Steve Cole
October 2026 - In The Nest
Original
About the Image(s)
Once again another image from my favorite location, Crex Meadows, WI, a Trumpeter Swan settling into a nest in late April. I just love watching them selecting and building a nest by this majestic species along with hearing their unique conversations to each other. Cropped to a square frame to see the bird portrait along with environment with a strong subject focus. Fujifilm XT3, 100-400 at 400mm (600mm full frame), 1/500, f7.1, ISO 2000. Processed within LR Classic basic sliders and applying Topaz DeNoise.
5 comments posted
It seems like there's two things going on here; there's a nice story showing the bird in its natural surroundings and with all the natural coloring you would expect, but this may be at the same time a distracting element as a picture. The swan might be a little too obscured -- I know that's the way the bird uses the tall grass as camouflage -- but it also hides a lot of the bird from the viewer. Perhaps some added contrast would help. Posted: 10/08/2026 16:45:18
Steve - interesting image this - and an unusual one from you, if I may say so. What comes over to me is just how well camouflage the bird is at a time of nest building - makes sense.
I've looked into why these trumpeter swans aren't pure white when nest building and the answer suggested that it's staining from mud and generally from the reeds while nest building. Interesting if that's right and your image confirms that may be so. Posted: 10/15/2026 21:39:43
I've looked into why these trumpeter swans aren't pure white when nest building and the answer suggested that it's staining from mud and generally from the reeds while nest building. Interesting if that's right and your image confirms that may be so. Posted: 10/15/2026 21:39:43
You are right on. Yes that is why it gets that brownish neck. They are a fun bird to watch and listen to for they are very verbal. Posted: 10/16/2026 01:40:47
The story here is the nesting and environment, showing how well hidden the nest will be once the bird settles down. I really like your crop, placing the bird to the left. My eye gets drawn diagonally to the back, but then I come right back to the bird's eye.
I would like to see more contrast, as it seems quite soft without it. Moving the white and black points and/or a little clarity goes a long way to putting a bit more punch in it. Doesn't have to be crazy contrasty, that wouldn't help the mood! Just enough to have a little more impact. Posted: 10/21/2026 00:13:20
I would like to see more contrast, as it seems quite soft without it. Moving the white and black points and/or a little clarity goes a long way to putting a bit more punch in it. Doesn't have to be crazy contrasty, that wouldn't help the mood! Just enough to have a little more impact. Posted: 10/21/2026 00:13:20
Hi Steve,
I like the subtle colours in this image, which shows the bird in its natural environment with lovely eye contact. I also like your crop, with the bird positioned on the left, as it creates a better balance in the image. Nice detail and colours! Posted: 10/25/2026 14:38:49
I like the subtle colours in this image, which shows the bird in its natural environment with lovely eye contact. I also like your crop, with the bird positioned on the left, as it creates a better balance in the image. Nice detail and colours! Posted: 10/25/2026 14:38:49