Fairy Dust
Verdin (Auriparus flaviceps) on Baja fairy duster (Calliandra californica), Tucson, Arizona, September 2, 2009, 7:11 am, by Joan Gellatly
Published: October 23, 2009
 Verdin (Auriparus flaviceps), by Joan Gellatly
We're glad that it did, because we don't often get to see Verdins so young. The bird is just starting to gain its characteristic yellow head feathers. Notice also some downy feathers still in place on the bird's breast. Another clue to the bird's tender age is the pinkish yellow at the base of its bill. As Verdins mature, their bills turn completely dark gray or black.
Two years ago, Gellatly took a basic birding class in which she learned that the Baja fairy duster the bird is perched on is great for attracting hummingbirds and butterflies. She has since learned that Verdins like the shrub, too! |
Equipment used
Camera: Canon EOS 40D, handheld
Lens: 300mm f/4L image-stabilized prime lens and a 1.4x teleconverter, focal length 420mm
Settings: ISO 500, 1/500, f/8, shutter priority mode, one-shot focus setting
Light: Cloudy, early morning, no flash
Format: RAW converted to JPEG
Adjustments: Cropped 40%. Minor adjustment on levels, color, and sharpness, Photoshop Elements 7 used for processing |
Meet the photographer
PATIENT BIRDER: Birder's World subscriber Joan Gellatly looks for raptors in the Sulphur Springs Valley, in southeastern Arizona. Joan's passion for birding and bird photography developed quickly since moving to Tucson from the Midwest two years ago. An active contributor to our online galleries, she has had two of her bird shots selected as Photo of the Week. Joan says she's semi-retired from a career in marketing administration. She currently does freelance recording work. |