A few close ups

Ollie · #1 (**permalink**) 26-01-2008, 06:09 PM

Hi all,
Been stuck indoors today doing that dreaded task decorating a bedroom.

To cut it short while I was waiting for the ceiling to dry to give it a second coat, much to the wife's dismay I might add, (she thought that would be the end of the decorating for today) I decided to get the camera out and see if I could get a few close up shots of the birds at the feeders.

All taken through the open bedroom window with a Canon 400mm f5.6 lens mounted on an Opticron hide clamp fastened to the windowsill. Flash used set at -1/3rd flash exposure compensation. (I did get the ceiling painted again eventually)

Goldfinch.
Never really noticed before how symmetrically if that's the right word these little birds are marked.

Starling.
The Starlings are just beginning to acquire their breeding plumage and starting to look smart. The little bits on the beak are fat from the feeders

Great Tit
Always difficult to catch as they tend to drop in, grab a piece of food and off again as quickly as possible.

House Sparrow male.
One of my favourite birds and much underrated at times

Blue Tit
Not quite as fast as the Great Tits and they do tend to pick a piece from the feeders or table and sit and eat it the feeders giving good photo opportunities.

A couple more Blue Tits.
Not quite as close as the other photos but thought they were worth sharing.

Roger

Wild-Woman · #2 (**permalink**) 26-01-2008, 06:14 PM

They're great Roger. I hope you put them all down in your Big Garden Birdwatch!
Love that goldfinch shot. Very nice.

Jules

glsammy · #3 (**permalink**) 26-01-2008, 06:24 PM

My favourite is the Starling. it's got the lot, the beautiful rainbow colour effect is perfect. I'm fascinated by Starlings, they're another bird many people simply ignore.

They're all excellent shots though, I'm still green with envy with your sightings from your bedroom windows. We're up to three bulldozers now plus a large crane and a lovely new mud pile about 20ft high as well!!

I don't think the RSPB allow those sightings on their sheets do they?

Ollie · #4 (**permalink**) 26-01-2008, 06:34 PM

Thanks Jules and Graham. Was going to post one of the Starling full body but unfortunately the body wasn't sharp like the head, would have had to go to F12 or so to get it all sharp at that range and lose shutter speed and it wouldn't perform and stand at the right angle for me.

Hope you soon have something nicer to look at Graham. Must be a bit depressing to have that kind of view.
Roger

glsammy · #5 (**permalink**) 26-01-2008, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ollie

Thanks Jules and Graham. Was going to post one of the Starling full body but unfortunately the body wasn't sharp like the head, would have had to go to F12 or so to get it all sharp at that range and lose shutter speed and it wouldn't perform and stand at the right angle for me.

Hope you soon have something nicer to look at Graham. Must be a bit depressing to have that kind of view.
Roger

Thanks Roger. It is, especially as before it was a small private field. Once got this shot from there:

Never again.

One day there will be lovely houses to look at, within 30 ft of our bedroom, can't wait.

mh68 · #6 (**permalink**) 26-01-2008, 06:48 PM

Another nice set Roger. The Goldfinch and Starling would be my pick of these....both are superb.

Mark H

naturelover · #7 (**permalink**) 26-01-2008, 06:48 PM

Ollie excelent photoes,so sharp and clear,love the sparrow did you notice he has dammaged toes, no nails on some of them.

Ollie · #8 (**permalink**) 26-01-2008, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by naturelover

Ollie excelent photoes,so sharp and clear,love the sparrow did you notice he has dammaged toes, no nails on some of them.

Thanks Betty, hadn't noticed that. Didn't seem to impair his ability to feed as he went onto the feeders just after I took the shot. Wonder what caused the missing nails.
Roger

Ollie · #9 (**permalink**) 26-01-2008, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glsammy

Thanks Roger. It is, especially as before it was a small private field. Once got this shot from there:

Never again.

One day there will be lovely houses to look at, within 30 ft of our bedroom, can't wait.

Just hope your new neighbours are bird lovers Graham then there may be a possibility you will get more in your garden. That won't alter the view though
Roger

big bill · #10 (**permalink**) 26-01-2008, 08:06 PM

Geat Pics Guys well done so sharp with nicely diffused backgrounds with the emphasise on the bird

Cheers ...Bill

Ollie · #11 (**permalink**) 26-01-2008, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by big bill

Geat Pics Guys well done so sharp with nicely diffused backgrounds with the emphasise on the bird

Cheers ...Bill

Thanks Bill always appreciate your comments
Roger

stephen p · #12 (**permalink**) 26-01-2008, 08:27 PM

Cracking photo's mate well done. love the Goldfinch

Ollie · #13 (**permalink**) 26-01-2008, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stephen p

Cracking photo's mate well done. love the Goldfinch

Thank you Stephen.
Roger

juliejam · #14 (**permalink**) 26-01-2008, 08:42 PM

Some great pic's there Roger..I never seem to be able to get any shots of the birds ...the starlings never keep still long enough and as you mentioned the Great Tits are far to fast..But Will keep trying and I know one day i will get some..

Julie

GME · #15 (**permalink**) 26-01-2008, 08:43 PM

Brill Roger. I'm another who loves the Goldfinch

I always look forward to you posting your pics, cos they're great!! Another few crackers here too. Thanks for sharing

I've finally bought my new lens today so hopefully I'll be able to get some closer shots to upload and share. Now at least I know what to aim for

Gareth

Bub-les · #16 (**permalink**) 26-01-2008, 08:52 PM

Excellent photos well done
already looking forward to the next batch

Ollie · #17 (**permalink**) 26-01-2008, 08:55 PM

Thanks Julie and Gareth.

Julie, the secret is to rig some suitable perches over your feeding station. The birds usually land on them before going down for food and if you are quick you can get a photo while they are on the perch.

Gareth pleased to hear you have got your new lens. Look forward to seeing your photos with it
Roger

Ollie · #18 (**permalink**) 26-01-2008, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bub-les

Excellent photos well done
already looking forward to the next batch

Thanks Bub-les. May be a few days, must get that bedroom finished decorating. Mind you if it's decent tomorrow I might sneak off out for a few hours when the wife isn't looking
Roger

willing to learn · #19 (**permalink**) 26-01-2008, 09:45 PM

All very nice shots Sharp and crystal clear. Just one question did you get much decorating done

Regards
Colin

Ollie · #20 (**permalink**) 26-01-2008, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by willing to learn

All very nice shots Sharp and crystal clear. Just one question did you get much decorating done

Regards
Colin

Thanks Colin. Got the ceiling emulsioned twice, should do some walls tomorrow but if the sun shines I can't see that happening. more likely a trip to my local patch Messingham nature reserve will be on the cards
Roger

Words · #21 (**permalink**) 26-01-2008, 10:03 PM

Great set of shots, and lovely to see a sparrow. Much under-rated as you say.

MeadsMan · #22 (**permalink**) 26-01-2008, 11:59 PM

Those look very proffesional,and would not look out of place in any bird book.You must be pleased with those.

aeshna5 · #23 (**permalink**) 27-01-2008, 06:13 AM

Great pics- my favourite is the male House Sparrow. I'll have fun trying to count these in my garden this morning for the RSPB survey as so many hide in the hedge!

JeffH · #24 (**permalink**) 27-01-2008, 07:09 AM

Really nice shots there Roger. I especially like the Starling - a much under-rated but beautifully coloured bird. Now watch you don't splash paint on your camera

Jeff

Ollie · #25 (**permalink**) 27-01-2008, 02:52 PM

Many thanks for the comments everyone. It really makes it worthwhile when you get a response like this.

Pleased you enjoyed them
Roger