Cedar Waxwings pass berries as a courting ritual.
Cedar Waxwings pass berries as a courting ritual.
Read less
Read less
Views
1314
Likes
Awards
Winner in Birds Interacting Photo Challenge
Winner in Male & Female AnimalsTogether --No People Photo Challenge
Peer Award
Absolute Masterpiece
Magnificent Capture
Superb Composition
Top Choice
Outstanding Creativity
Superior Skill
All Star
Virtuoso
Genius
Top Ranks
Categories
DeeElliott
May 19, 2017
Thank you for those who voted for this photo in the Male and Female photo challenge. I love this capture and happy that others liked it as well.
robsy1965
July 21, 2018
I love that you can't get the hang of the tripod either! Do you find your lens to be very heavy? My photos are obviously much sharper when I'm using the tripod but when the light is great I seem to do okay without it. You obviously have a great system! Keep up the great work!
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Discover more photos See all
Behind The Lens
Location
I am fortunate to have many different species of birds at my home in Texas. Cedar Waxwings are one of my favorite birds. I was fortunate to witness this courting ritual and capture this shot.Time
This photo was taken late afternoon.Lighting
The Lightning was not my favorite. It was a completely overcast day and the light was dim.Equipment
My camera isa Nikon D7100 and I had recently added a Nikon 200-500mm lens which I keep on my camera 99% of the time. This shot was hand held.Inspiration
Animals are my favorite thing to photograph but I am blessed with many bird varieties right at home so they end up being my most frequent subject. I had been watching for the Cedar Waxwings passing berries which is a courting ritual. The male picks a berry , passes it to the female , she passes it back to him, they do this several times and the female eventually accepts and eats the berry. I had spotted this pair courting but branches were blocking the shot. Fortunately they eventually move to this vantage point and gave me this opportunity. I was so excited to witness and capture the event.Editing
I did have to lighten and brighten this shot.In my camera bag
Since I do most of my photography at home I don't pack much with me just my camera and lens and a little chair. I do have a tripod/monopod which I cannot seem to get the hang of using . And I have a spare battery. I have two smaller lens that I rarely use.Feedback
My advice is to just get out and shoot. Be aware of animal behavior and take time to really watch. It helps to be at the right place and right time, but getting out there increases your odds of that.