Rufous-backed Robin

Gallery: AvianPosted January 13, 2013119 views8 comments

Rufous-backed Robin (Turdus rufopalliatus)

Place: Gilbert Water Ranch, Gilbert, AZ
Date: January 3, 2013, 4:04 pm
Equipment: Nikon D300, Nikkor AF-S 300/2.8 & TC20E III (2x), G1325, RRS BH-55, Sidekick
Exposure: Aperture priority spot metered, ISO 400, 1/200th @ f/8
Raw, PS CS3 on Mac, 53% of frame

I hadn’t planned on posting this but decided to after vieiwng Denis Plank’s Song Sparrow post.

Rufous-backed Robin is primarily a Mexican species that occurs in small numbers in the U.S. along the border. I’ve seen at least one in 14 of the 19 winters I’ve been here in AZ. This has been a good winter for them with three or four reported already from various locations. I found this bird while leaving the Water Ranch – it is the first one seen there. I caught a glimpse of the rusty back through this tangle of branches and immediately knew what it was. I got off three frames (one OOF) in this sequence and was unable to get it out in the open. A number of birders were able to see it the following day but not since.

I posted a much better shot of this species in Avian some time ago.

Honest critiques requested; all comments appreciated. Please view the larger version for critiquing.

Comments

8 comments

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on January 13, 2013 at 6:09 PM

Glad you posted this - I have never seen or even heard of this species. Catching an image at all is quite a feat - and the 2009 one you linked to is excellent.
Sandy

Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments

Comment posted by Sharon Hallowell on January 13, 2013 at 6:17 PM

I enjoyed the "secretive" view you've shared here and I agree with Sandy, the linked image is great! Sharon

Registered on November 1, 2003, 392 Posts, 4810 Comments

Comment posted by John Clulow on January 13, 2013 at 6:19 PM

I didn't read what you wrote, Richard. I'm just commentig on the image.

I decided to have a closer look at it from the thumbnails because of the lines. There were all of these straight lines of branches but within that some curved lines. So I decided to look closer; and was lucky to see your magnificent, sharp image of that little bird living there in that brush.

Great capture of the head and eye, in particular.

What it conveys to mey is how wonderful nature is in incorporating the shapes and colors of the creatures in the environment they are given to live in. This bird feels to me like it belongs there where you photographed it. It feels like it is part of its environment, now separate from it. The images conveys interconnectedness.

Registered on November 1, 2012, 155 Posts, 1079 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on January 13, 2013 at 6:39 PM

Excellent job of focusing on the eye through all the foliage, Richard. An interesting looking bird.

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

Comment posted by Roger Kirchen on January 13, 2013 at 9:16 PM

Very sharp where it needs to be. I don't know this bird and your photo conveys an excellent image of the bird and of its habitat.

Registered on March 6, 2011, 95 Posts, 847 Comments

Comment posted by S Govindarajan on January 13, 2013 at 11:36 PM

I know this species from Sibley, but that's about it. I like the habitat image you have presented. Think you did very well getting it sharp with all the distraction in front.

Registered on April 19, 2008, 115 Posts, 1921 Comments

Comment posted by Graham Brown on January 14, 2013 at 5:25 PM

I think this might be the start of a trend - what we often see but don't photograph. I'm not sure yet about this type of image but if it was a first or a rarity that would definately sway me. Graham

Registered on November 20, 2007, 275 Posts, 1365 Comments

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on January 15, 2013 at 5:42 PM

I have new found appreciation for this type of shot, thanx to you both.
I missed a kestrel in the bush/branches yesterday, but will not be afraid to post when/if it happens..
Nice clear view of the birds head/eye, a species I've never seen up here.

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