think that is the Devil's favorite bird... :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on April 07, 2017, 21:26:30
Fanie - seriously lovely shot. I have yet to photograph one of those, and this one - wish it was mine.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Fanie on April 08, 2017, 15:58:29
Thanks Anthony, Willie it may look like that but they have a job to do in nature  :)

Thanks Elsa, somehow my favorites often come from my old D2x. I rented a 600 from ODP, but that lens is huge and difficult to handle in a vehicle where you has to shoot out all windows, and as in this case through the sunroof. The 500 I rented two years ago was much easier.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsa hoffmann on April 08, 2017, 16:49:20
Fanie - that is why I love the 200-500. Easy to handle and I get good enough shots. And it's CHEAP
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on April 16, 2017, 10:11:42
A few portraits

(http://www.pbase.com/celidh/image/165297975/original.jpg)

(http://www.pbase.com/celidh/image/165297989/original.jpg)

(http://www.pbase.com/celidh/image/165297990/original.jpg)

(http://www.pbase.com/celidh/image/165297991/original.jpg)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Akira on April 16, 2017, 13:23:57
Wow, these are unbelievable closeups!  How could you get that close?  It should not be easy even with a very long tele.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on April 16, 2017, 13:36:28
Wow, these are unbelievable closeups!  How could you get that close?  It should not be easy even with a very long tele.
Thanks Akira.
There is a bird sanctuary near me where they fly these. Before and after each days flight, the birds are in an open area with no mesh between you and them. That makes keeping the 300mm f4 AF/S steady a little easier.

The last shot may look weird, but it's the bird's third eyelid (nictitating membrane).
http://www.10000birds.com/what-is-a-nictitating-membrane.htm
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on April 22, 2017, 18:11:06
We have had a LOT of rain this spring. Finally had a Sunny day yesterday. Had to get out and enjoy it. Now it's back to the rain again today  :'(
Red-winged Blackbird.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Jack Dahlgren on April 23, 2017, 04:37:15
We have had a LOT of rain this spring. Finally had a Sunny day yesterday. Had to get out and enjoy it. Now it's back to the rain again today  :'(
Red-winged Blackbird.

Here is a more impressionistic version of the bird.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4166/34051239712_9776be8f2f_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/TSZveS)DFJ_4893 (https://flic.kr/p/TSZveS)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on May 11, 2017, 20:23:36
.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on May 11, 2017, 23:08:25
Todays' catch (Kuusamo, Finland)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on May 12, 2017, 00:04:45
Wow, what an amazing collection in one NG thread.

Seeing Brute's waxwings prompted me to post this similar family shot (this time Dad, trying to teach his kids good table manners). I love what's happened to the feathers on his head (kids can do that to you....)

(http://www.pbase.com/celidh/image/161006365/original.jpg)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: FredCrowBear on May 12, 2017, 02:43:47
Kim - very impressive capture.  Osprey in action!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Anthony on May 12, 2017, 12:14:29
Todays' catch (Kuusamo, Finland)
Fantastic catch, both for the bird and the photographer, I love the position of the wings.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: gryphon1911 on May 12, 2017, 15:41:30
The state bird of Ohio - the Cardinal.

Nikon D500 & 300/4E PF

Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on May 15, 2017, 11:18:53
Same 300m F4 AFS & D300 as before, this time with a TC1.7
This was quite low light and I think I used a monopod.

It's interesting to see how many shapes that feathers can come in (e.g. on it's head)

(http://www.pbase.com/celidh/image/123496081/original.jpg)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on May 18, 2017, 15:53:44
Lazuli Bunting
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on June 02, 2017, 18:16:45
Immature Pale Chanting Goshawk

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

D750 + 500mm f4 VR. 1/1600 @f7.1 and ISO400
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Fanie on June 04, 2017, 17:59:33
Wow Peter, that is stunning.

Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bill Mellen on June 04, 2017, 22:47:53
This greenie came back today long enough for me to run upstairs, put the big lens on the camera, run back downstairs and take some portraits.  I think he is trying to look tough :)

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4278/34934323892_e92bb3e1ce_h.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Ve2xpb)D5C_2696 (https://flic.kr/p/Ve2xpb)

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4238/34934321962_8e2be513f8_h.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Ve2wPU)D5C_2730 (https://flic.kr/p/Ve2wPU)

Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Thomas G on June 05, 2017, 00:52:31
This greenie came back today long enough for me to run upstairs, put the big lens on the camera, run back downstairs and take some portraits.  I think he is trying to look tough :)
[2 pics]
Very nice. I think he's looking around, left and right, and once feeling safe he'll be stealing something from your garden  8)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Hugh_3170 on June 05, 2017, 02:32:18
Nice work Bill, Peter, Brute, Colin and the many others before you.

This is a really awesome thread which I have enjoyed immensely.

Congratulations to all.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bill Mellen on June 05, 2017, 02:34:56
Very nice. I think he's looking around, left and right, and once feeling safe he'll be stealing something from your garden  8)

Hah!  He does look rather shifty eyed to me as well.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bill Mellen on June 05, 2017, 02:35:35
Nice work Bill, Peter, Colin and the many others before you.

This is a really awesome thread which I have enjoyed immensely.

Congratulations to all.

Thank you Hugh,  this is a great thread indeed!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on June 05, 2017, 17:43:03
Thanks Fanie and Hugh

Great shots Bill.

Another one.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: bobfriedman on June 06, 2017, 00:27:26
oops..

Nikon D5 ,Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4E FL ED VR
1/3200s f/8.0 at 850.0mm iso800
Handheld
(http://www.pbase.com/bobfriedman/image/165585232/original.jpg)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on June 06, 2017, 16:33:51
Stunning shot Bob!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: bobfriedman on June 07, 2017, 00:39:20
Nikon D5 ,Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4E FL ED VR
1/3200s f/9.0 at 600.0mm iso640
(http://www.pbase.com/bobfriedman/image/165581842/original.jpg)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Akira on June 07, 2017, 01:07:47
Bob, this is an amazing Oops!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on July 04, 2017, 16:47:12
Peregrine falcon starting the stoop.

Nikon D750 + 500mm f4 @f4.5, 1/4000 and ISO180

Disclosure: this is a trained bird.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Fons Baerken on July 04, 2017, 18:15:04
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4238/35676449615_41d179fd9d_o.jpg)

Falklandcaracara, Phalcoboenus australis
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on July 04, 2017, 20:29:48
Barred Owls
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on July 05, 2017, 19:29:09
Nice shots Fons and Brute
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: JAP on July 05, 2017, 23:01:09
Blue footed Booby
D700, 24-70/2.8
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Fons Baerken on July 06, 2017, 16:21:53
Nice shots Fons and Brute

thank you Peter
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on July 07, 2017, 14:32:17
Spotted Eagle-owl

Another trained bird.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: armando_m on July 07, 2017, 16:00:32
lunch time
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: armando_m on July 07, 2017, 16:01:02
Barred Owls

Wonderful sequence  !!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Fons Baerken on July 09, 2017, 09:08:41
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4241/35677387661_404f7541be_o.jpg)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Fons Baerken on July 09, 2017, 09:31:24
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4284/34999381773_786e1865d1_o.jpg)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on July 09, 2017, 18:27:37
Nice shots Fons and Brute
Wonderful sequence  !!

Thanks  Guy's

Nice sequence of the Pelican to you too Armando_m

Burrowing Owls
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: JAP on July 10, 2017, 23:39:20
Take off
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Fanie on July 13, 2017, 20:25:27
Fish eagles from a boat on the Chobe river last week.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: rosko on July 17, 2017, 09:02:06
Many nice creatures in this thread !

Here a humble series...

Df with 500mm Aip attached.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: rosko on July 17, 2017, 09:04:24
one more...
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: golunvolo on July 19, 2017, 18:13:01
28mm 2.8 with nikon d80 ir.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: tommiejeep on August 02, 2017, 12:12:14
Tiny female Sunbird,s view of the world
Love the D500, 70-200 f2.8 G Vr  II.  Now wishing I had bought the new version instead of the Batis 135 f2.8.  The version II is a good lens but hate the focus breathing for these type of shots.  Many images and very high percentage sharp,  The pair is building a nest at the moment just in front of a veranda but in the shadows .   Big crop, the orig. vertical is too big for here.  Just a bit of fun.   Sony a7rii, FE 70-200 cannot get these shots for me but the Df 70-200 f4 vr can  :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on August 02, 2017, 17:55:02
Fanie jou gelukkige bogger!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Fanie on August 02, 2017, 19:14:18
Fanie jou gelukkige bogger!

Thanks Peter! It was indeed something special
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: HCS on August 07, 2017, 12:33:17
Thanks Peter! It was indeed something special

It's a stunning shot, Fanie!

Very nice bird interpretation Paco.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: golunvolo on August 08, 2017, 04:59:03
   Thanks Hans

   Stunning shot Tom.  Very, very nice, had me hypnotized. Beautiful composition with delicate rendition and some magic thrown in; the surprising upside down position caught me. Creative view of a freethinking bird :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Fanie on August 24, 2017, 08:05:12
Eagle from our trip to Chobe National Park.

Done with D2Xs and 300AFI Nikkor
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on September 01, 2017, 18:34:52
Stunning Tawny, Fanie!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on September 01, 2017, 18:36:56
Spoonbill
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: knb on September 05, 2017, 16:32:03
I do not think these Common Kestrels are adults. There were at least three in the same area, probably siblings.

Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on October 01, 2017, 06:14:32
Keeping the Kestrels going.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: chris dees on October 01, 2017, 14:50:40
Yellow-Billed Shrikes.
Uganda, Kidepo Valley NP.
D500 + 200-500
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: gryphon1911 on October 11, 2017, 14:55:38
Rehabbing American Bald Eagle
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Akira on October 12, 2017, 11:45:12
Shot today in the middle of the urban area of Tokyo.

Reminds me of "Die Dohle" by Hermann Hesse.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: gryphon1911 on October 12, 2017, 15:36:43
A few more from over the years!  :D
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Akira on October 12, 2017, 20:55:11
Andrew, the last one is amazing!  Love the brilliant color!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Anthony on October 13, 2017, 00:24:33
Andrew, the last one is amazing!  Love the brilliant color!

I agree, the last is a standout.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Akira on November 17, 2017, 06:33:11
A bird preening and alarmed.  Panasonic GH5@ISO800, Ai200/4.0@f8.0.  All images were cropped to around 1/2 to 1/3.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Fons Baerken on November 17, 2017, 06:54:59
Akira this bird is also known as pigeon ;D
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Akira on November 17, 2017, 07:31:41
Akira this bird is also known as pigeon ;D

Okay, Fons, that makes sense.   :o :o :o
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on November 18, 2017, 18:06:51
.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on November 18, 2017, 18:10:22
.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bruno Schroder on November 19, 2017, 07:48:32
Nice capture, #3 and #4. They make me think of martial art fighters.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: David H. Hartman on November 19, 2017, 10:13:01
No. 3 & 4 remind me of jump jets.

Dave
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on November 19, 2017, 16:07:59
Lesser Striped Swallow, Olifants River, Limpopo, South Africa. It is holding some mud for nest building in the beak.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on November 23, 2017, 17:58:57
.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Jack Dahlgren on November 23, 2017, 18:27:04
Brute, very appropriate for the day. It is Thanksgiving holiday in the US and turkey is always on the menu.

Here are some birds no one wants to eat
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4516/37713850905_bbcf1cf872_h.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/ZsDkWH)DSC_8794 (https://flic.kr/p/ZsDkWH)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Asle F on November 27, 2017, 19:14:06
Ptarmigan
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4517/37795488855_db05151f61_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/ZzRL4z)
Ryper (https://flic.kr/p/ZzRL4z) by Asle Feten (https://www.flickr.com/photos/afoton/), on Flickr

And black grouse
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4521/38650637202_493ed5151a_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/21TqBSA)
Orrhanar (https://flic.kr/p/21TqBSA) by Asle Feten (https://www.flickr.com/photos/afoton/), on Flickr
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on December 05, 2017, 19:04:56
Helmeted Guineafowl
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: chris dees on December 05, 2017, 20:58:24
Wow, that's a nice one Peter, I only saw them running (and fast :) ).
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on December 08, 2017, 14:37:51
Thanks Chris

This actually the only time a loud shutter has ever helped me.

It took fright at the D3's loud shutter, and fortunately chose exactly the right direction for me!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Jack Dahlgren on December 08, 2017, 15:52:48
Helmeted Guineafowl
It is quite the picture of a flying dinosaur.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on December 14, 2017, 04:28:48
Thanks Jack.

Here is a Greater Striped Swallow dropping it's building material due to excessive high-G maneuvering.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Tom Hook on December 14, 2017, 06:18:07
Very nice shot of the swallow. They are tough birds to photograph in flight and to get them in focus (assuming they're anything like the swallows we have here in Connecticut - small and very fast!).
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bruno Schroder on December 14, 2017, 08:46:21
Nice one, Peter and a tour de force to get them in flight. Congrats.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on December 14, 2017, 19:20:20
I'd like to echo the praise for Peter's wonderful swallow image.

A few years ago I visited a Kite feeding station in Wales and was stood next to the hides with my 300mm & TC. As the kites came and went I noticed a regular blur out of the corner of my eye. When I finally checked this, it was a pair of Swallows flying into the hide right next to where I was standing, feeding their nestlings who were in the eaves of the hide! (note for members from the USA, I believe you call a hide a "blind").

This became more interesting than the kites, but taking a shot was a challenge with the 300mm (plus low light and a D300).

The EXIF says this is Nikon D300, 1/30s f/4.0 at 300.0mm iso800 (just a monopod I think)

(http://www.pbase.com/celidh/image/129214604/original.jpg)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on December 15, 2017, 17:04:13
Thanks Bruno, Tom and Colin

The D3 (and now also my new D500) have definately made this type of shot a lot easier! Good AF and high frame rate does help a lot.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bruno Schroder on December 28, 2017, 12:35:34
I'm again amazed by how daring the robins are in Devon. At home, 5 meters is a minimum. Here I had to step back as I could not focus close enough.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: bobfriedman on December 28, 2017, 13:50:21
Snowy Owl - two days ago just before day break

Nikon D5 ,Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4E FL ED VR
1/160s f/8.0 at 850.0mm iso5000
(http://www.pbase.com/bobfriedman/image/166763429/original.jpg)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Fanie on December 28, 2017, 21:24:43
Wow Peter, that flying guinefowl is stunning, first time I have seen one taken in flight.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Hugh_3170 on December 31, 2017, 04:37:14
+1

A great shot of an unusual avian subject.

Wow Peter, that flying guinefowl is stunning, first time I have seen one taken in flight.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Anthony on December 31, 2017, 23:05:15
Dunking bacon.

X-T2 100-400, tripod mounted, triggered by Fuji Camera Remote app on my iPhone 6.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Hugh_3170 on January 01, 2018, 07:42:30
Nice one Anthony - what a cheeky blighter. 

British Raven I presume?  He looks very much like what our South Australian folk call crows (but they are in fact are ravens).
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Anthony on January 01, 2018, 14:05:13
Thanks, Hugh, it is a crow.  Ravens are much bigger and bulkier.  This video is useful in identifying the various British corvids https://www.bto.org/about-birds/bird-id/bto-bird-id-corvids
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: armando_m on January 01, 2018, 15:55:18
Lots of impressive images !

Here is one of mine, flying straight as an arrow into the setting sun
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Hugh_3170 on January 01, 2018, 16:19:19
Thanks Anthony - a very useful video.

Thanks, Hugh, it is a crow.  Ravens are much bigger and bulkier.  This video is useful in identifying the various British corvids https://www.bto.org/about-birds/bird-id/bto-bird-id-corvids
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: armando_m on January 02, 2018, 21:19:34
taking off ...
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: armando_m on January 03, 2018, 21:46:47
the choir
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on January 04, 2018, 14:53:23
Thanks Fanie and Hugh

Armando, the first of the Pelican shots is brilliant!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on January 04, 2018, 14:55:11
A Black-crowned Night-Heron and a bunch of Red-billed Queleas
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: armando_m on January 04, 2018, 15:13:15
Peter,
Interesting that you post a black crowned night heron, one of the trips I did this vacation period we stayed at a hotel called "garza canela" which is the name for the night heron

The first pelican shot was really a strike of luck , I was shooting something else at low speed and when I saw the bunch of pelicans flying away I had to take the shot, with no time to adjust the camera, I shot a few, and this one came out interesting

Thanks for your comments

this is what I was trying to shoot before the  pelicans flying away, after that I turned around again and got this

Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: FredCrowBear on January 04, 2018, 17:16:09
Armando - Taking off is very good.  Taking a good photo of a flock taking off is very difficult.  Your photo is visually very interesting, without being cluttered. Well done.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: armando_m on January 04, 2018, 18:19:18
Thank you Fred, I got lucky the camera locked AF on the head of the one pelican
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on January 04, 2018, 20:14:57
Armando, I love each of the three pelican shots you posted

Just by zooming in on this page, I'd say that the third one also works well as a tighter, horizontal crop.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Akira on January 05, 2018, 15:58:32
Unidentified yelling object.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: armando_m on January 05, 2018, 19:46:54
Unidentified yelling object.
at least it is a single yelling object :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: armando_m on January 05, 2018, 19:47:37
Armando, I love each of the three pelican shots you posted

Just by zooming in on this page, I'd say that the third one also works well as a tighter, horizontal crop.
Thanks Colin, yes it would , I have been indecisive about cropping it closer
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Akira on January 06, 2018, 05:22:22
at least it is a single yelling object :)

Apparently, yes.  :D
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on January 06, 2018, 17:33:51
This last one is beautiful Armando!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: tommiejeep on January 17, 2018, 15:49:44
Birding at 85mm
but I normally have lousy backgrounds  ;) .  D700, 85 1.4D handheld in a light rain
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: tommiejeep on January 27, 2018, 04:36:51
Saluting me or trying to hide?
First Black Shouldered Kite of the year and finally some Raptors about  :) .  I was hoping it would hunt and catch something but just flew to another tree a couple of hundred mtrs away.  D500, 300 2.8 w/tc 2.4, handheld shooting almost straight up.   I've got to stop using the D500 like a D3S or D750 for ISO.

Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: David H. Hartman on January 27, 2018, 11:47:56
I was hoping it would hunt and catch something but just flew to another tree a couple of hundred mtrs away.

Why didn't you offer him or her a garden burger? You might convince the bird to become a vegetarian, maybe even vegan.

Dave
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: armando_m on January 27, 2018, 16:10:24
Saluting me or trying to hide?
....

  I've got to stop using the D500 like a D3S or D750 for ISO.

saluting for sure ! :) awesome image

what do you mean by the last sentence, are you enjoying the D500 a little to much ?
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Akira on January 27, 2018, 16:17:52
Saluting me or trying to hide?
First Black Shouldered Kite of the year and finally some Raptors about  :) .  I was hoping it would hunt and catch something but just flew to another tree a couple of hundred mtrs away.  D500, 300 2.8 w/tc 2.4, handheld shooting almost straight up.   I've got to stop using the D500 like a D3S or D750 for ISO.

LOL, Tom, he's surely paying homage to you.  Nice interaction!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: tommiejeep on January 29, 2018, 08:04:06
Armando, the D3S just spoiled me.  I could basically shoot at the speeds I wanted knowing that, with that sensor, the images would clean up.   Going from D200 to D300, to D700 was a good progression but the D3S was in a different league.  I went out again yesterday late afternoon and was paying more attention to the shutter speeds trying to keep the ISO down but 1/1250 is just too slow for many shots. The D500 is very good but I need to be more careful and work on PP for the camera.   I did better using the D750.  Not much around .  The last images shows part of the problem... development in the habitat.  Almost all trees, even bushes , have been chopped for cooking fuel.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Akira on January 29, 2018, 11:19:36
Tom, these are really dynamic shots of the eagle in the attacking mode!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Hugh_3170 on January 29, 2018, 15:49:12
Some great images here Tom. 

The habitat loss is worrying - I am glad that you saw these magnificent birds before they too disappear and that you shared them with us.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: armando_m on January 29, 2018, 17:29:59
Wonderful eagle series
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on February 06, 2018, 20:01:34
sea gulls with the D850.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 06, 2018, 21:56:26
Elsid is this 300PF?
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on February 06, 2018, 22:08:45
Yes Naso, D850+TC 1.4 III+300PF
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on February 20, 2018, 12:38:07
Greater Striped Swallow
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on February 23, 2018, 14:02:02
Greater Striped Swallow

Great panning and focus Peter.
What a lovely action shot and nice detail too.

Can you remind us of the gear used, shutter speed, handheld/gimbal etc?
Thanks
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on February 23, 2018, 15:45:55
Thank you very much for the kind words Colin

Nikon D500 + 500mm f4G. f4, 1/2000th and ISO 360 (manual mode with Auto-ISO and +0.7EV). Hand-held.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: armando_m on March 07, 2018, 20:57:08
Greater Striped Swallow
Impressive shot

Here is one of mine

Chorus - just wish the DOF was bigger to have both heads in focus
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Anthony on March 07, 2018, 23:50:36
Armando, excellent, unusual angle.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: armando_m on March 08, 2018, 02:03:15
Armando, excellent, unusual angle.
Thanks Anthony

From this trip, after the astrophotography I was surprised I have processed 36 images , from 2 days where I all I had to do was eat sleep and take photographs?
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on March 09, 2018, 15:16:46
Excellent shot and thank you Armando.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: armando_m on March 09, 2018, 16:41:55
Blue !
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Akira on March 10, 2018, 00:00:59
Blue !

He (?) looks rather happy!  Well captured, as well as your previous duet!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: armando_m on March 10, 2018, 02:10:53
He (?) looks rather happy!  Well captured, as well as your previous duet!
Thanks Akira, I beleive males have colorful beak, like the one in the duet , if so this is a female. This year their feet had very vibrant tones, a sign of a healthy specimen, or so the guide said
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on March 13, 2018, 17:31:12
I have processed 36 images , from 2 days where I all I had to do was eat sleep and take photographs?

But did you manage to get some good R&R, quality time with family or friends etc?
May have boosted your creative juices

If not, then there are trips where I planned to take lots of pictures of wildlife and either didn't find many or the ratio of keepers wasn't as high as I hoped....
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: armando_m on March 13, 2018, 18:44:24
But did you manage to get some good R&R, quality time with family or friends etc?
Yes I did
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Jack Dahlgren on March 19, 2018, 01:47:40
Some pelicans with the old 400mm P.C Auto
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4673/25683119187_1b3d27844b_h.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/F8wGxM)DSC_9695 (https://flic.kr/p/F8wGxM)
Title: Re: Show Birds
Post by: Chrisar on March 19, 2018, 09:21:32
"Got more than I bargained for ..." or "Bird in Paradise"

A perfect sharpness !
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: tommiejeep on March 23, 2018, 08:40:46
Stork billed Kingfisher going flat out.
another almost nailed with D500 , 300 2.8vr w/t1.4
There was a White Bellied Sea Eagle around to I had been trying the TC 2E III but it was just too slow to AF for these shots so when the Eagle departed the area I dropped to the TC1.4 to try for Kingfishers and did get many images of various value.  Interesting that the TC2 was faster on the D750.  Did not quite nail it but as I told Jim Gould the other day, I've not been shooting birds for a while.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Anthony on March 23, 2018, 10:45:56
Tom, that is a stunning capture.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Erik Lund on March 23, 2018, 11:10:34
Stork billed Kingfisher going flat out.
another almost nailed with D500 , 300 2.8vr w/t1.4
There was a White Bellied Sea Eagle around to I had been trying the TC 2E III but it was just too slow to AF for these shots so when the Eagle departed the area I dropped to the TC1.4 to try for Kingfishers and did get many images of various value.  Interesting that the TC2 was faster on the D750.  Did not quite nail it but as I told Jim Gould the other day, I've not been shooting birds for a while.


There is a hack for making the Camera do auto focus at 'normal speed' as if there was no TC attached, when using the  TC-20E


You disconnect the last contact connection on the TC-20E contact block. Either with a piece of tape, desoldering or cutting the contact plate off.
When looking at the front of the TC the rightmost contact.

The Reason for the slow focus is to make the accuracy better, but if your willing to sacrifice this, it would be worth a test.


