Urban Chick

[fryap]

Here's the story:

I was happily searching for butterflies near my flat when I saw a small bird flitting by and soon after a few more chirps of a different kind. I followed the sound to a nearby hanging garden next to a children playground.

It suddenly started to drizzle and I wanted to head home instead. A chance glance up however revealed a young chick coming out of its nest chirping loudly.

I started snapping, but then realised that there were other nervous chirpings. It turn out that both the parents were nearby frantically trying to save the chick. A small crowd of children soon converge around me and I explained what was happening. I really hope that seeing nature so nearby will be a positive experience although I do worry that some kid will be overenthusiatic and thereby scaring away the parents. The chick looks so vulnerable.

I managed a couple more shots before heading home reluctantly as the rain started to pour.

The thing is, I only have one lens, a 50mm f/1.4 prime

So I present you, bird photography done by 50mm lens, just next to HDB flats. Fill flash from onboard flash was used. Photos are very heavily cropped, USM applied rather liberally, and curves adjusted. The chick was about 5-6cm long. Not much bigger than a butterfly! I think it's a sunbird, but I defer to the bird experts for ID.









Francis

[stor]

Originally Posted by fryap I started snapping, but then realised that there were other nervous chirpings. It turn out that both the parents were nearby frantically trying to save the chick. A small crowd of children soon converge around me and I explained what was happening. I really hope that seeing nature so nearby will be a positive experience although I do worry that some kid will be overenthusiatic and thereby scaring away the parents. The chick looks so vulnerable.

Hi Francis

Interesting discovery of wildlife in HDB areas. Just like to share with you an article on wildlife photography that could help you to understand the situation that you did observed better.

Here's a site that gives some tips on wildlife photography, written by Pun Ritai:

http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/.../garden_3.html

Cheers


Steven Tor

[chngpe01]

Hi Francis,

I believe it is a Tailor-Bird (probably Common Tailor-Bird).

Your worries are not unfounded about the kids or even adults distrubing the nest or even capturing the young.

Usually in such situation when I am very near to the chick, I would refrain from taking any pics as it may frighten the chick and the the parents may even abandon it. As well as caused too much unwarranted attention from passerby. I understand that you may not be aware of the danger we pose to the young birds under such circumstances.

Just my 2cents food for thoughts to all attempting to venture in bird photography.

Cheers

[fryap]

Thanks for both your replies stor and chngpe01. They are food for thoughts and I'll keep them in mind in the future.

Cheers!


Francis

[stor]

Originally Posted by fryap Thanks for both your replies stor and chngpe01. They are food for thoughts and I'll keep them in mind in the future. Cheers! Francis

Hi Francis

You are welcome. You can reach me thru' PM if you are keen on nature shooting down the road.

Cheers

Steven Tor

[fryap]

Thanks for your kind offer, Steven.

The best I can do currently is wander near my place looking for butterflies to shoot, for an hour or so during the weekend. Ah, the life of a new father.

I look forward to great shots from you and the rest of the posters here instead. Keep up the excellent work.

On another note, just to update on the situation with the bird. This morning, on the way to breakfast we passed by the nest. I couldn't find the chick until my wife pointed it out. We caught a glimpse, knew it was OK and moved on. On our way back from breakfast, from afar we saw one of the parent preparing to land on the nest. That was enough sign for us to know things are still fine.


Francis

Originally Posted by stor Hi Francis You are welcome. You can reach me thru' PM if you are keen on nature shooting down the road. Cheers Steven Tor