Black-headed Grosbeak, Forest Grove, Oregon on 16 August 2009 by Greg Gillson.We have several feeders in the yard, including one right up on the deck next to our back window. There is a group of four young Black-headed Grosbeaks that are present nearly all day long now at our feeders. They are irresistable to photograph--even through the window, as this bird.
To reduce reflections off both inner and outer surfaces I shoot perpendicular to the window at the same level as the bird. That also gives the low perspective that many bird photography critiques desire. I also make sure that the inside of the house was as dark as possible to reduce reflections of inside objects. Due to the dark background and sun on the bird, it was impossible not to over-expose the highlights on the breast and neck, but I brought them down as much as I could with Photoshop Elements. Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi, Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM. 1/40s f/5.6 at 400.0mm iso200, hand held.
Anyway, no time to really watch birds today, but I took 20 minutes out to take this photo to upload and share.