I found out about this tinkering with TC-XXE as an 'glass less' extension tube,,,


http://nikongear.net/revival/index.php/topic,4544.msg71260.html#msg71260 (http://nikongear.net/revival/index.php/topic,4544.msg71260.html#msg71260)
Edit to add:


https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/42602800 (https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/42602800)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: tommiejeep on March 23, 2018, 11:22:09
Thanks Anthony, that one is just quick PP.  I've worked on some others from this morning and ran this one through some more PP  ;)   Just a bit OTT  :)
Erik, now that is something I did not know.   I rarely use the TC2EIII and only on the 300 2.8 but worth a try.  It worked very fast on D3S, very good on D750, good on D610 but hated the D7100.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Erik Lund on March 23, 2018, 11:25:34
Try it out with tape first, it should work well with primes and the Pro bodies


BTW, Brilliant image!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: tommiejeep on March 23, 2018, 11:36:49
Thanks Erik, tape it is  :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Akira on March 23, 2018, 13:54:54
Tom, that is a stunning capture!  You are blessed with the excellent reflex nerve!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on March 23, 2018, 14:08:34
Wow Tom! Great capture!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: tommiejeep on March 24, 2018, 03:18:32
Akira and Peter, many thanks

Akira, practice but I am slowing down  :)  :(
Cheers
Tom
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Akira on March 24, 2018, 10:17:22
Akira, practice but I am slowing down  :)  :(

That's still great: I'm not fast enough to slow down.   :o :o
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on April 03, 2018, 20:32:50
Unexpected meeting
D7200, Tamron 150-600 G1
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on April 04, 2018, 22:19:30
same as above
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on April 20, 2018, 15:42:12
Some members of the birds in the Hornbill family have a very interesting breeding behaviour.

The female finds a suitable hole in a tree, and they (male and female) build up the opening untill just a slit remains, using mud and guano.
She then moults all her feathers, using them to pad and insulate the nest, before laying her eggs. She remains "built in" to the nest right through the incubation period and untill the chicks are ready to fledge.

During this period, she and the chicks are completely dependent on the male bringing food regularly.
I was recently fortunate enough to witness a little bit of it...
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ArthurDent on April 21, 2018, 15:45:13
Mother and child reunion:
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on April 21, 2018, 18:03:40
Very nice and "crispy" capture Arthur.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ArthurDent on April 24, 2018, 11:44:47
Roseate Spoonbill:
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on April 24, 2018, 12:44:26
Yellowhammer
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on April 26, 2018, 19:14:13
Beuatiful shots Arthur and Kim!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on May 05, 2018, 18:09:16
.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on May 05, 2018, 18:33:49
Falco Vespertinus
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: afx on May 05, 2018, 21:21:29
A decade ago in Hungary:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-VD7pv4d/0/bcb0bd55/L/i-VD7pv4d-L.jpg) (https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-VD7pv4d/0/bcb0bd55/O/i-VD7pv4d-O.jpg)

Crop of D200, 300/2.8AF and TC20E.

cheers
afx
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on May 05, 2018, 22:10:54
A Goldeneye from this morning
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on May 09, 2018, 21:52:48
The flight of a black stork
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on May 11, 2018, 17:13:41
Some really nice poses in that series Elsid!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: armando_m on May 11, 2018, 18:44:55
The flight of a black stork
Wonderful series
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on May 11, 2018, 21:06:27
Thank you Peter, Armando for your comments.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on May 25, 2018, 07:34:04
.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on May 25, 2018, 16:56:05
What a great sighting! Well photographed too.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on June 19, 2018, 00:10:59
What a great sighting! Well photographed too.


Thank You



Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on June 19, 2018, 06:53:08
Landing roller.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ArthurDent on June 20, 2018, 03:12:10
Nikon D500 70-200 VR f/2.8 at 160mm, 1/3200 sec., f/9.0, ISO280
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on June 24, 2018, 18:34:20
Beautiful shot Kim!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ArthurDent on July 04, 2018, 03:54:52
Osprey
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ArthurDent on July 04, 2018, 04:59:52
Same bird, 0.2 seconds later.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Thomas G on July 09, 2018, 22:52:13
one - two
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: tommiejeep on September 23, 2018, 10:54:17
Just for fun  ;) . A couple of Jacanas playing around .  No NR and big crop.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on September 28, 2018, 19:37:21
Groundscraper Thrush.

Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Akira on September 28, 2018, 20:18:57
Tom and Peter, superb captures!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on September 29, 2018, 05:26:04
Went back threw all the posts.
It sure is nice to see birds from different parts of the world that I've never seen before.
Thanks for posting them up everyone  :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on October 03, 2018, 18:25:13
Thanks Akira
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Jan Anne on October 13, 2018, 17:21:24
There's a lot pheasants around my home but they are very wary of any humans so getting a decent shot is usually not an option.

This morning one was sitting on top of my fence, slowly opened the door and stuck the 200-500VR out to take a few quick images before the bird realised what was going on :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Øivind Tøien on October 13, 2018, 22:32:03
Ptarmigan in the Norwegian mountains caught with the 300mm f/4 PF.

#1
(https://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-3/p3117984890.jpg)


#2
(https://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-3/p3117984893.jpg)


Eventually it took off.
#3
(https://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-3/p3117984889.jpg)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on October 15, 2018, 19:32:13
Lovely Ptarmigan and Pheasant gentlemen!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on October 15, 2018, 19:37:52
This is a Purple-crested Turaco. It is the national bird of Swaziland and in the native language it is called a Gwala-gwala.

Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Chip Chipowski on October 27, 2018, 05:17:58
Bird on a road sign
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on October 30, 2018, 19:00:57
Stick on a bird...

Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on October 30, 2018, 20:32:30
Very beautiful shot Peter.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on October 31, 2018, 17:26:32
Thanks Elsid
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Chip Chipowski on November 03, 2018, 23:50:42
Allen's Hummingbird (I think)

Rufous (I think)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on November 09, 2018, 21:43:25
chaffinch
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on November 10, 2018, 18:33:04
Great portrait Elsid
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on November 10, 2018, 19:04:56
Thank you Peter for your comment.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Netr on November 10, 2018, 20:24:51
Tui
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on November 13, 2018, 17:13:34
.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: chris dees on November 13, 2018, 17:40:19
Golden Eagle at the World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan.
D500, 300PF, TC1.4 III
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on November 13, 2018, 17:42:35
Nice shot :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on November 13, 2018, 22:44:26
Greenfinch
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bruno Schroder on November 19, 2018, 23:49:32
Reconnecting with this thread after I lost track of it for a year. Impressive pictures here, particularly the duel captured by Brute on #546.

From the national counting of the Great cormorant, at twilight.

Hiding. D500 500/5.6 PF ISO8000 Handheld

Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Gary on November 20, 2018, 02:30:20
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Travel/LA-Zoo/i-Z2r5wDN/4/47e37b74/X3/2CBL0666-X3.jpg)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on November 25, 2018, 16:48:19
.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on December 28, 2018, 18:21:01
.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bruno Schroder on January 02, 2019, 22:41:45
Larus marinus, the Great Black-backed Gull, is the largest gull in the world. It is of course an apex predator but also a great cleaner of garbage and carrions.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Asle F on January 03, 2019, 20:05:17
2 ptarmigans I met in the mountains 2 weeks ago

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4849/45864871494_eb662de8a6_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2cSVsos)
Fjellryper (https://flic.kr/p/2cSVsos) by Asle Feten (https://www.flickr.com/photos/afoton/), on Flickr
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bruno Schroder on January 04, 2019, 11:36:39
Nice comp, Asle. I like the minimalism.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on January 04, 2019, 13:44:15
Great "graphic" image of the ptarmigans!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on January 11, 2019, 17:40:34
The new 500mm PF on the D500.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on January 11, 2019, 18:49:45
Nice, you got it finally?
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on January 11, 2019, 19:27:56
Hello Nasos, yes I did.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on January 11, 2019, 20:49:45
Hello Nasos, yes I did.
Lucky guy! now you are armed and dangerous   ;)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: enough on January 11, 2019, 22:03:08
A Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo preening in the backyard, showing off its namesake feathers

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Birds/i-VG4SCRx/0/f9e84367/XL/a-MD5_6515-2-XL.jpg)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on January 14, 2019, 11:14:45
The new 500mm PF on the D500.

Hi Elsid, can you advise how much you had to crop the image posted?

We'd also be interested in how you've found the practical aspects of using this new PF, things it lets you do you couldn't before etc
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on January 14, 2019, 18:36:13
Hello Colin,
The image I posted is about 60% of the original, ISO 200, speed 1600 at 5.6.
The lens behaves like the 300 PF, I find the AF relatively fast and accurate, I use it handheld and, for the money, is a good buy. Due to a lucky coincidence
I paid 2,700 e for a copy used once or twice.
It is my first lens at this focal length and I can shoot from distances I could not do before. If you shoot wildlife (and close ups)
It is worth the expenditure,as I find it produces very good results. I have not tried the 1.4x TC on it yet, but at f/8 AF and quality will suffer a bit.
The image below is uncropped.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bruno Schroder on January 14, 2019, 18:47:20
Hi Colin,
 
just in case you've missed it, here my first i'pression on the 500/5.6 PF: http://nikongear.net/revival/index.php/topic,8037.0.html. Pictures are not cropped nor processed. Most are handheld in rather low light.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on January 14, 2019, 21:41:43
Elsid I find your images a little soft..
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: tommiejeep on January 18, 2019, 07:41:26
Just for fun, season has been bad  >:(
Sony a7iii with 70-200 f4 FE handheld
Pied coming up with small fish and a failed attempt  ;)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: rosko on January 18, 2019, 08:16:38
Elsid I find your images a little soft..

I feel the same.

Seems there are some fine details missing (mostly on the Jay, which is not cropped).
Was the VR on ? Or speed fast enough?

I would find it out using the combo on a sturdy tripod.

Francis.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on January 18, 2019, 20:20:11
Speed was 100, aperture 6.3, ISO 3600, hand held. VR on, but at that speed is it relevant?. I took this shot in a hurry, hand holding the camera.
How is the one below?






Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: rosko on January 19, 2019, 00:50:04
Slightly sharper. :)

Actually the slightest movement of the front lens will amplify as the distance of the subject gets longer.

I always try, when using a long lens combo, to lean against aa firm object like tree, whole or a rock. If there is nothing available, I crouch on one knee holding the front lens, but I use this procedure with my old 500mm AIP, which is certainly a lot heaver than your newer PF lens... ;D
 :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: rosko on January 19, 2019, 01:08:48
Red-breasted Merganser. (Mergus serrator).

Nikkor AFS 300mm F/4 + TC 1.4.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on January 22, 2019, 23:24:29
Thanks Elsid and Bruno

I like your Jays Elsid, especially the second one.
It seems fair, though is quite a small file so pixelates very quickly when you try to zoom in.

I often get Jays visiting my garden in the spring when they have a young family to feed, but rarely at other times of the year.
http://www.pbase.com/celidh/image/161006365/original
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on January 23, 2019, 00:22:00
Thank you Colin for commenting.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on January 27, 2019, 17:50:55
Black Saw-wing.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Øivind Tøien on January 28, 2019, 00:10:16

Beautiful how you got the light shining through the wing feathers, well done catching the moment!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on January 28, 2019, 16:27:24
Thank you very much Øivind
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on February 07, 2019, 17:35:35
Momma Grebe feeding her chicks.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on February 07, 2019, 21:18:22
Flamingos.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 07, 2019, 21:58:44
Nice flamingos Elsid, where is this place?
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: golunvolo on February 07, 2019, 22:00:53
Beautiful. I specially like the minimalist fist.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on February 07, 2019, 22:09:53
Thanks guys, the place is the delta of Gallikos river just south of Salonica.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on February 07, 2019, 22:18:19
Dalmatian pelicans in lake Kerkini.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on February 08, 2019, 01:04:47
Dalmatian pelicans in lake Kerkini.

HA
Nice shots.
And I thought this guy was having a bad hair day  :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on February 08, 2019, 09:05:08
Beautiful shot Brute.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 08, 2019, 16:41:33
Nice pelicans Elsid,  I thing now you have the lens you looking for :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on February 08, 2019, 19:38:57
Naso, the forthcoming 600mm PF might be better.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: gryphon1911 on February 08, 2019, 21:20:23
Some from a recent Columbus Zoo trip
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on February 11, 2019, 19:18:26
Very good shots Andrew.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on February 12, 2019, 17:38:35
The following photos were taken at lake Kerkini just a little after sun rise. There is no pp.
Equipment used: Df+AFS micro 60mmG.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on February 14, 2019, 20:14:20
.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on February 16, 2019, 17:01:12
Egret
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: tommiejeep on February 23, 2019, 13:34:06
A bit of a reach, bog standard PP  ;), handheld

Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Akira on February 23, 2019, 13:48:18
A bit of a reach, bog standard PP  ;), handheld

Tom, this is brilliant!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on February 26, 2019, 06:32:08
.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on March 03, 2019, 18:58:07
Beautiful shot Tom!

Here is a Sacred Ibis
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: golunvolo on March 03, 2019, 19:50:11
Extra beautiful shot Tom!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Anthony on March 03, 2019, 20:23:30
A bit of a reach, bog standard PP  ;), handheld

Very beautiful, like a painting.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Frank Fremerey on March 03, 2019, 23:10:41
Beautiful shot Tom!

Here is a Sacred Ibis

very cool engaging shot, Peter!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Frank Fremerey on March 03, 2019, 23:11:53
A bit of a reach, bog standard PP  ;), handheld




phantastic shot of the physique of the bird ... wow
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: tommiejeep on March 04, 2019, 08:00:09
Thanks all, not seen many Sunbirds recently.
Brute, I love behavioural images well done and Peter that is a great Ibis image , love the low level.
Cheers,
Tom
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: tommiejeep on March 04, 2019, 08:04:39
Unusual at long range.  Never really spent any time on this image because I have to many Osprey with fish at closer range or more MMs.  I find the BG interesting at f4.  Ran it trough Nik for dynamic contrast.  D7100/300 f2.8(naked for a change  ;) ) at f4.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bruno Schroder on March 04, 2019, 10:08:18
Great serie, Brute.

Tom, I find the parallel between the blurred palms and the wings works really well. The picture is very unusual. I like it a lot.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Akira on March 04, 2019, 10:42:03
Tom, I hope you had enough time to run out of its flight course!  Impressive moment!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on March 04, 2019, 18:07:41
Thank you very much Frank and Tom.

Great Osprey!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on March 04, 2019, 20:57:30
Unusual at long range.  Never really spent any time on this image because I have to many Osprey with fish at closer range or more MMs.  I find the BG interesting at f4.  Ran it trough Nik for dynamic contrast.  D7100/300 f2.8(naked for a change  ;) ) at f4.

Lovely Osprey shot Tommy.
I'm interested in the bokeh on this - looks quite "nervous" and less smooth than I'd expect. Is that just a product of the high contrast palm fronds or did you actually aim for this when you did your PP in Nik?
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: tommiejeep on March 10, 2019, 08:04:57
Colin, I was quite surprised.  All I did it NIK was increase dynamic contrast but not a lot.  All I can think of is that the line of Palms are quite tall and thin.  I was wondering about wind.  There is approx. 100+mtrs between the Osprey and tree.   
I will need to go back and see if the affect is there on shot either side.
Cheers Tom
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: tommiejeep on March 19, 2019, 13:21:40
Some Sony 200mm birds
Pied Kingfisher, just playing with PP so have at it   ;D  a7iii/70-299 f4 FE handheld
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on March 19, 2019, 13:42:51
Ver nice, I like the first one in particular.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on March 19, 2019, 18:14:58
Excellent shots Tom!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Erik Lund on March 20, 2019, 09:28:22
Colin, I was quite surprised.  All I did it NIK was increase dynamic contrast but not a lot.  All I can think of is that the line of Palms are quite tall and thin.  I was wondering about wind.  There is approx. 100+mtrs between the Osprey and tree.   
I will need to go back and see if the affect is there on shot either side.
Cheers Tom
Amazing image!


Very eye catching image, especially due to the BG, could you post one that has neutral PP - Just curious to see the image ;)


I'm sure some of the striking effect is because of the blades positioning around the central part of the image
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Zang on March 22, 2019, 22:51:14
My phone has inconsistent time lag up to 5 sec, so this was kind of luck...
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Zang on March 29, 2019, 22:25:52
Another lucky one...
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on April 02, 2019, 03:55:27
.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on April 03, 2019, 19:58:13
A purple heron
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on April 03, 2019, 20:05:17
Very nice Elsid, is it with the 500pf?
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on April 03, 2019, 20:11:36
Thanks Nasos. Yes, it is the 500PF on the D500.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: tommiejeep on April 12, 2019, 08:17:31
She sees me  :) .  Df/300 2.8 w/tc1.4  ;)   Just playing with the image
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on April 12, 2019, 10:02:29
Ibis
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: tommiejeep on April 12, 2019, 10:04:19
Amazing image!


Very eye catching image, especially due to the BG, could you post one that has neutral PP - Just curious to see the image ;)


I'm sure some of the striking effect is because of the blades positioning around the central part of the image
Erik, sorry it took so long.  My wife is in UK so having to mind the store (and 18 year old)
This was orig. PP in camera Neutral.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: tommiejeep on April 12, 2019, 10:21:34
The Sid, nice colours.  I rarely get the right angles of the sun to show the colours  :( .
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on April 12, 2019, 19:26:12
Thank you Tom. I walked a bit in a muddy field to get the right angle of the light.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: golunvolo on April 21, 2019, 01:41:33
I have to try. Another point of view. Playing around
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on April 21, 2019, 09:51:33
I have to try. Another point of view. Playing around
Very nice, this shows that you don’t need to photograph exotic birds to make great bird photos  ;)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on April 23, 2019, 21:40:48
Here are a few from a lovely nature reserve near Glastonbury, UK
D500 300mm AF-S plus TC1.4

Heron with an eel for supper
(https://pbase.com/celidh/image/169099387/original.jpg)

Bitten off more than it can chew - takeaway instead
(https://pbase.com/celidh/image/169099388/original.jpg)

A bit of a bonus - a Bittern
(these guys were booming across the marshes all day)
I got 2 shots before it disappeared into the reedbad
(https://pbase.com/celidh/image/169099385/original.jpg)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on April 27, 2019, 05:50:34
.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Thomas Stellwag on May 06, 2019, 00:24:47
starting my training to become  nature photographer

Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Fons Baerken on May 11, 2019, 19:47:00
May  11

Dead young nested tits, didnt make this spring.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/46910200395_7d29cb0459_o.jpg)

Df  micro-nikkor 55mm f/3.5
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on May 13, 2019, 17:13:35
This isn't my photo, but good to know that at least someone is "getting all their ducks in a row"  ;)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on May 20, 2019, 01:52:51
.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on June 06, 2019, 12:27:29
Sylvia Ruppelli on mount Imittos. A spring visitor in certain places in Greece.
Not a very easy bird to photograph.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on June 06, 2019, 13:12:33
Nice pictures Elias :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on June 06, 2019, 14:31:40
Thank you Bent for your comment.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on June 06, 2019, 20:47:39
Elias nice -500 PF ?
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on June 06, 2019, 23:49:06
ThanksNasos, yes D500+500 PF
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on June 07, 2019, 11:12:59
Egretta garzetta
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bruno Schroder on June 13, 2019, 14:54:09
Back from Lapland.
D500 and 500PF. Last one with the TC-1.4 III
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: PeterN on June 13, 2019, 15:37:25
Seeing bird photos always make me happy! It must have been a special trip!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bruno Schroder on June 14, 2019, 21:50:18
It was indeed. The ornithologists of the group have checked 166 different bird species. I did not photograph them all :)

A close up of the Pine Grosbeak and the female.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on June 15, 2019, 08:29:38
Egretta garzetta
Beautiful,nice mirroring  :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Ashlandish on June 20, 2019, 23:49:21
Bringing home the Sashimi...
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Ashlandish on June 20, 2019, 23:56:22
Another Osprey...

There are many along the Columbia...fun to try but a lot of learning yet ahead of me.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: mxbianco on June 22, 2019, 14:54:12
House martin (Delichon urbicum)

This swallow wasn't feeling too good, resting near a fountain at 1 meter height, exposed to cats' attacks.

I was able to approach it slowly at 1 m distance, uncropped photo @90mm (Nikon D300).

Ciao from Massimo
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on July 01, 2019, 17:43:30
Slightly embarrassed crow

Plus a booming Bittern in flight
(I struggled to get a sharp shot of this as it flashed in front of me......)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: mxbianco on July 09, 2019, 13:24:36
Crowded antenna

Ciao from Massimo
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: golunvolo on July 09, 2019, 16:42:14
Beautiful, conceptual and presentation. Love it.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: mxbianco on July 10, 2019, 09:47:04
Beautiful, conceptual and presentation. Love it.

Those starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) travel out in -often huge- clouds, in my area sometimes more than 100000 birds together.

I have a whole series with birds coming and going from the antenna, and fighting for a place (naturally in the upper tiers!).

Ciao from Massimo
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on July 13, 2019, 18:06:35
White-bellied Sunbird
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Jacques Pochoy on July 13, 2019, 19:11:53
Wow ! The Ladybug looks like a welcome prop... ;)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on July 13, 2019, 21:26:18
Great shot Peter!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on July 14, 2019, 13:37:21
Thank you very much Jacques and Nasos
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Fanie on July 17, 2019, 12:51:48
White-bellied Sunbird

As always, brilliant Peter.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ArthurDent on July 17, 2019, 15:15:54
Beautiful shot, Peter. Nicely composed and the colors really pop!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on July 19, 2019, 18:38:50
Thank you very much Fanie and Arthur
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on July 22, 2019, 20:04:58
From the opposite end of the "cute and cuddly" spectrum...

Cape Vulture.

Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Ann on July 23, 2019, 15:45:40
Some more photographs of the majestic Cape Vulture on the cliff-top of Giant's Castle:

(http://nikongear.net/revival/gallery/0/1358-230719151916-7281807.jpeg)

(http://nikongear.net/revival/gallery/0/1358-230719151913-7272455.jpeg)

And a Jackal Buzzard who also turned up for the feast of meaty bones which we had taken up there for these birds:

(http://nikongear.net/revival/gallery/0/1358-230719153452-7291758.jpeg)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: tommiejeep on July 24, 2019, 06:54:52
Peter and Ann, great images.  I rarely see Vultures and never close.
Thanks for posting.
Close but no cigar  :(  Z6, 70-200 f4G vr, handheld.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on July 24, 2019, 19:15:43
Lovely shots Anne and Tommie
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Ann on July 24, 2019, 22:14:47
Peter:
I am interested in where you took your splendid shots and wondering if it was also on Giant's Castle?

We weren't entirely lucky with the weather on our morning at the Hide which was cold with low-hanging clouds and swirling mist and with no thermals for the vultures to soar upon. We had hoped to see Bearded Vultures but they didn't come.

The people who had had the Hide the previous day had wonderful warmth and sun: we hoped they would come down before the end of the day, so we could have then taken their place up there, but they didn't!

We didn't get any more vultures but we did attract Collared Ravens and that rather dramatic Jackal Buzzard arrived too.






 
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Ashlandish on July 25, 2019, 02:58:16
I had just started hiking to Marion Lake, along with an 11 pound chihuahua, when this barred owl (I think) flew across our path. It posed a long time, eying the chihuahua, the chihuahua oblivious to the owl.

Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ArthurDent on July 25, 2019, 04:53:03
Some more photographs of the majestic Cape Vulture on the cliff-top of Giant's Castle:

(http://nikongear.net/revival/gallery/0/1358-230719151916-7281807.jpeg)

(http://nikongear.net/revival/gallery/0/1358-230719151913-7272455.jpeg)

And a Jackal Buzzard who also turned up for the feast of meaty bones which we had taken up there for these birds:

(http://nikongear.net/revival/gallery/0/1358-230719153452-7291758.jpeg)

They are all great, but your third image is really spectacular!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on July 26, 2019, 18:33:59
Peter:
I am interested in where you took your splendid shots and wondering if it was also on Giant's Castle?

We weren't entirely lucky with the weather on our morning at the Hide which was cold with low-hanging clouds and swirling mist and with no thermals for the vultures to soar upon. We had hoped to see Bearded Vultures but they didn't come.

The people who had had the Hide the previous day had wonderful warmth and sun: we hoped they would come down before the end of the day, so we could have then taken their place up there, but they didn't!

We didn't get any more vultures but we did attract Collared Ravens and that rather dramatic Jackal Buzzard arrived too.

Anne, this was at Vulpro, just outside Hartebeespoort. Vulpro is a rehabilitation centre and feeding scheme who hire out a hide for a very reasonable fee, but they are much less popular than Gian't Castle, so much easier to get in.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on July 26, 2019, 20:30:51
I had just started hiking to Marion Lake, along with an 11 pound chihuahua, when this barred owl (I think) flew across our path. It posed a long time, eying the chihuahua, the chihuahua oblivious to the owl.

That's a nice hike. Have not been up there in years.
Some nice waterfalls below the lake and down towards the fish hatchery.
Pretty tough bushwacking threw that  thick stuff by the creek.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: beryllium10 on July 27, 2019, 04:32:36
Peter, Great photos.  The first - close up with the vulture in flight, purposeful look in his eye - is dramatic.

