A quick visit to my backyard birdbath turned into one of those small moments I love to photograph. The robin lined up just right, and I caught the water dripping from its bill.
I was already working birds near my feeder when the birdbath suddenly got busy.
Wildlife Notes
The American Robin is a familiar bird to many of us. It is often one of the first birds people spot in the spring. You can identify them by their orange-red breast, gray-brown upper parts, and white underparts.
These birds are migratory and live in many parts of North America throughout the year. They feed on insects, earthworms, and fruits. Interestingly, Robins are the state bird for Connecticut, Michigan, and Wisconsin. They are also known as early birds because they are among the first to sing each morning. They have a unique way of hunting where they tilt their heads to the side to listen for worms in the ground.
Photography Notes
To get this shot, I used my pickup truck as a blind while it was parked in my driveway. I rested my camera and lens on a beanbag draped over the open window. This setup is ideal for observing birds without disturbing their natural behavior.
I used my Canon EOS R7 with the RF 100-500 mm lens. This combination gives me great reach for backyard subjects. I kept my shutter speed at 1/800 to freeze the motion of the water droplets.
Technical:
- Location: Lavaca (Arkansas)
- Date and Time Taken: March 12, 2023 (11:31 A. M.)
- Aperture: f8
- Shutter speed: 1/800
- ISO: 2000 (Auto)
- Focal Length: 500 mm
It is always a treat to see a common bird like the American Robin in a moment of action. Keeping a clean birdbath in the yard is one of the best ways to bring these beautiful birds close enough for a photo.