I don’t usually think of photographing birds with a macro lens, but that’s exactly what I did when I encountered this Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) perched on a small branch, with a beautiful blue sky in the background.
Of course, I probably should note that the macro lens in question is 180mm in focal length, so it has good telephoto capability—I had just never tried to use it in that way. My experience photographing birds this past winter suggests that this lens does not have enough reach for most birds. I was really happy, though, with the detail it was able to capture in this situation, when I was standing almost directly below the bird.
Mentally it was an adjustment to be shooting with a prime lens and I had to keep reminding myself that if I wanted to adjust the composition, I had to change my position and move closer or farther away. That’s probably a good thing to remember when I am using a zoom lens, which has a tendency to make me a little lazy.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved
Mike Powell 
These are beautiful portraits. I like that macro lens of yours!
Thanks, Sue. The lens is working out really well. I think, though, that the 100-400 is next.
Nice shots , Mike.
And using macro lens for birds seems to be a good idea !
utham
They sure came out good, no matter what lens you used.