European Starling

Gallery: AvianPosted March 27, 201194 views12 comments

European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)

Place: Gilbert Water Ranch, AZ
Date: March 23, 2011
Equipment: Nikon D200, Nikkor 300/2.8 AF-S & TC20E (2x), G1325, RRS BH-55, sidekick
Exposure: ISO 400, aperture priority matrix meter, 1/250th @ f/9
Raw, PS CS3 on Mac76% of full frame

Although I have no love for this introduced species, I do like the graphics and colors of this composition. The twisted branches are an essential part of the composition for me, but perhaps not to everyone else's tastes.

Honest critiques requested; all comments appreciated.

Comments

12 comments

Comment posted by Ron Bielefeld on March 27, 2011 at 4:02 PM

I really like the comp Rich. The early or late light is great and I do like the branches. The fall plumage of this species is very attractive IMO. Well done.

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

Comment posted by Carol Hyman on March 27, 2011 at 4:22 PM

Richard, The Starlings are rather like the dratted Grackles. I thought I left them behind me in Texas. ARGH!
What really makes this image, aside from the detail, is the partially open bill.
May not be a beloved species but great capture.

Cheers,

Carol

Registered on January 18, 2007, 597 Posts, 8062 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Marquart on March 27, 2011 at 4:53 PM

Nice image Rich. nice exposure.

Registered on October 24, 2009, 126 Posts, 799 Comments

Comment posted by Wayne Willison on March 27, 2011 at 5:32 PM

Up close these birds are colorful if not a nuisance. I really like the upturned head pose and agree with you about the branch comp.

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

Comment posted by Matt Shellenberg on March 27, 2011 at 7:52 PM

They are beautiful with the new brightly tipped plumage, Richard. Nice image showing off the iridescent greens and purples and the fresh plumage. I like the branches as well, but I am wishing the starling was a bit less centered.

Registered on February 6, 2008, 168 Posts, 3118 Comments

Comment posted by Charlie VanTassel on March 27, 2011 at 10:09 PM

I like the color and texture of this bird, even as they are trying to nest in the tiles of my roof these days

. Like an avian weed, this is just a bird out of place. Perhaps we can ship them all home some day. A simple and effective composition.

Registered on October 18, 2006, 644 Posts, 4801 Comments

Comment posted by Simon Bennett on March 28, 2011 at 2:49 AM

A fine image show the plumage detail and iridesence very well. Might work as a vertical crop too.

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

Comment posted by Rob Drummond on March 28, 2011 at 7:41 AM

Ditto Richard. I was watching/listening to a pair singing from the power lines this morning as I went to get the paper and the combination of early light and their wonderful mimicry made me almost like them; but then I got better. Love your comp.

cheers
Rob

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

Comment posted by May Haga on March 28, 2011 at 3:00 PM

Although not everyone's favorite bird I love their colorful plumage. Excellent composition.
May

Registered on February 22, 2007, 714 Posts, 8470 Comments

Comment posted by Rick Cloran on March 28, 2011 at 4:46 PM

Nice capture. The branches don't move me one way or another, so I guess I'm neutral on having them in. The wing position makes me think it may be about to or just have been singing. Great detail in the larger version.

Registered on April 6, 2004, 119 Posts, 1989 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Hackley on March 28, 2011 at 5:08 PM

I have just started to notice these birds around the UA campus and in the right light they can be quite colorful. I like the way the branches cross the frame. The shine on the starling showing those subtle colors well and really adds to the image for me. Wonderful comp in good light, way to go.

Registered on September 17, 2009, 302 Posts, 5535 Comments

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on April 1, 2011 at 7:44 PM

I agree, the graphic lines and clean comp work well for this.
Like the birds pose with it looking upward, great light & details..BG blue looks very good as well.
Have a great weekend Richard

Registered on July 24, 2008, 1201 Posts, 10758 Comments