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Sounds Like a Bird
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Sounds Like a Bird

by Howard Cheek

Gallery: Macro & Close-upPosted May 14, 2012536 views18 comments
I've been working one very large thistle patch each morning, some as high as six feet. It's "humming" with activity right now.
I shot a small Clear-Winged Moth inflight today as well.
The Sphinx Moth (seen here) lets ya know when it's near, it has almost the same sound/pitch as an actual hummingbird.
Prints in both 4:5 & 2:3 formats.
F/11, 1/1600th, ISO 640, 1D M3, Sigma 150mm f/2.8 + Kenko 1.4x ext and fill. Monopod for support.

Comments

18 comments
Comment posted by Miro Susta on May 14, 2012 at 9:47 AM
Excellent details - perfect light. I'm not quite sure about the blured distle in BG, but I like this image. Well done Howard. :toast:
Registered on August 18, 2006, 719 Posts, 3736 Comments
Comment posted by Rick Turner on May 14, 2012 at 10:42 AM
Nature at work in its beauty. Well done Howard..
Registered on February 18, 2012, 534 Posts, 2755 Comments
Comment posted by Carolyn Derstine on May 14, 2012 at 11:54 AM
What a fine capture of this moth, not only in flight, but also sipping nectar! I like the way his eye seems to be keeping an eye on you. Great details on the main thistle and the head of the moth. I wish the pink blob could have been out from behind the moth, but you get what you can with nature. :smile:
Registered on February 16, 2011, 610 Posts, 3684 Comments
Comment posted by Chris Grabski on May 14, 2012 at 2:25 PM
A beautiful fraction of nature to admire.
Registered on April 29, 2011, 122 Posts, 431 Comments
Comment posted by Bill Caldwell on May 14, 2012 at 5:21 PM
Wow, what a great capture-looks like a real monster of a moth!
Registered on October 10, 2011, 62 Posts, 508 Comments
Comment posted by scott lanz on May 14, 2012 at 7:08 PM
The Sphinx Moth is remarkable to see, let alone photograph, let alone photograph as well as this. Superb action and insect behavior. :toast:
Registered on November 14, 2003, 840 Posts, 12902 Comments
Comment posted by Ray Whitt on May 14, 2012 at 9:30 PM
Incredible Howard, excellent shot!

Ray
Registered on May 27, 2011, 92 Posts, 2619 Comments
Comment posted by Gary Yeoh on May 14, 2012 at 10:13 PM
Howard:
Really good action shot and I like it a lot. :toast: :toast: The only minor tweak I might consider is to dim the highlight of the OOF thistle in the LLC as it draws the eye a little.

I have been trying to nail one of this in flight for last last 2 years without success yet. Saw one resting on the leaf on Sunday morning but when I was getting ready to shoot, a jogger ran past and scared the fellow away.
Registered on September 1, 2009, 588 Posts, 8184 Comments
Comment posted by Albert Darmo on May 14, 2012 at 10:48 PM
Hi Howard :wavey: Another fine in flight capture :eek : great color and detail, sipping nector is icing on the cake
Albert Darmo :toast:
Registered on November 25, 2008, 1386 Posts, 11978 Comments
Comment posted by John Tobias on May 15, 2012 at 12:51 PM
Howard, nicely done!! Looking forward to seeing the Clear-winged moth photo next! Thanks for sharing.
Registered on September 12, 2009, 2120 Posts, 6455 Comments
Comment posted by Fabio Giarrizzo on May 15, 2012 at 2:50 PM
Fantastic capture, Howard- Catching an Hyles hawkmoth in flight and getting it in focus with fine sharpness is a very difficult task indeed- The OOF thistle doesn't bother me at all- My congrats, Fabio
Registered on December 3, 2010, 90 Posts, 1614 Comments
Comment posted by Daniel & Loana on May 15, 2012 at 4:41 PM
Another great shot, Howard. Nice colours and perfect timing!

D&L
Registered on October 7, 2008, 166 Posts, 3044 Comments
Comment posted by Roger Leekam on May 16, 2012 at 8:52 AM
Howard, this is a brilliant shot! I have seen only one of these in my entire life & my image isn't nearly as good. I especailly like the proboscis.
Registered on May 28, 2009, 83 Posts, 646 Comments
Comment posted by Howard Cheek on May 19, 2012 at 2:34 PM
Recomposed to a 4:5 frame.
Registered on July 24, 2008, 1201 Posts, 10758 Comments
Comment posted by scott lanz on May 20, 2012 at 8:37 AM
Howard, I like the repost a lot. I think it's a definite improvement to an already excellent image. :toast:
Registered on November 14, 2003, 840 Posts, 12902 Comments
Comment posted by Catherine Reilly on May 23, 2012 at 2:59 PM
From the thumbnail I thought it was a bird! Great shot, Howard! Congrats on the Pick!
Registered on August 16, 2006, 603 Posts, 9192 Comments
Comment posted by Fabio Giarrizzo on May 23, 2012 at 4:23 PM
My congrats for WP, Howard, well deserved- I prefer the composition of the former version, IMO it's better balanced than the 4:5 frame - Ciao, Fabio
Registered on December 3, 2010, 90 Posts, 1614 Comments
Comment posted by Albert Darmo on May 26, 2012 at 10:26 PM
Hi Howard :wavey: Congrats on winning the WP..... well deserved :toast: :toast: :toast: :toast: :toast:
Albert Darmo
Registered on November 25, 2008, 1386 Posts, 11978 Comments