Tim, Wonderful owl photo. Nice of him or her to appear and pose so obligingly.

Cheers,   John
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Ashlandish on July 27, 2019, 21:53:38
Ken, yes it is a very nice hike, and the day was gorgeous. We just stayed on the trail that day, but have camped down closer to the fish hatchery along a small creek, and the brush alongside is indeed thick and tough. It sure is beautiful country though.

John, I really appreciate your comment. That owl flying in front of me was a wonderful way to start to start a lovely day....we sure live in a beautiful area.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Ann on July 28, 2019, 01:24:55
Peter:
Thank you for telling me about Vulpro. I took a look at their web site and they are doing very valuable work.

It was also interesting to learn how seriously the traces of pharmaceuticals in carcasses are endangering the vultures.

The South African NP service strictly enforces their rules that only bones which they supply may be fed to the vultures at the Giants' Castle hide.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Ann on July 28, 2019, 01:34:09
Tim:

That is such a great photograph of an owl!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Ashlandish on July 28, 2019, 03:57:33
Tim:

That is such a great photograph of an owl!

Ann, thank you so much. I always hesitate to post anything since there are so many wonderful photographers here, but your comment gives me a little courage  :)...
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on August 02, 2019, 19:48:27
Thank you very much John and Anne. Indeed, our vultures are in serious trouble!

Here is another one.

Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: tommiejeep on August 03, 2019, 03:45:05
Wow Peter, those two heads are really cool.   The image is very sharp , nice detail but I keep looking for a way to crop for just the heads.   The standing Vulture has an evil look.
Many thanks for posting.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on August 03, 2019, 16:18:39
Thanks Tom.

I am also not 100% convinced about the crop. But I do think the open wings add an element of emotion? I suspect this is one of those images that work better in a large print than on a smallish screen?
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on August 18, 2019, 21:27:53
A pair of woodpeckers from Cornwall, UK
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on August 21, 2019, 04:57:20
.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on August 28, 2019, 21:32:48
Cisticola Juncidis with D500+500 PF
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: fentriss on August 30, 2019, 23:50:54
Birds are soo nice, some Eurasian Jay (Eichelhäher) seen with d850+AF-s 500 1:4D + x1,2 (vocal lenght 700mm), distance to the bird at least 7 meters, not downscaled, a little bit croped. waiting time ... 3 days ... bye bye, richard
(http://malus.exotica.org.uk/~zeg/images/august/aueichelhaeher2019c99.jpg)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on September 11, 2019, 13:18:28
Upupa epops
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Ashlandish on October 05, 2019, 08:04:35
A Great Blue Heron, along the Columbia...
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Akira on October 26, 2019, 00:35:07
Migrating birds.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on October 30, 2019, 11:23:03
The decisive moment
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on November 14, 2019, 19:39:42
The eye of a Buteo buteo
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on November 15, 2019, 19:32:42
Regulus regulus
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on December 02, 2019, 00:21:22
Some tasty birds .
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on December 02, 2019, 14:51:32
Regulus regulus

I love the photo (and the living creature too!)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on December 02, 2019, 15:08:56
Thank you Colin for commenting.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on December 03, 2019, 08:45:54
Sunrise at lake Kerkini.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on December 04, 2019, 19:59:59
A robin thru fence wire
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: golunvolo on December 04, 2019, 20:13:30
Oh, lovely
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on December 04, 2019, 20:49:26
Thank you Paco for your comment.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Akira on December 04, 2019, 23:23:34
A robin thru fence wire

How cute!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Ashlandish on December 05, 2019, 03:41:34
yep, lovely and cute...
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Anthony on December 05, 2019, 13:02:52
Love the robin!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on December 05, 2019, 15:21:53
Akira, Tim, Anthony, thank you for your comments
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on December 05, 2019, 19:46:29
Saxicola rubetra carries material for building his nest. Taken last Spring at the Marathon wetland.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on December 05, 2019, 19:59:28
CORVUS CORONE
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on January 24, 2020, 19:05:29
Pelikan in Lake Kerkini.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Akira on January 24, 2020, 19:23:06
Pelikan in Lake Kerkini.

What a character!  I like it!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Mike G on January 24, 2020, 19:48:46
Pelikan in Lake Kerkini.
Obviously having a bad hair day.  ::)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on January 24, 2020, 19:58:31
Thank you Akira and Mike for commenting. The adult Pelecanus crispus usually sports this kind of "unkempt" hair.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on January 24, 2020, 20:27:53
The adult Pelecanus crispus usually sports this kind of "unkempt" hair.
That’s the Greek way 8)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on January 24, 2020, 23:24:13
Pelikan in Lake Kerkini.

Nice
Jewelry and hitching a ride to boot  8)





Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Matthew Currie on January 27, 2020, 04:27:59
Speaking of pelicans, I just got back from Baja California.  Not surprisingly, we met some pelicans.  Here's one:

Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Ashlandish on January 27, 2020, 05:57:07
Visited Klamath Basin Wildlife Refuge (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Klamath_Basin_National_Wildlife_Refuge_Complex)...
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on January 27, 2020, 09:46:41
A corvus corone resting on the back of a water buffalo.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: rosko on January 27, 2020, 09:54:31
Loads of interesting shots, here !

Below, a crossed bill (male).
New forest in Hampshire, UK.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on January 27, 2020, 23:23:05
Visited Klamath Basin Wildlife Refuge (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Klamath_Basin_National_Wildlife_Refuge_Complex)...


Fun place to visit for sure.

In Klamath Falls there is a park where you can see the Grebes do their mating ritual dance.

Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Ashlandish on January 28, 2020, 00:14:21
Thanks Ken, fun place for sure, I'll have to explore :).
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Akira on January 28, 2020, 03:05:17
Speaking of pelicans, I just got back from Baja California.  Not surprisingly, we met some pelicans.  Here's one:

Interesting pelican of the "retractable" construction.  :D
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on January 30, 2020, 04:59:54
Thanks Ken, fun place for sure, I'll have to explore :).

Tim also need to stop at Collier Logging Museum  just North of Chiloquin.
Neat place with alot of old logging equipment and buildings to check out.
Don't miss out on the Dippers by the creek.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Ashlandish on January 30, 2020, 05:59:30
Ken, the Collier Logging Museum is now in my future, and I'll look for Dippers. Appreciate these posts with ideas for places to visit. The places you share are close enough to be more immediately possible than the dreams our friends across the oceans inspire, though those dreams may be a precursor to adventure...
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nikkor Shooter on January 30, 2020, 10:11:48


Egyptian Goose

(http://www.kodiakmedia.at/2020/01/D5631%205D.jpg)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on February 03, 2020, 17:24:00
Pygmy Kingfisher with frog.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nikkor Shooter on February 03, 2020, 17:29:10


Great catch for both of you! :P
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: CE on February 03, 2020, 17:51:36
Village weaver....D850, 200-500 f5.6
(https://live.staticflickr.com/4814/31416497317_d603b940ce_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/PSaL7R)CHU_2748-2 (https://flic.kr/p/PSaL7R) by  (https://www.flickr.com/photos/74752281@N00/)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on February 04, 2020, 15:32:36
Village weaver....D850, 200-500 f5.6


What an interesting capture CE.
At first glance it looked like this bird had built their nest with rubber bands!
But maybe just blades of grass?
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on February 04, 2020, 19:06:57
Nice shot CE!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: CE on February 04, 2020, 23:00:05
What an interesting capture CE.
At first glance it looked like this bird had built their nest with rubber bands!
But maybe just blades of grass?
Yes it looks puzzling but it is blades of grass....
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: CE on February 04, 2020, 23:00:55
Nice shot CE!
Thank you Peter
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on February 05, 2020, 16:39:26
Half-collared Kingfisher without frog...
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on February 10, 2020, 18:52:59
Accipiter Νisus
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on March 01, 2020, 20:05:34
One Barred Owl is watching what the other one is doing.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Ashlandish on March 03, 2020, 19:49:59
So many beautiful birds, so many beautiful images, appreciate them all...
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on March 09, 2020, 20:09:47
Sylvia Melanocephala and details
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on March 11, 2020, 23:12:56
I spent a while trying to capture birds in flight today.
Got plenty of unsharp ones (see here for an example https://nikongear.net/revival/index.php?topic=1426.msg154861#msg154861)

This worked slightly better
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on March 11, 2020, 23:21:21
I was quite pleased with this one.
The wind had proved challenging for the other birds, but was just what the Kestrel likes

(https://pbase.com/celidh/image/170509919/original.jpg)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on March 11, 2020, 23:32:26
Nice
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on March 11, 2020, 23:34:56
Nice

Thanks Bent
My arm ached at the end of today's shoot (I take that as I sign I was so absorbed in what I was watching that I forgot the wieght of my kit)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: tommiejeep on March 12, 2020, 05:50:17
Peter, love the Pygmy KF with frog.  We call them Dwarf Oriental here and I have never seen one  >:( .   Sign of the times that my Kingfishers, Bee Eaters and Rollers will always choose a wire over a branch if hunting is just as good.
Lots of great images in this thread.
Tom
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: John Geerts on March 12, 2020, 07:33:53
I was quite pleased with this one.
The wind had proved challenging for the other birds, but was just what the Kestrel likes

Great shot, Colin !
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on March 12, 2020, 17:39:13
Great shot, Colin !

Thanks John.
Because I was following the action through the viewfinder, it was only afterwards that I realised the wind was strong enough to allow the Kestrel to "glide" in a stationary position, rather than fluttering its wings to hover like they usually do.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on March 14, 2020, 11:05:19
Peter, love the Pygmy KF with frog.  We call them Dwarf Oriental here and I have never seen one  >:( .   Sign of the times that my Kingfishers, Bee Eaters and Rollers will always choose a wire over a branch if hunting is just as good.
Lots of great images in this thread.
Tom

Thanks Tommie. I agree about the perches, it happens to me most of the time too.

The African Pygmy is not the same species as the Oriental Dwarf, although they do indeed look very similar.

Mine is Ispidina Picta, yours is Ceyx erithaca

Lovely shots Elsid and Colin
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on March 14, 2020, 11:19:19
Thank you Peter for your comment.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on March 14, 2020, 11:39:20
This turdus merula posed for me at 3.5 m.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on March 17, 2020, 17:13:14
Two for Tuesday
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on March 18, 2020, 16:15:59
Grey Crowned Crane
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on March 18, 2020, 18:30:02
A very nice bird photo  ;)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on March 18, 2020, 20:24:03
This turdus merula posed for me at 3.5 m.

Lovely
And a seemingly unfair name for something as perky and beautiful as a blackbird Elsid
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on March 18, 2020, 21:00:00
You first...
...no you first!!

(https://pbase.com/celidh/image/170529871/original.jpg)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on March 18, 2020, 21:16:23
Sometimes (with enough patience) things just fall into place
British Kestrel, 300mm PF D500

(https://pbase.com/celidh/image/170529877/original.jpg)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on March 18, 2020, 22:42:38
Colin it’s Very nice!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: golunvolo on March 19, 2020, 00:41:27
Colin, wonderful portrait
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bruno Schroder on March 19, 2020, 09:08:36
They started building a nest in our hedge, under a window. Some nests have more than 2000 feathers inside.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on March 19, 2020, 12:51:46
Nasos, Paco, thanks for your kind comments
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on March 19, 2020, 12:54:53
They started building a nest in our hedge, under a window.

Its that time of the year isn't it!  :)
Can you remind us their name?
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bruno Schroder on March 19, 2020, 21:20:10
Hi Colin,

it is the long-tailed tit or Aegithalos caudatus. First time they nest in the garden.     
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: chris dees on March 20, 2020, 14:58:34
Lanius elegans koenigi or Canary Islands Desert Grey Shrike. Endemic on the Canary Islands
In Dutch "Canarische Woestijnklapekster", try that to pronounce.  :)
This picture is taken in the "El Teide National Park" on Tenerife.

NIKON D500 + 500PF, ISO 110, F5.6, 1/800
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on March 21, 2020, 16:06:26
Beautiful shots Colin, Chris and Bruno!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on March 21, 2020, 22:23:05
Thanks Peter
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on March 22, 2020, 00:27:19
Nycticorax nycticorax
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Øivind Tøien on March 22, 2020, 06:38:25

The Grey Crowned Crane - what a gracious beauty, Peter.

Colin, you certainly nailed the focus on the last Kestrel, you could probably pull out a self portrait if you lift the shades. I also thought I commented on the nice symmetry in #750 but my message might have disappeared before I got to post. Is the device attached to on of the legs a locator/GPS beacon?

Here is another example with the 300PF on D500, likely grey herons Ardea cinerea from a drive by shooting though the rainful window of a bus near Sortland in Northern Norway - only noticed and reacted in the glimpse of a second. I was surprised it went this well. Must have been really high quality window panes in that bus.

(https://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p3654980032.jpg)

D500 with 300mm f/4 PF, @ f/4.5 1/1000 sec. ISO 1600.


Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on March 22, 2020, 22:14:53
Colin, you certainly nailed the focus on the last Kestrel, you could probably pull out a self portrait if you lift the shades.
Thanks Øivind, I was fortunate in that the bird was calm and less than 4m away from me.

I also thought I commented on the nice symmetry in #750 but my message might have disappeared before I got to post. Is the device attached to on of the legs a locator/GPS beacon?

I often use an Android tablet to read Nikongear and can never find the message numbers on it :(
The hovering Kestrel?

Thanks, yes I couldn't believe both the sharpness and the symmetry when I pulled the images off the card. I'd had a torrid time that day, with very little success getting AF to lock onto BIF .

Luckily there was a headwind and the kestrel was hovering. Although they usually need to flutter their wings to do this, we must have got a few split seconds when he was literally gliding into the wind. I love the curve you can see he's got his wings into.

And yes, since this was at a centre that specialises in Birds of Prey, they all have trackers on them.
When they released the Peregrine Falcon, it flew completely out of sight. They used a device a little like a 1970's TV aerial to find which direction he'd gone in!

grey herons Ardea cinerea from a drive by shooting though the rainful window of a bus

You did well to spot these & compose in time from a moving vehicle (probably bumpy roads too).
The windows on these things are never clean enough when you need them to be are they ?!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Øivind Tøien on March 22, 2020, 23:55:15
Thanks for the comment and clarification Colin. I was lucky in this case that we were just heading out of Sortland which was the main departure point, so windows were immaculately clean, and mysteriously the windows on my side did not get too much rain drops on them opposed to the other side of the bus. The low contrast is because of the rain in the air between me and the subject. We were on asphalt roads, but variable quality with respect to bumps. I find that the VR on the 300mm PF works very well in situations like this, even in sports mode that is my standard setting for most situations.

I have tried shooting like this though car windows, but they have usually not had adequate optical quality, to not mess things up.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on March 23, 2020, 15:06:58
Re: shooting through murky windows

I spent a week in Iceland, travelling around with a coach party.
Luckily they kept the windows spotless, which was good as the landscapes between stops were stunning.
I even managed some viable joiners

Here's a link as I'm well off topic now :)

https://pbase.com/celidh/image/163163439
Title: Best settings for BIF
Post by: ColinM on March 23, 2020, 15:14:06
If this isn't the best place to raise this, let me know and I'll create a new topic.

There are many stunning shots in the preceding pages.
It would be great if you would share

I use a 300mm PFwith a D500. I hoped my success rate would climb when I moved from my 300mm f4 AFS & D300, but still  get too many shots where the bird isn't in clear focus.
I'll review some examples and share the settings I've tried to.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on March 23, 2020, 18:52:11
Colin, the shots you do post are pretty magnificent, so obviously it CAN lock accurate focus.

Speaking for myself only, I shoot a lot of birds in flight, and have been there for several years. Yet, my success rate is still pretty low. And those whom I have shot with, report the same thing. Are you perhaps expecting too much?

Anyway, I also use a D500, although with a longer lens than yours (500mm f4 G). My settings are pretty involved, but basically:
Exposure mode manual, but with auto-ISO. Lens typically wide open unless there is LOTS of light, and I definitely find that a higher shutter speed increases the percentage of sharp photos. Under 1/1000th, I get almost no sharp shots except with very large, slow birds. The tiny lightning-bolts like the smaller Kingfishers need more than 1/3200th when moving.

My AF settings are very intricate, and in this regard I love the user-customiseability of the D500. I use back-button focus exclusively, set up as follows:
The AF-on button gives me 25, 72 or 153 points (selecting between them as conditions change).
The pressing the joystick gives me single-point AF. I use this for stationary targets (perched birds), as it allows me the fastest way to also move the focus point around while focussing.
The Fn1 button is set up to change the AF area mode to Group Area, but not to focus. Thus I change the mode using my middle finger, and focus using the AF-on button.

The setup is used as follows:
For perched birds and general wildlife, I focus and control the position of the focus point using the joystick.
For birds flying against an even background (the sky or smooth water) I use the AF-on button on it's own.
For birds flying against a busier background, I use two fingers to get Group Area.

In this way, I can change between those three basic focus modes seamlessly as the bird swoops above or below the horison.

I do still want to experiment more with 3-D tracking, as I have not really tried it on birds with the D500. With the D750 and D7000 I used to have, it was effectively useless, but on the D500 I have used it with face detection on models in studio, where it worked very well.

I hope that rather long-winded explanation helps somewhat?
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on March 24, 2020, 21:47:35
Thanks for the prompt and detailed reply Peter

Colin, the shots you do post are pretty magnificent, so obviously it CAN lock accurate focus.

Speaking for myself only, I shoot a lot of birds in flight, and have been there for several years. Yet, my success rate is still pretty low. And those whom I have shot with, report the same thing. Are you perhaps expecting too much?

Thank you - so the ones I post are ones I'm pleased with.
It's interesting to hear you say about a low overall success rate. My expectations were certainly higher than what I achieve, but mainly I wanted to make sure I wasn't doing anything to restrict my chances

However after reading about the high standards the AF module in the D500 achieves and the performance of the 300mm PF, I did expect more.
Static subjects are generally fine, so it's moving ones where the issue lies (I really love taking shots of birds leaping into flight, turning mid-flight and also landing)

Exposure mode manual, but with auto-ISO

I definitely find that a higher shutter speed increases the percentage of sharp photos. Under 1/1000th, I get almost no sharp shots except with very large, slow birds.

Yes I shoot in manual but haven't yet got Auto-ISO behaving the way I'd like.
I don't lose many shots to incorrect exposure, but will have a look into this, especially as a way of keeping the shutter speed high.

One flaw you've helped me confirm is shutter speed. I'm now aiming for around 1/1000th but have shot lower than that before. However the ones I was unhappy with are generally out of focus, rather than showing blurred wingbeats etc

My AF settings are .....


There are many points I need to investigate here - that might take me a few weeks (with the current lockdown!)
I haven't yet applied much customisation to my D500 and you've pointed out some ways I can quickly adapt to different conditions - thank you

I hope that rather long-winded explanation helps somewhat?

Yes it's really good food for thought.
I appreciate the time and thought you put into writing this Peter
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on March 24, 2020, 21:59:48
I've wanted to collect a series of "good" and "out of focus" shots, then compare the settings used.
Of course what I wouldn't have are the conditions, speed of flight etc
I haven't yet compiled this series yet...

But just to illustrate the puzzle, here are some examples
They were part of a series of around 7 shots, taken as the Black Kite flew away from me, turned, then flew back in

- All were shot at 1/640th wide open F4,  ISO 400 (these crops represent around 1/3 of the original frames)
- These were shot within a few feet of each other as it turned
   the second shot was the sharpest
   the third shot is again unsharp
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on March 24, 2020, 22:16:13
And here is some of the AF information showing how close (or not) I was to framing my shot against the AF area

Incidently NX-D shows what appears to be a single AF focus square, however these were shot using an area of 25 points
I've compared using single and area points and NX-D displays them in exactly the same way.
Thus I think there's a chance the bird may have fallen within the AF area on each shot....

Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on March 25, 2020, 15:30:01
From your explanation, you are concentrating on birds which are effectively accelerating relative to your position. In that situation, un-sharp photos may look un-focused rather than just wingtip blur. Next time you get into a situation where you can try, just use two widely different shutter speeds and see if it makes a difference.

As for auto-ISO, I often switch it off in stable light conditions. If you are happy with your exposure, leave it off.

Lastly, if you want, I can mail you a spreadsheet with my settings. Just send me your e-mail address via PM if you want it.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on March 30, 2020, 14:26:21
Got a new chance to photograph the common kingfisher.
This time with the Nikon V1 mounted on the 200-500mm.
It is still very small  ???
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on April 10, 2020, 17:36:28
Grey Go-away bird. Shot in my garden during lockdown due to Covid-19
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on April 24, 2020, 04:55:45
.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: fentriss on May 03, 2020, 19:36:32
Some very nice colored bird "Hausrotschwanz", Black Redstart, male. Seen with d850 AF-S 500/f.4 D. sunlighted, no flash used, the backround was very dark. Distance was at least 6 - 7 meters. byebye,richard
(http://malus.exotica.org.uk/~zeg/images/mai/Hausrotschwanzm2020.jpg)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on May 10, 2020, 16:55:02
For the last couple of days I have tried to get pictures of the Great tit and the Blue tit nesting in our garden.
I wanted to get pictures of them leaving the nest, but the are very fast when leaving, so this is one og the very few that was reasonable sharp.
I did try both with AF and MF, as the AF on my 200-500 and 300PF might not be fast enough to follow them on the way out.
D500 300mmPF @f5.0 1/3200 sec ISO 1600 Cropped slightly. Not sure if this is AF or MF
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Øivind Tøien on May 10, 2020, 22:26:29
For the last couple of days I have tried to get pictures of the Great tit and the Blue tit nesting in our garden.
I wanted to get pictures of them leaving the nest, but the are very fast when leaving, so this is one og the very few that was reasonable sharp.
I did try both with AF and MF, as the AF on my 200-500 and 300PF might not be fast enough to follow them on the way out.
D500 300mmPF @f5.0 1/3200 sec ISO 1600 Cropped slightly. Not sure if this is AF or MF

Excellent timing of capture, Bent! I like the slightly blurry win tips. You did very well with sharpness on the head of such a fast moving target. I have tried many time to catch the US version of the great tit, the black-capped chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) when leaving bird feeders but find that if one start firing off a series when the first movement of the bird is detected, it will already be out of the first frame or just catch the tail.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: golunvolo on May 10, 2020, 22:49:55
Very good action Bent
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on May 10, 2020, 23:25:40
Excellent timing of capture, Bent! I like the slightly blurry win tips. You did very well with sharpness on the head of such a fast moving target. I have tried many time to catch the US version of the great tit, the black-capped chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) when leaving bird feeders but find that if one start firing off a series when the first movement of the bird is detected, it will already be out of the first frame or just catch the tail.
I was also amazed by the speed, so I triggered the camera when I saw the bird in the hole, but even with a D500, I often only got one or two frames with a bird on, and then unsharp too. Used MF and guessed where the bird would be, and then hopped the best  ;)

Paco glad you liked it.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: beryllium10 on May 11, 2020, 06:34:21
Bent, I like the action and the framing in your photo.  Here's one for the thread from a warm Spring day in Seattle.  Ducks and geese were enjoying the cool water.  (D810, 300mm f/4 with 1.4 TC, 1/2500 @ f/8 ISO 720).  Cheers,  John
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on May 11, 2020, 08:25:24
Thank you John
The way you “froze” the water makes it look like a swimmer just came out of the water, nice.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on May 11, 2020, 18:59:31
Excellent shots gentlemen.



Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on May 11, 2020, 19:18:56
Nice shot Peter, very sharp, god pose.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: beryllium10 on May 12, 2020, 01:55:38
Quote
The way you “froze” the water makes it look like a swimmer just came out of the water
Bent, thanks for your comment.  This was mostly a lucky one, as the duck was diving its face into and out of the water very quickly, and most others I took were mis-timed.  Auto-focus was also having difficulty.  For birds I set my camera up to use dynamic 9-point group AF, which works well for me for tracking birds in flight.  However, for a photo like this d-9 AF tends to lock on to bright/high-contrast water droplets flying around the subject and results in a lot of well-focused water photos and not so many in-focus birds (it happens a lot when I'm taking photos of ducks, gulls and geese landing on the water).  I guess single-point AF would fix the problem.  I should set up a button to alternate between d-9 and single point AF, as Peter mentions in a reply a bit further up this thread.  Cheers again, John
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: fentriss on May 12, 2020, 17:25:48
Nice shot Peter, very sharp, god pose.
:Hello Peter, that is really a masterpiece. How many hours have you been waitin to get that result?
bye bye, richard
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on May 12, 2020, 19:53:21
Thank you very much Bent and Fentriss.

