Stonechat on the coast

[shane shacaluga]

This brave little stonechat let me keep taking shots as I stepped closer and closer. It was enjoying the seaside views of the straits of Gibraltar so it was not going to let me spoil its afternoon

I was hoping it would take off and I would get a nice in flight shot but as usual with these small birds, i got a very nice shot of an empty perch

D800e at 500mm
f6.7
1/2000
ISO 800
Handheld

Wasnt sure if i should have gone for the vertical or horizontal pose but the horizontal one had too much empty space IMO

Comments and critiques welcome

[Randy Stout]

Shane:

I like the colors here, the nice pose. I would consider toning down the bright white spots on the perch.

Agree about the choice of vertical comp.

Cheers

Randy

[William Dickson]

Nice one Shane, I was photographing them recently aswell

[Satish Ranadive]

Excellent image.Very nice pose, HA, beautiful colors,details and wonderful BG.
I like the vertical composition. Love the way it pops up on lovely blues.

Regards,
Satish.

[Mike Poole]

Great bird shot is very good light, you've made a nice job of this one. Personally I'd like to see just a little more negative space on the left of the frame

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Shane, love the browns of the stonechat against the blue sea BG. Excellent detail on the plumage, sharp, and you have captured a great angled pose. The vertical comp does work, but on a personal way, I would come in from the left to create more of a vertical.

[shane shacaluga]

Thanks a lot for all your feedback and comments!

[Craig Brelsford]

Nice bird, nice shot, and a nice place to live. I've birded Gibraltar and Andalusia and envy anyone who gets to live and photograph there.

[shane shacaluga]

Thanks Craig, it is indeed a privilege to live in this area, especially during raptor migration in Spring and Fall, and the flying fish season July/August.

Now i just need better photography skills :D

[Craig Brelsford]

. . . Now i just need better photography skills :D

If this stonechat is any indication, then you're getting there.

I remember standing on the porch of the Gibraltar birding center and watching hawks fly in. Africa loomed in the BG. You indeed are privileged.

[shane shacaluga]

Thanks, i spent some time there this spring. Need to process quite a few shots yet. Will post them over the next month or so