Northern Mockingbird
This perky Northern Mockingbird was photographed while hiking on a trail in Gilbert, Arizona
This perky Northern Mockingbird was photographed while hiking on a trail in Gilbert, Arizona
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NIKON D7500
Aperture 63/10 ISO 2800 Shutter 1/2000 Focal Length 350/1 
Gilbert, Arizona, US
Feb, 2022Views
359
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Awards
Chatter Award
Achievement in Originality
Zenith Award
Top Pick Award
Staff Favorite
Halfway22 Award
People's Choice in Mockingbirds Photo Challenge
Absolute Masterpiece
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Top Choice
Outstanding Creativity
Magnificent Capture
Genius
All Star
Superior Skill
Emotions
Impressed
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken at the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch. This is a 110 acre preserve created by the town of Gilbert, Arizona in 1999 to combine water resources, wildlife habitat, educational programs, and recreational opportunities. It contains 7 ponds along hiking trails and 1 recreational urban fishing lake. It is an oasis for all, big and small. From migrating birds to morning hikers, to photographers.Time
This was taken at 10:45am MST just off one of the trailsLighting
The lighting is a little diffused from the tree cover and made this little guy stand out while he jumped around from tree branch to tree branch until finally landing on a low branch just off the ground.Equipment
I used a Nikon D7500 with a Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5.6-6.3 Di VC USD G2 super telephoto lens. This photo was taken handheld in manual mode with a shutter speed of 1/2000sec. I also had the vibration control turned off on the lens since it wasn't needed at this high of a shutter speed. No other equipment was used.Inspiration
This was my 3rd time at the preserve, and I went there specifically to photograph the American White Pelicans that were at one of the ponds. On my way this mockingbird caught my eye, and I ended up watching him for about 20 minutes, taking several different shots of his quirky moves.Editing
I always import my RAW files into Lightroom Classic where I do all my photo editing, and sometimes into Color efex pro 4 afterwards to use a recipe I created for wildlife. On this photo I adjusted all the basics, including lens correction and focus. Once I'm happy with the basic adjustments I import my photo into Nic color efex pro 4 and apply a recipe I created called soft details. Then after the recipe is applied it is saved back to LR.In my camera bag
Normally for wildlife photography I don't use a bag. I use a cotton carrier harness for my camera and lens, bring an extra battery or 2 in my cargo pants pockets. Bug repellent wipes, a small folding hiking chair , a 40oz insulated water bottle with a shoulder strap filled with cold water and that's about it.Feedback
I find it best to shoot in the am or early pm hours rather than the harsh light of the afternoon. Always look around you and stay still, take in the scenery. You will be surprised what can turn up by being patient and observant!!