I have lost count. However, my daughter helped me very much with this particular photo. By planting some small tomatoes...
Now just to get one without the wall.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on May 17, 2020, 16:46:37
Woodland Kingfisher
In the rain
With food.

Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on May 17, 2020, 17:50:55
Sylvia melanocephala on mountain Hymettus just out of Athens.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on May 18, 2020, 17:19:51
Beautiful Elsid
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on May 18, 2020, 17:22:09
Peter and Elias
Beautiful pictures, caught in the right moment.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on May 18, 2020, 17:23:33
Thank you very much Bent
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: fentriss on May 18, 2020, 18:27:24
Now i know, it seems you are a bird with a camera build inside? (...with a smile in my face...) Those photos are magnificent. greetings, bye bye richard
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on May 19, 2020, 17:45:35
 ;D

Thank you very much Fentriss

Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on May 19, 2020, 21:37:22
Thank you Peter and Bent for your kind words.
Peter your bird photos are excellent.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on May 20, 2020, 19:35:10
Thank you very much Elsid
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on May 25, 2020, 16:31:23
A Red-necked Grebe shaking its head after diving.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on May 25, 2020, 16:55:45
An unusual pose, but I like it ;)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on May 26, 2020, 06:06:42
.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on May 26, 2020, 09:12:56
Nice colorful bird. :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on May 26, 2020, 16:14:55
Today our Blue Tits left the nest.
Last one had to be lured out, but it left in the end.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on May 27, 2020, 19:34:23
Lovely moment Bent!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on May 27, 2020, 22:46:45
Nice shot Bent.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on May 27, 2020, 23:53:36
Thank you Peter and Elias
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on June 02, 2020, 06:29:58
Nice colorful bird. :)
Thanks 



Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on June 02, 2020, 09:15:00
Another nice and colourful bird :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on June 02, 2020, 17:31:30
Beautiful!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Peter Connan on June 19, 2020, 18:19:53
Spider for breakfast.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Tom Hook on July 10, 2020, 04:38:22
Turning right.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird, male.
Z7, 300 2.8 VR.
20200708: at 16:41:42:51 and 16:41:46:94
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on July 10, 2020, 07:52:34
Emberiza cirlus, D500+500 PF
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on August 03, 2020, 00:33:22
...  Ducks and geese were enjoying the cool water.

I love this as an image John (the bird is almost incidental)

It's as if the living creature and the water have become an extension of each other
(and also explains the English expression "...like a duck to water" to explain something that comes naturally to someone)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on August 03, 2020, 00:39:12
Waaay back before COVID kicked in here, I was getting some advice from Peter and others about good setups for BIF.
And I note that Bent's marvellous BlueTit leaving the nest box was shot at 1/3200

I should have considered that before shooting this week.
I'd gone up to 1/2000 but obviously needed more. Despite the fact these two were decelerating you can see the relatively sharp hand of the trainer, and the more blurred image of each bird.

More work needed here (but if I got a sharper version of either of these, I'd be really pleased!)
Any other comments & suggestions are most welcome
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on August 16, 2020, 11:26:33
Nice colorful birds!
Here is my try on common sparrow that’s everywhere here :)
Z50 300/4 AF-S
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Erik Lund on August 16, 2020, 23:02:58
First image has nice pose and crisp details, rear bokeh is just butter smooth
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on August 17, 2020, 11:11:29
Nice photos Nasos. Sparrows are "undervalued" but can produce very good photos.
I am posting 2 photos of Hirundo daurica. The bird could not take off because a claw was caught in the barbed wire. Eventually, it managed to fly away
(second image). 
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on August 17, 2020, 11:42:05
Α snake eagle (Circaetus gallicus) is "chased" by a Pica pica.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on August 17, 2020, 13:46:19
Thank you Eric and Elias!
AF-S 300/4 is a very nice lens and I used to couple with an 1.4X teleconverter but when I used it with Z50 I removed the teleconverter and now I have smaller birds but better overall picture
I thing z50 with 300 PF will be an ideal and very light  combination

Elias Eagle has always a glory in its flight!


Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on August 19, 2020, 23:00:58
Common moorhen (young).
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on August 19, 2020, 23:21:27
Nice mirror effect  :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on August 20, 2020, 11:41:58
I agree with Bent
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on August 21, 2020, 14:19:03
Very nice especially if you see it 90 deg flipped  ;)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Hugh_3170 on August 21, 2020, 14:52:00
Me too!

I agree with Bent
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on August 21, 2020, 19:34:20
A young Acrocephalus arundinaceus in a vineyard.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on September 11, 2020, 20:27:49
I have experimented with using flash for bird photography - not as the main light source. It works nicely when the birds do not move too much, otherwise you risk "ghosting", which however also has its charm.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on September 17, 2020, 18:39:46
Phoenicurus phoenicurus. I waited for 2.5 hrs for a worthy pose from this bird. Eventually it came 4.5 m from where I was waiting with my "gun" (D500+500mm PF)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on September 17, 2020, 22:46:02
Very nice Elsid worth the waiting!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on September 18, 2020, 07:52:01
Thanks Nasos for your comment.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: beryllium10 on September 18, 2020, 08:21:10
For the last few years I've been enjoying watching and photographing a pair of splendid ospreys who nest nearby on Salmon Bay (in Seattle).  Shortly they'll head south for the winter, but for the last week or two they've been fishing from a tree near the Ballard Locks.  I think salmon were sparse earlier in the summer, but seem to have picked up a little recently, and the ospreys have been able to fatten up a bit for the long flight ahead.  Today the male was determined to get one of a shoal of big coho milling around the entrance to the fish ladder beside the Locks.  He dived five times while I watched, and was finally rewarded with a sizable fish.  After one of his unsuccessful dives he flew directly over me to return to his perch.  This is the best photo from that sequence - the first is almost the full frame, the second a crop to show him up close.  He's just been in the water, dripping wet, and no doubt a bit ticked off at having come up without his hoped-for dinner.
Taken with the AF-S 300 mm f/4 and TC-1.4, ISO 640 1/2000 at f/8.  Even with the D850's autofocus (I use AF-C, d9) I find I'm lucky if I get every second or third frame in focus when a bird is flying towards me and up close.  It's mostly my inability to follow the bird's motion with the focus point as it rides up and down with each wing beat, but I also find that this is the hardest scenario for the AF system to understand and react to - I tend to get a lot more focused claws and tail-feathers than beaks and eyes.  So this is a fortunate one. 
One fun thing for Nikon folk is to notice is that his eye seems to have a six-bladed iris - like some of those really old, classic Nikkors!  (Interestingly this shape, and the brown flecks in his iris, are real and persistent, a distinguishing feature of this particular bird).
Cheers,  John
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on September 18, 2020, 17:52:47
Good capture John

his eye seems to have a six-bladed iris - like some of those really old, classic Nikkors!

I love it!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: beryllium10 on September 19, 2020, 05:45:21
Thanks Colin!  Rain today, so no chance to go across to see if he was at it again.  Cheers,  John
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on October 02, 2020, 19:43:05
Thursday was a good day....but I didn't take a spare battery so missed out on a lot :(
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on October 02, 2020, 19:45:01
My intention was to contrast the Black Kite against a pastoral background.
In the end I worried that some of the detail of the bird would be lost (so have included a crop) but for me the widescreen version is what I wanted.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on October 04, 2020, 14:28:44
My first try with the 200-500 5.6E on Z50, it’s a nice Lens that accepts 1.4x very good but I am phasing some issues with slight out of focus objects that supposed to be in focus mainly with Z50 and not with D750
Do you thing it’s better VR Off in less than 1/1000 sec?
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on October 04, 2020, 16:18:49
What type of AF do you use on the Z50?
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on October 04, 2020, 21:26:36
I used AF-S and pinpoint for not moving birds
The issue is that just before the shot it’s very clear and in the image review it’s almost not focused
I used VR on at the speed 1/2000 sec,  maybe is VR blurr?
I never had this issue with Tamron 150-600 G1
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on October 04, 2020, 21:49:11
Here are two shots in hi crop you may see it, I know its minimal but exist
JPEG from  camera with crop
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on October 04, 2020, 23:50:59
Try the normal size, not pinpoint, and maybe try the dynamic mode, it will keep focus even if the bird moves a little bit.
Saw this recommended by “Ricci Talks” a Nikon YouTuber
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on October 05, 2020, 14:45:38
Doesn't logic say that VR becomes more useful on lower shutter speeds?
I would have thought that by 1/1000th or faster the benefits will be reducing quite a lot.

Do you mainly take photos of birds at rest, or are you after birds in flight too?
I'm slowly finding out that once they start moving, 1/1600th seems the minimum and its often worth trading higher ISO to go to 1/2000th if you can.

Plus even birds sat on a twig can move their head or a wingtip that can give you some blur. I'm not sure that VR is going to help you with any of that - just movement cause by handholding etc
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on October 05, 2020, 18:40:12
Thank you Bent and Colin for your answers :)
I check it again and there is no VR issue
There is an image degradation from the center  to the corners that can be seen on 100% at infinity focus and at 500mm. At 300,400mm there is no issue
The issue is described here
https://photographylife.com/reviews/nikon-200-500mm-f5-6e-vr/3 (https://photographylife.com/reviews/nikon-200-500mm-f5-6e-vr/3)

and is sample variation, unfortunately I got a but copy
The lens is 3years old and has 15.000 actuations I  doubt if this has to do with the issue
Otherwise the lens is very good and I like it very much all except for the weight and bulk
When I made  some tests shots a pigeon stand in front of me  and I couldn’t resist
The details on the feather is remarkable to me ( standard JPEG from Z50)
Thank you
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Øivind Tøien on October 06, 2020, 06:47:15
VR sports mode can be very useful even at shutter speeds above 1/1000 second to keep the focus point on the target, and I have seldom seen detrimental effect of this.

Wilson's Snipe winnowing, making this strange sound during steep rapid dives with its tail feathers. They were frequently active around here in June at dusk during cloudy weather by some reason. They were very high in the sky and hard to spot and keep in the frame. TC-14 + a 100% crop came to the rescue with the 300PF. The species is very similar to the Common Snipe in Europe, distinguished as different species by the number of tail feathers.

(https://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p4005852040.jpg)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on October 07, 2020, 21:34:25
Wilson's Snipe winnowing,

What a beautiful bird Ovind, never see anything quite like that.
And thank you - I hadn't considered VR and AF.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on October 08, 2020, 00:46:39
Great Gray Owl.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Øivind Tøien on October 08, 2020, 07:25:07
That is a great Great Gray Owl, Brute!

What a beautiful bird Ovind, never see anything quite like that.
And thank you - I hadn't considered VR and AF.
Thanks, Colin. I was rather pleased when I got those tail feathers too, considering that all I could see with my eyes, if I was lucky, was a fast moving dot in the sky - the difficulty of locating and spotting it makes it a bit "mysterious". I have always from my early days back in Norway been fascinated with that courtship display, but never got the view of it that my D500 with 300PF+TC-14E gave me now. Here is a link to a YouTube clip were someone recorded that sound: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImGcEaQ7As4&ab_channel=Kepe (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImGcEaQ7As4&ab_channel=Kepe)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on October 10, 2020, 18:40:44
I’m in the higher branch!

Z50 200-500 5.6E  1.4x
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on October 12, 2020, 09:22:10
Extremely sharp result, Nasos!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on October 12, 2020, 12:06:09
Excellent shot Nasos.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on October 12, 2020, 12:20:32
Thank you :)
No sharpening just a color preset in Lightroom
This is much  better than previous Tamron and is the lens with the best fit on my 1.4x Kenko teleconverter  ;)

Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Øivind Tøien on October 26, 2020, 09:29:02
Raven very busy pecking at something in the trees, not sure what it finds.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on October 27, 2020, 13:55:00
Α robin takes his bath and dries singing.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on October 27, 2020, 20:20:38
Next time you have to record it!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Øivind Tøien on October 27, 2020, 22:28:23

Very cute singing Robin, elsid!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Akira on October 27, 2020, 23:42:12
Indeed, this is a cute robin.  The first image makes it even more cute!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on October 27, 2020, 23:44:56
I thank you all guys for your comments
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on October 28, 2020, 00:26:16
Αfter a plunge, a kingfisher shakes off the water
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Anthony on October 28, 2020, 09:34:36
Great capture!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on October 28, 2020, 11:52:35
Thank you Anthony for commenting.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on November 01, 2020, 12:37:05
Α carduelis cannabina takes a step forward.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on December 05, 2020, 05:46:39
.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on December 06, 2020, 09:42:53
European Greenfinch.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on December 06, 2020, 19:45:56
European Greenfinch.
Beautiful bird and nicely captured Kim
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on January 10, 2021, 22:04:33
Very nice Kim
Chasing small birds in the park Z 50 200-500E
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on January 20, 2021, 02:48:15
Teal's

Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on January 25, 2021, 18:42:49
Cyanistes caeruleus
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on January 25, 2021, 18:45:05
Garrulus glandarius
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on January 25, 2021, 19:14:16
Nice birds Elias :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on January 25, 2021, 20:53:47
Nice birds Elias :)
+1
colorful Brute
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on January 26, 2021, 00:03:35
Thank you Bent and Nasos for your comments.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 07, 2021, 21:45:41
Phylloscopus collybita
1,2,3,5 Shot with afs 300/4 plus 1,7x TC on Z50
4 shot with 200-500 5.6 on Z50
The last Motacilla is a bonus :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 09, 2021, 19:28:22
Flying away!
same setup
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on February 09, 2021, 21:19:16
Flying away!
same setup

Lovely image Nasos.
Great combination of detail and blur.
(That 300mm afs is still holding up well isn't it!)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 10, 2021, 14:14:40
Thank you Colin, yes the 300/4 is holding up :)
For some reason I mainly shot with this combination of lenses but the absence of VR gets the iso to 1600 for hi shutter speed so the outcome isn’t so pleasant
Nikon 200-500 has better overall IQ and VR but is heavier and bulkier
What about 300PF did you show any difference with various TCs  compared to AF-S 300?
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on February 10, 2021, 21:59:02
Yes, many people seem to get good results with the 200-500mm
Especially if they don't have to hand hold, or hike with it for many hours.

What about 300PF did you show any difference with various TCs  compared to AF-S 300?

I haven't done any detailed comparisons, though I have used it with a TC14.

VR may let you drop shutter speeds enough to get wing blur, but for me I've been increasing my shutter speeds in an attempt to get sharp images!

You'll know much of this already, but here's Tom's view on VR
https://www.dslrbodies.com/lenses/lens-articles/lens-technique/all-about-nikon-vr.html
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on February 10, 2021, 23:17:55
Sylvia melanocephala
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 11, 2021, 13:03:58
Thank you Colin for the link and reply :)
Apart from any kind of comparison are you satisfied with the move to 300PF in terms of IQ?

Elsid great shots! I do like your small birds but I do not have the opportunity to visit interesting places for bird photography :(

let me comment about the name: Sylvia melanocephala is Sylvia the black Head in Greek :D


Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on February 11, 2021, 14:44:29
Thanks Nasos for your comment. the name of the bird in Greek is Μαυροτσιροβάκος.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on February 11, 2021, 17:03:20
Sylvia melanocephala
Very nice  :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: chris dees on February 11, 2021, 18:21:38
Fieldfare in my backyard, shoot through the window.
D500 + 500PF + 1.4xTCIII
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on February 11, 2021, 19:28:28
Thank you Bent for your comment.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on February 11, 2021, 19:34:43
Nice shot Chris, I also use the TC1.4 with the 500PF when there is enough light. This combination was used for the 3 photos above and the D850 (DX mode).
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on February 11, 2021, 21:10:19
Thank you Colin for the link and reply :)
Apart from any kind of comparison are you satisfied with the move to 300PF in terms of IQ?

Since I didn't own both lenses concurrently,  I didn't do any side by side comparisons.
My feelings are that
- I didn't personally notice a dramatic step change in image quality
- there are several usability benefits in moving to the PF version
- these all mean you're more likely to take the lens with you on trips, walk around with it, be less reliant on tripods or monopods. These can all lead to using it more or being ready to catch fleeting wildlife opportunities.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: golunvolo on February 12, 2021, 01:15:58
Wonderful capture Chris. Character connection with the viewer.
I don´t usually shoot birds but this one posed for me today, just a little bit, enough for a couple of images with the 200mm f4 ai
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 12, 2021, 16:13:49
Since I didn't own both lenses concurrently,  I didn't do any side by side comparisons.
My feelings are that
- I didn't personally notice a dramatic step change in image quality
- there are several usability benefits in moving to the PF version
- these all mean you're more likely to take the lens with you on trips, walk around with it, be less reliant on tripods or monopods. These can all lead to using it more or being ready to catch fleeting wildlife opportunities.
Thank you :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: rosko on February 13, 2021, 00:39:04
Fieldfare in my backyard, shoot through the window.
D500 + 500PF + 1.4xTCIII

Nice shot, Chris !

When you see flocks of these thrushes coming, (Fieldfare. Turdus pilaris), prepare a warm coat... ;D
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: chris dees on February 13, 2021, 14:31:10
Thank you for your kind words.
I've seen them before, but never in my backyard (there were 6). And yes, it's pretty cold nowadays. :-)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Fons Baerken on February 15, 2021, 14:21:53
February 14

Black swan

Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on February 15, 2021, 15:50:38
Very nice, and a good posture.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on February 15, 2021, 15:55:14
An Indian running duck.
Just after it had a fall on the ice.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Gunver Hjarbo on February 15, 2021, 16:00:49
Common Kingfisher
D5300, AF-P 70-300 f4.5-6.3 DX @f9.0
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Fons Baerken on February 15, 2021, 17:08:15
Common Kingfisher
D5300, AF-P 70-300 f4.5-6.3 DX @f9.0

Great catch Gunver!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 15, 2021, 17:28:03
new entries here with varieties of birds :)
Kingfisher is very nice with matching colors everywhere!
I've got this 70-300 DX lens its light, low cost and very good ;)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: rosko on February 15, 2021, 17:40:53
Common Kingfisher
D5300, AF-P 70-300 f4.5-6.3 DX @f9.0

That's a superb shot, Gunver ! 8)

Well done !

I would, however reduce slightly the saturation. But this could be my new screen, not sure.

Francis.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Akira on February 18, 2021, 16:16:47
Ai 200/4.0, heavily cropped (roughly 1/9 of the full frame).
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on February 18, 2021, 17:17:10
Beautiful shot Akira
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on February 18, 2021, 18:38:41
Erithacus rubecula, Saxicola torquata, Emberiza calandra with D850+500 PF.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 19, 2021, 10:49:05
Very nice Akira even with hi crop :)

Elsid excellent shots especially the first one with the out of focus area behind the bird!
I thing I have one photo of your last bird posted elsewhere  here
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Akira on February 19, 2021, 11:26:16
Beautiful shot Akira

Very nice Akira even with hi crop :)

Thank you, Elias and Nasos!  I don't have any right lens for shooting birds, but this Japanese plum tree growing right below the balcony of my place offers some chances to try.  :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on February 27, 2021, 00:38:01
Hungarian Partridge
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on February 27, 2021, 15:23:27
Seagull in our small lake, we have a lot of dead fish due to lack of oxygen, and recently ice cover.

D500 300PF f4
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on March 05, 2021, 18:11:17
Ken and Bent very nice!
This little bird stud in front of me when i was checking my z50/200-500 combo so i couldn't resist :)
NEF conversion and  PP on NX studio
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on March 05, 2021, 19:34:14
Ken, Bent, Nasos lovely shots.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on March 05, 2021, 19:38:39
A Clamator glandarius
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on March 05, 2021, 20:19:18
 nice, where is the rest of the bird Elias? :o
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on March 05, 2021, 23:38:02
Nasos, this was intentional, just its claws.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on March 12, 2021, 07:19:24
Thanks Guy's
It's always great to see your additions also  :)

Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: chris dees on March 12, 2021, 10:43:18
Heron with European Water Vole or Black Rat, I'm not sure.
Never seen this before. The rat was fighting back, but no chance.
The heron went behind the read, so I couldn't see him swallowing it.
Nikon D500 + 500PF + TC1.4 III
ISO3200, F8, 1/1600
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on April 04, 2021, 06:30:13
Some Hummingbirds hovering around their feeders today.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Akira on April 04, 2021, 10:37:26
Some Hummingbirds hovering around their feeders today.

Amazing portraits of humming birds.  Thank you for sharing, Ken!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on April 05, 2021, 05:38:34
Thanks Akira.
It's a lot easier when they are sitting.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: beryllium10 on April 05, 2021, 07:30:08
Ken - superb hummingbird photos!  Cheers,  John
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: beryllium10 on April 05, 2021, 07:32:50
All crows are black ...
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Randy Stout on April 05, 2021, 16:58:54
Interesting one.  I don't think I have ever seen a leucistic crow.

Thanks for sharing.

Randy
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on April 08, 2021, 21:58:55
One from February

(https://pbase.com/celidh/image/171542790.jpg)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on April 10, 2021, 22:18:42
Nice birds Ken and Colin!
Lucky today a lot of birds to shot  and the whether was excellent!
all shots Z50 200-500 5.6E
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Tom Hook on April 19, 2021, 03:45:13
It is interesting to me to see how birds appear in their environment. Here are the male and female Wood Ducks. Easy to see the male, not so easy to see the female. Does nature protect the female and make the male a target?
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on April 19, 2021, 21:10:56
Here is a Little Grebe swimming in a small forest lake. The bird is actually in the shade, but the lake mirrors the morning sunlight shining on the surrounding trees.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on April 19, 2021, 21:25:15
Excellent shot Kim!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Tom Hook on April 20, 2021, 01:10:34
Here is a Little Grebe swimming in a small forest lake. The bird is actually in the shade, but the lake mirrors the morning sunlight shining on the surrounding trees.

Grebes are beautiful birds and you have captured this one beautifully. From the water’s early morning light to the complementary colors of the bird, you got it.




Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on April 23, 2021, 19:34:06
These were grab shots, as this TreeCreeper flew in front of me to this tree.
300mm + TC14 + D500 handheld.

Sadly I never got time to check the exposure in the second shot and in despite my attempts to recover in PP, flare seems to have washed a lot of the colours out.

Amazing talons to help this bird live up to its name!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Øivind Tøien on April 24, 2021, 10:08:09

Colin, those Tree creepers can be really hard to spot.

A Ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) posed willingly at the house I am looking after these days, in spite of having the dog of the house at my side.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Airy on April 24, 2021, 23:03:17
Turdus philomelos (song thrush, Singdrossel, grive musicienne, tordo bottaccio, Κελαηδότσιχλα, ウタツグミ , 歐歌鶇 ). Shot today in Lille, in a public park. The bird was busy singing.
Df, Nikkor 300/4 PF, 100% crop.

That's the wise thrush; he sings each song twice over,
Lest you should think he never could recapture
The first fine careless rapture!

(Robert Browning)

Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on April 24, 2021, 23:16:47
I love Thrushes, nice capture Airy.

I've never seen a Ruffed grouse Øivind. Your hound must be well trained
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Øivind Tøien on April 24, 2021, 23:46:24
Thanks for the comment Colin, the dog certainly does not qualify as a bird dog.  ;D  Squirrels on the other hand use to be irresistible. The Ruffed grouse is a North American species (mostly Canada, Alaska, Rockies and part of the west coast), while in Europe there is the Black grouse and Capercaillie that occupy somewhat similar niches in nature and is not present in North America. We also have the somewhat similar looking Spruce grouse (Falcipennis canadensis) that has a fairly similar distribution:
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on April 29, 2021, 04:26:17
Spring has Sprung.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: beryllium10 on April 29, 2021, 05:02:06
Ken, Three beautiful photos!  The saturated colours really work and the timing is perfect on the first one.  Cheers,  John
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: rosko on April 29, 2021, 14:25:52
Turdus philomelos

One of my fav birds : I enjoy to see, I enjoy to hear... ;)

Great shot !
Title: Cliff-Roosting Canada Geese
Post by: ColinM on April 29, 2021, 18:05:31
The quality here is average, but I wanted to share a visit to a well known viewpoint in Gloucestershire UK (Symmonds Yat) where you can often see Peregrine Falcons flying. The birds also nest in small caves in the cliffs several hundred feet above the River Wye.

Last Friday, I searched for the Peregrines and found they had been pushed out by these Canada Geese.
Having seen the care with which birds of this size take when coming in to land on water, or on solid ground, I'd have loved to see how they managed to get into these spots.

There are no horizontal ledges with easy access anywhere nearby. Also I don't think I've ever seen geese of this size hover, or glide slowly in a way which would have made landing here easy.

Any thoughts or suggestions?
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: golunvolo on April 30, 2021, 21:31:45
Late evening seagull. Heavily cropped. This bif business is hard

   D5, 70-200 2.8 fl
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on April 30, 2021, 21:46:27
Nice warm light on the bird!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Zang on May 05, 2021, 04:44:09
Chickadee :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on May 05, 2021, 09:34:50
That's cute!

