The American Robin!

The American Robin! What a pretty bird. The American Robin is probably Ohio’s most well know bird. They are big and are highly visible as they search our lawns for worms. I got to believe that the one who coined the saying “the early bird gets the worm” was talking about a Robin. Despite their abundance, I don’t have many quality photos of these guys.


I was sitting over my feeders practicing for spring migration, when this guy made a brief appearance on the perch. Somewhat of a rare pose for a Robin, I am excited about this picture despite it not quite measuring up technically.

Another weekend in the backyard

If you read my last post, you will know how excited I am about the direction my photos are going. Equipment and technique are coming together. I have been slowing down the shutter and letting the flash keep up. I think this is also helping. My keeper rate has seen a big jump! Big jump. I went out for very short sessions over the weekend. Here are some of the shots I got. I’m still looking for that special Chickadee shot. I was also hoping for a great Junco photo before they leave town. Well I didn’t get it yet, but I did get more House Finches, Goldfinches, a Downy and a Squirrel!


As before, these were all shot with a canon 40D, 100-400LIS, 580 flash on a Gitzo series 2 tripod, Jobu Design Gimbal head.

As always, Thanks for looking!
GB,
Bruce

1
Downy

2

House Finch

3
House Finch (such a poser)

4
Squirrel (Does this photo work? Is it too soft?)

5
Gold Finch

6
Carolina Chickadee (not so great shot, but these guys are so small and fast.)

What a difference an Arm makes

What a difference an Arm makes. I have been greatly desiring more feather detail in my bird photos. I have/had mixed emotions about the sharpness of the photos I’ve gotten from the setup. So, last year I bought a Gitzo tripod and a Jobu Design Gimbal head. I saw huge improvements over shooting handheld or even shooting off a bogan 2031+ ballhead. However, a few weeks ago I ordered the “upgrade” arm for the Gimbal Head. This moved the mount from the side to underneath. It also allowed me to place the support on the right side of the camera instead of the left. This allowed me to place my left hand on top the lens instead of under.


I am amazed (so far) at how much better things look. Maybe I don’t need a new Camera or lens!? Nothing super spectacular except that! These are very common feeder birds, but the warblers are coming, and I’m getting ready. Of course, any suggestions to improve are not only welcomed, but encouraged!

These were all shot with a Canon 40D+100-400LIS on Gitzo tripod, Jobu Design black widow2 head using flash and sitting in a blind with a feeder setup. Post processed in PS Element.

1

Northern Cardinal

2

American Robin

3

Carolina Chickadee

4

Dark-eyed Junco

5

American Goldfinch

6

Seed Pod