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American Robin


American Robin
Photo Information
Copyright: Kathy Meader (writerscrawlz) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 260 W: 2 N: 756] (2457)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2007-10-20
Categories: Birds
Camera: Canon EOS digital rebel XT, 28-300mm
Exposure: f/9.0, 1/100 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2007-10-22 9:50
Viewed: 380
Points: 6
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
This American Robin (Turdus migratorius) seemed to have a bit of attitude - either that or it was camera shy. Either way, the main intent of this bird was the berries.

If I'm not mistaken, this one is male given that his breast and sides are rufous-orange; his back and wings are gray-brown. He also has the broken eye ring, one of the small details I love about this species.

It's almost too cold for him to find many earthworms, and they are known as the earthworm specialist (a perfect companion for fishermen?) in spring and summer. Howeer, in fall and winter they roam in flocks looking for berries. They form large communal roosts, and as you may already know, are a song bird.

For this shot, I simply stepped outside my door and found myself nearly eye-level with him (I live on the third floor), and since I spotted him immediately, I stepped back inside, got my camera, and zoomed in. True, I was eye-level with him, but the tree was a bit of distance away. When I got closer, he flew off. Hopefully, I'll catch a few more of these in the next few days. I guess I don't have to point out the cloudy sky behind him, huh?

I got a bit lucky with this shot. I had my camera on a lower shutter and that could've turned into a disaster because we had strong, gusty winds. I happened to catch him in a moment of calm - that didn't last long.

The robins (and starlings) are fighting the sparrows over the berries. I've noticed other birds coming in as well and their main problem are sparrows. Those little guys aren't afraid of much, but these birds are bigger and the other day, they seemed to join forces with starlings to gain control of one of the berry trees. It happened so quick (and I was without my camera) that I nearly missed it. Still, I'm glad they managed to snag a berry tree of their own. Sparrows are gluttons and I also love the song birds.

One this is for certain: I'll be keeping my camera handy, especially as more birds join in for the berries.
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • arfer Gold Star Critiquer [C: 2731 W: 0 N: 0] (0)
  • [2007-10-22 10:40]

Hello Kathy

This shot is well composed.The robin in the crabapples is beautiful.This reminds me of one of those Toland house flags people decorate their house with.The lighting is warm and the colours are lovely.Nicely done.TFS

Rob

Very pretty colors! :)Lovely composition.
And I had to look up Toland house flags. ha ha

hello kathy
really warm colors
they match the colors of the bird to such an extent that it creates a perfect design which is well balanced..
you are really fortunate that u got to capture such a snap just outside your place..
great work
regards
vihang

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