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Thread: Long-tailed Widowbird - Johannesburg, South Africa

  1. #1
    Albert Froneman
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    Default Long-tailed Widowbird - Johannesburg, South Africa

    Attached Images Attached Images
     
    Captured this image of a male bird performing his display flight this morning!

    Canon EOS-1D Mark III
    Shutter speed: 1/4000 sec
    Aperture: 7.1
    Exposure mode: Av
    ISO: 800
    Lens: EF500mm f/4L IS USM

    All C&C welcome ;)

  2. #2
    BPN Member Tony Whitehead's Avatar
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    Great image Albert - these things look like they should be easy but are far from it - just like it looks as though you should be able to run after them and catch them! Perfect pose with tail fully spread and the highlights on the flight feather shafts all point toward the bright red wing patch. Eye catchlight and his head seem slightly turned toward you - what more could you ask for? Maybe a yellow/brown highveldt grass back ground??
    Tony Whitehead
    Visit my blog at WildLight Photography for latest news and images.

  3. #3
    Publisher Arthur Morris's Avatar
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    While I wish that you had been able to create the image from a higher spot, this is pretty a pretty darned amazing image. It looks like one of our Red-winged Blackbirds on steroids (sorry Mr. Clemens...) The near-wing and tail positions are perfect, the head a bit hidden. Great sharpness and perfect exposure. Way to go.

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  4. #4
    Axel Hildebrandt
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    Funny, Artie mentioned blackbirds. That was my first thought, too. But I thought those long tail feathers can't possibly belong to that little bird. :) Thanks for sharing.

  5. #5
    Rick A. Brown
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    Have to agree 100% with Artie on this one. Will have to say also that the freak cool species helps sell this photo too.

  6. #6
    Maxis Gamez
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    What a cool looking bird. You also did well with capturing the image at the right time!

  7. #7
    Gayle Clement
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    It's a delight to see an image of this unusual bird. Perfect exposure.

  8. #8
    Fabs Forns
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    I also thought of the RWBB!!!

    Amazing pose and bird, thanks for sharing it :)

  9. #9
    Alfred Forns
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    HI Albert That is one amazing bird !!!! Our Redwing on steroids for certain !!!!! Big Congrats !!!

  10. #10
    Albert Froneman
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    Thanks for the comments folks - and I thought that you would appreciate the 'similarities' :D!! Artie - I did get them from a higher angle - will post one of those next ;) :)

  11. #11
    Forum Participant John Cooper's Avatar
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    What a superb image you have captured there Albert - it surprises me that it can get off the ground with that huge tail!!
    Your choice of shutter speed has ensured a lovely sharp image. Just nit picking buta little extra space in front of bird would work well for me. But great effort!

  12. #12
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    Albert
    This is an impressive bird....and impressive image. I, too first thought of a Red-winged Blackbird. Nits have been mentioned but I certainly don't dwell on them for long.

  13. #13
    Linda Robbins
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    Hi Albert -

    On one of my trips to Africa, we were making a long drive between lodges, when I saw these birds displaying along a fenceline. I couldn't believe how beautiful they were. The other photographers in my van were not interested much in birds and wanted to get to the next lodge without stopping, so my request that we stay awhile was outvoted. I've always regretted missing that opportunity to watch and photograph the splendid displays. So, when I saw your thumbnail I excitedly opened it, and you have captured the image I dreamed of. It is perfect. Congratulations on this stunning image.

  14. #14
    Forum Participant Manos Papadomanolakis's Avatar
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    Nice looking bird with great wing position!

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