Did you have your camera in the other hand?
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: chris dees on May 05, 2021, 22:50:07
Nightingale
Nikon D500 + 500PF and some cropping.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on May 05, 2021, 23:42:09
Nightingale
Nikon D500 + 500PF and some cropping.
Very beautiful, colors, bird :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: golunvolo on May 06, 2021, 00:21:53
Thank you Kim
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on May 06, 2021, 13:20:56
A periparus ater taking a bath.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on May 06, 2021, 13:28:56
Emberiza cirlus (male, female) in the bathtub.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on May 06, 2021, 13:36:56
Sylvia rueppelli singing.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on May 16, 2021, 19:25:44
I went out looking for Marsh Harriers and Egrets.
But (very wrapped up in feeding their brood) these were a bonus

Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on May 23, 2021, 01:14:30
Ken, Three beautiful photos!  The saturated colours really work and the timing is perfect on the first one.  Cheers,  John

Thank You

Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: David H. Hartman on May 23, 2021, 03:16:21
I'm glad I'm not a vole on the forest floor...

Death From Above! Great Horned Owl!  :o

Dave

Which reminds me of James Thurber's The Owl Who Was God.

To Wit...

To Woo... (https://www.alisonpask.de/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/thurber-the-owl.pdf)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: golunvolo on May 30, 2021, 19:22:39
"Alcornocales" park, near my hometown. Vultures are a common sight. They told me the government passed a law forcing people to retrieve dead animals. The park is cleaner but the vultures are running fast out of food. This one was -not usual at all before- in the parking lot. Very interested in the sound of the camera by the way  :)

  D300, 17-35mm 2.8 that I no longer have... sooc jpg
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Hans_S on June 04, 2021, 05:08:56
Blue Winged Kookaburra, our largest Kingfisher.  Z50, 50-250Z
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on June 04, 2021, 08:44:48
Blue Winged Kookaburra, our largest Kingfisher.  Z50, 50-250Z

What a character Hans!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Hans_S on June 05, 2021, 01:57:06
Ooops, my mistake Colin...this one is a "Laughing Kookaburra" not a blue winged one.  ::) The status of largest kingfisher remains.



Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on June 06, 2021, 18:29:12
.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Hans_S on June 08, 2021, 06:15:29
Free as a bird
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on June 08, 2021, 08:05:32
very nice Hans!
Ken amazing yellow! What is your set up, 500Pf?
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Hans_S on June 08, 2021, 09:17:29
Thank you Nasos  :)

Not a 500pf but the 50-250Z on a Z50...at 250mm, f8, 1/1600 in this case.
Yes, that is a rather pure yellow! The little beastie is a New Holland Honeyeater, quite common around here including in the urban areas.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on June 08, 2021, 21:18:02
I also shot mostly with z50 and I have 70-300 dx which is good and 200-500
I am thinking for 50-250 what is your experience with the lens?
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Hans_S on June 09, 2021, 03:20:37
Nasos, the Z50 was a recent acquisition and given the poor weather here plus the lockdown I have had little chance to come to any firm conclusions about the 50-250. As soon as we get a break in the weather I'll run some comparisons between it, the 200-500 and the 70-200 f4. My original intent was to purchase only the 16-50 with the Z50, however as the two lens kit was priced only $A220 more than the body only, I could not resist!

Edit...oops, looks like I responded to your  comment to Ken , my appologies.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on June 09, 2021, 03:54:29
very nice Hans!
Ken amazing yellow! What is your set up, 500Pf?

Thank You
Yes the 500 5.6 PF on the D 500.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on June 13, 2021, 09:50:17
Red-necked Grebe.
Nikon Z7II + FTZ + TC-20EIII + AFS 500/4 G IF-ED VR on tripod; processed in NX Studio.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: chris dees on June 13, 2021, 16:01:33
Common Kingfisher (male)
Z6II + 500PF + 1.4x TCIII
ISO18.000, F8, 1/60 (on tripod)

Got one of the/his female as well, but at ISO25.600 and not as nice.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Netr on June 16, 2021, 07:38:19
NZ falcon, Maori name Karearea. This bird features on the NZ $20 note.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Hugh_3170 on June 16, 2021, 07:55:32
You did well to track this one down - they are pretty elusive and their camoflage doesn't assist the photographer very much.

NZ falcon, Maori name Karearea. This bird features on the NZ $20 note.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Akira on June 17, 2021, 12:13:59
We three.  iPhone SE 2nd Gen.

(Hope it doesn't violate the rule here.)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Akira on June 17, 2021, 12:15:08
Wannabee flamingo.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on June 18, 2021, 00:05:55
Great flamingo Akira!
Lucky this day a lot of different birds and a white first time so close and taking breakfast too!
Z50 200-500
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Hugh_3170 on June 18, 2021, 06:26:29
Nah mate - it is not a flamingo - it is lunch!   :P

Wannabee flamingo.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Hans_S on June 18, 2021, 08:18:29
Great flamingo Akira!
Lucky this day a lot of different birds and a white first time so close and taking breakfast too!
Z50 200-500
I like that third one Naxos, a seagull dipped in chocolate!  ;D
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Akira on June 18, 2021, 12:29:11
Great flamingo Akira!

Thank you, Nasos!


Nah mate - it is not a flamingo - it is lunch!   :P

Oh, boy, I feel sympathy for him...
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on June 25, 2021, 17:53:46
Thank you Hans :)
Sparrow with a seventies look
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on June 25, 2021, 21:09:14
Red-necked Grebe.

I've not seen this variety of Grebe before Kim. What wonderful smooth feathers down its neck.
Are you finding NX Studio much of an improvement over earlier Nikon s/w?


Common Kingfisher (male)
ISO18.000, F8, 1/60 (on tripod)

Initially I was surprised you'd set the ISO so high Chris....until I saw what shutter speed you were working with.
I've not seen many Kingfishers stay still enough for long enough to allow this - even using a tripod!

NZ falcon, Maori name Karearea.

That's a really appealing pose you've caught this one in Netr.
Almost Peekaboo style!

By the way, can I just say how jealous I am of those of you using the 500PF - especially on a D500
Life's been too busy recently, but when get more time I may rent one for a few weekend trips to see if I'm worthy of one :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on July 05, 2021, 22:43:28
Whooper Swan
Nikon D500 + 300mm f/4 PF + TC-17 E-II, 1/500s, f/6,7, ISO 200
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: beryllium10 on July 15, 2021, 19:16:01
Kim - Unusual photo! I had to look twice - neat how the markings on the beak and even some of the feather patterns mimic the rippling pattern in the background.  Cheers, John
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on July 19, 2021, 15:43:58
Kim - Unusual photo! I had to look twice - neat how the markings on the beak and even some of the feather patterns mimic the rippling pattern in the background.  Cheers, John
Nice, it happened to me also!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on July 23, 2021, 02:36:19
.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on August 15, 2021, 02:36:59
Great Blue Heron.
Kept flying away. Never got to see it finish it's meal.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Andrew on August 27, 2021, 17:00:57
Black stork(ciconia nigra)

Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on September 03, 2021, 18:28:05
Dunlin on the beach. Z7 II, 300/4 PF, TC-20-E II, 1/1000s, f/8, ISO 220
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Hugh_3170 on September 04, 2021, 09:19:28
Nice one Kim. Nice lighting, reflections, and bird in mid-step.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: golunvolo on September 05, 2021, 12:27:00
In Rome, tourists feeding local birds.


  Z6, 24-70mm f4s
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: golunvolo on September 30, 2021, 23:34:03
Since the seagulls are literally at my doorstep I try with the D5 and 70-200mm 2.8 fl. They barely miss at all. Busy background, clean skies, does not matter. Last one is close to a 100% crop to show the detail.

 
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: golunvolo on November 01, 2021, 21:54:22
I was taking some images of the birds by the sea. Trying to see how the Z6 will work with the 58mm 1.4g between fully open and f2. Turned out pretty well.
  There are some people living in the beach, under the protection of the building. One of them came to see what I was doing -here in the picture- making the birds fly away. It took some time for them to get close to me again. I had the aid of another woman living there that comes to feed with bread the seagulls. That helped.



   Z6, 58mm 1.4g
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Zang on November 03, 2021, 00:50:03
On our roof...
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on November 03, 2021, 01:09:51
.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: mxbianco on November 04, 2021, 00:29:25
Marsh tit

Poecile palustris, Livigno, Oct.2021

Nikon Df, AFS-VR Nikkor 28-300mm/3.5-5.6 @300mm. Uncropped, focusing distance 2.2 m

Flew very near to inquire on my traversing its territory.

Ciao from Massimo
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on November 07, 2021, 21:23:03
A selection of Welsh Corvids
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Tom Hook on November 07, 2021, 23:27:18
Colin, very nice selection of shots. Ravens are amazing birds, smart and wonderful to watch and listen to - - cruck, cruck!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on November 08, 2021, 12:35:10
Yes there was tons of deep, guttural croaking

The Choughs were really playful.
In the past I've also watched a pair of Ravens playing in the updraft by a cliff, diving, rolling, tumbling and soaring, just for the sheer hell of it.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: rosko on November 08, 2021, 14:55:06
Nice one Kim. Nice lighting, reflections, and bird in mid-step.

+1
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: rosko on November 08, 2021, 14:58:38
Yes there was tons of deep, guttural croaking

The Choughs were really playful.
In the past I've also watched a pair of Ravens playing in the updraft by a cliff, diving, rolling, tumbling and soaring, just for the sheer hell of it.

Great serie, Colin !
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Tom Hook on November 10, 2021, 03:28:39
Yesterday I went out looking for birds. There weren't many around but did see a small flock rise up from the wetlands. When I got home, I looked at the picture (only one, no high speed fps here) and realized they were Starlings, not one of my favorite birds. Oh well...
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: beryllium10 on November 10, 2021, 06:30:16
Colin, very nice raven and chough photos.  I always enjoy watching crows (and the occasional raven - though not so common around here) and am pleased when I get photos which show their "personalities".  I've watched many birds who seem to be thoroughly enjoying the things they're able to do aloft - soaring, diving, drifting and chasing one another.  I envy them.  It looks like great fun!  Cheers, John
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on November 21, 2021, 02:01:33
.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on November 25, 2021, 17:03:51
.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: rosko on November 28, 2021, 12:21:37
Goldfinch.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: golunvolo on November 28, 2021, 12:24:21
That goldfinch has attitude!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on November 28, 2021, 14:01:33
Aythya nyroca,      Ferruginous Duck
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on November 28, 2021, 14:06:04
Saxicola rubicola,      African Stonechat
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on November 29, 2021, 04:32:57
.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on November 29, 2021, 17:34:23
Ken, Francis, Elias very nice small birds :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on November 29, 2021, 18:26:20
Thanks Nasos.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: rosko on December 01, 2021, 14:04:13
That goldfinch has attitude!

Paco, Nasos, thanks for commenting !
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Bird
Post by: Jan Anne on December 11, 2021, 18:15:29
Checked the card in my D500 before formatting it and found two forgotten photos, both at 500mm.

Not the sharpest as they were hastily shot trough my kitchen window at ISO6400 while working from home.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Bird
Post by: ColinM on December 11, 2021, 23:41:07
Not the sharpest as they were hastily shot trough my kitchen window at ISO6400 while working from home.

Both nice and the Robin is pretty sharp and caught at a nice angle.

Were these at the long end of the 200-500mm  we've been talking about?
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Hans_S on December 15, 2021, 00:50:21
Madagascan Hawk. Canon G9 stretched to its limits.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Bird
Post by: Jan Anne on December 15, 2021, 10:23:41
Both nice and the Robin is pretty sharp and caught at a nice angle.

Were these at the long end of the 200-500mm  we've been talking about?
Thanks and yes, the pheasant is as shot and the robin is a slight crop.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on December 25, 2021, 21:15:14
Very nice Robin and Hawk  :)
Be the right time and right moment is very important
Z50 200-500
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Jan Anne on December 25, 2021, 22:57:01
Yeah just rub it in Nasos haha, was out for a couple of hours today with nothing to show for but saw two of those fly over during golden hour when I was about to leave for a family dinner  ::)

Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on December 25, 2021, 23:42:54
Thank you Jan Anne :)
I was out with a friend for two hours before lunch and after making a lot of photos with birds staying far from us
It was the lucky hour finding this bird fishing near us
We made some photos from inside the car not disturbing it and after some time we continue outside, then it decided to leave to find a quieter place 8)
I also upload some photos from the same hike
Last one z6 24-70 f4
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Jan Anne on December 26, 2021, 00:19:43
Thank you Jan Anne :)
I was out with a friend for two hours before lunch and after making a lot of photos with birds staying far from us
It was the lucky hour finding this bird fishing near us
We made some photos from inside the car not disturbing it and after some time we continue outside, then it decided to leave to find a quieter place 8)
Happy that at least one of us got some amazing images of this amazing bird :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on December 28, 2021, 22:42:34
Snowy Hummingbird
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on January 07, 2022, 22:07:10
Nice Hummingbird Ken :)
Yesterday’s photos z50 Nikon 200-500
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: golunvolo on January 10, 2022, 00:50:59
Lord of the birds.

  D200 ir, 70-300mm vr
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on January 10, 2022, 16:09:54
Aythya nyroca
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on January 10, 2022, 17:47:08
Gyps fulvus
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: HCS on January 10, 2022, 20:46:43
Gyps fulvus

Wowsa! That is one formidable bird. Vulture, i presume?

Nice images.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on January 10, 2022, 21:22:58
Hello Hans, thank you for commenting. Yes it is a vulture. And the bird below is another vulture (endanger species for Europe). It is found mainly in the North East part of Greece and in Spain. Aegypius monachus.
Shot with the D850+TC 1.4 III+300mm PF.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on January 10, 2022, 21:54:11
Nice Elias and I guess you were in a relative near by position :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on January 10, 2022, 22:42:27
In a hide 2x3m, along with another photographer. For 10 hrs, unique experience.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: golunvolo on January 10, 2022, 22:45:36
Those are some magnificent birds when flying. There is some in the "alcornocales" national park, no too far away from here. I have tried a couple of times to do some bird photography with very very little success... Thanks for sharing this!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on January 10, 2022, 22:58:59
Hello Paco, Indeed they are magnificent. Their wing opening can reach 3+ m. And they have a powerful beak.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Andrew on January 11, 2022, 10:04:59
Yes, 10hrs in hide....
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on January 11, 2022, 18:08:03
A goldfinch
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Jan Anne on January 11, 2022, 18:10:42
Not sure if this bird is becoming my muse or my nemesis, we keep bumping into each other but the bird usually spots me before I see it. This time I was taking out the trash and was on my way to a clearing between the trees to check for any golden hour action when we startled each other once more.

Whipped out the Sony a7IV with the 200-600mm and let it rip. Got some decent shots but the lesson of today is that I really need to have the camera ready to go BEFORE I move into position as a large bird like an egret can become small in the frame very quickly, even though it was shot at 600mm.

4K crop from a 7K file, downsized to 2K.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on January 12, 2022, 19:34:12
Good reaction shot Jan.
Though this is a dangerous vantage point (you've captured one droplet, but it could have been worse!)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bruno Schroder on January 12, 2022, 20:48:32
Talking about Egrets … it was already very dark. Not sure how it looks, smartphone edit … I’m often without wifi these days …

D500 500/5.6 PF
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: beryllium10 on January 15, 2022, 04:47:44
Elias, dramatic vulture photos.  The second of the first set is my favorite - nicely lit and with great timing and focus!  My regards to those birds.  Lots more nice photos keep appearing on this thread.
Cheers,  John
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on January 15, 2022, 07:12:11
Thank you John for your comment. I find that birds, in general, cast some kind of spell over many people. I am one of those.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on January 15, 2022, 07:19:45
Robin after taking a bath.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: fentriss on January 15, 2022, 11:40:44
Robin after taking a bath.
Oh! how cute is that!? and, the name is Robin? ..no more words.. bye bye,richard
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on January 15, 2022, 14:44:57
Thank you fentriss for your comment. Robin (Erithacus rubecula) really is a cute little bird.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: golunvolo on January 18, 2022, 15:00:27
Late evening meal. Cádiz

  D5, 300mm 2.8 vr II
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on January 18, 2022, 15:17:40
Nice goldfinch,egret,robin :)
From my last birding walk, all z50 200-500 and 300pf
Title: Re: [Theme]leaves
Post by: elsid on January 18, 2022, 19:18:55
With Z6+70-200/2.8 S
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on January 18, 2022, 19:21:53
entered by mistake. Could the moderator transfer it to "leaves" please?
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Matthew Currie on January 19, 2022, 04:00:50
Just got back from Belize. 

Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on January 19, 2022, 09:34:37
Great timing and shot!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on January 22, 2022, 22:45:46
From the outdoor studio today - European robin:
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Fons Baerken on January 22, 2022, 22:51:03
January 21

fowl

D3s, 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E

Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Hugh_3170 on January 23, 2022, 02:13:16
Love this - especially the lighting on bird and branch.

From the outdoor studio today - European robin:
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on January 23, 2022, 12:12:14
A flying buzzard (buteo buteo)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on January 23, 2022, 18:47:42
Nice Robin did you used a flash?
Nice Buzzard too, I never had the chance to see such birds :o
Z50 with 300pf +1.4x first two , others 200-500+1.4x
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on January 24, 2022, 19:52:44
Nice Robin did you used a flash?
Yes, 3 SB-5000: one high to the left and one low to the right both with transparent white umbrellas; and the third was used to lighten the background. In addition, I shot against the sun.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Matthew Currie on January 24, 2022, 20:10:27
It's a good thing the little birds have gone south.  (taken out the back window)

Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on January 25, 2022, 17:45:58
Great additions everyone  :)

Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: beryllium10 on January 26, 2022, 16:16:04
More great photos keep showing up on this thread.  Kim and Nasos - I particularly like the colour palettes of the robin and goldfinch photos, very appealing colours of the birds and backgrounds.
Cheers, John
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on January 28, 2022, 17:51:42
Thank you John :)
Today’s photos, same bird with z50 300pf+ 1.4x kenko DG300
Much more lighter setup than with 200-500  and about the same IQ with less reach
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on January 29, 2022, 19:58:18
A resting buzzard took off, in speed, when I approached.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Jan Anne on January 29, 2022, 22:32:35
Been experimenting a bit with AF button layout and (memory) settings on the a7IV and having a secondary AF-ON button with a dedicated BIF memory recall settings proved very useful on a recent trip to local bird sanctuary.

I was shooting stationary birds at low shutter speeds, low ISO and single point AF when this seagull swooped in, simply moved the thumb over to the other AF-ON button and the camera switched gears to 1/3200th, aperture wideopen, center weighed auto ISO, continues drive and wide area AF with tracking on the stickiest setting.

Played around with different crops but somehow the image looked best as shot to keep as much of the dark clouds in the frame.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Jan Anne on January 29, 2022, 23:14:37
The Seagull posted above was a nice warm up for the tracking skills but the real treat is the colony of cormorants, the low winter sun is a bit of a struggle though and never seems to peek over the trees to my left by the time the cormorants land on their favorite branch when they return from a long day of feeding.

I met the warden on my last visit though and he is going to show me around a bit so hopefully we can find a location with better light at the end of the day.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on January 30, 2022, 20:59:43
Elias are you chasing buzzards these days? :)
Nice seagull Jan Anne with beautiful dark clouds

I was lucky today, I took an hour trip and while entering another town by the sea I sow this beautiful bird ;)
I dint miss the change and hit from the car window   8)
In order to not disturb the bird I jumped to my photo bag from the inside of the car :o
Z50 200-500
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: golunvolo on January 30, 2022, 23:40:55
They were circling for some time around that same spot.

   Z6, 135mm 2.8 ai
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on January 31, 2022, 07:20:36
Very nice image Paco (composition, coloring)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on January 31, 2022, 08:21:27
Vanellus vanellus (Northern lapwing)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: golunvolo on January 31, 2022, 11:03:51
Very nice image Paco (composition, coloring)

 Thank you. With the 135mm 2.8 ai it was an experience
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Fons Baerken on January 31, 2022, 12:08:20
They were circling for some time around that same spot.

   Z6, 135mm 2.8 ai

Excellent composition!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: golunvolo on January 31, 2022, 14:02:00
Thank you Fons
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on January 31, 2022, 19:47:03
Thank you. With the 135mm 2.8 ai it was an experience
Some years ago I was a manual lens fun
Now all manual focus lens are sitting on the shelf, I can understand your "experience"
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on January 31, 2022, 19:50:44
Elsid very nice bird, unlike others, a little unic is it  easy to find in Greece?
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on January 31, 2022, 20:29:40
The Seagull posted above was a nice warm up for the tracking skills but the real treat is the colony of cormorants

..... the low winter sun is a bit of a struggle though

Hi Jan, I've not been keeping up recently,  but assume these were taken with the new'ish  x-600m zoom on your Sony?
I'm interested to know the shutter speeds you used and how much you cropped (not much on the seagull it seems)?

I'm sure my results would be no better, but to my eye it seems like the seagull isn't as sharp as the wonderful shot of the cormorants? I'm guessing tracking BIF introduces additional challenges etc.

It would be lovely to hear any other findings from your early use of this combo, ergonomics, balance during a long days shooting etc
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Jan Anne on January 31, 2022, 20:53:16
Mandatory shot with the cormorants, shot at 600mm and 25% crop.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on January 31, 2022, 21:13:41
Hi Nasos, this is a migratory bird, can be found in Greece only in the winter. It is the first time I saw it in Schinias. I have seen it before in the North part of Greece near Salonica.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Jan Anne on January 31, 2022, 21:15:14
Hi Jan, I've not been keeping up recently,  but assume these were taken with the new'ish  x-600m zoom on your Sony?
I'm interested to know the shutter speeds you used and how much you cropped (not much on the seagull it seems)?

I'm sure my results would be no better, but to my eye it seems like the seagull isn't as sharp as the wonderful shot of the cormorants? I'm guessing tracking BIF introduces additional challenges etc.

It would be lovely to hear any other findings from your early use of this combo, ergonomics, balance during a long days shooting etc
The images were indeed taken with the Sony a7IV and 200-600mm lens. The Seagull is uncropped, the first cormorant is a 6K crop from a 7K file and the second was cropped at 5250 pixels by 3500. But somehow I loose a lot of sharpness when exporting these pics from Affinity at 2160 pixels on the long end, I am kind of used to apps which resharpen on export so need to look into that a little more.

That said, the “VR” on the Sony 200-600mm is not as good as the 200-500VR with the D500 which doesn’t help with an even longer lens, the consensus seems to be to switch OSS off for most situations above 1/1000th or so whereas the 200-500VR never gave me blurry images at high speeds and also did a better job at better stabilizing the image at low shutter speeds.

But these are early days, there’s so many more AF options and setups to figure out than on the D500 and some can really ruin the outcome.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Tom Hook on February 01, 2022, 22:36:14
The images were indeed taken with the Sony a7IV and 200-600mm lens. The Seagull is uncropped, the first cormorant is a 6K crop from a 7K file and the second was cropped at 5250 pixels by 3500. But somehow I loose a lot of sharpness when exporting these pics from Affinity at 2160 pixels on the long end, I am kind of used to apps which resharpen on export so need to look into that a little more.

That said, the “VR” on the Sony 200-600mm is not as good as the 200-500VR with the D500 which doesn’t help with an even longer lens, the consensus seems to be to switch OSS off for most situations above 1/1000th or so whereas the 200-500VR never gave me blurry images at high speeds and also did a better job at better stabilizing the image at low shutter speeds.

But these are early days, there’s so many more AF options and setups to figure out than on the D500 and some can really ruin the outcome.

Jan Anne,

I have the same problem with the loss of sharpness. NX Studio looks fine until export. Here's a shot I took today and it looks flat and indistinct when compared to its pre-export version. I have tried various adjustments and nothing seems to resolve the problem. I would appreciate you sharing any solutions you might discover.

Thanks, Tom
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bruno Schroder on February 03, 2022, 12:18:53
White-tailed Eagle. Danube delta, Romania August 2021

D500 500/5.6PF
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: golunvolo on February 03, 2022, 12:45:40
It looks unreal. What a character
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 03, 2022, 19:25:55
It looks unreal. What a character
I do agree, unreal
The metal tower seems to be spot for birds

Tom very nice robin
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bruno Schroder on February 03, 2022, 22:50:51
Thanks, guys. With more context:
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Snoogly on February 04, 2022, 08:31:52
Although this is going off topic somewhat, I wanted to post it here as a warning to you all to keep an eye on your camera while birding.

The video is legend!

