First go at bird photography

[Anubis1311]

My main hobby is astrophotography so I’m usually parked across the hall in the Astro forum. Since upgrading to a dedicated astro camera my DSLR has been effectively retired. However whilst on a recent caravan holiday I thought I’d take it along in case I had the opportunity to use it. Glad I did as we were pretty close to an RSPB wetland site. I managed to snap a few shots and it’s safe to say I’m hooked. Obviously i have lots to learn as birds behave differently to nebulas but I’m encouraged by my first efforts. Hopefully will get the chance to hang around this forum a little more

 

[JimFox]

These photos look like you had been doing bird photography for 20 years!!! What really awesome work!

I like them all, but that closeup detail in #1 is jaw dropping! I am jealous!

It's going to be awesome having you go between the Astro and Nature sections. I will be sure to oil the hinges on the doors do you can easily move back and forth!

 

[Anubis1311]

Thank you! That little fella was keeping me company all morning and was only about 10 meters away so was able to get a pretty decent shot. The others were all shot at 600mm with a sigma 150-600mm lens which I’ve since found out (from watching YouTube videos) isn’t quite as sharp at 600mm and I’d have been better off shooting at 500mm and cropping. I’ll try that next time. I’m still learning my way round my camera to be honest. Thanks for keeping the hinges oiled

 

[AlanLichty]

Pretty amazing start for something you haven't tried before. Almost looks like you had your telescope aimed at the little sparrow in the first image

I love the owl and egret shots.

 

[Anubis1311]

Pretty amazing start for something you haven't tried before. Almost looks like you had your telescope aimed at the little sparrow in the first image

I love the owl and egret shots.

To be fair the lens is the same aperture as my telescope

I was originally using a 55-250mm lens and everyone else seemed to be walking around with the sigma 150-600mm. Whilst visiting one of the towns near where we were caravaning I passed a shop and there in the window was a used sigma 150-600mm. Sneaking it on my credit card without my wife noticing was the easy part. Hiding a lens that big not so easy. I had to stuff it in my rucksack and the box is still in the shop Apparently there’s a room in the shop full of boxes from where people have done the same before me

 

[Alisa]

Nice set. And job well done. My favorite is the first one and also like #4.

 

[Anubis1311]

Nice set. And job well done. My favorite is the first one and also like #4.

Thank you. I like #4 too. For such a large bird they fly with such elegance

 

[KevinA]

Very good series. To help others they are
1. Reed Warbler, Acrocephalus scirpaceus (difficult to get a clear shot as they hide so well)
2. Barn Owl, Tyto alba
3-5. Great Egret, Ardea alba alba

 

[Trent Watts]

Quite remarkable shots for an experienced birder let alone a self-proclaimed newbie. Obviously you know your way around the camera and have demonstrated you are now a 'bird photographer'. Well done.

 

[Jameel Hyder]

Nice work with this. Esp tracking a bird in flight takes patience and experience.

 

[Anubis1311]

Quite remarkable shots for an experienced birder let alone a self-proclaimed newbie. Obviously you know your way around the camera and have demonstrated you are now a 'bird photographer'. Well done.

Thank you. I’m having to learn a lot more about my camera. For astro photography you don’t need to worry about aperature, shutter speeds and ISO as you take 5 minute exposures at a fairly consistent high ISO. So I’m trying to learn about those now. Thank goodness for YouTube

 

[Anubis1311]

Nice work with this. Esp tracking a bird in flight takes patience and experience.

Thank you that’s very kind. But even a blind squirrel occasionally finds a nut Let’s hope I can do it again