Avian Tango

[Gabriela Plesea]

This image was taken in my own garden in Hluhluwe (South Africa), where I identified over time at least sixty avian species. It was sheer luck, capturing this interaction between the two Sparrows, but also lots of patience and a little of anticipation. I like to follow the most aggressive subject, since the chances are high that he or she will eventually display behaviour that is interesting (and when it comes to birds, quite amusing at times). Settings and specs:

Nikon D3S
Nikon 500mm F4
1/2500s
F8
-0,3 EV

Crits welcome and much appreciated, technical or otherwise. PS Shall I lose the frame? This image was processed some time ago, I was very fond of frames at the time...:e3 Uploaded it as it was, without re-sharpening.

[Jonathan Ashton]

I think the frame looks good. Focus and exposure are excellent, I may consider brightening the eye of the bird on the left just to give it some "life". I have a very similar set up but have not been so successful as you in getting such great action.

[gail bisson]

Very very nice. Love how the feet are placed one above the other.
I love the perch with its wonderful texture and lines.
I would dodge the bright white area in the RUC and brighten the eye of the left bird.
Well done,
Gail

[Miguel Palaviccini]

Gabriela,

While I bet some luck was involved, you were prepared for the action so definitely got to give it to you there!

Lovely interaction. The foot in the mouth is quite entertaining :)

Miguel

[Lyle Gruby]

Agree with the good points above, I'd burn down the bright spot too. Only other problem is I wish you'd posted it larger! You really nailed the focus on both! I believe luck is when preparation meets opportunity.

[jack williamson]

Congratulations, this is very good and very difficult. I have tried many times with little success. I would brighten the left bird's face, looks sharp enough and the old worn perch is great, I wish it (the perch) was a tad bit brighter. Bright spot in BG mentioned already. The frame looks fine to me.

Jack

[arash_hazeghi]

excellent interaction here nice that both are in focus. details look a bit crunchy too many, it might be because of small posting size, you can post up to 1200 pixels wide BTW.

[Satish Ranadive]

Excellent interaction captured.Nice wing positions,perch and composition.
Rest is mentioned above.

Regards,
Satish.

[stuart wanuck]

​unusual fight capture very nice

[Daniel Cadieux]

You could not have asked for better interaction than this!! I LOVE the placement of all four feet...excellent! Yes to lightening the left bird's face and to toning down the bright spot at top.

P.S. As to your question, I could do without the frame but it is not overwhelming anyhow...I would have wanted to see the image larger though!

[Gabriela Plesea]

Herewith reprocessed image taking into consideration your replies and suggestions-I have lightened the left bird's face and toned down the distracting white spot at the top. I also lost the frame and resized the image. Hope this meets your expectations, I am certainly pleased with the result:S3:. You have made me look at my photographs with a more critical eye, I am beginning to see things I hadn't noticed before-I truly appreciate your time and help-thank you everyone!

Kind regards

Gabriela

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Gabriela, your repost certainly takes your image to another level. Great interaction between the two sparrows, and well timed to capture the moment. Love the 'holding hands' and an interesting perch.

Great to see another South African on the site - although from shark country. :w3

[Robert Holguin]

Superb shot!!!!
Excellent timing, nice details, great comp, and the repost looks good.
Very well done.

[Cheryl Arena Molennor]

( You have made me look at my photographs with a more critical eye, I am beginning to see things I hadn't noticed before-I truly appreciate your time and help-thank you everyone!)

Kind regards

Gabriela[/QUOTE]

That's why I love BPN. We can all become so much better at what we do if we can keep open to suggestions. This is a great image with fun interaction and a neat perch. I love the foot positioning.

[christopher galeski]

Gabriela,the repost is the one,great action shot.well done.

[arash_hazeghi]

the repost is excellent Gabriella!