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/04/kleptomaniac-new-zealand-parrot-steals-gopro-films-airborne-escape
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Snoogly on February 04, 2022, 08:32:34
Thanks, guys. With more context:

Mad Max!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bruno Schroder on February 05, 2022, 21:41:23
Mad Max!
So true :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 05, 2022, 22:00:25
Although this is going off topic somewhat, I wanted to post it here as a warning to you all to keep an eye on your camera while birding.

The video is legend!

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/04/kleptomaniac-new-zealand-parrot-steals-gopro-films-airborne-escape
Very funny story I can’t imagine a bird take my Nikon 200-500 2,3kg lens away ;D
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 05, 2022, 22:18:21
My first Buzzard  :)
There is a story behind these photos, we were walking very carefully with a friend for birding when we show a buzzard near by a dead ship   :o
The bird flew away  and stood on a tree for a while
We were so shocked that was not so easy to help the camera to find best focus behind the tree >:(
Z50 200-500
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 06, 2022, 22:12:04
Same day photos
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on February 07, 2022, 20:29:55
My first Hawk  :)
To my eyes, this looks like a buzzard (though I am not familiar with the hawks of Greece)

I saw quite a few of these, plus some Red Kites yesterday.
I've yet to review the shots, but don't think any were as close or as clear as these.

Nice work Nasos.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on February 07, 2022, 23:06:07
I watched some Red Kites Wheeling & swooping in the high winds on Sunday
Though I was closer than I've managed on many occasions, the ratio of keepers wasn't very high.
This is a crop of about a quarter of the frame, D500 300mm PF & TC14 bright direct winter sunlight

I think I need some more time practicing technique when the birds are almost directly above me & moving fast.
Any comments or suggestions are welcome
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 08, 2022, 00:03:38
Nice bird!
You may be right after a search for the Greek name I found to be a buteo buteo so it’s a buzzard
My little,  light and quiet z50 is not good for BIF  but it’s not easy for me to go back to DSLR  8)
I do many shots with a few keepers >:(
300pf + 1.4x it’s a nice combination but I use 200-500 for reach

I attach the full crop frame shots for reference
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 08, 2022, 08:04:48
I watched some Red Kites Wheeling & swooping in the high winds on Sunday
Though I was closer than I've managed on many occasions, the ratio of keepers wasn't very high.
This is a crop of about a quarter of the frame, D500 300mm PF & TC14 bright direct winter sunlight

I think I need some more time practicing technique when the birds are almost directly above me & moving fast.
Any comments or suggestions are welcome
That’s my problem I always thing that the bird is near and OK to shot but later I discover the opposite ;D
I also need practicing for Birds in flight, my technique simply not exist ;D
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on February 08, 2022, 08:31:36
300pf + 1.4x it’s a nice combination but I use 200-500 for reach

I understand and believe you're correct. Its not the latest version of the TC

Before this summer, I plan to rent the 500mm PF (ill never be able to afford to buy one)
I also want to try the 200-500 as I've seen so much good work with it.
However, I believe the zoom option adds more weight, also I don't know how often I'd use the 200mm end of the range.

I attach the full crop frame shots for reference

Thanks
Actually this is an example of the drawbacks of cropping.
The view of the buzzard in flight looks pretty good initially, but when you zoom in, you can see details are not (quite) as sharp as they could be.

After experimentation I've changed to AF Area Mode: Dynamic Area (25 points) for my BIF as I realised I wasn't able to keep them in the centre of the frame accurately enough when in flight.
Despite shooting at 1/1250 and using f6.3 to get the best out of the TC combination, most of my shots on Sunday lack critical detail.

The EXIF readout says
"AF-C, at 32m, with a depth of field of about 1.4m, (from about 69cm before the focus point to about 72cm after)"
This bird was gliding. I wonder if my unsharp other shots (with more unpredictable flight) were just the AF just not being able to lock in accurately?
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Ethan on February 08, 2022, 10:09:57
“The early bird gets the first woman, but the wisest bird gets the fastest one.”
Matshona Dhliwayo  (paraphrased)




(https://i.imgur.com/PYDlrZl.jpg)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 08, 2022, 18:54:04
Nice “bird” Ethan :)

Colin which exit data program you use? I checked exif data from Z50 and distance data was zero
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on February 08, 2022, 20:33:11
Colin which exit data program you use? I checked exif data from Z50 and distance data was zero

I haven't used a locally installed EXIF reader for years.
This time I just used the first online one that came up on Google

Jeffrey's Image Metadata Viewer
http://exif.regex.info/exif.cgi

I don't know how reliable it is. There was an intriguing section about depth of field which I wasn't expecting
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on February 10, 2022, 16:42:00
Here are a few more, now I've had a chance to go through them
Including a British Buzzard, to say hello to the one Nasos posted

This was an interesting exercise in using NX Studio (I'm still learning the menus) and dealing with high contrast in the originals
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 10, 2022, 23:27:57
Nice buzzard Colin! And you pull out colors, it’s nice like this :)

Today I tried out 300pf + 2x on z50 in the field and I was amazed :)
I had the chance to meet a Falco naumanni that was standing up and made some shots from 30-40m away, that was the distance that the bird allow me to approach two times
The drawback is that the system is very slow for BIF

Phoenicurus ochruros Also pose for me multiple times

My 200-500 will stay home for long 8)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: golunvolo on February 11, 2022, 00:59:19
I like them. Third one in the series stands out for me, with the character of the bird, cables all balanced and uplifting each others appealing
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 11, 2022, 22:55:41
Thank you Paco :)
I got them!
Kestrel couple, female on the right and other two photos
This time the bird allow me to shot from 20-25m
Amazing bird , I am hooked 8)
Same setup z50 300pf+tc 2x III
Ps: I know there was a piece of dust on my sensor
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: John Geerts on February 12, 2022, 08:06:16
Beautifull work, Nasos.  I like especially that  Kestrel Couple
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 12, 2022, 18:29:39
Thank you Fons :)

Almond tree with bird may be a  chaffinch
Z6 300pf
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: beryllium10 on February 14, 2022, 17:13:59
Nasos - beautiful photos!  Glad to hear you're hooked.  It's addictive, but totally rewarding.
Cheers, John
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 14, 2022, 18:37:29
Nasos - beautiful photos!  Glad to hear you're hooked.  It's addictive, but totally rewarding.
Cheers, John
Very true!
Thank you
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: rosko on February 14, 2022, 22:08:28
I join the enthusiastic comments!.
Well done! ;)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 15, 2022, 20:04:05
Thank you Francis :)
Some more little birds z50 200-500
Two Sparrows , Chloris chloris and Phoenicurus ochruros
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on February 15, 2022, 21:44:39
Nice buzzard Colin! And you pull out colors, it’s nice like this :)

Today I tried out 300pf + 2x on z50 in the field and I was amazed :)


Thanks Nasos.
Actually between the different birds flying that day, the colours of their plumage varied a lot.
From some angles, the harsh winter sun made it hard to handle both shadow & highlights areas and I had to pull up the shadows a lot in PP
But with the second bird, the sun just made his bronze plumage glow :)

And its fascinating to hear you & other photographers getting good results & usability with the latest versions of Nikons TC2.

Like the latest pictures you've shared too: your 200-500mm is still locking focus well
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 16, 2022, 21:51:58

And its fascinating to hear you & other photographers getting good results & usability with the latest versions of Nikons TC2.

Like the latest pictures you've shared too: your 200-500mm is still locking focus well
The tc 2x III is a very good performer but the it’s the lens in front of it that takes the prize
The 300pf is an excellent lens if focuses right and no VR issues
It over-resolves  z50 sensor and the fact that can work on 2x tc so well means that if we had a double Mpix sensor it would still be Fine, in the limits but OK
On the other hand 200-500 is almost in the limits on z50

200-500 is very good when the subject is near and I had no issues, almost all my shots was OK on these little birds, I was inside the car and I could go near the action
If you compare shots from 200-500 on 500mm and 300pf + 2x you may see more details on 600 but the contrast is excellent on 500
Anyway the two solutions are about equal, if you want to make a difference you must step up to 500pf +tc
I post some more little birds shots
The two in the middle is Crested Lark
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on February 16, 2022, 22:43:09
red-crested pochard (Netta rufina)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on February 17, 2022, 09:44:06
red-crested pochard (Netta rufina)
Beautiful images!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on February 17, 2022, 12:31:09
Your Crested Lark is great Nasos.

Oh, tell me if you ever want to sell the 200-500mm :)

Elsid, your Pochard is wonderful too
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on February 17, 2022, 12:39:26
Thank you Kim for commenting.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 17, 2022, 17:42:06
Beautiful and peaceful images Elias :)
Great color too!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on February 17, 2022, 19:50:16
Thanks Colin for your kind words.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on February 17, 2022, 20:25:37
Microcarbo pygmaeus (pygmy cormorant)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 19, 2022, 22:36:00
Nice Pygmy cormorant :)
No little birds today but lucky to see a Little Egret fishing by the sea side
I used -1.7 stop for the whites and 200-500 + 1.4x kenko for a bit of  lower contrast  comparing to 300 pf
Z50 f11 iso100 no crop
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Tom Hook on February 20, 2022, 00:50:37
Nasos, nice Egret shots. I also like the blue and white compositions.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 20, 2022, 18:03:11
Thank you Tom :)
I do like this colors combination also and it could be better if I could take the shot in the sea level to see the surface of the blue sea as it was a very nice and sunny day :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on February 20, 2022, 22:18:04
Really nice pictures, but you are right, they might improve going low.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 23, 2022, 00:14:37
Thank you Kim :)
I got hooked by the Kestrel couple, here is the male with a little help of AI
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 25, 2022, 20:35:39
meadow pipit with an 850mm on DX
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: beryllium10 on February 26, 2022, 05:56:23
So often a crow is just a hole in your photo.  Today some nice afternoon light to give them some definition.
Cheers, John
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Jan Anne on February 26, 2022, 10:59:35
Love the crow image, very well exposed with a lovely and interesting background.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: golunvolo on February 26, 2022, 15:17:02
Love the crow image, very well exposed with a lovely and interesting background.
Ditto. Love the action too.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on February 26, 2022, 16:14:56
So often a crow is just a hole in your photo.  Today some nice afternoon light to give them some definition.
Cheers, John
Very nice, lightning and action, well done.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: beryllium10 on February 26, 2022, 19:07:02
Thanks Jan Anne, Paco and Bent.  This was taken at park below the Locks that transfer shipping to Seattle's inland lakes.  An excellent place for birds, though Dec-Feb are usually a bit sparse and the light often dim. I stopped by to see if the herons who nest there have begun to show up and contest for nests.  Not yet, but surely soon.  The crows were after mussels exposed by a very low tide.  At some point the merganser in the photo I'm attaching today floated past, diving for small fish.  Reflection colours here (sky, trees on the far bank, passing ships, etc) are very fine on a calm day.  Both this and previous photo with the D850 and 500 mm PF, wide open.
Cheers again,  John
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Tom Hook on February 26, 2022, 22:42:43
Keeping an eye on the prize
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 27, 2022, 10:08:28
Excellent shots John, you gave this crow an interesting look :) and the Merganser  shot is crisp and colorful, you remind me that i have to use my FF body sometimes for birding 8)
The prize is worth the try Tom :)
Z50 200-500 for reach on these European Serin and Common chaffinch female and male







Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: golunvolo on February 27, 2022, 16:05:31
Nasos, that z50/200-500 has been working wonders for a while now. Thanks for sharing it!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 28, 2022, 20:05:09
Thank you Paco I do appreciate your comments :)

flying Kestrel and a male European greenfinch same setup
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on February 28, 2022, 20:51:14
So often a crow is just a hole in your photo.  Today some nice afternoon light to give them some definition.

This is superb John.
Great exposure plus a complementary background
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: chris dees on March 02, 2022, 14:22:04
A few from this morning.
These are shot at a green spot in the city.
Male and female Common Kingfisher.

Z6II, 500PF, 1.4x TCIII, heavy cropped.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on March 02, 2022, 15:17:30
Excellent Chris!  :)
Kingfisher is one of my favorite birds  that I didn’t had the chance to have a good shot like these!
Lens?
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: beryllium10 on March 02, 2022, 18:23:06
Colin - Thanks! Chris - great kingfishers - they're more colourful than our locals. Ours are also very skittish and wary of letting you get so close.  Nasos - more great photos, I especially like the kestrel(s) in your last few posts.
Cheers,  John
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on March 02, 2022, 22:09:50
A few from this morning.
These are shot at a green spot in the city.
Male and female Common Kingfisher.

Lovely kingfishers Chris.
Can you tell us what you used to capture them?

I've only ever encountered them whilst walking along riverbanks so usually just yet a fleeting glimpse
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: chris dees on March 03, 2022, 09:44:42
Thanks Nasos, John.

Colin, I updated the post with the used gear.
They are very shy and you have to sit very still not to disturb them. They breed in the riverbanks.
These two were preparing their nest.
The males are a bit more colorful than the females. Their blue is "blue-er" :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on March 03, 2022, 17:57:01
The males are a bit more colorful than the females. Their blue is "blue-er" :)
That blue I like the most :)

Female Phoenicurus ochruros under the early morning light
300pf + 2x III  Z50 std profile jpeg with a little crop no other edit
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on March 06, 2022, 13:48:30
European Goldfinch and common sparrow
200-500 plus tc20eIII on  DX no crop

Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: golunvolo on March 06, 2022, 14:38:18
It looks very good. How are the images sooc? How's the af at f11?
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bruno Schroder on March 06, 2022, 19:46:25
Very nice ones, Nasos
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on March 06, 2022, 20:28:45
Thank you Paco and Bruno
I use to down scale images in LR on an IPad thus I used a vivid profile for color and some 0,5 stop plus on a cloudy day
AF is OK even with F11 on Z50, I use pin point AF-S for perched birds but not for BIF It’s very difficult with an 2x TC

Data 1/400 f16 1250iso handheld
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: golunvolo on March 06, 2022, 21:07:35
Thank you for sharing it
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on March 08, 2022, 22:42:38
Saxicola rubicola female with 300pf +2x
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: beryllium10 on March 09, 2022, 06:34:43
Nasos, your small birds are splendid.  You must be both patient and stealthy!  I tend to confine myself to the larger ones, like the herons now gathering in our local park.  There are about 40-50 so far, but the colony will likely grow to its usual size of about 50-55 pairs in the next few weeks.  They're starting to settle into last year's nests, but there will be plenty of squabbling over mates and real estate for a while yet.  Nice light this afternoon, with a bit of veiled sunlight making its way through scattered clouds.  This with the 500 mm PF at f/5.6.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Matthew Currie on March 09, 2022, 17:01:21
Some  Bahamian flamingoes, cropped to a fare-thee-well...

Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on March 11, 2022, 18:10:24
.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on March 13, 2022, 12:27:07
Nasos, your small birds are splendid.  You must be both patient and stealthy!  I tend to confine myself to the larger ones, like the herons now gathering in our local park.  There are about 40-50 so far, but the colony will likely grow to its usual size of about 50-55 pairs in the next few weeks.  They're starting to settle into last year's nests, but there will be plenty of squabbling over mates and real estate for a while yet.  Nice light this afternoon, with a bit of veiled sunlight making its way through scattered clouds.  This with the 500 mm PF at f/5.6.
Thank you John I mostly shoot small birds that.. available round me :)

Yesterday we spend some time into a local park and it was a good choice as we show a lot of different birds :)
Among them we had the chance to see early coming swallows, I now realize how difficult is to shoot them if you don’t own a Z9 ;D
Barn swallow  Z50 with 300pf in flight and 200-500 standing
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on March 13, 2022, 13:28:02
Lucky to see an Eurasian scops owl standing on a tree sleeping
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Tom Hook on March 17, 2022, 20:56:29
I haven’t seen many Black Ducks recently but saw this pair in a nearby pond. I never thought much of them, thinking them dull, but under the close scrutiny allowed by a photograph, there is a lot to like about them. The lustrous black bodies, the subtle coloring of the neck and head and the variation in the bill colors of the female green and male yellow. My apologies to the breed for my previous indifference.

I love ducks almost as much as I love warblers.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on March 22, 2022, 20:48:42
Very nice black ducks Tom :)
Here is a Sylvia melanocephala calling for a mate,  in the series of “imprisoned” birds ;D
Z50 300pf  TC 20e III
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on March 23, 2022, 21:25:03
Not sure about the spices :D
Z 50 200-500 plus 1.4x
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on March 23, 2022, 23:31:39
.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Tom Hook on March 24, 2022, 01:41:41
More male and female ducks in their nuptial plumages - Ring-necked and Mallard Ducks.

Tis the season.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on March 24, 2022, 21:51:48
Cowbird....!
The hulk is impressively sharp & moody, the bird less so,
but you get bonus points for lateral thinking Brute  :P
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on March 24, 2022, 22:12:05
Nice cowbirds and ducks :)
Here is a  black redstart like my last previous shot, same setup :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: chris dees on March 26, 2022, 09:54:53
Went back to the nest of the Kingfishers.
It looks like they are breading now. There's always one in/on the nest.
Normally the change is in a fraction of a second, but this time I was lucky and the female stayed 1-2 seconds at the opening.  ;D ;D

Z6II + 500PF
ISO2200, F5.6, 1/2000
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on March 26, 2022, 11:58:08
Chris very nice you are quick and lucky :)
Speaking for Kingfishers here is my try in this very suspicious bird, I was behind a bush trying to hide myshelf but not lucky for a good shoot :(
First two is the same bird With 200-500 plus 1.4e, third is another I  used TC 20e III for this it was more far for my usual set up
I see some change in color and shape can you help me identify male or female?
Thanks
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on March 26, 2022, 16:17:58
The hulk is impressively sharp & moody, the bird less so,
but you get bonus points for lateral thinking Brute  :P
;) lol Thanks Colin
Maybe this Mule Deer and Magpies are a little better.


Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Randy Stout on March 26, 2022, 21:26:19
Bejeweled king of the Northern Lakes

This common loon had just surfaced and was adorned with delicate strands of water drops.   I am so looking forward to them returning to Michigan.

D4. 600 f/4. Taken from my boat.

Cheers

Randy
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on March 27, 2022, 09:50:33
Great portrait! It must have surfaced pretty close to your boat.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Birna Rørslett on March 27, 2022, 13:41:02
A personal loon - now, that is unusually nice.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Hugh_3170 on March 27, 2022, 13:58:33
Just love this shot - especially the eyes.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on March 27, 2022, 16:54:39
That’s a great shot Randy, as usual :)
You do a great job with your setup on the boat and that’s 100% for that kind of shooting in the lake!
Keep on raise the bar and give us great shots and shooting inshights :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Randy Stout on March 27, 2022, 17:01:24
Thanks everyone.

I am really looking forward to using the Z9 this season.  Most of the time loons don't require a high frame rate, but when you get the relatively  rare chance to capture a take off or landing, or a territorial battle, 20 fps sounds like a great option.  Plus I am curious to see how the TCs will work with the Z9 on my 600 VR.

Randy
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: beryllium10 on April 07, 2022, 09:05:42
Randy - another superb loon picture! 

Herons here have mostly paired up and are busy with nest repairs and renovation.  Here, some impressive - and unimpressive - timber en route to the treetops.  The second heron (carrying the small stick) obliged by flying past a backdrop of rhododendron/azalea colours.  I quite like the way they're rendered by the 500 mm PF, but I think they'd have been magical at f/4 on the conventional 500. 

Our local ospreys are due back from winter holidays on the 12th - lots of work ahead for them to get their nest back in shape.  They're as industrious as the herons and have some quirky tastes in nest material - always amusing to watch.

Cheers,  John
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on April 07, 2022, 18:37:32
Nice shots John  :)
Lucky to see a kestrel by the nest, it was impressive,  we even heard the chicks squizing for food :)
Z6 200-500 plus 1.4e
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on April 07, 2022, 18:56:49
Two shots from the same Krestel in the nest, the second is 11.400 iso >:(
I know is not a kind of special but is my first :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on April 10, 2022, 16:33:02
Woodchat shrike is a new comer :)
Z6 200-500 tc 20e III first one no crop
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on April 10, 2022, 19:11:23
Kestrel in the city (limits) or shot it in the back
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Tom Hook on April 10, 2022, 20:42:05
Woodchat shrike is a new comer :)
Z6 200-500 tc 20e III first one no crop
Nice shots of the Shrike, it reminds me the species we have here, most particularly that hooked bill. Do yours hang their prey on such things as barbed wire and thorns to then eat? Literally a killer bird!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on April 10, 2022, 22:15:29
Yes Tom it’s the same bird, Lanius Senator and has exactly this strange behavior ;D
The first time I show such a bird about three weeks ago, it had a strange behavior,  normally standing on a wire and from time to time goes down to some bushes stays some seconds and come back to about the same place  ;)
It stayed for a while on the wire up until I had time to reach and see the red head and the big eye and then I realized thats a new bird for me ;D :o
I am at the beginning of this learning curve
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: golunvolo on April 10, 2022, 23:02:51
Up close and personal. What a treat
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: beryllium10 on April 11, 2022, 05:16:00
Nasos, I really like the little kestrel.  Beautiful bird. 
Our local ospreys came back early this year.  I wasn't expecting them until Tuesday, but both were back at their nest on Saturday morning.  Winter storms are hard on the unattended nest, and there's always a lot of repair work to be done when they return.  Sticks come from the woods across the bay - they never pick up and re-use the old ones scattered on the ground below - and they bring grass, moss and water-weed for carpeting.  Weeks of enjoyment watching them ahead. 
Rain squalls, cold winds and hail on Saturday to welcome them back, but a few nice pictures from the intervening sun-breaks.  All cropped, the first very heavily.  All taken with a D850 and the miraculous 500 mm PF.
Cheers,  John
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on April 11, 2022, 13:27:51
Excellent images of ospreys.
A Clamator glandarius taking off.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Luc on April 11, 2022, 21:07:20
Where's the bird? Coal Tit on the grey house at the right ;)

Nikon Z6 + Nikkor Z 24-70mm f4 S

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51997902466_bc9a19c1c8_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ndSQPL)Z6_DSC9051 (https://flic.kr/p/2ndSQPL) by Luc de Schepper (https://www.flickr.com/photos/lucdeschepper/), on Flickr
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on April 12, 2022, 10:52:41
Thank you Paco and John :)
Excellent shot of Ospreys lucky to have them in your area and you are right 500 pf is miraculous, I am searching for a copy, I believe now with the 800pf it will be easier to find ;)
Elias very good use of the new Z9
Luc the photo is very cute and the little bird also
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on April 12, 2022, 13:06:16
Here is a photo of one of the rarest bird species of the World; the Northern Bald Ibis with just 150 breeding pairs in Marocco and Spain. This is from a cliff near Cadiz in Spain. The breeding colony is the result of a successful re-introduction about 15 years ago.

(https://nikongear.net/revival/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=10387.0;attach=53435;image)

Thanks to Birna for help with editing the photo for upload.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on April 12, 2022, 16:25:28
Very nice Kim!
I really enjoy this photo of the rare birds..
End of January after a snow storm-yes it happened in a part of Greece and Athens also - thirty birds like these was “escaped” from a local park and spread across the area
Many local birders spot them as I read on fb, I don’t know if some of them found as it’s not easy to survive there born and raised in the this park
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: beryllium10 on April 13, 2022, 07:14:42
Extraordinary birds Kim! 
Luc - how does he (or she) choose which house to nest in?  Elias - fine little bird.
Nasos - good luck with your search for a 500 PF.  For years I used the 300 mm f/4 with TC-14II (hence 420 mm f/5.6) very happily.  The 300 mm f/4 is a superb lens and there is hardly any loss of image quality with the TC.  They're going very cheap nowadays.
Cheers, John
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on April 13, 2022, 22:34:22
Nasos - good luck with your search for a 500 PF.  For years I used the 300 mm f/4 with TC-14II (hence 420 mm f/5.6) very happily.  The 300 mm f/4 is a superb lens and there is hardly any loss of image quality with the TC.  They're going very cheap nowadays.
Cheers, John
John thank you for your suggestion, thanks to Elias I’ve got one and enjoy with all kinds of Nikon tcs :)
Combined with my z50 and 20 tc III is a powerful and light compo I call it “my 600 PF”  ;D
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on April 15, 2022, 19:50:58
John thank you for your suggestion, thanks to Elias I’ve got one

Got a 500PF Nasos?
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on April 15, 2022, 21:56:03
Got a 500PF Nasos?
No Colin I speak for 300pf  :D
Otherwise I could said “ my 1000 PF “
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on April 18, 2022, 09:04:52
Iberian magpies loving corn seeds.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Andrew on April 18, 2022, 10:17:11
That is fantastic!!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on April 18, 2022, 20:29:57
Excellent shot Kim :)
An  Anthus campestris shot on z6 200-500 plus 1.4e
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on April 19, 2022, 08:58:52
Very nice picture of the Tawny Pipit - a very rare bird hereabout.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on April 19, 2022, 13:12:17
Iberian magpies loving corn seeds.

