by Howard Cheek
Yellow-billed Cuckoo attempting to cool off in this 100 degree + heat we're experiencing right now..
And the forecast is nothing but the same for as far as the eye can see
F/9, 1/1000th, ISO 400, 5DM2, 300mm f/2.8 + 2x ext. around noon.
Clear, sunny, and hot! Cropped for this close-up comp to 4277x2139 lines.
Comments
8 commentsHi Howard
Vary nice detail and color. Was therer any more room on the left hand side of the frame?
Peter
Nice action shot and good detail Howard. Were you in a hide at this water spot? I like the image as is, I've been trying to get a decent cuckoo shot for a month now and haven't been able to yet.
I would personally like a little more room on the top and left if it were possible. Also, with it being a clear, sunny, and hot day, I wonder if you have any images with a lower f-stop to blur the b/g a little?
Nice work as always; TFP
Greg
Greg,
I cropped a bit tighter than usual because of unwanted elements you can't see out of frame. As it is I cleaned up quite a bit.
Also, a wider aperture might've helped slightly, but the BG is simply too close to my subject in any case.
It is what it is as they say
Beautiful image, Howard. The wet plumage is giving this a very painterly feel and I really like the way the reflection comes and goes. I'd love to see one of these some day.
A very interesting image, full of activity, good colors and nice details. The reflection adds alot. Thanks for sharing.
Howard, I imagine you had some tough elements to work with (reason for the tight pano crop here)? If so, I think you did a nice job of finding a way to present this. I particularly like the outstretched wing, the wet feathers and the flared tail. Nice job under what looks like tough conditions to produce a good image.
What a great bird to have in your pond Howard, love the ruffled pose and wing and tail stretch, a beauty, especially considering mid day and sunny.
Sweet! even got the reflection in there. Ray