Busy little bee.

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

Last Sunday morning I had the absolute pleasure of witnessing a male and female Spotted Pardalote excavate their nest just inside a dressage arena while my wife was riding. I was sitting a few meters away so as soon as I was allowed to enter, I lay flat a couple of meters away and the little birds were totally unperturbed and carried on as long as I stayed. What a wonderful sight! One of our most beautiful birds IMHO. this is the male.

30D, 300/1.4x, HH, IS800, f/8, 1/320th, +1EC, 430EX at -1 1/3 with beamer (not that I needed the beamer, just too excited to take it off).

Cropped to pano only.

[Paul Randall]

I have been observing these guys lately as well (Striated though). They are very trusting are'nt they.
I think the BG needs toning down a bit in this image. The bird is perfectly exposed but I think the flash has lit up the sand a bit too much. Great low angle, pity you can't see that bright red tail, it would really have set this image off. Great stuff Akos!!

[Marc Mol]

I think the BG needs toning down a bit in this image. The bird is perfectly exposed but I think the flash has lit up the sand a bit too much.

Agree with Paul here, lovely fine detail in the feathers.

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

Thanks guys. :)
The brightness is probably a matter of taste as technically the whites are not clipped and I religiously use histogram to see the overall tonality. I toned down the sand as you both suggested and it does look fine, but I personally prefer the brighter look. It's all a matter of taste. :)
I also have many other images showing the red too and may post one of those later on.
Thanks for looking.

[Aidan Briggs]

Lovely exposure, Sharpness, and behavior. Surprised you didn't go for the portrait :) I think toning down the brighter parts of the sand would draw more attention to the bird.

[Ilija Dukovski]

Great bird, I love the colors, very interesting behavior. Nice one Akos.

[Harshad Barve]

lovely bird , great expo and compo
TFS

[Stu Bowie]

You nailed this one bro. I like the angled pose, and you have captured sharp detail. Exposure perfect, and great eye. If this were mine, I would have extended the sand URC, and maybe toned down the surrounding sand a tad. Still well captured mate.

[Dave Barnes]

The bird does have great colours and feather patterns. I like the image but would prefer the bird a less central in the comp and the OOF foreground on the right bugs me.

[Rob Drummond]

Lovely study and behavioural shot combined Akos - wonderful detail

cheers
Rob