D90; 18-200 VR @ 95mm. ISO 400. f/5.6. 1/4000s. -1.0EV.
A different bird from the Galapagos. There are four species of endemic Mockingbirds on the Galapagos Islands. This one exists nowhere except on the island of Espanola, also known as Hood. Their dagger-like bills are adapted for eating birds' eggs, although in this case I'm told that the egg is from a Marine Iguana. They are known for their curiosity and fearlessness. I was sitting down with him practically at my feet; I was unable to get off the trail to get a lower angle. Minimal curves/levels and USM; slight crop. Should I crop to pano to remove the green veggies? C&C welcomed.
The color and sharpness look very good. Love that you caught the bird with the egg!
One suggestion might be to use the exposure brush and try to soften the shadow under him slightly, and possibly soften the edge so it's not so prominent.
I'm interested to see other opinions about cropping. I think it would look nice with the green stuff at the top gone, but then when I scroll the image to where it looks cropped to pano format, it's a bit tight. If left full size, it might be worth trying desaturate the greens a little so it's not quite so vivid.
Can't you just go back the Galapagos and reshoot? :D
Last edited by Meesh Fink; 06-16-2010 at 04:09 PM.
i cant help but wonder what this would look like from a lower perspective. i like the inclusion of the egg. really tells the story! good critique by meesh. good idea on working the shadow. as is, i would lighten the inside corner of the eye and add some contrast to it. that's one cool looking eye!!
Hi Bill, good detail,sharp and even lighting. As mentioned would have liked a lower angle. The inclusion of the egg is a plus since it adds to the story. I might crop the little bit of green on top...
Hi Bill, Really like the detail, the sharpness and the inclusion of the egg. The green does not bother me but it is totally a personal choice. I understand completely about not being able to get lower or off the path.
Hi Bill. Love your capture and the detail information of this species of mockingbird. I like it as presented composition wise. I would try the suggestion of softening the shadow.
Congrats
Well composed and pleasing !! Was looking carefully in and around the bird and the head is not the sharpest part? Check the focus placement !! Excellent capture !!!
Thank you all for looking, and for the helpful suggestions. I'll take a look at the eye, the foliage and the shadow - all good ideas. The focus point does seem to be off; not much I can do about that except maybe sharpen the eye just a tad.
Bill. I agree the focus point seems a bit off, and I would hope for more detail in the head area. The overhead lighting and viewing angle off, and the green stuff at the top adds nothing. My solution, immediately get on a plane to the Galapagos, wait for better lighting, and reshoot!! Just kidding:):). I'm just jealous you were able to go in the first place;). regards~Bill
Hood Mockingbird
