Lincoln's Sparrow

Gallery: AvianPosted May 2, 201189 views10 comments

Lincoln's Sparrow (Melospiza lincolnii)

Place: Gilbert Water Ranch, AZ
Date: January 28, 2011
Equipment: Nikon D200, Nikkor AF-S 300/2.8 & TC20E (2x), G1325, RRS BH-55, Sidekick
Exposure: Aperture priority matrix metered, ISO 400, 1/500th @ f/8
Raw, PS CS3 on Mac G4, 78% of frame cropped for balance and composition

Typically a secretive species, this bird came out to feed nearby while I sat in the open working ducks and waders. I immediatlely swung the camera to the side and shot as it moved into a clearer position. Until, that is, a bozo walked up behind me and wanted to expound upon the finer points of separating Eurasian Collared Dove from Ringed Turtle Dove oblivious to the sparrow and my desire to get a good shot. I had to settle for this.

Yes, the "noodle" behind the head is unfortunate. No, I don't want to clone it out.

Honest critiques requested; all comments appreciated.

Comments

10 comments

Comment posted by Doug Gilham on May 2, 2011 at 7:08 PM

Between bozo's and noodles I'd say you did a pretty good job Richard. The sparrow is nice and sharp, and a good low angle. As for the BG, maybe a selective highlights adjustment to bring the brightness down just a tad would be my only suggestion. Still a good looking shot as is.

Registered on September 20, 2009, 77 Posts, 489 Comments

Comment posted by Cheryl Molennor on May 2, 2011 at 9:39 PM

Fareekin Bozos everytime i tell ya! I like the comp and detail you got. Stupid noodle would be a pain go clone out any way

Registered on June 30, 2009, 300 Posts, 5051 Comments

Comment posted by Brian Gatlin on May 2, 2011 at 10:18 PM

Lincoln's is one of my very favorite sparrows, Rich, I love the crisp patterns and subtle but rich colors. nice light and perch. the noodle's not ideal I guess, but it's really not a big deal for me. I'd be happy to have taken this, and would love to get one of these guys in my portfolio.

A shame about the doofus... these guys don't come out for clean views for very long...(edit: the sparrows that is, the doofuses linger forever!)

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

Comment posted by KC Choo on May 3, 2011 at 12:28 AM

Well, this is how I see them here, too - noodles and all! And, if you don't want to clone out the noodle then perhaps the "other"?

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

Comment posted by Charlie VanTassel on May 3, 2011 at 12:45 AM

Ya' got get up real early to avoid most bozos in such a popular park. Still, I'd take this photo, and I'd call it a keeper as is. At least until your next chance comes along.

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

Comment posted by Rob Drummond on May 3, 2011 at 8:04 AM

Really like the setting Richard. Nice light and detail

cheers
Rob

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

Comment posted by Jim Hackley on May 3, 2011 at 1:31 PM

I do not believe I have ever seen one of these but a fine shot as is. The noodle part does not bother me, just part of the background, my eyes went right for the detail of the sparrow, nice job in getting this.

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

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on May 4, 2011 at 6:41 AM

LP looks sharp, natural colors and nice light Richard. Great POV and bit of catch-light too.
I've seen the Lincolns this Spring, but never got close enough - Very secretive as you say.
Great job on this "Noodle" head

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

Comment posted by May Haga on May 4, 2011 at 9:15 AM

Very nice Richard. I love these little guys.
May

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

Comment posted by Bryan Hix on May 4, 2011 at 11:25 PM

I really like this. It's a great little sparrow species. Minor suggestions I have are lighten the iris a bit, sharpen a little more around the eye area, and clone out that little twig down on the lower back area (the noodle on the head stays). Nice job!

Registered on June 13, 2008, 117 Posts, 755 Comments