Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

[Jasper Doest]

Here's one from my month in Texas last year. I really hoped to photograph this beautiful bird on a natural perch, but I was only able to approach it this close one time sitting on barbwire...and I nearly got too close (as I didn't want it any bigger in frame than this). The background is formed by rolls of hay, lying in the shade, while the bird was sitting in the morning sun. Hopefully I'll be able to get anything like this on a natural perch in 2010.

Nikon D300
Nikon AF-S 300/2.8G VR + TC17II
1/800 @ f/8
ISO400, RAW
Handheld from a golfbuggy

[Ilija Dukovski]

I actually don't mind the barb-wire. It is quite "natural",
I think, to see these birds on one. The rusty color actually
goes perfectly well with the overall image design.
Like it a lot!

Cheers,

[Fabs Forns]

What a treat! Love the strong diagonal formed by the body and tail and the creamy background. Flawless techs.
Almost sunny 16 :)

[Doug Hitchcox]

Very nice shot Jasper! The perch doesn't bother me because it is so 'simple' and I really like the composition and background. If I had to nit, there are two little specks on the birds breast that I would clone out, but they don't really distract and the image looks great

[Juan Carlos Vindas]

Hey Jasper this image is great. The rusted barbwire does not bother me at all, in fact, I have seen this bird perched on fence wires at least a 90% of the time, so this is very natural for this bird. I find colors, light and compo right on, but I guess you need a tad of CCW rotation.

[Linda Robbins]

Beautiful image, Jasper. The pose and framing are perfect with the head turn. I find the rusty barb wire attractive and natural. Lovely light and background. Well done.

[Marko Matesic]

Wow...that is one cool looking bird :))
I really like colors and pose....

[Simon Bennett]

Lovely image - I like the composition, shared grey tones of bird and background, and nice rusty barbed wire- we have lots of that around here. Very crisp image too.

[Rob Drummond]

Beautiful image Jasper. I don't mind the barbed wire; its fine detailed nature complements the similar characteristics of the bird. Love the delicate light as well.

cheers Rob

[Krijn Trimbos]

Hi buddy,
You know I think this is one smokin image. IMHO the BG is one of the best features of this shot, I love the light colours. As such I think this shot would look better without the darker part above the head. Love the colours the pose, headturn and as everyone else the barbed wire doesn't pose a problem for me.

[Ramon M. Casares]

Stunning! Lovely comp, pose, light, BG, I like the perch here, and colors and detail are ezquisit! Congratulaitos!

[Ron van Rossum]

Simply a stunning composition,Jasper ;)
Amazing bird too! Well done !