BACKGROUNDS

The nature of the background can profoundly influence the impact and mood of a photograph, but with birds it's often difficult to pick and choose. However, with an obliging subject, like the Pied Wagtail (Motacilla alba yarrellii) below, it is sometimes possible to influence the outcome. The bird was at the same site as the Dipper in the previous post, just over the road, perched in a birch tree, preening, no doubt whilst its mate was sitting on eggs. The first image was taken against the distant background of trees on the riverbank, some in early leaf, giving a rather dull background. I noticed that by moving a few yards to the right, I could bring the blossoming gorse bushes into view to give a more colourful and interesting background, transforming the image to one of colour rather than almost monochrome. One has to be a little careful with exposure with the brighter background possibly underexposing the bird, but I find centre-weighted exposure readings sometimes better in this situation. Incidentally, the bird still shows some brown in the flight feathers, and an incomplete black mantle indicating a first summer male.

Canon EOS 1D MkIV, 500mm USM F4L IS lens, 2X Mk III converter, Gitzo tripod

1/250 sec. @ F8, ISO 800.

As above, 1/800 sec. @ F8, ISO 800.

It's a similar situation with the Wood Pigeon (Columba palumbus). I know these birds are common as muck, but plumage-wise, they are a smart bird, as are many of the world's pigeons. Here, one image has a similar colour background to the bird, and the other a contrasting one. Both work for me. The bird was attracted to a feeding station and was oblivious to my presence in the car, even when I moved it a few yards to get the different background.

Canon EOS 1D Mk III, 500mm USM F4L IS lens, car, beanbag

1/350 sec. @ F5.6, ISO 800. 

As above, 1/1000 sec. @ F5.6, ISO 800.

I suppose the message is - "Look beyond the bird".