Joey Johnson
August 2026 - Marsh Wren
About the Image(s)
Was able to make a few images of this little bird while visiting the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge in Ridgefield, WA. They are a very vocal bird, making far more noise than their size indicates. A friend told me they are fiercely territorial and can be 3 inches of total rage. This image shows the cocked tail, which is something the males do to attract a mate. Sony a1, Tamron 200-600, f6.3, 1/1000 from a car with a beanbag. ISO 400. While there are walking trails in the refuge, when you are on the car tour, you have to remain in the car, which works out fine.
5 comments posted
Nice clear shot! Good work. Back ground is perfect except for the green blade above tweets head. I would remove or tone down. Posted: 08/03/2026 01:54:25
Thanks. Agree on that. You know how you look at a photo so much you don't see stuff. Case here. Posted: 08/03/2026 16:43:14
Nice sharp capture . I agree with the removal of the green branch above the bird. Consider dodging the tail feathers some. Posted: 08/15/2026 21:44:12
I love the soft green background and how perfectly you captured this little bird perched on the reed-the pose is so charming. The feather detail on its chest and tail is wonderful, though the focus is a tiny bit soft around the feet and lower tail. Gorgeous colors! Posted: 08/18/2026 06:56:32
The shallow Depth of Field works very well here. I don't really mind the out of focus blade of grass because it helps frame the bird along with the reeds on each side. It does seem to make the image heavy on the right since there isn't much detail on the left. Posted: 08/18/2026 11:55:36