Ring-necked Pheasant (Juvenile)

[Geoffrey Montagu]

I've been having great luck with encounters of friendly Ring-necked Pheasant families out in the open at a local grassland preserve. I had gone there the other day still looking for, again recently sighted Blue Grosbeak, with no luck. As I was about to head out an Indigo Bunting called out just behind me. He was not perched for long, but as I moved up the path I saw a family of at least seven youngsters and Mom dining together. They let me slowly walk along behind them at times within fifteen feet away. Was also treated to a White-tailed deer buck crossing the path not far from me. Captured this image in early evening. C&C welcome.

D500, Sigma 150-600mm C @ 600mm, 1/640s, f/6.3, HH, ISO 1600.


Geoffrey




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[Brian Sump]

Geoffrey, this was a nice treat for you. It's frustrating sometimes hunting one thing and coming up empty but at least you got a cool encounter and a nice frame!

You did pretty well to expose this one despite it being a little backlit and you controlled motion blur well considering a 1/640 SS. Nice job.

Love the vegetation here and the longer grasses under and behind help frame the Pheasant. Maybe pushing the cropping limit at the top a hair for my taste, but heck I'd take it as is too.

TFS!

PS - I have had good luck with audio lately on the small songbirds. Do you use it?

[Bill Dix]

A great encounter, and nice look at this juvie with his walking pose. You handled the backlighting well. I wonder if using Curves to lift the mid-tones might help?

[David Roach]

Sounds like a wonderful day. Love the EXP, rim light and slight motion in the foot. Intimate POV puts it over the top IMHO. TFS

[Geoffrey Montagu]

Thanks Brian, Bill, and David. Brian, on occasion, and Bill thanks for the suggestion.


Geoffrey




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[John Mack]

Neat to see this juvenile. Sounds like a treat to photograph the family. Nice and sharp with good detail.

[Geoffrey Montagu]

Thanks John.


Geoffrey




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