20120217

Blackbirds (and a useful tip)

A couple of visitors, captured during the mere 90 minutes of milky sunshine that graced the garden today. Both were taken from my (open) office window at a distance of around eight metres. At this distance, the sound of the camera's shutter firing was loud enough to scare off the first few individuals that arrived. So, a quick tip I've always found very helpful. With the camera mounted on a tripod, try wrapping a sweater or towel around the back of the lens (near the mount) and as much of the camera body as you can while still being able easily to operate the controls. You will be amazed how much noise the sweater/towel absorbs, making it much more likely birds will hang around long enough for some decent shots for you and a peanut or two for them.

Canon 1Ds MkII, Canon 100-400mm IS USM lens, 1/200th sec, f/9, 400mm at ISO 500

Canon 1Ds MkII, Canon 100-400mm IS USM lens, 1/500th sec, f/8, 400mm at ISO 640

6 comments:

  1. They look good, the background in the second shot is lovely.

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  2. Hi Toffeeapple. That glorious colour is actually the light on the red roof tiles of a distant Norfolk barn.

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  3. Two great images,love the background in the second image.Thanks for the tip I'll try it next time I get that close to my subject.

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  4. Tim,
    Some of the smaller birds ( Long Tailed Tit and Goldcrest) actually get curious about the sound of the shutter, that is, once they have accepted your presence!!

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  5. Hi Warren. That's true, of course, but by and large I think it's good to aim for the least intrusion possible.

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  6. I LOVE how you caught them with the berries!! Wonderful captures!

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