If only I had been closer

[Ollie]

Hi all.

I'm sure most of you will be familiar with the title of this thread.

Took these on my local patch today and although they aren't too bad they aren't what I would call first rate simply because I was unable to get close enough to the birds and have had to crop them all fairly heavily.

However I did think they were worth sharing with you.

A couple of shots of a male Bullfinch. Not a common bird around me so was pleased to get these.





Next a couple of Siskins. These were very high up in the Alder trees and it was impossible to get any nearer without wading in the lake and seing as I wasn't wearing waders I wasn't up for this





Lastly a couple of Black-headed Gulls. Again impossible to get any closer.

[NickCantle]

Oh how I know your feelings!

Regardless of what you would call them, I think that they are good shots. As you say, they're not up to your usual standard, but in all honesty that's because your standard is pretty bloody high

I was in the same situation a week ago re: The Bullfinch Roger, and it was my first ever Bullfinch that I saw let alone photographed. I'm in the same mindset that this image isn't particularly special, and if I had have been a metre closer, I would've nailed it



Nick

[ron1863]

Roger, yet another excellent series of shots that most members on WAB would be very proud of.
The problem is that you have set the bar at a very high for yourself, as your shots are always of a very high quality.

[ellen h]

These are great shots Roger!!

[Hedge Witch]

Lovely shots Roger - appreciate you sharing them

[Dutchess]

I am constantly "wowed" by the shots here on WAB. No "if onlys" as far as I'm concerned

Thanks for sharing.

d.

[Ollie]

Originally Posted by NickCantle

Oh how I know your feelings!

I was in the same situation a week ago re: The Bullfinch Roger, and it was my first ever Bullfinch that I saw let alone photographed. I'm in the same mindset that this image isn't particularly special, and if I had have been a metre closer, I would've nailed it



Nick

Thanks Nick, your Bullfinch is as good as mine. Exactly the same for me with this one, a metre or so closer and I would definitely have nailed it.

I don't know what the answer to missing these shots is as I don't want to carry a longer bigger heavier lens around as most of my photography is done as I'm walking around.

Guess I will just have to try and improve my field craft skills and get that touch closer, although with the majority of these as said it was nigh on impossible to get any closer. Suppose the other solution is to find somewhere where the birds let you get closer, but again that is difficult without travelling further afield .

Roger

[Ollie]

Thanks Ron, Ellen, Hedge Witch and Dutches for your comments. Much apreceated
Roger

[PMG]

The best places are feeding stations where you can sit and wait for the best opportunity and the birds are coming constantly for food - stalking is all well and good but it rarely pays off if there is nothing to 'hold' the bird in that place ...... which is either food in winter or breeding territory in summer. The exception to this rule and it isn;t an exception really but its to put your own food down in an area thats relatively undisturbed and then either thro camo netting over yourself or throw a pop-up hide up and get it - these hides fit on your back like a rucksac and even with the little chair in are not 'too' heavy depending on the state of your back! The other trick is to always use a tripod or at least a monopod then the image may well stand a fair bit of cropping esp shooting in raw. Also if you use an extender - you need good light as they 'hunt' a bit but this will allow a good close crop.......... its horses for courses I think!

Pauline

Err PS I didn't say it but they are actually good shots Roger!

[Ollie]

Originally Posted by PMG

The best places are feeding stations where you can sit and wait for the best opportunity and the birds are coming constantly for food - stalking is all well and good but it rarely pays off if there is nothing to 'hold' the bird in that place ...... which is either food in winter or breeding territory in summer. The exception to this rule and it isn;t an exception really but its to put your own food down in an area thats relatively undisturbed and then either thro camo netting over yourself or throw a pop-up hide up and get it - these hides fit on your back like a rucksac and even with the little chair in are not 'too' heavy depending on the state of your back! The other trick is to always use a tripod or at least a monopod then the image may well stand a fair bit of cropping esp shooting in raw. Also if you use an extender - you need good light as they 'hunt' a bit but this will allow a good close crop.......... its horses for courses I think!

Pauline

Err PS I didn't say it but they are actually good shots Roger!

Thanks Pauline.

I do have a 1.4 extender for the 400mm prime which I do use occasionally, but as you say you need good light and even then it tends to hunt a lot, but I may try using it a bit more. I always use a good tripod as well, I'm hopeless at hand holding

I have considered a portable hide etc but the state of my back wouldn't allow me to carry anything for any length of time. I always travel as light as possible for this reason.

I do get to Rufford and Sherwood Forest on a regular Basis with Ben and Graham and the birds are much easier to get close to even without a hide. Only problem is this spoils me and then when I'm around home it seems even more difficult to get decent close ups.

Maybe the 500mm prime and getting used to carrying it around is the way to go for me. Course this would mean upgrading my tripod and head to take it as well and isn't an option until I retire in a couple of years and can afford to treat myself

Roger