Red eyed Dove

[Stu Bowie]

I visited the Pilanesberg National Park on sunday hoping to come away with some kingfisher shots, but although they were around and about, they didnt perch anywhere close to the hide. I did manage a few shots of this Red eyed Dove posed against the distant mountain in early morning light. I realise we cant see the feet.

Canon 1D Mark IV
Canon 300 F/2.8 +2X TC = 600mm
1/2500
F/6.3
ISO 800

[Tobie Schalkwyk]

I turn away shots of these birds too easily because they're so common in SA, but let's face it - they're beautiful. This one's raised feathers indicate a nice relaxed state. I like everything about it - the sharpness, the crop, the BG. Well done!

[gail bisson]

This is lovely Stuart. The soft light is what makes this image for me. The ruffled feathers are superbly detailed and I love the BG colors that are softly mottled.
A common bird that looks beautiful in your image.
Gail

[keith mitchell]

Stuart I like to see images of relaxed birds, this one certainly fits the bill, the BG colours almost picks out the colour of the birds breast feathers, it's lovely very well done.

Cheers Keith.

[John Robinson]

Love the back angled perch Stuart ! The birds pretty good too
Great stuff.
John

[Daniel Cadieux]

Very pretty dove, nice perch, and neat BG. Perfect head angle. Well processed image. I know you know that we know that we can't see the feet but I'll still mention that I wish it had perched higher to see them

[MiroslavMaric]

Like the relaxed position (feathers) on the bird and IMHO the feet are not missing. It's sharp! Well balanced light and color tone. Well done! Cheers

[Grace Scalzo]

Just beautiful….a famous wildlife photographer (wink) says "Light illuminates, shadows define" . You illustrate this perfectly as the shadows under those fluffy feathers give such dimension and detail. Love the bg too.

[Stu Bowie]

Thanks a stack for all the feedback and comments everyone. Always appreciated.

[Joseph Przybyla]

I am a little late to this party but I wanted to tell you the image is quite lovely. The soft colors of the background compliment the colors of the dove. The ruffled feathers are a bonus and add to the interest.

[adrian dancy]

All good except I wished the bird perched on the nearer part of the branch so that you would not have the near part OOF and concealing the feet.

[Satish Ranadive]

Stuart Sir,
Magnificent image of common bird with beautiful ruffled feathers showing nice details.
Love the color pallet and soft lights.

Regards,
Satish.

[christopher galeski]

very nice Stuart,love the colors and light,loverly BG,nice perch,nice pose and sharp with good detail.well done.

[Greg Oakley]

Very nice, Stuart! Your trademark detail, IQ and the BG is superb

[shane shacaluga]

Simple yet beautiful image. It has a magical feeling about it as the perch appears to be floating in the air

Wonderful IQ and BG

TFS

[David Salem]

Cant add much more to all the comments. A real beautiful frame Stuart. The detail and the BG are awesome. Well played

[Rachel Hollander]

Hi Stu - I'm very late to this but love the soft colors and the ruffled feathers. I'd say you had a successful trip even without the kingfishers cooperating.

TFS,
Rachel