Arauna

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Bird working hard to impress his female with his new home. Every week he builds a new nest. Is she ever going to be happy with his work. I just love them in ...
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Bird working hard to impress his female with his new home. Every week he builds a new nest. Is she ever going to be happy with his work. I just love them in my garden.
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NIKON D7100

settings

Aperture 63/10 ISO 400 Shutter 10/10000 Focal Length 3000/10

upload_date

Jan, 2018

Views

360

Likes

+27

Awards

Chatter Award

Zenith Award

Hero Award

Community Choice Award

Outstanding Creativity

Peer Award

Absolute Masterpiece

Top Choice

Superb Composition

Magnificent Capture

Superior Skill

Top Ranks

Top 10 rank

Top 10 rank week 1

Top 10 rank

Top 10 rank week 1

Top 20 rank

Top 10 rank week 2

Top 10 rank week 1

Behind The Lens

Location

This photo was taken in my own Garden. Dalview, Gauteng, South Africa

Time

Whenever I see these Weaver birds busy in the garden I try to slip out and follow their amazing ability to build a sophisticated nests. I found it amazing to watch any time of the day. They portray such a fantastic skills for such small birds.

Lighting

As photographers no the golden hour would be the best opportunity to take beautiful pictures but these birds are busy from the morning to the evening. The little male birds works so hard in the process to impress the female that lighting was the last thing to wait for. Just when the lighting is at its best the female will destroy all his hard work. Sometimes you can get the most beautiful shot but if the sky is not blue in the background your photo loose its charm.

Equipment

I used my Nikon 7100, Nikon DX Lens70 - 300 with no tripod or flash.

Inspiration

These nests of intricately woven vegetation that these birds makes are a art. I feel so sorry for my garden bird that works so hard. About every 3rd day he starts over and over for longer than a month. He tries very hard to impress the female that I feel is very ungrateful. There is about no leaves on the tree any more. The sounds and songs this little bird makes always invites me out in the garden when he wants to display his hard days work. Male weaver birds construct their intricate nests during mating season, using them to attract prospective mates. The weaver bird can tie knots in nest material with its beak and feet and by tying knots, the bird makes the nest more secure. He starts making a knot with a long blade of grass. Then he builds a circular structure, weaving blades using his beak and feet. Next step is to weave grass around the initial ring to build a ball-shaped nest. He uses a variety of plant materials to build the nests; including strips of grass, leaves, twigs and roots. A weaver bird has a strong, conical beak, which it uses to cut blades of grass that it will use in nest-building. The bird takes about two days to complete the nest. 7 If a nest is not occupied by a female after a few days, the male will destroy the nest and build another one. I read that one single male may built more than 50 nests in one breeding season. 2 Specific trees in my garden feels the punch.

Editing

I cropped one corner of the photo to get the 3rd rule and focus on the bird without other distractions.

In my camera bag

Normally my Nikon 7100, Nikon DX Lens 70 - 300 and Lens DX 18 -140. As this camera is a bit heavy I like to use my Nikon D 3100 with a DX 18- 55 and DX 55 - 200 Lens when I go on hikes or travel. This is a nifty little camera that doesn't stand back for quality photos.

Feedback

Patience is the best advice if you take nature photos. Explore your camera and get of your auto. Play around with focus and shutter speed. This can be very therapeutic and rewarding. Excellent stress reliever to concentrate on something and break away from your normal daily routine. Sometimes we can feel despondent if you can't get out in nature, mountains and safaris etc. No need to feel you can't get something nice to take photos of. Just start exploring your own garden.

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Arauna

Arauna

Vink

Bird working hard to impress his female with his new home. Every week he builds a new nest. Is she ever going to be happy with his work. I just love them in ... Read more

Behind The Lens

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Bird working hard to impress his female with his new home. Every week he builds a new nest. Is she ever going to be happy with his work. I just love them in ...
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