Bushtit (Photo of the week)

A bushtit hangs from the small branch of a tree, clinging to a tiny cone
A bushtit hangs from the small branch of a tree, clinging to a tiny cone. Canon 800mm f/5.6L IS lens with the EOS-7D. ISO 800. Evaluative metering 0: 1/1000 sec. at f/8

Often when I go out to photograph wetland or shore birds, I also check surrounding trees and bushes for passerines that might be in the area. You never know when you’ll get a great lighting condition for a common song bird, or perhaps a passing migrant. In this case, I found a busy bushtit foraging among several trees near a large wetland area. Catching these birds still is quite a feat, as they seem to be constantly moving and changing position.

This photo caught my eye because of the colorful background – I always like photos that mix bright blues and yellows together. The tiny cones of this tree aesthetically complimented the small bird well.

When using a super telephoto lens as I was here, it can be difficult tracking fast moving birds, whether they are flying, or flitting between tree branches. I was happy with the few frames I managed to capture in focus.

Copyright 2017 Hank Christensen