Superb Kim
I love the clarity & beautiful sense of action

Plus I've never seen this type of magpie before
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on April 20, 2022, 08:24:51
Thanks for the positive comments  :)
These species is mainly found in southern Spain and Portugal (a close relative is widespread in China). The actual place was a picnic area near El Rocio close to the nature reserve Coto Donana, southwest of Sevilla.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: fentriss on April 23, 2022, 20:57:05
Also tryed to shot a bird, wanted it more complex. d850, telephotolens? nope, micro nikkor PC-85 1:2,8D. manual focus, handheld, iso 100, the sunlight helped. Had also some fine food with me, the bird wanted it as well.  "Rabenkrähe", Corvidae. (https://malus.exotica.org.uk/~zeg/muenchen/Muerabenkraehe2022c45.jpg) bye bye, richard (please, the full size here. https://malus.exotica.org.uk/~zeg/muenchen/Muerabenkraehe2022c99.jpg (https://malus.exotica.org.uk/~zeg/muenchen/Muerabenkraehe2022c99.jpg))
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on April 23, 2022, 21:26:54
Thank you Kim
Nice bird Richard and you managed to keep it near you the easiest way :)
Just the opposite for me I used 200-500 plus tc 20e  III on Z6  iso2500 (50% crop) to  bring it near from 25-30m

Spatula querquedula Female in front male in the back
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on April 23, 2022, 21:47:37
Tringa glareola same place and set up no crop
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on April 24, 2022, 08:32:12
Circus aeruginosus (western marsh harrier)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on April 24, 2022, 08:38:16
Aegithalos caudatus (long tailed tit) taking a bath.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: fentriss on April 24, 2022, 08:51:23
Aegithalos caudatus (long tailed tit) taking a bath.
Hello Elsid: The 2nd one is phenomenal. Thanks for sharing those cute looking bird photo images. byebye richard
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on April 24, 2022, 09:30:58
Thank you Richard for your comment.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on April 24, 2022, 09:34:38
Here is an Asio flammeus (short eared owl) in broad daylight.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on April 24, 2022, 09:42:23
Sylvia cantillans (subalpine warbler) and sylvia rueppelli (Ruppel's warbler)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on April 24, 2022, 10:59:25
Nice birds Elias :)
How often you see an owl like this in broad daylight?  I think it’s very seldom
And the Sylvia is among my favorite small birds!
Καλό Πάσχα!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: golunvolo on April 24, 2022, 12:32:10
The aegithalos caudatus bathing is too cute. What a character   ;D
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on April 24, 2022, 13:03:24
Nasos, Paco thanks for commenting.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Dogman on April 24, 2022, 14:58:11
As a contrast, I will offer up a parking lot grackle--a source of endless entertainment for simple minds in a concrete environment.  D700, 35/2D lens.



Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on April 26, 2022, 10:37:01
As a contrast, I will offer up a parking lot grackle--a source of endless entertainment for simple minds in a concrete environment.  D700, 35/2D lens.

Nice one Dogman.

I once stopped at a UK motorway service station to grab a sandwich.
These places are usually full of seagull trying to steal food.

But this time, the car park was full of rooks.
One even came and sat on the open car door right next to me...
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Dogman on April 26, 2022, 15:00:23
Thanks, Colin.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on April 29, 2022, 22:30:50
I am clean now :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on April 29, 2022, 22:38:34
Don’t look at me 8)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Tom Hook on May 02, 2022, 06:22:12
May is the prime time for the migration of birds returning north to breed. Wood-Warblers are my favorite migratory birds. The state where I live, Connecticut, has over the course of the last hundred years or so been host at one time or another to 38 species. This afternoon, I saw my first this year, The Yellow-rumped. While arguably the most common Warbler we have, it was nevertheless exciting to see a small group of them today. Over my lifetime as a birder, I have seen perhaps 30 or more different warblers in my state. This month, as I have grown accustomed to doing in May, I will be looking for them and listening for their songs. Here are pictures I took a few hours ago of the less colorful female and the splashier male.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on May 02, 2022, 08:30:04
Excellent shots and the story behind it Tom :)
Here in Greece the migration starts early March and I am lucky to see some spices of small birds earlier
As I am new in birding I am not so well informed about spices and numbers in my area :(

Here is a new spice for me : Northern wheatear- Oenanthe oenanthe , lucky to see and approach enough for some shots
Z6 200-500 at 700mm
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Tom Hook on May 02, 2022, 12:54:15
Nasos, I was pleased to see your nice shots of the Northern Wheatear. In September 2009, a Wheatear ended up in Connecticut by some miraculous means. It is a bird one is apt to see in Europe and the effort and circumstances that allowed it to cross The Atlantic and end up here boggles my mind. It stayed around for a few weeks and then disappeared into parts unknown. Here's a picture I took at the time. It's interesting to me to look at photos of birds both for the beauty of these creatures and what specifics I see in a photo that I don't always have time to examine in the field. Bird photography is a nice coincidence of two of my passions.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on May 02, 2022, 17:21:39
I found this on wiki about this bird:
"The Alaskan birds travelled almost 15,000km (9,000 miles) each way - crossing Siberia and the Arabian Desert, and travelling, on average, 290km per day. "This is the longest recorded migration for a songbird as far as we know," said Dr Schmaljohann.
This is incredible flying machines  where did they find such an energy to do so?

Speaking of songbirds I also shot this European robin singing on the top of a tree, I’ve got video also I must find a way to post
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Tom Hook on May 04, 2022, 03:42:22
Three Warblers seen today: American Redstart, Black and White, and Yellow.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on May 04, 2022, 21:42:46
Very nice Warblers Tom, especially the black and white :)
There are different than the spices you can find here

Here is a male European serin and a male cirl bunting, same place and setup
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Tom Hook on May 05, 2022, 05:58:57
Your sulfurous Serin looks more like what we call a Finch here. It has the same yellow as our Goldfinch but different markings. I enjoy your Greek birds, keep 'em coming!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on May 07, 2022, 22:08:13
Thank you see post #1127 for a goldfinch and 1117 for another serene and chaffinch

Here is a flycatcher new spice for me :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on May 07, 2022, 22:19:19
Lucky to find an Ardeola ralloides today  :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Tom Hook on May 10, 2022, 03:41:32
Ardeola Ralloides looks like the Green Heron found in these parts. The white wings are beautiful.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Tom Hook on May 10, 2022, 03:44:13
Triptych of a Yellow Warbler taking off in less than a second.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Fons Baerken on May 10, 2022, 10:02:41
Lucky to find an Ardeola ralloides today  :)

You must be a regular visitor of a birdsanctuary, thank you Nasos.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Akira on May 10, 2022, 13:52:40
Lucky to find an Ardeola ralloides today  :)

Very characteristic look.  Thank your for sharing!


Triptych of a Yellow Warbler taking off in less than a second.

Beautiful series!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on May 10, 2022, 20:37:40
Ardeola Ralloides looks like the Green Heron found in these parts. The white wings are beautiful.
I wiki Green Heron and yes the shape and size looks the same only the colors are different, thank you Tom

Fons you are right I go to a local park where there are many birds that was born and  live there among other  seasoning birds

Thank you Akira I find birds colors very beautiful  :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: chris dees on May 10, 2022, 22:28:04
Went back to the nest of the Kingfishers.
The parents are feeding the chicks now and looking at the fish they are going fast. :)

Z6II, 500PF
First: ISO14400 1/1000
Second: ISO4500 1/320
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Tom Hook on May 11, 2022, 02:14:58
Thanks Akira
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on May 11, 2022, 18:55:20
Really nice kingfisher, Chris!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on May 11, 2022, 20:32:17
Nicely captured Kingfisher Chris.
Did you use some flash to help with shutter speed etc?

Triptych of a Yellow Warbler taking off in less than a second.

I love the way you've caught the Warbler in flight Tom.
That middle picture conveys the energy & burst of speed that was happening in front of you so well.
I'm not sure I've ever seen one of these (or if they're common in the UK)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on May 11, 2022, 21:38:48
Nice Kingfishers Chris, I cant find them now in my place
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: chris dees on May 11, 2022, 22:34:19
Thanks Colin, Nasos

The Kingfishers have their nest in a small local Parc in Amsterdam.  ;D
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on May 11, 2022, 22:47:06

The Kingfishers have their nest in a small local Parc in Amsterdam.  ;D
Lucky man you found the nest ;)

Here is a remake of #1196  Topaz Gigapixeled :o
no 800 Pf need...
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on May 11, 2022, 23:27:15
This one also #1198, I am impressed :o
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on May 12, 2022, 00:07:48
frame of life :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on May 14, 2022, 20:03:20
Here is a remake of #1196  Topaz Gigapixeled :o
no 800 Pf need...

This is an excellent result Nasos.
The source file must have been pretty good to start with
(care to share an equivalent crop showing before & after Topaz GP?)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Tom Hook on May 16, 2022, 02:56:39
Nicely captured Kingfisher Chris.
Did you use some flash to help with shutter speed etc?

I love the way you've caught the Warbler in flight Tom.
That middle picture conveys the energy & burst of speed that was happening in front of you so well.
I'm not sure I've ever seen one of these (or if they're common in the UK)
Thanks Colin, glad you liked it. The Yellow Warbler is a common Wood-Warbler here in the US . I don't think they show up much if at all in the UK. Being a completist when it comes to information on subjects I am interested in, I consulted my "Birds of Europe Second Edition" (Princeton Field Guide ISBN 978-0-691-14392-7) and there was no mention of the Yellow Warbler in their very extensive index. So, we stateside birders seem to have the pleasure of enjoying this fine little bird exclusively.

But then, we have no Nightingale  :-\
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on May 16, 2022, 21:43:23
This is an excellent result Nasos.
The source file must have been pretty good to start with
(care to share an equivalent crop showing before & after Topaz GP?)

Here are the crops, I see some artifacts in the background I have to work on it 8)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Fons Baerken on May 18, 2022, 11:41:17
May 18

Eurasian blue tit, (Cyanistes caeruleus).
The damage on the birdnest is caused by the hammering of a lesser spotted woodpecker,
we had to chase off.

Z fc, 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E

Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on May 18, 2022, 18:23:26
A friend send me this low resolution - hi crop,  oriolus-oriolus photo to rescue just for informative reasons

This is before and after for Colin :)

Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on May 18, 2022, 18:35:47
May 18

Eurasian blue tit, (Cyanistes caeruleus).
The damage on the birdnest is caused by the hammering of a lesser spotted woodpecker,
we had to chase off.

Z fc, 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E
Very cute Fons and nice story :)

Just making some BIF attempts when spot a gull, but when I reviewed the shots I show this small fish on his mouth 8)
z50 300 PF  420mm   f 7.1  1/3200 sec ISO 5000 with a help of AI
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Fons Baerken on May 18, 2022, 19:32:04
Thank you Nasos we are looking at a hatchling about to move into the world the subtle green sheen on the head gives her youth away ;)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on May 18, 2022, 20:45:36
You are welcome Fons , I do see that birds is a part of your shots more often now

This is the next gull shot, full crop frame and if you see the prototype very blurry and unusable >:(
Thanks to AI I can use it
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Tom Hook on May 19, 2022, 01:11:43
Fons, Love your grumpy tit looking out from the Woodpecker-riddled entrance to its nest. Good detail on the bird.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Fons Baerken on May 19, 2022, 11:34:39
Fons, Love your grumpy tit looking out from the Woodpecker-riddled entrance to its nest. Good detail on the bird.

Thank you Tom
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on May 19, 2022, 21:06:46
Thanks for the two sets of before & afters Nasos.
The second one is very striking.
But though the wing detail seems much clearer, I wonder if the upper body now looks rather unreal?

Just making some BIF attempts when spot a gull, but when I reviewed the shots I show this small fish on his mouth

Wonderful :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on May 19, 2022, 22:08:37
Yes is rather unreal ;D
You have to apply the minimum settings otherwise you get something like a very good painting..
But any way is a nice tool just need a wise use 8)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bruno Schroder on May 22, 2022, 18:22:39
3 years ago, in the 2019 NG Scotland meetup, I found a Dipper's nest right across the street. First thing this year was to go back to the place with Francis.

The Dipper is still there. It was heavily raining, the waterfall was creating a lot of fog and the Dipper stayed put to 25 minutes under a bridge before disappearing. I guess either it did not succeed in nesting, or the eggs have not hatched yet. We'll go back later this week.

I've posted another picture in the 2022 Scotland thread.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Snoogly on May 28, 2022, 10:22:01
Six years ago, when Saul was a manic plant eater and ear biter. Large houseplants protected by netting. My ears protected by a headband.

I wanted to kill him back then, as my life was a misery - but now we are best buddies.

Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on June 13, 2022, 11:53:48
Let’s live up this thread again :)
Lucky to shoot this Emberiza cirlus from a short distance just before lunch ;D
Z50 200-500 E f5.6 at 700mm
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on June 13, 2022, 12:22:29
After many many shots I got  a good one  ;)
pallid swift Z50 with 300pf plus 1.4x
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on June 13, 2022, 22:03:17
After many many shots I got  a good one  ;)
pallid swift Z50 with 300pf plus 1.4x
Given their speed and unpredictable flight paths, this is a great result Nasos
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on June 14, 2022, 23:13:03
Given their speed and unpredictable flight paths, this is a great result Nasos
Thank you Colin I've got three sessions with more than 1000 shots and this is among the best
For Shure a quicker system is need to have better results
I also used z 24-70 f4  thats quicker but less reach
200-500 is even slower than 300 pf
Apart Z9 other mirrorless Nikons have not good performance for BIF, I started to think other systems than Nikon 8)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on June 15, 2022, 17:24:00
The new pirates of the UK

Time was when you pulled into a motorway service station for coffee, seagulls would fly down any try to steal your lunch.
But things have changed.......

(taken on my phone with no time to get the exposure right as they were sat right next to me)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Asle F on June 16, 2022, 18:44:11
Ptarmigan in the mountains

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52151229628_febe11ca60_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2nsqFDw)
fjellrupe (https://flic.kr/p/2nsqFDw) by Asle Feten (https://www.flickr.com/photos/afoton/), on Flickr
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Øivind Tøien on June 17, 2022, 04:53:52

I like the inclusion of the rock, in spite of it likely not being a rock ptarmigan ("fjellrype") but a willow ptarmigan.  :)
[...with reservation that behavior might have shown otherwise - hard to judge at this transition stage.]

Perhaps upload the image as attachment instead of just providing link to a page on the hosting site when direct linking does not work?
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on June 26, 2022, 11:57:58
Nice Lagopus muta reminds me that I shoot a similar sized  bird uploaded here
This is Alectoris graeca that found in a rocky place an old abandon quarry
z50 200-500 plus some AI to enhance details on the feathers mostly on the second shot that's a high crop
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Fons Baerken on June 26, 2022, 12:37:35
What software are you referring to Nasos, execellent images btw ;)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on June 26, 2022, 15:24:34
What software are you referring to Nasos, execellent images btw ;)
Thank you Fons :)
I am using Topaz Gigapixel, Denoise and Sharpen occasionally 
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on July 04, 2022, 05:56:39
.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on July 07, 2022, 22:09:09
Ken very nice birds!
Finally I joined the club of the 500pf owners :)
Not a big change from my 200-500 but I  have better distance shots, a little higher contrast, excellent image from f 5.6 and 0,8 kg lighter ;)
Here are some Kestrel shots with significant crop, z50
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on July 07, 2022, 22:57:54
Kestrel with food for the kids , Z6 when z50 battery turn zero ;D
better definition and colors.. same day and time as 9215 shot
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on July 08, 2022, 06:11:59
Ken very nice birds!
Finally I joined the club of the 500pf owners :)
Not a big change from my 200-500 but I  have better distance shots, a little higher contrast, excellent image from f 5.6 and 0,8 kg lighter ;)
Here are some Kestrel shots with significant crop, z50
Thanks.
Nice shots of B I F.
Congratulations on the new lens. You are going to enjoy it  :)


Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on July 08, 2022, 16:04:35
Thanks.
Nice shots of B I F.
Congratulations on the new lens. You are going to enjoy it  :)
Thank you, I guess you already have the lens :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on July 08, 2022, 17:35:55
Cinnamon Teal June 2022

Lovely preening shot Brute
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on July 08, 2022, 18:28:02
Many complain about the AF of the Z7II for BIF. However, I find that when you have a clean background (e.g. blue sky) the "Wide area L" works really well. Here exemplified with a picture of a Lesser Kestrel:
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on July 09, 2022, 04:26:02

Thank you, I guess you already have the lens :)

Yes a couple years now.

Lovely preening shot Brute

Thank You.

Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on July 09, 2022, 10:00:26
Nice Kestrel Kim :)
I don’t know if you ever used Z7, is Z7II much better for BIF,  is there eye AF?

Regarding BIF I am not satisfied with the tracking my z50 and z6 have even in a blue sky as a background :(
I don’t use wide area L I find it very small to track a bird, I use afc with all Af area
With the use of 500pf it’s a little better but not good
It’s some time now I am thinking D500 but I don’t want to go DSLR again,
Canon released R7 with lots of specs -let’s wait to see it in real - but I don’t like picture quality it’s harsh and need to switch all my gear >:(
Been with Nikon since the beginning I think I have to wait 8)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on July 10, 2022, 22:21:18
Not my favorite bird but looks kool under the morning light 8)
Z50 500pf
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on July 10, 2022, 22:32:30
New to me Karpondacus Mexicanus female landed on a branch 3-4 m from my camera ;D
First is full frame second is crop, late afternoon light
Z6 500pf 700mm
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: golunvolo on July 10, 2022, 22:58:29
Such beautiful portraits. The light and iq....
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on July 12, 2022, 07:22:42
Such beautiful portraits. The light and iq....
Thank you Paco :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on July 16, 2022, 18:38:51
That lens is a marvel :)
500pf,  Nycticorax nycticorax
Second shot no crop
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on July 16, 2022, 22:30:45
That lens is a marvel :)
500pf,  Nycticorax nycticorax
Second shot no crop

Lovely, I can feel the swoop of its flight in these shots
The 500PF is growing on you Nasos
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on July 16, 2022, 23:01:28
Lovely, I can feel the swoop of its flight in these shots
The 500PF is growing on you Nasos
Thank you Colin :)
Lucky to find this bird flying several times in the local park :)
Here are some other BIF with z50 500pf :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on July 18, 2022, 18:38:34
Thank you for sharing these
I'm curious Nasos:

Would you say in images 1 & 3 that the body & trailing feet were sharper than the head?
I see detail in the feathers where the legs dissappear into the body that are sharper than on the head.

Of course this can happen for a variety of reasons, inc direction of flight, AF mode used etc etc.

I've had similar results (admittedly only with the 300mm PF + TC14 on the D500)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on July 19, 2022, 21:01:27

Would you say in images 1 & 3 that the body & trailing feet were sharper than the head?
I see detail in the feathers where the legs dissappear into the body that are sharper than on the head.

Of course this can happen for a variety of reasons, inc direction of flight, AF mode used etc etc.

I've had similar results (admittedly only with the 300mm PF + TC14 on the D500)
I checked with row files and I see no difference on these areas

But I do see on some shots a little blurry some times even on 1/4000 maybe the AF system is slower than the bird >:(
Anyway there is a long time until a mini z9 8)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on July 19, 2022, 21:42:29
A little story about Upupa epops
Firstly we show this bird with food on mouth but we couldn’t understand the reason ;D
Later on we show a couple of epops feeding the chicks in the nest that was done in a hole of a tree 8)
That was new to me!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Akira on July 20, 2022, 00:56:37
Wow, Nasos, these are superbly exciting captures!  Thank you for sharing!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: John Geerts on July 20, 2022, 07:06:18
Yes, agree. Great shots.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bob Foster on July 27, 2022, 11:25:42
Baeolophus bicolor - Tufted titmouse

Image rather soft probably due to 40°C temperature and resultant convection current on this slope. D850, AF-S ED 500 D. 1/200, f5.6.

In addition to the usual diet of this species (seeds, beetles, bugs, larvae and so on) this individual appears to find paper wasps delicious.

Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on July 29, 2022, 17:24:48
Very nice capture Bob :)

Thank you Akira and John!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bob Foster on July 29, 2022, 23:33:17
Thank you Nasos.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on August 05, 2022, 16:55:01
A Monticola Solitarious female back in June with z50 and 200-500 f 5.6 lens
I see now 200-500 is a very good lens :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on August 06, 2022, 15:15:15
Red-backed shrike (Lanius collurio) juv.

Nikon 1 V3 + 300mm VR f/4E + TC 17E II @ 1/1000s f/10 ISO 800, handheld,  processed in NX Studio.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on August 06, 2022, 15:20:09
A little story about Upupa epops
Firstly we show this bird with food on mouth but we couldn’t understand the reason ;D
Later on we show a couple of epops feeding the chicks in the nest that was done in a hole of a tree 8)
That was new to me!
Very nice series of the hoopoes!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on August 06, 2022, 20:05:03
Red-backed shrike (Lanius collurio) juv.

Nikon 1 V3 + 300mm VR f/4E + TC 17E II @ 1/1000s f/10 ISO 800, handheld,  processed in NX Studio.
Thank you Kim, you manage to shoot a very nice little bird :)
How you find your little v1 shooting birds? Is there an evf?
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on August 06, 2022, 22:16:34
Thank you Kim, you manage to shoot a very nice little bird :)
How you find your little v1 shooting birds? Is there an evf?
Thanks Nasos,

The Nikon 1 V3 is quite good for birds if the light is sufficient (i.e. high shutter speed and not too high ISO). I have the optional EVF.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on August 10, 2022, 16:48:22
.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on August 11, 2022, 14:41:30
A Monticola Solitarious female back in June with z50 and 200-500 f 5.6 lens
I see now 200-500 is a very good lens :)

You always showed it at it's best
Is it sold yet Nasos?

Quote from: Kim
Red-backed shrike (Lanius collurio) juv.

I've seen plenty of amazing moon shots with the Nikon 1, but this is one of the best wildlife shots I've seen with it.
For portability & results, why did they never develop this product line further???
Compared to the Z series, these were usably compact
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on August 11, 2022, 23:36:04
You always showed it at it's best
Is it sold yet Nasos?

I've seen plenty of amazing moon shots with the Nikon 1, but this is one of the best wildlife shots I've seen with it.
For portability & results, why did they never develop this product line further???
Compared to the Z series, these were usably compact
Not yet Colin, I didn't try its vacation time
Nice Heron Ken

Great Egret  with 500 pf plus 1.7 TC  on Z50 with Topaz denoise
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on August 12, 2022, 08:59:34
Great Egret  with 500 pf plus 1.7 TC  on Z50 with Topaz denoise

Nice captures Nasos.
I love the shape in the second image (plus a hint of something in its bill?)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on August 12, 2022, 09:19:31

I've seen plenty of amazing moon shots with the Nikon 1, but this is one of the best wildlife shots I've seen with it.
For portability & results, why did they never develop this product line further???
Compared to the Z series, these were usably compact

Yes, it's a shame they didn't develop the Nikon 1 series further. Sony has quite some success with the RX10 III, which has the same sensor, although in an upgraded version (same as in Nikon 1 J5).

One can wish for a Z series camera with a new high resolution crop sensor.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on August 14, 2022, 09:38:12
Nice captures Nasos.
I love the shape in the second image (plus a hint of something in its bill?)
Thank you Colin, yes I see something on its beak cant say what is

Yesterday we spend some time  on a place with some friends but the birds was far away so I used 1.7x TC on  500pf with very good results :)
Despite the TC the tracking with the z50 was good
here is a grey heron in flight with Topaz Denoise
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on August 14, 2022, 16:17:11
Great result Nasos.
I particularly like #1
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Hugh_3170 on August 15, 2022, 04:16:10
Yes, I also like the pose of the bird in #1.  It makes it look as if it is going rather fast.

Great result Nasos.
I particularly like #1
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on August 15, 2022, 22:02:35
Thank you Colin and Hugh :)

two other shots from the same day, sparrows in flight with 500pf and dragonfly with 500+1.7 TC on Z50

Thank you for watching :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on August 17, 2022, 23:02:09
ready to step :)
same place and setup
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Tom Hook on August 19, 2022, 03:41:05
Ruby-throated Hummingbird approaching feeder. I tried to erase feeder in post but the results always looked processed. So, I left the feeder in the picture as is. Bokeh is hard for me to duplicate in post processing. Happily, I am learning to appreciate this as is. :-*
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on August 19, 2022, 14:04:32
Very nice Tom :)
I just realized that these beautiful birds does not exist here, only in America  8)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Tom Hook on August 19, 2022, 17:36:40
Very nice Tom :)
I just realized that these beautiful birds does not exist here, only in America  8)

Thanks Nasos.

