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Blue Jay in Mountain Ash

Blue Jay (Swift Current, Sk - 2018 November 17)

Blue Jay (Swift Current, Sk - 2018 November 17)
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NIKON D200

settings

Aperture 56/10 ISO 400 Shutter 10/6400 Focal Length 3000/10

upload_date

Sep, 2020

Views

507

Likes

+52

Awards

Winner in Red White And Blue Photo Challenge

Peer Award

+22

Absolute Masterpiece

Top Choice

Magnificent Capture

Superb Composition

Virtuoso

Outstanding Creativity

Superior Skill

Emotions

Impressed

Happy

Top Ranks

Top 20 rank

Top 10 rank week 1

Top 20 rank

Top 20 rank week 1

Behind The Lens

Location

I shot this photo through the double-paned window in my living room as the male Blue Jay was sitting in our Mountain Ash Tree (a few feet from the window.)

Time

I took this photograph at 11:26AM CST (2018 November 17).

Lighting

It was a sunny late morning in mid-November with the sun shining on the snow-covered tree and east-facing Blue Jay.

Equipment

I shot this photo handheld with my trusty old Nikon D200 and a Nikon 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Lens at 300mm Aperture priority Exposure f/5.6 1/640 sec ISO 400 Manual White Balance set at "Sunny" Exposure 0.33 eV Spot Metering.

Inspiration

I am a birder so I enjoy watching Nature on the Wing and try to capture it whenever an opportunity presents itself. This was one of two Blue Jays we had visiting our peanut feeder that morning. This one had just finished eating a peanut and was waiting its turn to go back to the feeder for another peanut. At this time of year, the Blue Jays come into the city looking for 'easy' food wherever and whenever possible. I always try to shoot the Blue Jays but have not had as good an opportunity as I did that morning. Sitting in the snow-covered tree with the almost noon sun shining on it was the perfect opportunity for me that morning. Blue Jays are not overly concerned about human presence, and this one was no different. My using the window as a somewhat blind, utilizing a long lens and the close proximity of the tree afforded me the opportunity to shoot several frames without disturbing the bird. I have respect for wildlife, and I am careful about disrupting the bird and any chance it may have to enjoy a meal. The Blue Jay stayed in the tree for several minutes after I finished shooting before returning to the feeder beside the house to get more peanuts.

Editing

This photo was shot in JPEG format. I utilized ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate 2020 to crop and make adjustments to the clarity, exposure and lighting.

In my camera bag

I have my Nikon D750, D200 and D5100 cameras in my bags along with my Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II,a Tamron SP 24-70MM F/2.8 Di VC USD, a Tamron 18-400mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD Lens, Nikon f/2.8 105mm Micro f/2.8 lens, and a Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens. I also always have my Samsung S8+ SM-6955W cellular phone with me (I like to use it when I want or need a wider angle photo.) If I am going to go for a drive to spend some time out and about shooting, I like to take all my cameras and lenses... you just never know what you're going to need. If I am going out to shoot something specific, I take my Nikon D750 along with the 70-200mm lens, 24-70mm lens, and depending what my shooting goal is, sometimes the 105mm lens.

Feedback

My advice for others is to shoot as often as you can. If you are at home, keep your camera easily accessible (and keep the batteries charged up.) You never know when an opportunity to shoot will arise. I was thankful I had my camera handy the morning I shot this Blue Jay. If you are shooting wildlife of any kind, before you lift the camera to shoot, ensure you are giving the animal the respect it deserves. Keep your distance and use a long lens, and do not stay longer than a few minutes. Learn the habits of the animals you are shooting.... that way you can anticipate their moves to get a better shot and to recognize the animal's reaction to your presence. Take advantage of the lighting - when it is sunny or when it is cloudy or if rain or any other weather system is moving in, and play with your f stops. Take more than one photo... you can always delete it if it doesn't turn out. Try different camera settings as well. Most of all, have fun!!

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Maadhatter

Maadhatter

Blue Jay in Mountain Ash

Blue Jay (Swift Current, Sk - 2018 November 17)

Behind The Lens

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