Since getting my latest toy, the Tamron SP 150-600mm G2, I have been spending more time bird watching. It really is amazing the sharpness that you can get with this lens and I am loving the close-up views I get of the common birds that I normally see only from a distance.
I need to figure out how to set up more places for the birds to perch in a natural looking area. I’m finding that I can get some great shots at the feeders but I want more like this one with a natural background. It’s either that or I need to develop a lot more patience. It took quite a while for me to capture a few shots with birds in the trees where there was enough light and no leaves blocking the view. Of course, being what they are, the birds don’t like when I move around so, that’s another challenge.
In any case, I like how this worked out. This beautiful male cardinal was perched in a dogwood tree in the middle of my yard. The males usually find a good spot to survey the area around the feeders and keep watch while the female comes down to eat. I was lucky enough to spot this one on a branch that was not obstructed by other trees.
Good thing I like hanging out in the yard. Looks like I may be doing this pretty often.
Nikon D7100
Vanguard Altra Pro 263 AT tripod
Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2
600mm @ f/6.3 – 1/125 sec – ISO 200
Steve Grundy Photography 
Lovely capture of a beautiful bird. I have just moved out of their northernmost range and miss seeing them. I too am trying to photograph birds in a natural setting. Which is not as easy as at the feeder.
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