Face off

[D. Robert Franz]

Another ICF image from 08. Bronzed cowbird and Red-winged blackbird

Camera Model: Canon EOS-1D Mark III
Date/Time: 2008:04:28 09:38:10
Shutter speed: 1/3200 sec
Aperture: 5.6
Exposure mode: Tv
Flash: Off
Metering mode: Multi-segment
ISO: 800
Focal length: 700mm

[Fabs Forns]

Beautiful encounter in sweet light. I may go back a couple of points in the red sat.
Good luck on the upcoming contest :)

[Judy Lynn Malloch]

Excellent timing and action captured in this image Dale. Wonderful exposure and detail !!! Many thanks for sharing.

[Gail Spitler]

Agree with above comments - the red eye against the red epaulets is stunning. Super action image
Cheers
Gail

[Stu Bowie]

I like the intense look from the cowbird, and overall good job with the exposure on both birds. Central placement was the only way to go.

[Kaustubh Deshpande]

I liked the BG and the black details. In such an action shot, getting head positions of both birds correct is the critical deal-or-no-deal thing. You nailed it here. One suggestion is NR on BG.

[Jim Crosswell]

I like the intense look of the birds in this image. Well done!

[Paul Lagasi]

I am trying to figure out who is buttin in on who, very nice capture, eye of the cowbird, both birds sharp where it counts, head angles bang on. Well done I'd like to have this one..
I've heard mention about this contest? What is it?

[D. Robert Franz]

I've heard mention about this contest? What is it?

It's the Images For Conservation Pro Tour Photo Contest. I'll give the website link http://www.imagesforconservation.org/front so you can read up on their conservation goals. But it's what I consider the toughest photo contest in the world and IMHO the truest test of an all around nature photographer. You have 1 month to create a 70 image portfololio of 5 main catagories, Birds, Mammals, Reptiles & Amphibians, Insects etc, Plants and Landscapes. You can never have photographed on the property before so you go in blind and these animals are truely wild. You also have no idea where you going to be until a few days before the contest starts when the drawing is held.. This year that will be on March 27th and the contest will start April 1st. Also here's a link to an article I wrote about my experiences in the first contest in 2006 http://www.franzfoto.com/resources.php?itemid=27

[arash_hazeghi]

Excellent interaction, love the details too. Congrats

[Simon Bennett]

Excellent timing - wonderful action.