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Thread: Buffalo Doctor (Redbilled Oxpecker)

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    Story Sequences Moderator and Wildlife Moderator Gabriela Plesea's Avatar
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    Default Buffalo Doctor (Redbilled Oxpecker)

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    Image taken in the Hluhluwe/Umfolozi Game Reserve, few minutes away from my home (November 2012). Image looking a bit too colourful perhaps, but this is how things were. I am willing to meet any suggestions/critique with the appropriate changes. Could not extract more detail from the bird, despite all efforts...

    Nikon D3S
    Nikon 300mm F2.8
    1/800s
    F6.3

    Kind regards,
    Gabriela Plesea

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    Well I was aware of the fact that Oxpeckers feed on parasites which infest large mammals. What I didn't know was there are two distinct varieties of this bird, Yellow billed and, as seen here, Red billed. Considering how close you must have had to get to the Buffalo take this shot with a 300mm lens, I think you've done well. You needed to show the animals hide as well as the bird so, for me, this works well.

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    Lifetime Member gail bisson's Avatar
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    I love oxpeckers! Such a helpful bird and although plain looking, their "bling" (eyes and bill) adds pop where needed!
    The bird looks fine with lots of detail.
    I would tone down the highlight on the bill by either burning it or cloning red back in.
    If this is not a big crop and the IQ can stand it,I would also take some of the top as I find there is a bit too much negative space there and balance it off by taking some off the LHS ( to the green blade of grass) and a sliver off the RHS.
    I would also tone down the bright blade of grass in the hairs on the left.
    a few tweaks would really improve a very nice image,
    Gail

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    Lifetime Member David Salem's Avatar
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    Good looking shot of this bird doing what it dose best. I like the detail of the buffalo's back and the texture of its skin. The bird looks nice and sharp and has beautiful colors on the face. I agree with Gail about cropping from the top. Well done

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  8. #5
    Story Sequences Moderator and Wildlife Moderator Gabriela Plesea's Avatar
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    Default Oxpecker new crop

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    Thank you all for your kind comments and suggestions, herewith a new crop as per your advice. Afraid to crop too much because loss of IQ

    Kind regards,
    Gabriela Plesea

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    This fabulous image with beautiful colors. I like the details and colors of eye and eye.Very nice suggestions by Gail.
    Love the frame.

    Regards,
    Satish.

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