One of the garden regulars, the collared dove is a relatively shy bird (unlike feral and wood pigeons) and tends to hide in the thicker covering offered by the beech trees. They are often seen in pairs.
Camera note: single dove taken with the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L USM IS lens. Pair of doves taken with the EF70-300mm 4.5-5.6 DO IS lens.
Words
2 Dec 2007Autofocus! It was just peeking out and I managed to creep up on it and just about got a focusing angle. I do sometimes switch to manual if there really isn't a clear line. Sometimes it's the only way as with this thrush I got earlier in the year. No way at all to focus if I recall!
chthoniid
2 Dec 2007Hmm, good contrast with the two shots :up:. Did you use manual or autofocus for the top shot?
I find I tend to try manual focusing on birds that like to conceal themselves in a lot of branches and leaves.
chthoniid
2 Dec 2007Thanks- AF tends to be more accurate if you've got a clear sighting line.
I like the contrast between the close up and the dynamic pairing of the second. Good to see they were willing to co-operate!
Flying Red Fox Blog
2 Dec 2007Lovelly pics:D Pigeons at this time of year seem to chase each other around, i wonder if its the males being a bit too over keen hehe:p
SittingFox
2 Dec 2007Great eye colour in the first shot! :up:
Words
2 Dec 2007Thanks Mark! I don't think they ever stop chasing each other around. I'm not sure about collared doves, but apparently feral pigeons can have up to 9 broods a year :eyes:
Words
2 Dec 2007Thanks Adele. I was pleased with that shot. Not just the eye, but the little tuft on the top of its head!
Words
2 Dec 2007Brendan, the flighty pair were more interested in seeing if they could get on the feeder. Not easy for them, hence the constant blur of wings.
gdare
2 Dec 2007Nice, very sharp and colourful.
Words
3 Dec 2007Thanks Darko!