Magpie Shrike

[Morkel Erasmus]

Our trip to Kruger in December 2009 was characterized by overcast weather and summer rains...I was still very happy to get this magpie shrike returning to the perch it had dove from a few seconds earlier.

All feedback most welcome! I try to avoid cloning these days, but nipped the tail slightly and decided to patch out the bottom part so it looks like it's fully in :o

Techs:
Nikon D300s with Nikkor 200-400mm f4 VR @ 290mm
f4.0 @ 1/1000 SS @ ISO-400
Exp +1.0
Cropped away about 40% from landscape format

[Ignacio Yufera]

I LOVE these birds, could only get some testimonial pics when I was in Kruger.
Nice landing action. I find the overcast sky fits the B&W colors of the bird, although maybe you could brighten and bring up some detail in the breast area. Since you parched up the tail, might as well add some canvas at the bottom to give it a little more room? (Not a big fan of cloning myself...)

[Arthur Morris]

Cool bird and pose and a good critique by Ignacio. Needs the room on the bottom below the tail.

[Steve Canuel]

Hard to get these all in the frame but you got him in a nice landing pose.

[Stu Bowie]

Great timing Mork. Good choice of EC, as you have brought out the underwing detail nicely.

[Morkel Erasmus]

thanks a lot guys...will try to add some space below, Artie!