Now it's Time for Males of the Red-Winged Species

[Ol'coot]

I had such a fun time shooting and posting shots of the Female Red-Winged Black Birds a few days ago that I went back to the lake yesterday morning and this time it was the males that were abundant and eager to pose for the camera. As always constructive critiques and all comments are appreciated.

(1)
http://www.photographicendeavors.com/img/v0/p133317794-5.jpg

(2)
http://www.photographicendeavors.com/img/v1/p118860594-5.jpg

(3)
http://www.photographicendeavors.com/img/v0/p198233986-5.jpg

(4)
http://www.photographicendeavors.com/img/v3/p472862924-5.jpg

(5)
http://www.photographicendeavors.com/img/v2/p6943466-5.jpg

[Ol'coot]

(6)
http://www.photographicendeavors.com/img/v8/p395708693-4.jpg

(7)
http://www.photographicendeavors.com/img/v3/p508327130-4.jpg

(8)
http://www.photographicendeavors.com/img/v1/p204306439-4.jpg

(9)
http://www.photographicendeavors.com/img/v1/p63666335-4.jpg

[GaryB]

A great set of images as usual with the first and last being my favourite. One or two show a bit of noise - high ISO?

[Ol'coot]

Thanks Gary, I really appreciate your comments. One thing the D200 does NOT do well at all is handle noise at higher ISO settings. These shots were taken at ISO 640 or ISO 400. You would think there would be no noise to speak of but the D200 just does a very poor job in this area and is my main reason for thinking of upgrading.

[Ross]

nice set again :) Shame about the white blob in the background in number 2 - you need to train them better :)

I like the last one best.

Ross

[Ol'coot]

Thanks Ross, Sometime you just have to take the shot as it was better to get him with the bright red shoulder pads really lit up or to try and move closer.

[ChazR]

Very nice series, Tony. I vote for #1 and #8.

BTW, was this your Bigma again?

[Ol'coot]

No Charlie, These were taken with the Sigma 300-800mm at several different focal lengths which is the real beauty of this lens, the ability to zoom or back off as needed to get a better composition