Long-tailed Widow bird
Male in breading plumage
Male in breading plumage
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Canon EOS 2000D
Aperture 56/10 ISO 1600 Shutter 1/4000 Focal Length 300/1 
Pretoria, Gauteng, ZA
Apr, 2022Views
57
Awards
Halfway22 Award
Staff Favorite
Top Choice
Outstanding Creativity
Absolute Masterpiece
Peer Award
Superb Composition
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Impressed
Top Ranks
Top 10 rankSame photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken in the Rietvlei Nature Reserve in Pretoria, South Africa on the 3rd of January 2022Time
I was on a self-drive in the reserve and saw this male Long-tailed Widowbird perched on some long grass. I pulled off the road and waited for him to take flight. When he did fly off, I was so excited, that my first shot was just of his tail.Lighting
The light conditions were good. It was a typical sunny highveld summers day.Equipment
I used a Canon EOS 2000D with a 75-300mm lens. For support, I rested my elbow on the armrest of the centre console.Inspiration
In 2020 (during lockdown) I rediscovered my interest in birds and was amazed at the abundance of birdlife where I live. Towards the end of 2020 I started photography as a hobby focusing on birds and wildlife. I am on a birding group on Facebook and was inspired by other members shots of birds in flight, saying “I want to do that”. I thought that the male Long-tailed Widowbird would make a great picture especially when they are in breeding. The way they fly is part of their attempts to attract females.Editing
No post-processing on this image.In my camera bag
Currently I only have the bag that came with the camera. So, I have my Canon EOS 2000D with the 18-55mm lens attached (for storage), my 75-300mm lens and some lens wipes.Feedback
The one piece of advice that I can give for shots live this, is patience.
