Dipper

[randimal]

I went to find an American Dipper today. It was just for the sake of birdwatching, not photography since it was dark and rainy out. However, the one I found was pretty close so I ran back for my camera. Once I had my camera, the dipper came even closer and perched nearby on a convenient mossy rock. I figured I could get away with 1600 ISO since it was close. Unfortunately I kinda botched it since my camera dial had been bumped to "Manual" instead of "Aperture Priority" and I didn't realize it. I thought the light must be really crappy since the shutter speed was 1/125. After a few hundred shots, the dipper flew away I realized my mistake. I focused on the same rock and the camera should have been shooting at 1/300 at least.

Luckily, I had been leaning the lens against a bridge railing, so a few of the shots were actually in focus. And I was able to fool around with the lighting until they look pretty nice. I guess its actually possible that overexposing photos in a rainforest-like setting has some benefits. I've got some of those waterfall posters in my house and they look similar. Its something I'll have to experiment with. Anyhow, here are the results.

1) American Dipper, Canon T3, 400mm f5.6, 1600ISO, 1/125


2) American Dipper, Canon T3, 400mm f5.6, 1600ISO, 1/125


3) American Dipper, Canon T3, 400mm f5.6, 1600ISO, 1/125


Let me know which one you like best or if they still need any work.

[paulnj]

You did a great job here! A species I will need to track down some day.

[dllaliberte]

nice images of a Dipper

[Shyanni]

Considering your difficulties, you got some awesome shots! I particularly like #2. Dippers are such interesting birds -- quite plain to look at, but very unusual in their habits. What other songbird dives underwater and walks on the bottom looking for larva? I've seen these tiny birds dive into a raging torrent above a waterfall, always heading upstream, and then let the current wash them back up onto the same rock a few moments later. They can be quite sociable with people too. I've had them come right up near me and start foraging along the shoreline, as if they are looking for company.

[mn shutterbug]

Your messed up shots turned out well.

[carlogalliani]

very good shots, good detail