Malachite Sunbird

Gallery: AvianPosted June 16, 2011122 views8 comments

I spent an afternoon in our local nature reserve looking for a Malachite Sunbird in full breeding colors. Alas after many hours walking between the protea bushes lugging the 500mm around, this juvenile came to perch on top of a protea flower which had passed its prime. Fortunately I managed to get off two shots, lucky both of them in focus. I like the contrast of the bird going into its breeding plumage, the layered feathers and the glint in the eye.

Camera Model Canon EOS-1D Mark IV
Shooting Mode Shutter-Priority AE
Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/1600
Av( Aperture Value ) 4.5
Metering Mode Spot Metering
Exposure Compensation 0
ISO Speed 1250
Auto ISO Speed ON
Lens EF500mm f/4L IS USM
Focal Length 500.0mm
White Balance Mode Auto
AF Mode AI Servo AF

Your crits and comments as always...welcome.

Comments

8 comments

Comment posted by Jeffry Oonk on June 16, 2011 at 12:45 PM

Well done Neal. Lovely bird and nice color in the flower as well. Background is perfect for an image like this.
Personally I would have liked to see more of the flower and the bird a little less in the centre of the frame.

Registered on February 5, 2011, 21 Posts, 122 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on June 16, 2011 at 1:41 PM

Nice one, Neal. I like the scruffy look with the hints of coming glory. The perch and bg work nicely with the subject.

Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Hackley on June 16, 2011 at 10:37 PM

Very impressive, wonderful iridescent color scheme and good pose with the flower and head turn, good detail and background really adds, everything came together for you on this one, way to go. The larger image was a pleasure to view.

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

Comment posted by Ashley Vincent on June 17, 2011 at 4:22 AM

Perfectly harmonious colour scheme you have here in this one Neal, brilliant detail and what a wonderful pose :^)

Registered on March 1, 2011, 154 Posts, 2083 Comments

Comment posted by Rob Drummond on June 17, 2011 at 5:16 AM

Stunning detail and a great shot neal, despite the bird being past it's prime. I can only imagine what this would have looked like if the bird was in full plumage

cheers
Rob

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

Comment posted by David Sparks on June 17, 2011 at 9:14 AM

I like the warm colors of the perch and BG with the darker colors of the bird. Excellent pose and detail too.