Literally once in a lifetime are you likely to encounter a chance like this. Shot was taken over a local marsh, the cuckoo would leave his perch and go into the grasses for caterpillars, when he did this I just edged closer and closer. This is the first decent bit of weather we have had in over a month and then the sun had to be very directional and rather harsh - typical! Anyhow I managed a shot I never really thought I would get so I am pretty chuffed!:)
Canon 20D Canon 500mm plus 1.4 TC Mk1 Mongoose and Gitzo3530
I don't mind the comp as is because the subject and perch are not "vertical" enough. Too bad about the light angle, and the head angle...but if this a chance of a lifetime then this will do ;-) If the bird was close enough fill-flash would have been beneficial.
I would be chuffed to get a shot of a bird that you often hear but rarely see or yet get a chance to photograph. I'm jealous. I did have such an encounter but not with camera and it was also collecting caterpillars at the time.
I recognise that bird and that stick (which would be the one about 80 yards out in the marsh). Glad to see you managed to find it and put the rare opportunity to good use. A very accomodating bird and I have visited on several occasions over the last couple of weeks to build a nice library of this images. I have had it so close at times that it has been inside minimum focusing distance. I found it interesting the way it shakes the contents out of the green caterpillars before eating but not the cream ones. Looks like you caught it just in time as I have heard that it may have departed this morning and wish it well on its long journey ahead.
I like the compostion as posted. It has been a wonderful opportunity for you and Rich to photograph a species that is so difficult to get. I do wish for a better head angle and a better light angle. The green caterpiller he is holding is a plus, and the bg is very nice.
Cuckoo
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