A Few Red-Winged Blackbirds

I listened to the weather last night and heard that today was going to hit the mid-60's, which is very nice weather for this time of year around Boston. So I set the alarm for oh-dark-thirty and planned on a morning of shooting before work. When the alarm screeched it's obnoxious tone at the appropriate time I cursed and hit the snooze button. Nine minutes later the alarm's second, even-more-obnoxious screech brought it close to a certain death, but it got me up and about.

I drank my coffees, puttered around, read the forum, and just before dawn I poked my head through the curtains to check the sky. Beautiful. It was going to be a perfect morning for shooting some birds.

Except that the temperature was just above freezing.

"Mid 60's" my frozen butt.

It was far too late to go back to bed, so I packed the gear into the car and headed off. I pulled into my local spot 15 minutes later, perfectly timed, as the sun was clearing the trees around the pond. As I assembled my rig I was glad that I wore a winter coat (mid 60's my butt) and listened to the RWBs belting out their "okalee" song. OK, I was happy despite the temperature.


Did I mention it was cold? Seeing this RWB's breath was interesting.

Excellent RWBB series Scott! The male was obviously singing his heart out. Great timing. Creamy bokeh, sharp images. Can even see the "breath" in #1. All great but #2 is my fav.

It was definately worth the cold, Scottes. These are great shots. Great composition, sharpness, color. Super job!! And thanks for the story behind the images. FWIW, it does look much colder than the "Mid 60's"...


Ron

Great shots! I have never seen bird breath It was beuatiful up here in Vermont today, mid-sixties, lol

Can you post your EXIF data?

Wow, that first one is killer! Wonderful.

Amazing, really impressed, fantastic photographic and stalking skills.

well worth it Scottes.bird breath who knew? was it the freezing cold that made the RWB reluctant to just fly off,or was the ninja birding tactics employed? Great Series

Wow the first one is awesome! Great pictures.

wow there awesome images great job on these

Those are just great Scottes. Number one is my favorite. Thanks for showing them.

Maz
http://www.homesteadsf​orsale.com

First one is simply stunning. Definitely worth waking up early.
Beautiful compositions.

Great shot here Scottes!! Well worth the frozen butt!

Great shots Scott. They are just starting to show up around here and am looking forward to going after a few. I assume that these were done with the 500?

Thanks for the comments! Yes, it actually *was* worth a frozen butt.

AGP, the shot info is:
1: 1/250, f/11
2: 1/250, f/8
3: 1/200, f/8
All shots were with the 500mm f/4 with a 1.4 TC, 550EX with a Better Beamer, FEC -1.33

Wolverine, there was no Ninja Birding involved with these guys, as they were too interested in the females to worry about me. I basically stood around and waited until they got close enough to walk up to.

Of course, I *was* hiding behind the 500mm, so maybe they didn't see me....

Very nice series. I notice on the last two, the blackbirds have a very warm glow, (I know you said it was cold out there!!!!)...was his from the early morning rising sun. It does cast a very nice colorations to the birds. You did a wonderful job capturing these!