Mountain Chickadee with a seed in its bill – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 800, -0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Yesterday morning I spent a few minutes photographing Mountain Chickadees foraging in Douglas Fir trees which was a lot of fun but challenging too. Mountain Chickadees test my skills because they move fast as they forage and move even more quickly when they take off. They simply don’t stay still for long.
Alert Mountain Chickadee with a fir seed – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 800, -0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
One of the challenges when photographing this species is that the high contrast of their black, gray and white plumage can be a challenge to expose properly. Every time I photograph Mountain Chickadees I take into consideration the angle and intensity of the available light, the brightness or darkness of the background and features that are on the same focal plane as the bird because each of those items can and do help me to decide where to set my exposure compensation.
Mountain Chickadee foraging in a Douglas Fir – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 800, -0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Mountain Chickadees move in and out of view rapidly and trying to keep up with them can be fun, dizzying or both simultaneously. They pop out into the open just as quickly as they disappear into the branches and foliage which means that I have to be focused on them all the time or I will miss the photos I want to take. Even when fully focused on them I have missed plenty of what could have been wonderful shots.
Angry looking Mountain Chickadee – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 800, -0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Normally I wouldn’t care for a photo where I can’t see a catch light in my subject’s eyes but this Mountain Chickadee with a seed in its bill photo I took yesterday morning made me laugh out loud when I saw it on my monitor at home because the chickadee looks a little angry. Soon I had all kinds of captions going through my mind, one of them was “what chu lookin at?” and I laughed again.
Foraging Mountain Chickadee up close – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 800, -0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The Mountain Chickadees were only in my view for a few minutes yesterday morning and trying to keep up with them kept me on my toes as a bird photographer but I enjoyed the fun despite the challenges of the lighting and how speedy these little birds are.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Mountain Chickadee photos plus facts and information about this species.
Wonderful group of pics! I love your composition and, of course, the detail and colors you capture is extraordinary. Thanks Mia.
I love the 3rd shot with the Chickadee among the pine cones. But all of the pictures show your ability to capture the unusual. Plus your use of anthropomorphism. I do it and it adds a layer of interest to your work. I enjoyed this series of shots. They are quirky little birds.
The Loggerhead Shrikes pose the similar problem with the light, but at least they stay in one place. They turn their heads often enough to catch the light in some shots. I had trouble with the Bushtits in New Mexico– i do not think I ever got a shot with catch light in their tiny eyes. At least you could see their eyes against their gray plumage, something which may not be the case with your chickadees and my shrikes.
Thank you.
Wonderful series, Mia
Nice shots…well framed by the pine cones and branches.
Great series, great shots!!