“Female Red-Winged Blackbird”
“You are the only guardian of your own truth, so know your truth and protect it at all costs.”
― Gugu Mona
This is an older photo which I find myself going back to from time to time. The photo was among the first I made with my then newly acquired 70-200 mm, f/2.8 lens. That lens has been my go-to lens ever since, despite it being quite heavy. It is just so very versatile in so many situations, from moderate zoom to close up studio work and event photography.
The image above is, to me, very calming. I enjoy the colour contrast of the golden cat-tails against the blue water as well as the fanned tail feathers of the blackbird, as it balances on the delicate stem. I can almost feel the gentle spring breeze floating over the water’s surface.
As with many of my images, I can still recall where this was made and the process of composing the photo. The bird was very cooperative and seemed to pose for me, which is rarely the case with birds in the wild.
Nikon D300
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD @ 200 mm
1/3200 sec, f/2.8, ISO 400
Ed Lehming Photography 
Yes, the sense of motion is definitely there!
Thanks John
I enjoy the blur your wide aperture rendered. Perfectly placed avian, right on the famous thirds. Good job!
Mostly instinct now 🙂 Thank you
such a beautiful picture and the bird is very beautiful. There is something soothing in this photograph.
Thank you
Magnificent. 😊
Thank you
great picture http://www.aloisabsenger.wordpress.com
Thank you
Nice shot. At first I couldn’t imagine the cattail holding a hawk. With a second look I saw the feet were spread to distribute the weight.
I love birds, imagine that! Smiles, Robin