A Hairy Perch...

[Gabriela Plesea]

Hello everyone!

I happen to have so many images of Redbilled Oxpeckers, all taken recently... I cannot help but sharing another one, hope you are not bored with them.

About 20% crop and minimal processing, this frame was taken late afternoon in very sweet light. My subject is hanging on for dear life, the Buffalo he is perched upon is on the move but oh-so-many-ticks available, so our little chap is not giving up his position:)

Nikon D3S
Nikon 500mm F4
ISO 2000
F6.3
1/2000s

If you are wondering about high ISO, this is because the bird was at first trying to nibble at the buffalo's ear and that was a bit of a shady area. The buffalo kept shaking his head vigorously and suddenly my Oxpecker landed on the animal's back, I only had seconds to grab a few frames so I only worried about camera settings later:)

Thank you so much for viewing and for kind comments on my previous images, I really appreciate it.

[Steve Kaluski]

Hi Gabriela, like it, you've prompted me now, but then a Wol may see the light.

I like the fact of using a natural 'perch' and the hair of the Buffalo has that 'wiry' look & feel. Overall I personally find it a bit too 'yellow/sarurated' and almost 'choking' the colour, albeit that the late afternoon light was very rich & intense, bathing the subjects. Good call on the techs, good thinking on the SS.

TFS
Steve

[William Dickson]

Fab lighting and a beautiful image which is very pleasing to the eye. Great work

Will

[Karen Pleasant]

Sweet light, indeed! I find the image very pleasing and well composed. You retained nice feather details and I like the contrast of textures of the feathers and the hair of the buffalo. The eye and red bill really dominate the image (good thing).

I recently purchased a used D3s and am finding that it can do very well at higher ISO levels. This is a good example.

[Joseph Przybyla]

A hairy perch indeed, love it. I envy your opportunities living in Africa. Although, I do love the birds I photograph in Florida. Very interesting image, nicely done, thank you for sharing.

[Sidharth Kodikal]

Light doesn't get any better than this! Beautiful bird and terrific image quality. Love the perch.
A truly beautiful image, Gabriela

[arash_hazeghi]

love the pose, light and the unusual perch. Very well done

[keith mitchell]

Just the sort of shot I like Gabriela bird looks lovely ,nice smooth Bg and a very different perch, like this a lot.

Keith.

[Mike Poole]

Whats not to like? Great light, and a nice pose from an interesting bird on a very interesting perch. Spot in shot.

[Marina Scarr]

Fun and unique image with stunning light and colors. Nice perch!

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

Great shot Gabriela and nothing wrong with the ISO, I cannot see noise at all. Very good work, nice pose and a wicked perch.
Thanks for sharing mate!

[Jim Crosswell]

Beautiful image Gabriela! I like the pose, HA, interesting perch and sweet light.

[Gabriela Plesea]

Thank you all so much for viewing and comments, I really appreciate it.

Steve, I desaturated the yellows and obtained a more natural look to the entire frame, many thanks thinking I should keep both versions for interest sake.

Wishing you all a great week-end,

[Steve Kaluski]

Hi Gabriela, good to have the two and too reflect/compare on. You can then be in a position to ponder, reflect and see what works, but ultimately know what can be achieved with subtle tweaks even within the Exposure module, and how powerful the tools we work with can be, you don't need a sledge hammer, just a gentle hand.

[David Salem]

Great looking frame Gabriella!! The light is beautiful and I like the pose and BG colors but the thing I like best is the hairy perch. Very nice!

[Gabriela Plesea]

Thank you Steve and David,

Steve - I am trying to be gentle, sledge hammer back into Andre's tool box, LOL! Although my B/W conversions still feel like playing Russian roulette:)

David, I too like the hairy perch! Always looking for the unusual out there...Must look for another species to post though, you must be bored with my Oxpeckers by now...

Hope you have an awesome week-end, warmest regards from me here in sunny Africa

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Gaby, another Oxpecker in sweet light. I like the detail on the Buff's back, and you have placed the Oxpecker perfectly in your frame. We are so fortunate to have these 'unusual' perches on our doorsteps.

[Rachel Hollander]

Hi Gabriela - Excellent detail and sharpness and the comp is great. My first thought on colors and saturation was the same as Steve's (no surprise there ). All sledgehammer like tools should be banished, only tools for fine, delicate work allowed.

TFS,
Rachel

[Gabriela Plesea]

Thank you so much Stu and Rachel,

I enjoyed your replies so much!

Would you believe it if I said I already reduced some of the saturation on yellows and reds? The light is just so golden this time of the day...Wish I could share those sightings with you, wish I could take you there. This is the "golden hour", now in the winter the light seems even better, from about h15"30 to h 16"30...I sometimes rush to the Park, it is only 10-15 min away, to chase this light. Sadly, at times no worthy subject comes my way...

Will be back with more, meanwhile, wishing you a wonderful week ahead:)