At Home in a Cactus...
Oct 23, 2022 13:38:34 #
The Cactus Wren lives its whole life within a few hundred yards of where it fledges. About the size of a mockingbird, Cactus Wrens nest in cactus, building a cylindrical grass nest. While birding in the UCI Ecological Preserve in Irvine, CA, we had a nice long view of this Cactus Wren as it entered and left its nest, brought additional nesting material to cover up the sharp needles surrounding the nest, and searched for food in the surrounding area. These photos were shot with a Nikon D500 using a Nikkor 200-500 telezoom at 1/1600 sec., f/8.0, ISO 4000. Probably should have tried to lower that ISO, but that's what it was. jak
My favorite exposure of this bird, it shows the beautiful bird, its environment, and wonderful energy and action.
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Here the wren arrives carrying nesting materials to add to its nest.
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Diving into the circular opening of its grass nest, the wren carries the grasses inside.
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Having added the grasses to its nest, the Cactus Wren pokes its head out before flying up on the cactus.
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This last photo shows the Cactus Wren clinging around the cactus thorns in a typical pose.
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Oct 23, 2022 13:43:07 #
Fascinating, informative and memorable series.
High ISO? Pshawww - meaningless here!
High ISO? Pshawww - meaningless here!
Oct 23, 2022 13:46:22 #
Linda From Maine wrote:
Fascinating, informative and memorable series.
High ISO? Pshawww - meaningless here!
High ISO? Pshawww - meaningless here!
Thanks Linda. I always appreciate your observations and comments. Yes, I don't think the noise was too bad in this case. Luckily the sun was filtered but still bright. Have a great week. jak
Oct 23, 2022 14:31:24 #
jak86094 wrote:
The Cactus Wren lives its whole life within a few ... (show quote)
Nice photos and explanation. I like the comps. But, as Linda asks, why such high iso in the day time. And why such a high shutter speed. You were there long enough to change both.
Oct 23, 2022 14:31:28 #
jak86094 wrote:
The Cactus Wren lives its whole life within a few ... (show quote)
Fantastic set of images!!!
Were those Prickly Pear Catch ?
Oct 23, 2022 16:06:47 #
frankraney wrote:
What?! That's the opposite of what I said ... But, as Linda asks, why such high iso in the day time. ....
The OP mentioned ISO and I replied, Pshaww. Not important here.
Oct 23, 2022 16:15:53 #
Manglesphoto wrote:
Fantastic set of images!!!
Were those Prickly Pear Catch ?
Were those Prickly Pear Catch ?
Thanks, Manglesphoto. Yes, they were Prickly Pear cacti. Thanks very much for the kind words.
Oct 23, 2022 16:22:22 #
Oct 23, 2022 16:28:36 #
frankraney wrote:
Nice photos and explanation. I like the comps. But, as Linda asks, why such high iso in the day time. And why such a high shutter speed. You were there long enough to change both.
Thanks for the compliments. You are correct that I might have reduced shutter speed. First, these were taken during a birding survey where we try to identify any birds in the area. This CAWR WAS A GOOD 40-50 feet away and the final photos were cropped quite a bit. A quick, medium sized bird is not necessarily frozen at that distance at 1/1000 sec or 1/1600. Plus, I had to quickly rotate, focus and shoot a smaller bird (Wrentit) at a greater distance and come back to the CAWR for some of the shots. All were taken handheld. From my experience with lots of practice 1/2000 sec and f/8 is my sweet spot for getting keepers. I’m constantly experimenting and will try other settings when I not on a formal survey.
Oct 23, 2022 16:35:14 #
NMGal wrote:
Enjoyed these.
Many thank, NMGal. I imagine these aren’t the first CAWRs you have seen. Have a good week. jak
Oct 23, 2022 18:12:51 #
jak86094 wrote:
Thanks for the compliments. You are correct that ... (show quote)
I was just thinking a little less grain. But, since you say these are cropped (I should have know that) that explains why the grain.
Oct 23, 2022 18:14:39 #
Oct 23, 2022 18:35:02 #
Linda From Maine wrote:
What?! That's the opposite of what I said
The OP mentioned ISO and I replied, Pshaww. Not important here.
The OP mentioned ISO and I replied, Pshaww. Not important here.
Sorry Linda.
I just saw the high iso with question mark. I probably should even be on here right now. I'm at the er with possible appendicitis. Just had colon surgery a month ago. But it helps, here, to keep my mind busy.
Oct 23, 2022 19:38:31 #
frankraney wrote:
Sorry Linda.
I just saw the high iso with question mark. I probably should even be on here right now. I'm at the er with possible appendicitis. Just had colon surgery a month ago. But it helps, here, to keep my mind busy.
I just saw the high iso with question mark. I probably should even be on here right now. I'm at the er with possible appendicitis. Just had colon surgery a month ago. But it helps, here, to keep my mind busy.
So sorry about your medical problems. Though not as bad, I had 2 wisdom teeth extracted on Friday and it's no picnic. Take care of yourself. Hope your problems are not as bad as you fear and hope you heal quickly. Don't worry about the photography...we're all just trying to get by. jak
Oct 23, 2022 20:05:08 #
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