Flicker Awakening

Gallery: AvianPosted May 1, 2012173 views12 comments

I came across this Northern flicker very early a few days ago. He seemed to be having a problem waking up and getting on with his day as he spent time on this old snag yawning, singing and taking short catnaps.

Larger version available, "Thanks for stopping!"

canon 7D
canon 600mm f4.L ISA USM
F/8 1/45 ISO 640
auto window beanbag rest, CS5, LR3, NIKs suite

Comments

12 comments

Comment posted by Verdon on May 1, 2012 at 2:32 PM

what a great shot, large version is stunning with sweet detail and background, I love the light /no light

Registered on June 10, 2011, 147 Posts, 1444 Comments

Comment posted by Allen Brooks on May 1, 2012 at 2:34 PM

The large version shows nice detail. I like the perch and background. I like the way the eye is positioned; the flicker seems to be aware of you and is checking you out.

Registered on July 27, 2011, 262 Posts, 2597 Comments

Comment posted by Keith A Anderson on May 1, 2012 at 3:33 PM

Very nice, Craig. Great detail and a terrific ocular highlight. The colors and bg are very complementary as well. I'm jealous of your experience because around here flickers are very skittish and I've never gotten such a clear, close in image as this.

Registered on February 13, 2006, 166 Posts, 1818 Comments

Comment posted by Keith A Anderson on May 1, 2012 at 3:34 PM

Registered on February 13, 2006, 166 Posts, 1818 Comments

Comment posted by Rick Turner on May 1, 2012 at 4:32 PM

Everything here is perfect. Nice capture.

Registered on February 18, 2012, 534 Posts, 2755 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on May 1, 2012 at 8:12 PM

Wow, this photo REALLY appeals to me. The dark green background is beautiful and sets the tone for the piece. The flicker does appear rather sleepy, thankfully the setting is also quiet and peaceful. I like the amount of space/habitat around the bird. Craig, what do you use the NIK suite for, the border?

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

Comment posted by David Haynes on May 1, 2012 at 11:15 PM

Craig,
Sweet image. What a great perch and such a sleepy fellow occupying it. Great colors and good sharpness. Looks like he needs another nap. Love the background and the frame. Would love how to learn how to add a frame like that.

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

Comment posted by Charles Gangas on May 2, 2012 at 12:34 AM

A very nice image Craig-love the perch and the background, and the bird is well detailed with a just enough of a head turn to make this comp work well.

Registered on August 12, 2009, 544 Posts, 2414 Comments

Comment posted by Craig Strand on May 2, 2012 at 8:30 AM

Gary, Thanks for your comment. I use the NIK suite of filters for everything, I have the version used via LR. I begin with the noise reduction filter DFine, Viveza for adjustments to lighting and ColorEfexPro has a huge assortment of filters for fixing and enhancing images. The NIK suite is very effective and very user friendly. If you haven't tried them you can view some tutorials on how different programs work at their website.
Regards, Craig