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Thread: Burchell's Coucal vs Chameleon (3)

  1. #1
    BPN Member Morkel Erasmus's Avatar
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    Default Burchell's Coucal vs Chameleon (3)

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    This is a follow-up to my previous 2 posts on this unusual sighting.

    The first 2 can be found here:
    http://www.birdphotographers.net/for...ad.php?t=43123
    http://www.birdphotographers.net/for...ad.php?t=43247

    I know the surroundings are very cluttered but I am still very happy with the details I could capture in this shot - getting eye contact on both predator and prey and also the expression on their faces: the fierce look of the coucal vs the helpless one of the chameleon. At this stage the chameleon had only one foot holding on to a branch and all seemed lost for him.

    Your comments are welcome, as always...

    Techs:
    Canon 1000D with 100-400mm L IS USM @ 210mm
    f8.0 @ 1/200 SS @ ISO 200
    Pop-up flash used to help with dappled lighting
    Morkel Erasmus

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  2. #2
    Axel Hildebrandt
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    Is that the equivalent of a cliffhanger? :) This crop works well despite the busy setting. It looks painful and makes you feel really sorry for the chameleon.

  3. #3
    BPN Member Morkel Erasmus's Avatar
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    thanks Axel - more like a 'ballroom' dancer than cliffhanger ;)

    I decided to take the time and painfully try to clone out the twig crossing the coucal's head as well as the twig close to the chameleon's face. Probably could be tidier but it took me quite a while just to do it like this!
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  4. #4
    Ákos Lumnitzer
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    Your digital surgery is pretty good bro! :) Love the repost and the interaction is over the top. Tell me, as I missed it in case you mentioned, did the Coucal eat it? Thanks for sharing mate. :)

  5. #5
    Super Moderator Daniel Cadieux's Avatar
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    That is some action you witnessed! Yes, the setting is busy, but the complete story of the image is what is important here. The tail curving around the bird's head is just so cool. Great job on the repost.

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    another stunner in this series , repost is fine
    TFS

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    Wow. Sure is busy and it may take some time to find the action but WOW. Like the repost but think the OP is just fine too. Congrats. JR

  8. #8
    Charlie VanTassel
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    Really a pretty cool scene to witness. I like how the two main focus points, the eye of the bird and the open mouth of the chameleon are the areas with the most color.

  9. #9
    Lifetime Member Stu Bowie's Avatar
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    Amongst the busy BG, you have managed to show the action very well. Beak fastened onto the chameleon, and chameleon pleading for his like. Well captured mate.

  10. #10
    BPN Member Morkel Erasmus's Avatar
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    thanks for the kind comments everyone!

    It was something special to witness. The rebuild was tricky due to the shadows of the twigs cloned out also playing a role.

    @ Akos - you'll have to wait for my next shot to hear the final outcome of the struggle ;)
    Morkel Erasmus

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  11. #11
    Aditya Shankar
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    Hi Morkel ... Dramatic capture!! your repost really works in terms of more emphasis on the action. nice sharp subjects in the midst of the busy settings!! ... but like Akos, the immediate thing that occured to me was the fate of the chameleon???? what happened? .. Can't wait for your next image :) TFS

  12. #12
    BPN Member Morkel Erasmus's Avatar
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    thank you Aditya...will post the next one soon...
    Morkel Erasmus

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