1/250th f11 ISO 800
AFD 80-200mm
Vivid
Had the luxury of covering a sunbird family's breakfast, as they conveniently built their nest on my neighbour's plant. Sunbirds always return to where they built their nest previously, and I was told by my neighbour that this is the third time this couple chose this spot. Even if they are forced to abandon a half built nest, they would reuse the materials collected.
I've been keeping an eye on their activity about a month ago, ever since they began construction. Both the male and female contributed to building the nest, and soon after completion the female lays her eggs. Only 2 eggs were laid. I suppose thats the maximum the nest could hold, and perhaps the max the female could produce as well.
12-14 days later, the eggs hatched and out pops the chicks. Both parents took turns feeding them. It is really heartwarming to see their co-operation =)
I've been keeping an eye on their activity about a month ago, ever since they began construction. Both the male and female contributed to building the nest, and soon after completion the female lays her eggs. Only 2 eggs were laid. I suppose thats the maximum the nest could hold, and perhaps the max the female could produce as well.
12-14 days later, the eggs hatched and out pops the chicks. Both parents took turns feeding them. It is really heartwarming to see their co-operation =)
Sunbirds are curious creatures, and quickly adapt to human environment, as well as human presence. After standing beside the nest for about an hour, they completely ignored my presence (so long as I don't move) I was able to get as close as 1.5m.
With 12mpx, I was able to discern what was fed to the chicks. This mornings menu was full of caterpillars and grasshoppers, different from yesterday's berries. I was also able to tell that little yellow feathers are beginning to grow on the chicks. What's most interesting is the materials used in the construction of the nest - feathers, twigs, tree barks and nylon strings.
Some tips I picked up:
With 12mpx, I was able to discern what was fed to the chicks. This mornings menu was full of caterpillars and grasshoppers, different from yesterday's berries. I was also able to tell that little yellow feathers are beginning to grow on the chicks. What's most interesting is the materials used in the construction of the nest - feathers, twigs, tree barks and nylon strings.
Some tips I picked up:
- Use a tripod. U will have to hold the setup in position before the birds come in, and you will never be able to handhold for hours, even a compact camera is going to render you exhausted.
- If you had to use flash, always use manual. Small birds have super fast reflexes and will react to your pre-flash. I was told that certain species can even fly away when your mirror flips, and before your shutter opens!
- Lots and lots of patience. And do some homework on the bird's behaviour before approaching the subject.
2 comments:
ARGH!!! it too good!! good technique!!! but however if the subject was not placed in the centre of the pic it'll be nicer I think
Well, this pic is cropped. I have the original, but I thought the twigs and leaves around the nest might be too distracting. I'm still experimenting with some other pics too.
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