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Thread: Nest Building

  1. #1
    Lifetime Member Stu Bowie's Avatar
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    Default Nest Building

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    This weaver was leaving his nest every few minutes to fetch grass, and returning to carry on building. As it was virtually impossible to track him going about his business, I focussed on the nest, and when I saw him returning, I would fire a few bursts and hoped to capture him, as he flew into the frame. I was also leaning over a wooden fence as tall as me, and shooting downwards. Taken early morning in the Pilanesberg National Park at the end of January. I realise his head is slightly in shade. The BG is water and grasses.

    Canon 50D
    100-400 @ 400mm
    1/2000
    F/7.1
    ISO 640

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    Hand held
    Last edited by Stu Bowie; 07-25-2012 at 12:18 AM.

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    Hi Stuart

    This is a pretty cool image... Like the claws about to latch on, pity about the head lighting but no choice there. Looks like the bird has spotted you right at the point where he is about to land, lets hope the landing was uneventful.. Well done..

    DON

  3. #3
    Ken Watkins
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    Stuart,

    Yet another remarkable capture of the moment, personally the head being shaded does not bother me at all. Lets hope his lady appreciates all his effort

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    Forum Participant christopher galeski's Avatar
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    nice one Stuart,like the action,the shade is what it is,does not bother me.well done.

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    Well timed and very interesting nest, didn't realize the weavers were this attractive, lovely red eye, wonderful backdrop too, very smooth, excellent behavioral shot Stuart

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    Lifetime Member gail bisson's Avatar
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    I love the BG colors and the composition.
    I have to be honest and say that I wish the head was not in shade.
    Nice fresh, green nest and love the talons ready to grab onto the nest.
    Gail

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    Marvelous image. Wonderful action captured.I like the nice side lights.
    Loved the pose,colors, open beak and beautiful red eye.
    Regards,
    Satish.

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    Lifetime Member Rachel Hollander's Avatar
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    Stuart - I really like the comp with the inclusion of the whole nest. Great colors and IQ. Although it would be better if the head wasn't in the shade, not much you could do under the circumstances and still a wonderful image.

    TFS,
    Rachel

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    Stuart, the only thing I would do is to open up the blacks in the head. It's a great action shot, is there any time of day when you can work this with a different light angle?

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    No matter the head in the shade : who cares? this is a great action shot : nice light and BG! Very well done!

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    Lifetime Member Stu Bowie's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Grace Scalzo View Post
    is there any time of day when you can work this with a different light angle?
    Thanks Grace. The morning light at this location comes from the right, as can be depicted in the image. As the day moves on, the sun moves left, and would then be infront of the nest. In an ideal world, it would be better to ask the weaver to approach more to the right, or time it better before the head is in the shade.

    Thanks to everyone else for your comments and feedback.

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    Thanks for the explanation, Stuart. No matter much about the head, it's surely a great image.

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    I like this one a lot...Hope for one of these some day too. Nice one mate!

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    Excellent image Stuart! I like the composition, IQ, details and complimentary BG.

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    Superb shot, Stuart. loved the details in the nest. Very good call on the f-stop as you were focussing on the nest. I'd have preferred seeing some more above and a tad crop from bottom.

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    Great image Stuart - very unique. Amazing what those birds can do. In post I might lighten up the face but that's more of a personal preference.

    Pete

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    A great dynamic image, congratulations, Stuart.

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    just amazing action captured here loved the catch light in the eye and the nest

  19. #19
    Lifetime Member Stu Bowie's Avatar
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    Thanks a stack for the kind words everyone.

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