I was able to get outdoors and into the sunshine yesterday. I visited my local pond and took a series of American Robin portraits at the edge of the water.
Spring American Robin portrait – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f10, 1/1250, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
With their bright reddish breasts, American Robins always seem to catch my eye. When the opportunity to take close-up portraits of this species presents itself, of course, I am going to accept the gift in front of me.
And why wouldn’t I? I’d be foolish not to, and as you can see, I didn’t pass on that gift.
The robin was basking in the warmth of the morning sun when I first saw it. I approached the bird slowly. Think snail-paced. When I was at the right distance, I opened the legs of my tripod, focused on the robin, and came away with portraits that made me smile.
Spring American Robin close up – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f10, 1/1000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The cool-toned water behind the bird contrasted nicely with the bird’s plumage. The great look into the bird’s eye and the fine feather details made me happy.
Speaking of feather details, my good friend Steve Creek took some interesting American Robin photos in his Arkansas yard recently. His photos show a robin preening after taking a bath. On his site, Steve goes into detail about how feather maintenance is important, and he explains how the robin used its beak to gently comb through its feathers, realigning the barbs and essentially “zipping” them back together. Take a peek here.
Every day, nature provides us with lessons. Each one is a precious gift.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my American Robin photos plus facts and information about this species.
Wonderful pics. I wish my portraits looked that good. The depth of color and the detail you captured is absolutely remarkable. Thanks Mia.
Thank you. And Steve.