Hummingbirds are fierce little birds. I  have three or four of them in my yard and they zoom around chasing each other for access to the sugar water I put out for them. I once saw one chase a Kestrel through the sky for some unknown reason. I imagine their pointed bill would be an uncomfortable reminder that potent things can come in small packages.

I am returning to a favorite pastime this summer of taking pictures of these tiny birds outside my window. My eyes aren't as good as they used to be and sharpness sometimes suffers even with the quality of equipment I am using. I'm not sure that's a bad thing.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: golunvolo on August 24, 2022, 19:20:12
Ruby-throated Hummingbird approaching feeder. I tried to erase feeder in post but the results always looked processed. So, I left the feeder in the picture as is. Bokeh is hard for me to duplicate in post processing. Happily, I am learning to appreciate this as is. :-*

  For my eyes it becomes even more interesting, no need to remove it. In the green bokeh ambiance, that little reference works to take the image to another place, story telling wise, plus it is more visually appealing.
Lovely little thing
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Tom Hook on August 24, 2022, 21:12:54
  For my eyes it becomes even more interesting, no need to remove it. In the green bokeh ambiance, that little reference works to take the image to another place, story telling wise, plus it is more visually appealing.
Lovely little thing

Well reasoned, I think you’re right and thanks for commenting. As the bard wrote: “All’s well that ends well.”
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on September 09, 2022, 21:36:57
Sorry its not a bird but is nice framed and the background is stunning  :)
With 300pf
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Hugh_3170 on September 10, 2022, 08:12:52
+1

I am very tempted by the 300PF (and the 500PF) and this image does nothing to dissuade me!  :).

Sorry its not a bird but is nice framed and the background is stunning  :)
With 300pf
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on September 10, 2022, 13:37:21
Thank you Hugh, just follow your heart and take them all ;D
Here is 500pf with same settings a little different light and background cause the wind make them swinging around
The two lenses in MFD  on Z50 camera
For some reason I prefer 300pf in this subject distance
Next stop could be a 105s macro lens :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on September 10, 2022, 16:02:27
Back to normal with Carpodacus
500pf+TC 1.4 III on Z50
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Øivind Tøien on September 12, 2022, 10:43:15

So many nice images in this thread. Here are some urban ravens in Anchorage that let me get quite close. All with 300PF on D500.

#1
(https://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p713092297.jpg)

#2
(https://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p967034964.jpg)

#3
(https://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p539568926.jpg)

#4
(https://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p720044632.jpg)

#5
(https://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p855297166.jpg)

#6
(https://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p945426020.jpg)

#7
(https://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p981985900.jpg)

Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: golunvolo on October 03, 2022, 01:01:32
Urban birds in flight.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: aerobat on October 03, 2022, 07:29:36
what lovely street scene Paco
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on October 03, 2022, 15:46:53
So many nice images in this thread. Here are some urban ravens in Anchorage that let me get quite close. All with 300PF on D500.

Somehow I missed these first time around Øivind
I really like them
I've been getting more and more fond of Corvids and saw several Ravens whilst I was visiting Wales
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Øivind Tøien on October 03, 2022, 20:17:21

Thanks Colin, they are very smart and extremely tough birds. I have seen them flying and perching for short periods in stormy weather at the North Slope in Alaska at wind chills that were probably at minus 60°C.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: golunvolo on October 04, 2022, 00:05:26
what lovely street scene Paco

Thank you Daniel. It took some time to get the one flying in front  :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on October 07, 2022, 03:52:23
.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Robert Camfield on October 09, 2022, 02:08:32
Just curious...could you please provide exposure details and identify the equipment (lens/camera) used to capture the photos of the humming bird and sparrows.

Good photos...Thanks, Robert
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: fentriss on October 09, 2022, 09:31:10
Just curious...could you please provide exposure details and identify the equipment (lens/camera) used to capture the photos of the humming bird and sparrows.

Good photos...Thanks, Robert

From my point of view, he is acting like a humming bird, he is a humming bird with a camera. So he can create photos  like this. There is no other way, i think. ... bye bye,richard
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on October 09, 2022, 18:35:01
Just curious...could you please provide exposure details and identify the equipment (lens/camera) used to capture the photos of the humming bird and sparrows.

Good photos...Thanks, Robert

It was a cloudy morning.Right place at the right time.
Aperture.F/8, 1/400 sec., single focal point, 200mm.
D500 , 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR.
Thank You

From my point of view, he is acting like a humming bird, he is a humming bird with a camera. So he can create photos  like this. There is no other way, i think. ... bye bye,richard

Haha  ;)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Tom Hook on October 19, 2022, 19:59:19
Downy Woodpecker feeding in my front yard. Z9 70-200S at 185mm
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on October 19, 2022, 21:01:24
Downy Woodpecker feeding in my front yard. Z9 70-200S at 185mm
What a lovely visitor Tom
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Tom Hook on October 19, 2022, 22:23:22
What a lovely visitor Tom

Thanks Colin, I love Woodpeckers. There are six species that I have in my yard and they pretty much have their way with the other birds (except of course the raptors).
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Dogman on October 20, 2022, 00:51:47
Mr. (or Ms.) Mockingbird on my front porch railing yesterday.


Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Tom Hook on October 22, 2022, 06:09:36
This male Wood Duck was ardently flapping its wings while staying stationary and erect in the water. Another male was behaving the same way so it may have been a display for the sake of the females in their midst. There was a group of about ten of them and I think they were migrating. Maybe this pond is their destination.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on October 22, 2022, 18:54:49
.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Tom Hook on October 23, 2022, 03:54:53
Palm Warbler in non-breeding fall plumage perched in a Goldenrod gone to seed. The bird is migrating, but seems to have stopped in Connecticut to store up some calories before continuing south.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Tom Hook on October 24, 2022, 04:59:24
Hermit Thrush
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on November 14, 2022, 19:19:53
Nice entries on this theme :)
Two shots from  the local park, Young Eurasian Jay and a Little Egret on breakfast
Z50/500pf
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on November 17, 2022, 19:28:22
Lucky to see a common Kestrel -Falco tinnunculus- catching a small insect and eating on a wooden pillar 8)
Later on, stand for a while for some shoots before searching for the next prey
z50 with a 500 PF
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on November 18, 2022, 11:20:34
Lucky to see a common Kestrel -Falco tinnunculus- catching a small insect and eating on a wooden pillar 8)
Later on, stand for a while for some shoots before searching for the next prey
z50 with a 500 PF
Beautiful sight & wonderful results Nasos
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Fons Baerken on November 18, 2022, 13:07:21
Great shots of a wonderful bird, the kestrel, Nasos!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on November 18, 2022, 19:43:03
Thank you Colin and Fons :)
Black redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros) with 500pf + 1.4III
Its a hi crop (75%) enhanced by Topaz :)
I noticed that shots from 500pf can be enhanced very successfully compared to my previous lens, maybe because  the image  its much more clear and can accept all that processing

Thank you
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Chip Chipowski on November 19, 2022, 03:54:14
Birna, I often scroll back through the start of this thread and numbers 10, 15, and 17 always floor me.  Powerful images.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on November 19, 2022, 09:34:07
Birna, I often scroll back through the start of this thread and numbers 10, 15, and 17 always floor me.  Powerful images.
You maybe right
I scroll back too and I sow different perspective, I even show this change to my own older photos 8)
Noted
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on November 22, 2022, 21:23:41
Lazy, under the sun  8)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on November 24, 2022, 07:03:37
.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Lars Hansen on November 24, 2022, 12:19:44
.

Nice pack of turkeys Ken - did you bring a big one home for today's dinner :-) 
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Hugh_3170 on November 24, 2022, 12:53:59
My thoughts exactly!  ;D

Nice pack of turkeys Ken - did you bring a big one home for today's dinner :-)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on November 24, 2022, 15:48:54
Nice pack of turkeys Ken - did you bring a big one home for today's dinner :-) 
My thoughts exactly!  ;D

Thanks
Haha. Nothing was hurt at that time :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on November 24, 2022, 18:07:12
Thanks
Haha. Nothing was hurt at that time :)
You mean was heart by the eagle in a later state :o
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on December 03, 2022, 01:16:17
.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Øivind Tøien on December 03, 2022, 03:27:31

The adorable Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) keeps showing up at my cabin each day lately. A special treat has been watching it at a one-foot distance when it perches in the sigmoid slot of my outhouse door, taking a peek inside and with me sometimes occupying it. There is this two-second moment when we watch each other, and then it is gone - has happened 4 times up to now. It is extremely fast and only present at my locality for a few moments each time, so the images below were captured while house-sitting at a different location with a bird feeder. Distribution maps indicate they are not supposed to be in interior Alaska, but with global warming and milder winter we see new arrivals.
#1
(https://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p1289481634.jpg)

#2
(https://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p1289481632.jpg)


#3
(https://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p1289481637.jpg)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Øivind Tøien on December 04, 2022, 01:17:55

Today I finally got to capture the Red-breasted Nuthatch at the home location described above. Warm weather allowed for a little patience in waiting for it to show up again. It appears almost like clockwork at noon these days with a flock of Black-capped Chickadees. However none of the Chickadees ever uses the door of my outhouse as a perch.
#1
(https://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p1291686379.jpg)


#2
(https://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p1291686369.jpg)


#3
(https://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p1291686381.jpg)


Interestingly I noticed several cases in my images where it seemed to scoop through the snow with its beak wide open, possibly to catch bugs hidden in the snow.
#4
(https://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p1291686398.gif)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Ian Watson on December 06, 2022, 20:23:49
Frigate birds are a magnificent sight, soaring effortlessly on the sea breezes. They have the largest wing area to bodyweight of any bird and their wingspan is more than two metres.

This was my first attempt at photographing birds in flight and I thought that it went quite well. It certainly gave me even more respect for those who do it regularly.

Nikon Z6, 85mm f/1.8S.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on December 10, 2022, 12:18:11
Nice birds Ken, Oivid and Ian  :)

Speaking for 500pf on the other thread I  thing its time to post some photos with this lens on z50
Some with 1.4x III , last with 2.0x III all hi crops enhanced with topaz software

Accipiter nisus, Sylvia melanocephala, Kestrel, common kingfisher
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Tom Hook on January 09, 2023, 02:24:46
I hadn't seen a Cedar Waxwing in a few years so I was surprised and pleased when I saw a group of them feeding on fruit still clinging to trees in the parking lot of the supermarket where I shop. Surrounded by shoppers, grocery carts and parked and moving cars, they were undeterred by that busy place as they feasted on a winter treat.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: golunvolo on January 19, 2023, 00:56:33
You are in my place...


  D300, 80-200mm 2.8 ed
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: golunvolo on January 20, 2023, 00:19:19
The storks are literally 5 min walking from my front door. I´m enjoying this shootings a lot.

  D300, 300mm vrII
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on January 29, 2023, 06:25:35
.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Ian Watson on January 29, 2023, 15:48:50
Beautiful light, the symmetry from the reflection and the pattern on the surface balancing the composition. I love it! Well done!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: golunvolo on February 02, 2023, 18:48:23
The couple.

  D200 ir, 70-300 3.5-5.6 vr
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on February 03, 2023, 18:05:53
Very nice Paco, ir make it more interesting :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: golunvolo on February 03, 2023, 22:03:01
Thank you Nasos. I want to get a flamingo next  :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Hugh_3170 on February 04, 2023, 13:41:47
Paco, I would be most careful hanging out with storks - I assume that you know what they herald?  ;D

Nice shot BTW.

The couple.

  D200 ir, 70-300 3.5-5.6 vr
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: golunvolo on February 04, 2023, 16:12:03
Paco, I would be most careful hanging out with storks - I assume that you know what they herald?  ;D

Nice shot BTW.
;D ;D ;D

  Thanks!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on March 10, 2023, 03:04:20
Hummingbird in flight (Magenta-throated Woodstar):
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on March 10, 2023, 06:03:35
Beautiful light, the symmetry from the reflection and the pattern on the surface balancing the composition. I love it! Well done!

Thank You
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Erik Lund on March 10, 2023, 11:37:46
Hummingbird in flight (Magenta-throated Woodstar):
Really clean capture! Wonderful bird image, saturated and sharp. Perfect
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Andrew on March 10, 2023, 14:37:00
Kim-just fantastic!!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on March 10, 2023, 19:17:59
Thank You

Hi Ken, can you tell is what species the bird with the bold red/orange throat markings is?

It's beautifu and I've never seen one like it before
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on March 10, 2023, 21:34:10
Hi Ken, can you tell is what species the bird with the bold red/orange throat markings is?

It's beautifuland I've never seen one like it before

Northern Flicker
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Flicker/overview#




Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on March 14, 2023, 19:56:28
Another hummingbird:
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on April 04, 2023, 17:28:21
Red Winged Black Birds.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on April 16, 2023, 04:44:14
.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Akira on April 16, 2023, 06:16:09
.

Nice series of various birds attracted by the same flowers!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on April 18, 2023, 22:22:50
Nice collection Brute
esp the ones among the blossom which are excellent in their own right, even for people not very into birds.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Fons Baerken on April 19, 2023, 01:36:04
April 18

Stork on a medieval prison tower

D850  300mm f/2.8

Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Tom Hook on May 05, 2023, 01:00:09
The Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher is one of my favorite birds. they are tiny, almost the size of a hummingbird. Here is one of these delightful little creatures as they set to work on a web of spiders for either some momentary nourishment or to collect materials for building their nest.

Note: I edited this post when I found out more information about this bird's nesting habits.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Akira on May 05, 2023, 02:34:07
The Blue-Grey Gnatcatcher is one of my favorite birds, it comes and stays only for a short while in Connecticut before moving further north where they nest. Here is one of these delightful little creatures as they set to work on a nest of spiders (or gypsy moths, I don't know which) for some momentary nourishment followed by a satisfied pause.

Wow, you captured decisive moments!  Thank you for sharing!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Tom Hook on May 05, 2023, 04:00:34
Wow, you captured decisive moments!  Thank you for sharing!

Thanks Akira.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: John Geerts on May 05, 2023, 07:42:22
Lovely and detailed shots, Tom
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Tom Hook on May 05, 2023, 18:36:19
Lovely and detailed shots, Tom

Thanks John.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Tom Hook on May 12, 2023, 18:58:50
Green Heron (Butorides virescens) seen yesterday signaling its return for the mating season.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on May 12, 2023, 20:05:20
Green Heron (Butorides virescens) seen yesterday signaling its return for the mating season.

That's stunning Tom
We're pretty much limited to grey herons in the UK, so seeing this is a bit of a treat
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Tom Hook on May 13, 2023, 01:09:19
That's stunning Tom
We're pretty much limited to grey herons in the UK, so seeing this is a bit of a treat

Thanks Colin. I'm partial to Green Herons, and it's always a pleasure to see them. This one was in a neighborhood pond where I have seen them before, but not recently.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on August 02, 2023, 22:48:49
Lets live up this post :)

Kestrel ready 2fly!
I moved back to dslr for BIF and I am happy ;)

Nikon D500 , 500 Pf  plus 1.4x III Tc
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on August 03, 2023, 01:56:01
Ok  :)
Crow
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on August 03, 2023, 10:51:30
I moved back to dslr for BIF and I am happy ;)

I was just reading your posts about this on the 180-600mm discussion.
Its so useful to have real world reports from people using different kit out in the field.

Lets live up this post :)

Kestrel ready 2fly!

Beautiful poise and lighting Nasos.

Brute, I like your Corvids too
They look robust and not-to-be-messed with
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on August 03, 2023, 14:00:24
Thank you Colin for your kind words :)

D500 give me advantages over z50,Z6 for BIF, AF for moving objects is very good, I just got tired to loose shots when the camera didn't  focus on time ;D
That’s for now,  sooner  or later I will take the Z8 or any Z new model road 8)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Fons Baerken on August 04, 2023, 14:33:12
Black winged stilt

Z7_2, 400mm f/5.6 ai-s

Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on August 05, 2023, 12:06:02
Nice try with a manual focus lens Fons :)

Here is a young Lanius minor in the same outing and set up as previous post

thank you
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: knb on August 05, 2023, 17:38:26
Inspired by Brute, a local crow.

Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on August 14, 2023, 01:19:13
.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Tom Hook on September 18, 2023, 05:24:20
Great Blue Heron about to swallow whole a meal of a frog or perhaps a small turtle. No teeth for chewing but it seems effortless. Here one moment and gone the next. Strong gastric juices I imagine.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on September 18, 2023, 15:00:01
Chobe river, Botswana. Fish eagle and impala going by.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: chris dees on September 18, 2023, 15:18:05
Nice catch.
Looks like a gopher to me.  :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: golunvolo on September 18, 2023, 16:02:18
Taking off. At the edge of the natural park "Los Torruños"

  Z6, 85mm 1.8S
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: golunvolo on September 18, 2023, 16:04:14
Seeing it now on the phone it looks underexposed...
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on September 18, 2023, 16:30:55
Thank you Chris for your comment.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: chris dees on September 19, 2023, 20:54:15
Thank you Chris for your comment.

Sorry Elsid, something went wrong with my reply. It was ment for Tom Hooks Heron image.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Tom Hook on September 20, 2023, 05:30:22
Sorry Elsid, something went wrong with my reply. It was ment for Tom Hooks Heron image.
I guessed it was a turtle based on its shape and where the Heron was standing deep in a marsh, but it was covered with mud so it was hard to tell. Not very appetizing no matter what it was! Thanks for commenting.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on September 21, 2023, 14:10:47
There was just too much fun going on in the garden today:
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: golunvolo on October 01, 2023, 22:45:05
Some views of the life in the beach of Valdelagrana. All with D5 and 300mm 2.8 vrII
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on October 02, 2023, 15:26:28
Pied kingfisher (ceryle rudis) in Chobe river, Botswana. With Z8+ Z 400/4.5
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on October 02, 2023, 15:31:31
Spur-winged goose (plectropterus gambensis). Same equipment.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bruno Schroder on October 02, 2023, 18:33:07
Pied kingfisher (ceryle rudis) in Chobe river, Botswana. With Z8+ Z 400/4.5
Nice one!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on October 02, 2023, 20:25:25
Thank you Bruno for your comment.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on October 02, 2023, 20:54:46
Pied kingfisher (ceryle rudis) in Chobe river, Botswana. With Z8+ Z 400/4.5

I especially like the combination  of # 1 and 2 Elsid
They make a nice sequence
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: elsid on October 02, 2023, 22:16:05
Thank you Colin, the 2 photos were taken in one burst, they are consecutive.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bruno Schroder on October 15, 2023, 19:27:32
We finally went to visit a friend who moved to Aveyron in France 6 years ago. I think this trip will become a regular on our schedule.

D500/5.6 PF
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bruno Schroder on October 15, 2023, 19:32:31
Group pictures, same location, same D500 500/5.6 PF
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on October 15, 2023, 21:02:55
Nice captures Bruno :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bruno Schroder on October 15, 2023, 21:36:36
Thanks, Nasos. We were a bit lucky with the birds.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bruno Schroder on October 16, 2023, 19:08:27
Last weekend, watching the migrating birds as they turned south at the tip of Cap Gris-Nez. We were quite lucky to see several large groups of the Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia). Branta bernicla (Brant Goose) made the largest groups though, sometimes several hundred birds.

D500 500/5.6 PF
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Anthony on October 19, 2023, 11:37:16
A couple of herons from last Saturday morning in Battersea Park, London.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Hugh_3170 on October 19, 2023, 13:31:13
Nice work.

A couple of herons from last Saturday morning in Battersea Park, London.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Anthony on October 20, 2023, 11:46:28
Nice work.

Thank you, Hugh.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on October 20, 2023, 13:22:42
A couple of herons from last Saturday morning in Battersea Park, London.

Nice Anthony.
(I was in London last Saturday too :)  )
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Anthony on October 21, 2023, 11:20:21
Nice Anthony.
(I was in London last Saturday too :)  )

Thanks, Colin, after the rain of the previous days it was a lovely morning, if a little chilly.

Here is a running coot from the same visit. A lower viewpoint would have been better, but was not possible.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on December 01, 2023, 21:05:58
Eurasian Blue Tit edit with swap colors 8)
I love this, its like  shooting on another plannet :)

D500/500pf on  700mm
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bruno Schroder on December 01, 2023, 22:13:38
Excellent idea, … and result.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on December 03, 2023, 06:02:12
Eurasian Blue Tit edit with swap colors 8)

D500/500pf on  700mm

Totally brain scrambling Nasos!

Given the flurry of long lenses released in the 'Z' mount range in the last year, that "700mm equivalent" note is a useful reminder of what's needed for some situations
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: golunvolo on December 03, 2023, 11:50:31
Eurasian Blue Tit edit with swap colors 8)
I love this, its like  shooting on another plannet :)

D500/500pf on  700mm

  This new planet is rich visually!

   
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on December 04, 2023, 22:52:59
thank you Bruno, Colin, Paco
here are the other swap color options-also interesting- along with the original photo
Thanks again :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Hans_S on January 12, 2024, 00:47:20
Three sunny days in a row and our garden has come back to life, the honeyeaters are making the most of the blossoms before the day gets too hot. The brown tinged juvenile was much less sensitive to the shutter noise than the adults. zZ50 & 200-500F
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: David H. Hartman on January 12, 2024, 06:10:55
Beautiful!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Ann on January 12, 2024, 06:27:47
Lovely — especially the first one.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Ashlandish on January 12, 2024, 06:39:08
Lovely indeed…
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Snoogly on January 12, 2024, 06:47:01
The flash of color on the wings is so unnecessary. So vain and garish :-)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: John Geerts on January 12, 2024, 07:29:02
Yes beautiful !!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Fons Baerken on January 12, 2024, 13:19:25
Interesting flowering shrub looks like vetch!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Hans_S on January 12, 2024, 22:20:00
Thank you folks for all your kind words :)

The flash of color on the wings is so unnecessary. So vain and garish :-)
Richard, to quote the great Zero Mostel "Baby, if you've got it, flaunt it" !!

Interesting flowering shrub looks like vetch!
Fons, according to our resident "expert" it's Duranta Erecta, known commonly here as "Geisha Girl".

Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Nasos Kosmas on January 17, 2024, 19:23:28
Great captures Hans :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on January 18, 2024, 23:00:56
I spent the first two days of this week hoping to catch murmurations of Starlings at Ham Wall nature reserve in Somerset, UK

I finally did see some, but the first day was largely fruitless for photo opportunities....
...apart from a few times, such as when this Jay flew right in front of me!
I had barely enough time to frame and press the shutter, much less to check the exposure (sadly, overexposed)

One shot came out a little better than the others though
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on January 22, 2024, 16:21:28
The long commute home
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Hans_S on January 23, 2024, 05:23:50
Great captures Hans :)
A belated thank you Nasos.  :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bruno Schroder on January 23, 2024, 12:10:38
So nice, Hans, and great jay, Colin.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on January 23, 2024, 19:09:57
So nice, Hans, and great jay, Colin.
Thanks Bruno
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Hans_S on January 24, 2024, 10:24:59
Thank you Bruno  :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on January 24, 2024, 15:59:14
I spent the first two days of this week hoping to catch murmurations of Starlings at Ham Wall nature reserve in Somerset, UK

I finally did see some, but the first day was largely fruitless for photo opportunities....
...apart from a few times, such as when this Jay flew right in front of me!
I had barely enough time to frame and press the shutter, much less to check the exposure (sadly, overexposed)

One shot came out a little better than the others though
Very nice :)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on February 09, 2024, 02:25:33
Bald Eagle with lunch.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Bruno Schroder on February 09, 2024, 10:36:22
Nice capture, Ken.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: rosko on February 11, 2024, 11:20:53
A company of snipes having a nap...
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on February 14, 2024, 04:31:06
Nice capture, Ken.

Thank You.


Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: ColinM on February 25, 2024, 23:49:58
Like much of Europe, Worcester in the UK has seen flooding.
The River Severn there is usually full of Swans.
When their habitat gets disrupted, they start to take over the town!
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on March 22, 2024, 10:10:06
Tawny Owl relaxing - probably the female is lying on their eggs further down in the hollow tree.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Erik Lund on March 22, 2024, 10:11:11
Very nice a relaxed  8)
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Ashlandish on April 05, 2024, 00:27:12
Big Foot resides in my neighborhood park...
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Brute on April 07, 2024, 06:08:08
.
Title: Re: [Theme] Show Birds
Post by: Ian Watson on April 07, 2024, 16:49:53
Thank you for these, Ken. In southern Ontario, the red-winged blackbird is the harbinger of spring.