Loggerhead Shrike

Gallery: AvianPosted September 7, 2010158 views18 comments

This juvenile was struggling with the spiky perch. I do wish more of the tail was visible and there's a lot going on at the bottom of the frame but I liked the pose.

7D, 1/1250, f/6.3, ISO 500, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, shot from pickup window on 7-3-2010, exposure adjustment in ACR, cropped to 83% of original image then added a narrow strip of canvas at top for composition, sharpened bird, no further processing or adjustments, natural light

Larger version provided

Comments/critique appreciated

Comments

18 comments

Comment posted by Ron Bielefeld on September 7, 2010 at 7:10 PM

Ron, the detail in this image is wonderful. Love the shrikes head and feet the most, but that is just me. Great pose too. The bottom of the image is fine with me as it the wonderful BG. To me the overall IQ is super. This is what I strive for in my images and rarely achieve; looking at the image and seeing (detail, clarity, sharpness, color, etc.) what I would see if I was looking at this scene "live." Really well done.

Registered on December 6, 2008, 360 Posts, 7132 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Ditch on September 7, 2010 at 7:17 PM

Terrific detail in the large image. A very nice image as posted.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 1031 Posts, 12705 Comments

Comment posted by Ken Archer on September 7, 2010 at 7:46 PM

Great action and detail Ron!

Ken Archer

Registered on October 28, 2004, 222 Posts, 6683 Comments

Comment posted by Luke Ormand on September 7, 2010 at 8:25 PM

Super sharp and great habitat. I like the spread wings as you often will see a small bird struggling to maintain balance on light perches like this.

- Luke

Registered on February 4, 2009, 1093 Posts, 7035 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on September 7, 2010 at 8:30 PM

Hi Ron. The partially hidden tail is not a problem for me, I like the vegetation in the lower portion of the frame as well. The open wings and position of the legs really make the photo come alive; I can almost imagine I am there observing this youngster learning to cope. Exquisite detail on the bird.

Registered on January 28, 2005, 879 Posts, 12098 Comments

Comment posted by Stephen Cunliffe on September 7, 2010 at 8:31 PM

Terrific! The pose of the bird is from real behavior (and it is surprising how big that 'Logger" head really looks with the wings swept back. Most of all, I love the consistency of the limited colors through foreground, subject and background.

Registered on May 25, 2009, 62 Posts, 202 Comments

Comment posted by KC Choo on September 7, 2010 at 9:49 PM

Very nicely done, Ron. The tail being not fully visible is okay with me.

Registered on November 15, 2004, 519 Posts, 8278 Comments

Comment posted by Eric Diller on September 7, 2010 at 10:05 PM

Awesome job!

Registered on October 2, 2009, 69 Posts, 434 Comments

Comment posted by Brian Gatlin on September 7, 2010 at 10:21 PM

great looking shot, Ron. great pose with the spread wings, raised foot, and slight head turn. excellent details too. For me the shrubby foreground is not an issue as it is essentially all part of the perch, although it I suppose the more oof parts of it are a minor nit.

Registered on March 21, 2009, 202 Posts, 4187 Comments

Comment posted by denise ippolito on September 7, 2010 at 10:35 PM

Ron, The monochromatic look to this is lovely. Nice sharp details and I love the pose.

Registered on December 17, 2009, 202 Posts, 1529 Comments

Comment posted by David Haynes on September 7, 2010 at 10:37 PM

Ron,
I actually like all the perch material in the foreground. I also like that the shrike is struggling to get a foothold. It doesn't make the image so static for me. It's got movement if that makes sense to you. The muted colors really work for me. Great sharpness and details. Love the comp. The slight head turn toward you is perfect. Great image Ron.

Registered on February 20, 2010, 110 Posts, 1511 Comments

Comment posted by Rob Drummond on September 8, 2010 at 8:09 AM

Really is a juvie, those wings are tiny. Great detail in the larger image Ron and I like the subdued colours

cheers
Rob

Registered on November 8, 2003, 617 Posts, 8267 Comments

Comment posted by Wayne Willison on September 8, 2010 at 8:51 AM

Nice head detail, Ron. Action is apparent and the bg colors compliment the subject.

Registered on April 10, 2009, 292 Posts, 3967 Comments

Comment posted by Tom Webster on September 8, 2010 at 4:59 PM

Hi ya' Ron...I love the monochrome look. I don't mind at all about the tail being partly hidden. Perches are what they are. I love the action and can feel the frustration of the young shrike. All in all, this is an excellent image.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 73 Posts, 644 Comments

Comment posted by Ákos Lumnitzer on September 8, 2010 at 6:51 PM

Super sharp, great pose and nice and monochromatic as well. Excellent work Ron I love it.

Registered on April 24, 2004, 25 Posts, 510 Comments

Comment posted by Simon Bennett on September 9, 2010 at 2:47 AM

Lovely bird and wonderful clarity, and I like the muted tones of the setting.

Registered on February 4, 2007, 350 Posts, 4614 Comments

Comment posted by Axel Hildebrandt on September 9, 2010 at 3:08 PM

I like the monochromatic feel, setting, pose and BG.

Registered on October 16, 2006, 66 Posts, 441 Comments

Comment posted by Angela McCain on September 15, 2010 at 11:00 PM

Nice freezing on this wing action. Once they move, the do so quickly. You have kept up with him well.

Registered on April 19, 2009, 367 Posts, 3589 Comments