Tawny Frogmouth
Nov, 2014Views
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StephenClarke_1000
July 02, 2022
What brilliant camoflage, it looks young; is it? Also, I don't know enough about birds is it of the hawk family? Well captured any way, again great shot.
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
I am extremely lucky to live on a small acreage. These wonderful Tawny Frogmouth birds nest in one of our trees every year. So we are so privileged to watch them rear their young chicks each year. Some years one of the chicks falls out of the nest and we help protect the chick until it is ready to fly. Amazingly the parents don't attack us - as they do all the other birds and animals around. They have learnt we mean no harm.Time
This was mid morning, the male parent was watching over one of the chicks that had, in fact, fallen to the ground before it could fly. Even though these birds are nocturnal, during the nesting season they will keep a watchful eye on the chicks during the day as well.Lighting
Lighting as all natural. As the area was very shady I opted to use ISO 1600 to compensate for the low light.Equipment
I chose to use my faithful Canon EOS 5D Mk II with my Canon EF 100-400 f 4.5-5.6 L IS Lens. White balance was set to shade with IOS of 1600. Aperture was f8 and shutter speed was 1/50. Focal length used was 380mm.Inspiration
Being our resident Tawny Frogmouth family I am always trying to spy one of them in our trees - especially in nesting season - to watch for any nice shots.Editing
I elected to a=only crop a little as I wanted the feel of the bird in the tree.In my camera bag
Like everyone, the camera, lenses appropriate to that days shoot, spare filters, memory card and batteries. Sometimes a tripos will be packed.Feedback
Birds are very unpredictable in their behaviour - so always be prepared to take a few shots when you see them. Just don't forget to enjoy the experience of realising the animal is ALLOWING you to take a photo of them. It truly is a privilege.
