Laughing Kookaburra in nest hole

[Ian Wilson]

This is the largest kingfisher species in Australia. It is common in eastern Australia and has an unforgettable laughing call. A pair has nested in an old eucalyptus tree in my garden for the past three years. The nest hole, about 6 m up, faces west and is in direct sunlight late in the day enabling one to focus on the bird sitting inside. I hope to show a shot of the chicks sometime in the near future.

Canon 5DIII + 600 mm f/4L II + 1.4x III extender, 600EX-RT flash with Better Beamer, Gitzo 3532LS tripod, Kirkphoto King Cobra gimbal, Kirkphoto flash bracket, RS-80N3 shutter release.

Manual, spot AF, partial metering, f/11, 1/200 sec, ISO 125, fill-flash.

Processed with DPP4 and PS Elements.

Thanks for looking, critical feedback welcome.

Ian

[Jim Crosswell]

I like the details, sharpness, flash work, DOF, exposure and the way the bird is framed by the tree which has great texture and character. A very interesting and excellent image Ian! I am curious on how did you get level with the nest site?

[Ian Wilson]

I like the details, sharpness, flash work, DOF, exposure and the way the bird is framed by the tree which has great texture and character. A very interesting and excellent image Ian! I am curious on how did you get level with the nest site?

Thanks Jim. The nest site is in a tree on a slope and I shoot off a fully extended tripod (long series). I am unable to get as high as I would really like but I think just enough. It helps to have a long lens shooting from a range of about 15 m which gives the impression of a higher POV than it looks with the naked eye. Regards, Ian

[William Dickson]

Beautiful image, fantastic detail, your effort in capturing this image has paid of really well. Well done Ian and thanks for sharing this.

[Jonathan Ashton]

Interesting shot Ian, the exposure and focus look spot on to me. The fill in flash has worked very well indeed.

[Robert Kimbrell]

I like your style Ian. I am not sure If I have ever shot a bird this tight. But you made it work. A very pleasing image.

[Daniel Cadieux]

How neat! Very intimate look at the nest hole. Sharp details, and love the overall earthy tones. Did you darken the brighter part of the reflection in the eye?

[Ian Wilson]

How neat! Very intimate look at the nest hole. Sharp details, and love the overall earthy tones. Did you darken the brighter part of the reflection in the eye?

Thanks Daniel. Yes, I darkened the eye reflection, removed a flash highlight and darkened the pupil. The iris is as originally exposed. Regards, Ian

[John Cooper]

Hi Ian, rather a unique presentation of the kookaburra - great detail in both subject and nest hollow.

[mohammad reza shahab]

Hi lan,
I like the sharp details and bird look.

[Ian Wilson]

Thanks everyone for your interest and helpful comments. Regards, Ian