Ani

[Dan Walker]

Found several groups of Anis catching some rays the other day. This one posed for a few frames with wings folded and spread out.

Nikon D80, 300f4 x 1.4, 1/200 f5.6, ISO320, fill flash -1 2/3.

Dan

[Judy Lynn Malloch]

Wonderful capture with excellent detail and exposure as well as a good head turn. I find the crop a tad tight especially for the size of subject. A wonderful BG and if it had been possible to step back a little it would have decreased the steepness of this image. Like this a lot and thanks for sharing Dan.

[John Chardine]

I know these are tough birds (very shy) so congratulations on getting this. I agree with Judy Lynn- more room at the top would improve the comp. I like the BG, head angle and behaviour.

You may be interested in this thread on sunning behaviour:

http://www.birdphotographers.net/forums/showthread.php?t=14879

A well-known bird photographer associated with this site once told me that flash never works on black birds. I think this image illustrates the point nicely (without taking anything away from the image which I think is very nice). Flash just bounces off the feathers and what you get back is shine as the flash light is absorbed by the black. In my experience, a nice soft, low contrast light is best for black birds.

[Doug Rodda]

First time i have seen an Ani posted, from what I understand you were very fortunate to get this pose and BG, wish it were mine!

[Daniel Cadieux]

I would also lighten the dark spot in the BG near the bill. Are those clone marks next to the bird's right wing? Looks like you had harsh light to deal with...

[Juan Carlos Vindas]

It's so true!
You don't get to see a picture of an Ani so often, good for that!
Peter repost is very good.
Nice detail on back and face.

[Joe Senzatimore]

Great job on exposure and comp. Just a bit tight ,as mentioned.

[Sabyasachi Patra]

Peter's repost appears to be better. I agree with John regarding the flash. It is evident from the picture. Thanks John for point it out.

Interesting bird. Now I have to go for google to find out what this bird is.

[Dan Walker]

Thanks for the suggestions

Daniel, yes they are clone marks, there was a stick there. As you can see, I am not great at cloning, and didnt want to touch the dark spot by his bill for that reason. Light didnt seem harsh when I took the image, but it does look that way...

Thanks for the repost Peter

I will definatley have to go back to the origional and tweak a little different. Thanks again

Dan