Yellow-billed cuckoo

[Sidharth Kodikal]

From a couple weeks ago. Too bad about the shadows, but still happy to get my first of this cool species.
They usually skulk in the bushes so it was nice of this guy to come down to my setup and pose for me.

Minor perch cleanup in post.

1D4, 600mm
1/1600, f8, ISO 640, full frame.
Hide, tripod, setup perch

All input appreciated.
Thanks.

[Arthur Morris]

Spectacular bird and sharpness. Losing the shadows would be easy. Where???

Love those leggings!

[Karl Egressy]

Killer image of this species, Sid.

[Sidharth Kodikal]

Thank you Artie, Karl.

Spectacular bird and sharpness. Losing the shadows would be easy. Where???
Love those leggings!

Galveston, TX. I went there a couple weeks ago hoping to catch migrant warblers, but guess I was late by a week or two.
I think I could hack the shadows on the perch (left and just below the breast), but the shadows on the bird bugged me too, and I'm not sure how to PP that out.
I had a flash with BB mounted but decided not to turn it on. This bird had showed up after hours of waiting, and I didn't want to blow it :)

[Juan Carlos Vindas]

Very nice one.
That is a very cool bird, I first saw it a couple of years ago. As mentioned by Arthie, fixing the shadows is not a major problem. TFS

[Ian Wilson]

Very nice, with or without shadows. Impressive work. Congratulations. Cheers, Ian

[christopher galeski]

I agree,shadows or not,nice image.

[Andy Shepherd]

Sweet image, Sid. I agree re your take on the shadows, the one on the left really draws my eye, but as already mentioned it's easily sorted.

[gail bisson]

A nice image Sid.
The light was bit harsh but still a great shot of this cuckoo. You have shown the legs really well. Looks like an eagle's pantaloons.
Gail

[Grace Scalzo]

So unusual. Great view of this beautiful bird. The shadows on the bird don't bother me at all, the ones on the perch could go. Nicely done.

[Binu John]

Beautiful shot, Sid! Love the exposure, details, background and perch! Well done!

[David Salem]

Very sweet looking shot Sid. I like the pose and the setting very much. Nice feather detail too. You are like me when it comes to shadows, you dont like seeing them at all. Looks great none the less.

[Sidharth Kodikal]

Thank you all. Appreciate the comments. I'll evict the perch shadows.

[Satish Ranadive]

Magnificent image of beautiful bird, Sidharth.

Regards,
Satish.

[Richard Flack]

Lovely image Sid! TFS