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Thread: Scarey Blackbird

  1. #1
    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    Default Scarey Blackbird

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    Normally I wouldn't photograph such a subject because of it's look, likewise badly wounded predators like Lions, but thought in some way is't quite fun, but it is part of their life so...

    A lot of the birds currently are moulting, plus so stressed with almost 24/7 feeding. This poor guy reminded me of a Lappet-faced Vulture because of the bald head which is advantageous, as a feathered head would become spattered with blood and other fluids as they delve into the carcass, and thus be difficult to keep clean. However, this Blackbird doesn't have to worry about that though.

    Note the home by the neck, I believe this is the 'ear' (???), unless someone else can confirm what this is.

    Thanks to those who posted or viewed the previous posting.

    Steve

    Subject: Blackbird (Turdus merula)
    Location: UK
    Camera: Canon EOS R5
    Lens: RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
    Exposure: 1/640s at f/8 ISO500 EV -2 HH
    Original format:Landscape, slight crop
    Processed via: LRCC 12.4 & PS'23 24.6.0

    There is a slight line at the RHS of the wing, this isn't a masking issue, it's part of the raw, but highlighted as I marginally darkened the BKG.
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    Avian Moderator Randy Stout's Avatar
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    Steve:

    An unusual shot for sure. Excellent lighting, exposure. I like the head position, seems proud despite his distress. I haven't seen the loss of feathers like this, is this their usual pattern in the UK during their molt?

    Randy
    MY BPN ALBUMS

    "Tact is the art of making a point without making an enemy" Sir Isaac Newton

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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    Cheers Randy.

    is this their usual pattern in the UK during their molt?
    No idea, it might be a mite, not sure, but this is the only one that has gone for the 'Yul Brynner, bald' look, (showing my age).
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    Macro and Flora Moderator Jonathan Ashton's Avatar
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    Unusual shot, I too would have taken it, (in fact I did take one of a blue tit a couple years back). Super detail and the dark background works to good effect.

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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    Thanks Jon, any idea what might have caused it?

    (in fact I did take one of a blue tit a couple years back)
    Just raised you a Great Tit.
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    BPN Member Andreas Liedmann's Avatar
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    Freak show in nature ... nicely processed .
    Yep that is the ear .... close to the neck .
    The dark BG does help to a good degree to make this even more " spooky " .

    I would have not taken it ... but understand it if folks do it , as it is part of nature . Meanwhile we have lots of individuals with partly white feathers here around my area .

    TFS Andreas

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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    Thank you Andrea’s.
    Post Production: It’s ALL about what you do with the tools and not, which brand of tool you use.

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    Story Sequences Moderator and Wildlife Moderator Gabriela Plesea's Avatar
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    I like this image a lot... and given the opportunity I would have taken it too

    Subject resembles a 'mini vulture' and the upright stance gives it a very interesting look. The yellow beak and orbital ring are in great contrast to the dark plumage and background.
    Wonderful detail, I think IQ is great, superb PP work. You really make the best of every opportunity, Steve - thank you so much for sharing

    Warmest regards,
    Gabriela Plesea

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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    Thank you Gabriela for the kind words.

    Yes, worth always to take a shot like this IMHO, costs nothing and when back you might be pleasantly surprised. You too must have birds in moulting conditions in SA, might be fun to look out for?
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    Story Sequences Moderator and Wildlife Moderator Gabriela Plesea's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Steve Kaluski View Post
    Thank you Gabriela for the kind words.

    Yes, worth always to take a shot like this IMHO, costs nothing and when back you might be pleasantly surprised. You too must have birds in moulting conditions in SA, might be fun to look out for?
    Thank you Steve,

    I will certainly not miss the opportunity if a moulting species crosses my path

    BTW there are around 450 species of birds around here...On my way to work I see mostly crested francolins, button quails, coucals, rollers and doves. In the evenings when I drive home I see nightjars. Don't think I've ever seen a moulting avian species...but I'll keep looking

    Warmest regards,
    Gabriela Plesea

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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    You never know…
    Post Production: It’s ALL about what you do with the tools and not, which brand of tool you use.

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    Super Moderator Daniel Cadieux's Avatar
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    Over here we have cardinals, blue jays, grackles, and other species that molt all their head feathers at once like this. Granted, this is only quite a few individuals and not very often seen, but kinda funny to see when it happens. I've never had one come close enough for "proper" images, but would take them in a heartbeat if and when that'll happen.

    The black background really works well here IMO. Nice portrait overall, despite the lacking coif!

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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    Thanks Dan, but not up to speed with your abbreviations ‘COIF’????
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    Super Moderator Daniel Cadieux's Avatar
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    Lol, coif is an actual word that means "hairdo". Not used too much nowadays I guess.

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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    I was doing well I thought when ‘The Wire’ was launched, but obviously I haven’t been keeping up these new phrases. Better hang out on the streets and brush up on these phrases. Thanks Dan for the clarification.
    Post Production: It’s ALL about what you do with the tools and not, which brand of tool you use.

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