The Couple
The white storks return to Romania in spring after wintering in Egypt. Nests from years past await them on telephone poles and chimneys. The birds mate for one season or maybe longer. I noticed them refurbishing the nests in a manner suitable to a couple who plans a baby’s nursery. Sometimes they both placed a twig just where it was necessary to cradle the expected offspring and if the twig wasn’t perfect, one of them would fly off to find one that was more suitable. I had the feeling that it was the male who flew off, but knowing us females maybe he couldn’t be trusted to choose just the right twig…
Daniel, (covinnus.com) knowing that I enjoyed photographing the storks, stopped where ever he noticed an occupied nest. I’d always get out because I know the secret to a good photograph is to have an abundance of shots to choose from. I wanted to have two birds in my shot. I have taken many shots of just one bird and I’ve never been satisfied with the results.
Luckily, I have the equivalent of a 450mm zoom with my small sensor. That helps! Even with that, I had to crop the image to give the storks the importance they deserve. I have Alien Skin’s enlarging software, Blow Up 3, so if I want to enlarge it and still have sharpness, I can.