Curve Billed Thrasher

[Miguel Palaviccini]

This is from a shoot a couple of days ago with Doug B. We found a nice spot with quite a bit of activity (including a pair of Cactus Wrens, a lifer for me). The Wren is still on the wishlist for a better photo, but I was quite happy with this shot of the Curve-Billed Thrasher. Couldn't have asked for better light.

Doug let me take the 5D3 and 500 II for a spin. I didn't think I'd notice the weight, but I did. The rig is lighter than my D800 + 500, and the I found the distribution to be a little easier on my left arm/shoulder. Not saying I'm switching, but it was definitely really nice to shoot handheld with that rig.

Shooting info:
Canon 5D3 | 500 f/4 II + 1.4xIII
1/640 | f/9 | ISO 800

[LinzRiverBalmer]

very very nice Miguel... Doug will hate me, but I like yours better

I adore the shape of this cactus it justs adds a lot to the image, I don't think I would change a single thing.

actually I might brighten the highlight catchlight I see in the eye.

[christopher galeski]

very nice,good BG and perch,nice pose and beautiful light.

[gail bisson]

This is lovely.
I really like the way you composed this image.
Could not ask for better light. The color palette is so appealing to me.
Perfect head angle with the beak slightly open are nice.
Well done Miguel and "The white side is whispering your name..."
Gail

[hennieloots]

Hi Miguel - Lovely light and HA. The comp really appeals to me, together with the perch and great background. TFS
Hennie

PS: Welcome to the "light" side... haha

[Karl Egressy]

Beautiful light and great perch, Miguel. The bird could go even higher.

[Girish Prahalad]

great light, perch & pose. BG & IQ are excellent.

[Satish Ranadive]

Miguel,
Absolutely superb image in beautiful lights. Very nice color scheme, colors, interesting perch and composition.
I like the placement of bird in frame and complimentary colors of BG.

Regards,
Satish.

[David Salem]

Killer capture Miguel and I think its one of your best posts! This shot has it all. Awesome light, beautiful subject, perfect HA, killer perch and a smooth complementary varied BG. It screams south west. Very nice.

[Randy Stout]

Miguel:

Very nice indeed, with superb curving perch, lots of interest without overpowering the bird.

Lovely light, pose, sharpness

I would also take a sliver off the top, perhaps 10% of the free space above the birds head.

Cheers

Randy

[Juan Carlos Vindas]

Cool species!
Very lovely warm light and sharpness on bird. I feel a bit concerned about the perch since it looks a tad painfull! ha ha ha, well may be not for the bird!

[Melissa Groo]

This is a work of art, Miguel. The curving lines of the thrasher's body and bill, juxtaposed with the curves of that wicked cactus, in that unbeatable golden light. This is fabulous.
My eye is a little confused by what is going on with the tail. Does the top of the cactus curve forward, and the tail is kind of wedged in under the curve? Or is part of that a shadow of the tail? Just curious.
Awesome image!

[Doug Brown]

Great gear------>great shot!!! Coincidence or not???

[Miguel Palaviccini]

This is a work of art, Miguel. The curving lines of the thrasher's body and bill, juxtaposed with the curves of that wicked cactus, in that unbeatable golden light. This is fabulous.
My eye is a little confused by what is going on with the tail. Does the top of the cactus curve forward, and the tail is kind of wedged in under the curve? Or is part of that a shadow of the tail? Just curious.
Awesome image!

Thanks for the compliments Melissa. The top of the cactus does indeed curve forward, and the tail is behind the cactus all-together. Part of the shadow is the front part of the cactus. Took me a bit to figure it out as well!

[Sandy Witvoet]

Wonderful color pallette and composition... Striking image!