This portrait of a Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) looks almost like it was shot in a studio, but I am pretty sure that if it had been, I would have chosen a more attractive item on which to have her perch.
The green rusted metal post holds up a nesting box and this swallow may be building a nest in it or in one of the other nearby boxes, because she had a long piece of grass in her mouth when I started shooting. I think it might be a female, but it’s hard to tell, because males and females look a lot alike, though, according to my Peterson bird guide, the female is “slightly duller” than the male.
This was another shot that I took this past Monday, when the sky was heavily overcast. I made an effort to frame this shot with the swallow up against the sky and I think that I used my pop-up flash to add a little light. I probably will continue to experiment with the technique, especially when it’s really cloudy, for I like the result that I got here. It does looks a little sterile and unnatural, but so often the background gets really cluttered and distracting.
Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved
Mike Powell 
I think it’s kind of amazing that the background came out so white. If I wanted to do that I’m not sure that I’d know how to go about it.
The sky was overcast and I underexposed the image a bit, I think. When I tweaked the exposure to lighten it, the sky turned completely white.
I find that perch very attractive! Lovely photo!
Thanks. At a minimum, the perch has character.
What a beautiful little bird!! It does indeed look like a studio shot with a professional model 😉
Nice photo, Mike. I like the pose, regardless of he metal post.
Thanks, Sue. Most of the time you have to go with what you have. Besides, the rust adds a little texture and contrast.