Perched Gambel's Quail

[Jeff Dyck]

Here's a shot of a female Gambel's Quail taken last week in a set-up at Bill Forbes' pond in Amado, Arizona. I quite like how the colours of the background match / compliment those of the bird.

Canon 5DII -- 800mm f/5.6L -- 1/1250s @ f7.1 -- ISO400 -- 0EV -- Fill Flash @ -3EV

[Kaustubh Deshpande]

I really like this one, Jeff. Very pleasing clean BG, perch with a lot of character...and terrific details, pose and the angle of the bird. Thx for sharing.

[James Salywoda]

Beautiful pose and excellent detail throughout and the composition is very nice. The image looks flat on colors to me Jeff what color space is this saved at ?

[Jeff Dyck]

Hmmm...

Jim - this was an image I downloaded and processed on the road with a new laptop. Now that you mention the colour space, I just had a look on my desktop and the master file is coming up as "Working CMYK" (?? - which I can only assume must have come from a default setting on the laptop / newly installed CS5). I also looked at my "Save for Web & Devices" settings and it is set to "convert to sRGB" and "Embed Color Profile", so I am guessing that you are seeing the same web presented image as I am (?). Help!?

[Pieter de Waal]

Hi Jeff, Excellent image, nice light and exposure with wonderful detail. I agree a great BG and I do like the perch.

[Arthur Morris]

Pretty much perfect and I love the inquisitive pose. My only wish would be for more canvas on the left to get to or towards a traditional 3X2.... And it is neat how the lighter colors around the head match the colors of the neck and upper breast. Nice pond! Does he charge?

[Jeff Dyck]

Thanks Artie.

Re: The pond --> Bill Forbes is the gentleman that builds the "Phototrap" high speed camera trigger. He has a desert pond set-up near Amado, Arizona and charges for the use of his blinds (sort of a Texas ranch model). He has a good set-up with multiple modular perches and a variety of potted plants & cacti, etc. and seems very willing to work with anyone on getting whatever additional perches / features set-up they might like. He also has a permanent multiple-flash hummingbird set-up available and a second set-up area on a property at higher elevation with-in Madera Canyon.

Here's a quick snap of a morning set-up:

[Mack Hicks]

Lovely and delicate. Great place for a variety of desert species. Was there last spring as part of a hummingbird workshop, when there were quail babies. Artie, it is close to Tucson and Madiera Canyon and as I recall his prices are reasonable. My sister recorded 11 life birds the morning we were there.

[Steven Kersting]

I love it. Don't think I'd change a thing.

[Sidharth Kodikal]

Fantastic image, Jeff. Lovely perch, perfect pose and nice sharpness/details. Very nice use of fill flash too.
TFS.

[Steve Canuel]

Love the colors and light. The cholla perch provides some nice texture and framing for the bird.

[Arthur Morris]

Thanks Jeff, I have filed the info.