A Close Encounter with a Young Great Tit – Parus Major / North Aegean Morning - Captured in the North Aegean Region - Türkiye

 

 

This morning I briefly tested the new Nikon Z8 Firmware v3.01 during a walk through the olive groves of the North Aegean. One thing is clear — AF tracking sensitivity has improved. Well done, Nikon, though we still expect more refinement.

 

To be honest, my initial impressions of the Z8’s Subject Detection – Bird Mode have been underwhelming compared to my experience with the D850. But after some trial and error, I’m beginning to see noticeable progress — I estimate about a 70% improvement. Especially in 3D Tracking and Wide-Area AF (C1/C2) modes, the camera now locks onto the bird's eye more quickly and with fewer tracking errors.

 

Now, let me share two portraits of what I believe to be a young Great Tit (Parus major). Getting this close for a portrait wasn’t easy — but with the Nikon Z8, NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF, and TC-14EII Teleconverter, the moment was captured.

 

Young Great Tits are often less vibrant than adults, with a slightly duller yellow belly and shorter black chest stripe. Their head may also appear more tousled or fluffy — a charming reminder of their recent fledgling days.

 

Great Tit – Juvenile Details

Juvenile Great Tits look slightly duller than adults. Their yellow underparts are paler, and the signature black stripe running down the chest is narrower and less defined.

 

The head and crown of young individuals may appear brownish or olive-toned rather than deep black, giving them a softer, fluffier appearance — especially just after fledging.

 

Their calls are also less structured and slightly higher-pitched. In early weeks, they can often be seen fluttering their wings while begging for food from parents.

 

Juveniles often display a more curious and approachable behavior, especially when exploring feeding grounds. This makes them ideal for close portrait work — if approached with patience and care.

 

By late summer, young birds begin moulting into their adult plumage, gradually becoming indistinguishable from mature individuals.

 

 

Hope you enjoy and feel free to share your thoughts!

 

 

I've captured some unforgettable moments with my camera, and I hope you feel the same joy viewing these images as I did while shooting them.

 

Thank you so much for visiting my gallery, whether you leave a comment, add it to your favorites, or simply take a moment to look around. Your support means a lot to me, and I wish you good luck and beautiful light in all your endeavors.

 

© All rights belong to R.Ertuğ. Please refrain from using these images without my express written permission. If you are interested in purchasing or using them, feel free to contact me via Flickr mail.

 

Lens - With Nikon TC 14E II - hand held or Monopod and definitely SPORT VR on. Aperture is f8 and full length. All my images have been converted from RAW to JPEG.

 

I started using Nikon Cross-Body Strap or Monopod on long walks. Here is my Carbon Monopod details : Gitzo GM2542 Series 2 4S Carbon Monopod - Really Right Stuff MH-01 Monopod Head with Standard Lever - Really Right Stuff LCF-11 Replacement Foot for Nikon AF-S 500mm /5.6E PF Lense -

 

Your comments and criticism are very valuable.

 

Thanks for taking the time to stop by and explore :)

 

 

 

Done