We went for a 150km drive to the Huon Valley yesterday and saw some lovely birds but was able to capture none, they were just too shy to get anywhere near.
Most frustrating of all was a Perigrine Falcon sitting high on the branch of a dead tree overhanging the road at about 100 metres against a bright sky - I was so eager to capture it that my settings were wrong. But for what it's worth, here is what I missed. I could cry!
Aside from being too far from the subject, the shutter was way too fast,
the iso was too high and f/14 would have improved the image quality considerably.
At least you have proof you saw it - and the memories. I haven't been so lucky. Better luck next time!
Thanks birdgirl. To show you just how far away it was, here is the original file from which the above was cropped. Taken with the long telephoto lens it looks much closer than 100 metres, but it isn't what I call a "keeper".
Regards, "Tark" - Olympus 4/3rds colour
Regards, "Tark" - Olympus 4/3rds colour
Well Tark you still got a pic of it,better then nothing.
Hi Tark
It is better than you think, for you can clearly see that it is a juvenile bird. Adults look very different in detail - on the chest and head markings.
Any photo you can learn something from is worth posting.
As I keep saying, it is not just "pretty pictures" which are worth publishing.
Cheers
Denis
Denis Wilson
www.peonyden.blogspot.com
Raoul and Denis, thanks to you both for your consolation and sound advice.
I guess it's only the graphic designer / photographer (my vocation) in me that isn't satisfied.
The birding thing is new and as with all things, I've learnt more about birds by my impatience in approaching them.
You could liken me to the novice fisherman that at the first nibble, rips the hook from their mouths before they've taken the bait.
These were 'Peri's' very rude parting gestures.
This was yesterday's other photographic disappointment.
The European Goldfinch, I think, shot from about 30 yards.
There was a flock of them on the ground. As soon as I moved closer they flew.
Regards, "Tark" - Olympus 4/3rds colour