Plus a tip of the hat to my unusually knowledgeable and helpful blog readers from one of my Facebook followers.
1/2500, f/6.3, ISO 800, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
I rarely get such a clear and clean photo of a Yellow Warbler so I decided to post this one for the novelty of it if for no other reason. I photographed him in the mountains two weeks ago tomorrow when he came out of nowhere and landed on this bare branch in decent light for long enough to allow me a half-dozen or so pretty nice shots. In particular I like the intimate look at the warbler with great eye contact, the good detail and the diagonal perch.
Ok, on to an unrelated note:
Three days ago on my post titled “House Wren With A Damselfly?” in a nod to Lennon and McCartney I asked for “a little help from my friends” in confirming the ID of the insect as a damselfly and I even hoped someone would be able to identify it down to species – truly a tall order. Many of my readers helpfully jumped in and it didn’t take long for Wayne Lynch to indirectly provide the answer. He sent the photo (or the link to my post) to John Acorn, an entomologist in Edmonton, Alberta, who said about the insect “Yep, a damselfly and a female at that. Looks like the genus Argia and I would guess Argia vivida. Nice shot indeed”
I always appreciate such help from my readers (and I’m sure my blog followers do too) but I usually don’t make a big deal out of it. But Facebok friend Janet Williams made a comment on that post that made me realize once again that my (our) Feathered Photography community is pretty special in their willingness to go out of their way to be helpful and generous with their specialized knowledge and backgrounds. Janet’s comment was concise and to the point:
- “I love the help you get from your friends!”
That’s all she said but in the three days since she made the comment I’ve thought about it quite a bit, remembering all the other similar examples of helpfulness and generosity from my readers in the past. It’s something I believe should be pointed out and acknowledged.
So kudos my friends, take a well deserved bow. Feathered Photography wouldn’t be what it is without all of you.
Ron
Late addendum:
Not long before noon today Janet obviously had seen this blog post because she made this comment about it on Facebook:
- “I’m delighted to hear that my comment spoke to you. I can say it again and again, but I can’t say it better. I LOVE THE HELP YOU GET FROM YOUR FRIENDS. You have intelligent, well-informed, widely experienced, well-motivated, awesome friends.”
I thought my readers should know that Janet really meant what she said about all of you. 🙂
Superb, detailed photograph!
Love all the comments about your “community” of followers. A whole lotta love in our world.
Thanks very much, Wally.
I’m late getting to this today, but I love the Yellow Warbler. They’re always a bright beacon in the brush, but you usually have to look quickly before they duck into cover again. I always look forward to your photos because you bring the birds so much to life. So many photos are simply static images, but your photos, like this one, help us see the birds as an active part of nature, belonging to the world surrounding it. I agree with other comments. Your readers often provide insightful comments and are always worth reading, unlike so many blogs I soon abandon. For those of us interested in birds and nature, you do us all great service. Thank you.
Dan, you’ve been one of those who provide much of the helpful information here. I thank you for that!
Love that splash of feathered golden light.
And am, as you know, constantly awed by the knowledge of your community here in the blogosphere.
They’re a great bunch, EC.
I feel like I’m part of a community here–people who love birds and your photography. It’s no surprise to me that your readers will go out of their way to help. Marvelous photo today–great composition, lovely specimen, and wonderful background.
This is one bird I don’t have good photos of due to its nature of flitting in the willows. Lovely catch!
Yes you have acquired a wonderful group of followers, I have leaned a lot from you and your readers. I am impressed how you respond to each comment.
April, if there’s a Latin version of “flitting in the willows” that should be part of their scientific name!
I do respond to most comments but when they’re made later than the day I publish the post sometimes I either forget or just run out of time. But I do try.
Responding to all the comments is a full time job.
Ron, this Yellow Warbler is stunning. I, like many others, look forward to and read your column almost every day. I enjoy your readers comments and feel like I’ve come to know them and what part of the country/world they come from. You are a bright light in my day!! Thank you, Ron
Alice, I’ve “known” some of my readers for about 10 years now. So I do consider them friends.
Your blog is one of the only ones where I read the other comments. 🙂
I always read them too, Arwen. Without fail. There’s some real gems in some of them.
Great closeup detail and such bold color, and yes the eye is perfect. Very nice photo Ron. Agree with all the comments regarding the blog and followers.
Thank you, Everett.
Lovely shot of the Yellow Warbler! 🙂 Eye contact and feather detail…the “works” 🙂 This blog is definitely a community and the interaction with you, others, the education as well as the photo’s make it VERY special for me – a wonderful way to start the day. 🙂
Thanks very much, Judy. I think it’s pretty special for many of us.
That bird is thinking “Man, I hope I get my mug onto Feathered Photography!”. Thank you, Ron. I enjoy every post. Your skill and dedication are amazing! Like others have said, we are all connected through your blog and are surrounded by kindred spirits every time we “visit” with you. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Well, he got his wish! I appreciate your kind words, Diane.
Always amazing when you capture the feather crosshatching as in today’s image.
I learn everyday from your posts and everyone’s comments. That and your interaction with us all is a most anticipated daily ritual. Oh, and the photos ain’t bad, either. 😉
Ditto, Lyle. Much appreciated on both counts.
Wonderful shot Ron!
Charlotte
Thanks, Charlotte.
Very nice portrait…sharp! It is nice to get an intimate look just for that reason. I think all of your readers appreciate the quality of this blog and the dedication you have to it. I have only followed a few blogs but I can honestly say there are very few that can match your faithfulness to daily posting and less than that who respond to each person as you do…you are careful to single out each person by name making this a more intimate place. Over the course of my time here, I feel your friendly readers have become friends that I look forward to hearing their comments. Not every blog leads to that.
“Not every blog leads to that”
That’s for sure, Kathy. And it’s a testament to my readers more than it is to me. Sometimes it’s a bit of a chore for me to keep at it but I can imagine how I’d miss it if I couldn’t interact with all of you every day. And learn a thing or two in the process.