Larry Treadwell  

NO!!! by Larry Treadwell

December 2025 - NO!!!

About the Image(s)

Nikon D850 with Nikkor 200-400mm f4 lens plus tc1.4, ISO 1000, f5.6, 1/1000. Taken from tripod with gimbal head.
I noticed a female bluebird perched on the tip of an evergreen tree. I have found these bluebirds to be a bit skittish so I tried to conceal myself by hiding in a stand of evergreen. I stood there for nearly 20 minutes while a determined male made several zooming approaches toward the female. Each time she held her ground and just screamed maddeningly at his approach. Each time the swerve made about a dozen attempt before giving up and flying away. I am aware there are a few quite blurred bits of evergreen that partly obscure the male but I didn’t think they were a major detraction from the story. The only time I entered this in competition the judges disagreed. Too bad??”their loss.

5 comments posted

Bud Ralston   Bud Ralston
Larry - great shot of two beautiful birds exhibiting terrific examples of mating behavior. The male's primary feathers are tack sharp and prominently displayed. The expression on the female's face tells the whole story. He will have to look elsewhere for a date today!   Posted: 12/10/2025 23:08:19
Butch Mazzuca   Butch Mazzuca
Larry - Great shot! The mid-air male bluebird with wings flared and the open-billed female peeking from behind has a ton of impact and visual interest. The courtship interaction is a great behavior story. The subject's wings really give the image impact and is its strongest feature.

Technically your image as usual is spot on and the translucence of the male's wings is boffo. I also thought the female's tail sticking out added to the story, I thought about cropping in a touch from the left because the dark brown (tree I imagine) pulls my eye, but I'm torn, because I really like the space for the subject to fly into. You obviously prefer the wider canvas with the brown, but I find it pulls my eye a bit and it doesn't if I crop in. - nonetheless, love this shot. Also, please LMK if you received a notice of my review - I still don't get them
  Posted: 12/11/2025 21:15:39
Larry Treadwell   Larry Treadwell
Thanks Butch
I felt I need the space to fly into since the male is heading in that direction. There is a lot of forest between me and the birds, even some pine that partly covers the male's back. Still I felt the story was powerful enough to get some forgiveness. I just keep telling myself this is wildlife in nature and nature is not always cooperative or perfect. Over all it think it is my favorite bluebird shot. I love the interaction and mama really has a BIG mouth!!   Posted: 12/12/2025 00:40:15
Cindy Marple   Cindy Marple
I don't think you could've gotten a better pose of this interaction! Having her just peeking over his outstretched wings, with her tail visible below, is perfect. Great story. I like having the space for him to move in to. Since it's dark, to me that area receeds and gives him even more space to move in to. Her "angry" expression with the open bill just completes the story.   Posted: 12/16/2025 19:42:53
David Kepley   David Kepley
Larry,
As usual, your story behind the image is as compelling as the image itself! When I first looked at the image, I was struck by the male bird's wings and the twig of evergreen. If that was all you had, I'd call this a terrific picture! Before I read the description, I was distracted by the head and tail of the female bird. Without you explanation, her presence in the image is confusing.   Posted: 12/18/2025 15:27:59

 

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