Shropshire Birder
The Portfolio - Bird portraits
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Bird Portraits
Against a distant evenly coloured background, the limited depth of field of a long telephoto lens can create a 'studio' type illusion and show the subject off without any distractions.
Grasshopper Warbler
Sometimes heard but seldom seen! A scarce bird locally - glimpsed if you are lucky? A huge slice of luck saw me perfectly positioned to catch this frame filling portrait in between reels in the fading light one evening in April 2010. 
Nightingale
A portrait really has to show this particular species singing? There are always plenty of Nightingales singing at Paxton pits but getting one out in the open in full song needs a bit of luck/patience. The wait near Kingfisher hide in April 2010 was duly rewarded, why do they often sing on one leg?
Cirl Bunting
My visits to Devon would be incomplete without early morning Cirls! A low angled shot of this cracking male show the birds colours and feather detail against a sympathetic background. Many shots were needed to finally get this 'pose'. 
Great Grey Shrike
A long yomp to the Burrow Hillfort near Hopsesay rewarded me with this 'favourite' of an endearing Shrike. The Shrike is perched 'just so' which wasn't always the case and the diffuse background courtesy of the hillside and sky, complement the plumage shades nicely. 
Snow Bunting
Having been accustomed to photographing the tame flock at Salthouse in the past, what a refreshing change to avoid the seeded shingle background!. Very flighty but a long patient wait culminated in a small group feeding on the Marram grass seeds. The dunes provide a nicely toned foil to the bird's plumage 
Perched Hobby
A chance meeting with this juvenile Hobby in Holkham Pines during the Autumn of 2008 was certainly one of the highlights of that year. The shady conifers in the background dissolved to create an almost black background. A perfect pose plus side lighting to add the obligatory catchlight and picks out the whisps of white plumage. A cover picture for someone/somewhere, this image made the 'top ten' in Birdguides picture of 2008 competition.
Tree Pipit singing
A local bird, taken on Black Hill in Shropshire during early April. New arrivals perch on the smaller conifers and sing their hearts out. The use of a distant conifer plantation provides the complimentary background.
Ring-billed Gull (adult Summer close up)
A trip to the South Coast during March 2008 included a session with a very obliging adult Ring-billed Gull in Walpole Park, Hampshire. The grassy bank behind the bird dissolved to create the perfect backdrop. The Gull's eye, bill and pristine white plumage combine to produce a shot of simplistic beauty. 
Black-necked Grebe
Another local bird which kept everyone happy during Dec and early Jan 2010. I took numerous shots (mostly in poor light). This was one of the few moments the sun came out, the deeper tones of the still water merge with the colder tone of the rippled water. The Grebe has an appealing cock of the head with the orange iris shining out.
Tree Sparrow
A hollow tree stump chosen as home for a family of Tree Sparrows gave the opportunity for a portrait shot in a natural setting. Taken at Venus Pool, the distant trees act as a background foil. The bird singing adds to the charm, this image has recently been published in 'The Status of Birds in Britain and Ireland'. 
All images are strictly copyright and may not be used for any use without my permission. Images are available for publication. I am also able to supply prints on request (ideal for gifts or framing) in a range of sizes. Please email me for further details.