Killdeer taking a splash

[Nicks Pics]

This was the first time I had seen a killdeer take a bird bath, I think. I was pleased how they just enjoyed their evening splashing while I enjoyed them, not too far away.

As for PP, this is one of a few similar instances I've had where I had a bird in some greenish water, had a bit of difficulty trying to make the water not so yellowy and saturated looking, while trying not to loose highlight detail on the bright bird. It is probably due to under exposure, but until recently my technique has often been to keep the ISO low, (often too low) to try to reduce the noise from the small sensor of the superzoom.

Sl100,
F/6.5
iso-320
SS 1/800

I find attachments work faster with my Internet connection often.

[NorthernFocus]

They are cute little birds. And any bird taking a bath is always interesting IMO.

Regarding the noise, in my experience underexposure produces noisier images than properly exposed high ISO shots on all of the Nikon bodies that I've owned. Granted that is a limited data set but considering the effects of signal to noise ration on image noise I suspect it holds true in general.

[Nicks Pics]

Thanks, that is interesting about the noise. I think it is probably true that I used a too low ISO for a bird action shot. I am still gaining experience.

Oh well, maybe I'll have something better next time.

[Brownbear]

Hi Nick,

Just to say I think you captured the bird very nicely. Great focus on the eye and yes, adorable.

Finding beautiful looking water to match the bird is a often a challenge. Early morning water is typically my best bet... (calm water and soft light makes for pretty water, usually)

[Nicks Pics]

Christina,

I had not seen you on here in a little while.
Thank you for viewing and commenting. I appreciate your thoughts about the water. I do think the contrast between the bird and the water caused by the angle of the evening sun was probably a problem for this image.

I have not gotten many nice wildlife shots lately, but I am looking forward to trying this migration season, perhaps I will get something better soon. ?

[Brownbear]

Hi Nick,

I was away enjoying some vacation time, but I'm also posting less because I'm trying to find my artistic vision. I take way too many photos and it's time for me to start working on post processing and figuring out what I like and wish to convey in my images.

Wildlife is just like that. Keep at it. I was just about to say that I've finally learned to walk away from taking images that I know will not work because of the lighting conditions and/or backgrounds. And then I spotted an adorable grey squirrel in a brambly tree in low light which I should've walked away from, but yes I went outside and took a photo. LOL