The secretive African Rail - blur or no blur... that is the question

[Richard Flack]

African Rail - Rallus caerulescens
Inspired by Bill's images of the King Rail, I decided to spend some time at one of my local wetland patches with the primary aim of tracking down our own rail species.
Winter is an awesome time to visit Marievale Bird Sanctuary. The dry conditions and relatively low water levels, give you the opportunity to see the shyer, more secretive, wetland species. Despite very overcast conditions (as you can see by my camera settings), I was still very happy to get this close up of a beautiful african rail.
Little bummed that the beak is a bit out of focus, but given the conditions and the nature of the bird, I was still pretty chuffed with the result.
All comments and criticisms are welcome. Am also interested to hear whether my attempt at lens blurring the background was effective or whether you still prefer the "non lens blurred" image?

Location: Marievale Bird Sanctuary, Nigel
Date taken: 09 August 2014
Photo details:
ISO 1250
Shutter speed 1/800
F stop 3.2
Exposure bias +0.3

[Richard Flack]

The cropped original (below) has only been sharpened for web.
In terms of the above image, I also applied a lens blur to the background. Look forward to your comments.

[Marina Scarr]

Image #1 works better for me. You've done a great job of making the rail stand out before a distracting BG. Lovely details, nice muted light and pose. For some reason #1 immediately worked better for me maybe b/c little stump #2 behind the bird is blurred in that one.

[Geoffrey Montagu]

Fine looking variety of our US King Rail, Richard. Like the detail and soft light. Blurring the BG is excellent in the OP, separating the bird beautifully. IMO I would tone down the diagonal reed above the bird, and the foreground leaves a small amount. Lovely as is too.




Geoffrey

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Rich, love the light and IQ in this, and you certainly nailed the sharpness too. No amount of blurring ( without making it un-natural ) is going to rid you of the lines of the BG foliage, so your OP works well with regards to working on the BG.

Was this from the Hadeda hide, and how many togs are pitching up there these days?

[Richard Flack]

Thanks so much for the comments Marina, Geoffrey and Stu! Appreciate it!
Stu, I don't spend much time at the Hadada Hide. I find that it does not allow for a low perspective and can get a bit overcrowded. I have been to Marievale for a few years now and have found a couple of good places to look for rails and flufftails, which allow for a different perspective. This particular photograph was taken on the way to the flamingo hide (good place for rails when the water level is low)... I have a feeling they have a nest nearby as he or she came back on three occasions.

[Stu Bowie]

Thanks for the feedback Rich. Yep, the Hadeda hide is very small.

[Thinus Schoeman]

Hi Richard, I don't have much more to add than what have already been said, but the exposure and sharpness is spot on for me. Lovely detail on the bird. I will have to get to Marievale myself very soon.
Regards
Thinus

[Bill Dix]

Hi Richard. A fine looking Rail. The OP works nicely for me. Lovely colors and nicely sharpened. You could perhaps use the sharpening tool selectively on the tip of the bill, and perhaps tone down the brightness in the BG with some curves adjustment, but a very nice image as posted.

[christopher galeski]

nice image,like the first one best,the birds sharp with good detail,nice pose,agree on toning down the BG.

[Richard Flack]

Thanks so much for all the comments! Appreciate it!