Band-tailed Pigeon

Gallery: AvianPosted February 20, 2016163 views11 comments

We get a flock of 50 or so of these hanging around during late spring/early summer, then they disappear. I suspect they're pairing off when they're around here then dissipate to raise their young, but I don't know for sure. They're heavy enough that they can cause some damage to young trees, but I still like them. I ran across this one looking for images for the weekly challenge.

1D4, 500mm f4 ISL + 2.0 TC, Jobu gimbal on RRS legs, f/8, 1/200, iso 640, aperture priority, pattern metering, -1/3 EV. Processed in LR5 & CS6. Full frame. Taken at 5:07 AM on June 29th, 2014.

I always appreciate your comments and criticisms.

Thanks,

Comments

11 comments

Comment posted by David Rowe on February 21, 2016 at 4:11 AM

Hi Dennis
This is a beautiful take with so many plus points. I’m struck by the sharp detail in the eye and surrounding facial region, wing feathers and feet. The colours of the bill and feet are remarkably identical, making a striking contrast with that well managed background. Motion blur of the right foot imparts a sense of strutting forward, so typical of that bird and other related species. I’m a firm believer that Adobe’s clone stamp is a great tool when used appropriately – I’d use it to get rid of the white spots and region (bird poo?) directly below the end of the bird’s tail. I feel the end of the tail could benefit from contrast with that lovely BG. Decrease the height of the bough directly below the tail and compensate by adding some thickness (without compromising your logo) to the lower edge. Cheers!
David

Registered on December 20, 2013, 133 Posts, 286 Comments

Comment posted by Jerry Austin on February 21, 2016 at 9:23 AM

No nits from me. A really superb image.

Registered on January 6, 2012, 651 Posts, 3448 Comments

Comment posted by Hans Overduin on February 21, 2016 at 11:57 AM

Doves & Pigeons often lack the credits they deserve: often very nice creatures with amazing colors. Excellent image, showing the colors of the feet and bill very nicely. Great job, Mr Plank enlightened

, cheers, Hans

Registered on August 31, 2011, 491 Posts, 3807 Comments

Comment posted by David Schoen on February 21, 2016 at 1:15 PM

Very nicely done image Dennis. Sharp for it needs to be. Great background and perch. I might like another centimeter of space around the bird. You got very close to this one. As with other images of birds, getting very close really makes a huge difference.

Registered on November 6, 2006, 1213 Posts, 4587 Comments

Comment posted by Steve Thompson on February 21, 2016 at 4:59 PM

Great job on this Dennis. I love how the green background makes the yellow beak and feet pop. Nice peach too. The detail in the pigeon looks sharp. devil

Registered on August 7, 2014, 125 Posts, 2319 Comments

Comment posted by May Haga on February 22, 2016 at 6:32 PM

Cool bird beautifully captured. I like the perch. The bird stands out nicely against the dark background.
May

Registered on February 22, 2007, 714 Posts, 8470 Comments

Comment posted by David Bogener on February 24, 2016 at 12:27 PM

Excellent image. I like the perch, soft light and the implied motion of the raised foot. These guys are locally common, but I have had real difficulty getting an eye level image, Thanks for the inspiration.

Registered on October 30, 2013, 417 Posts, 1255 Comments

Comment posted by Nate Chappell on February 26, 2016 at 8:03 PM

Beautiful image Dennis, one of the better shots I have seen of this species, love the raised foot. devil

Registered on February 1, 2006, 1158 Posts, 19528 Comments

Comment posted by Elizabeth Holbrook on February 27, 2016 at 3:08 PM

Congratulations. Very nice picture. Looks like s/he is taking a stroll across the limb.

Registered on May 6, 2015, 43 Posts, 221 Comments

Comment posted by Allen Brooks on February 28, 2016 at 10:44 AM

Dennis,
Congratulations on your weekly pick. Great detail and lighting. The pigeon really pops against the background.

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

Comment posted by Richard Ditch on March 1, 2016 at 3:24 PM

Sweet shot. I love the background, detail, and light.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 1031 Posts, 12705 Comments