I have tried for years to get a reasonable image of this bird they are generally seen inside the bush or in deep shade under bushes and flit around non-stop.
This bird was kind enough to present itself quite late in the afternoon outside our tent at Kalahari Tented Camp, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa, 20th June 2011.
That is one brilliant bird! You did a fabulous job keeping detail in the white, black, and especially the red. Seems extremely saturated/high contrast to me, but not having seen the bird I'll assume that's how he presents. BG is a little close and nervous, but you nailed the bird. Congratulations.
Very lovely bird, Excellent sharpness & great colors. agree about above comment. The difference of saturation & contrast between bird & BG make it somewhat unnatural.
Ken, yes, these guys are always hiding in shrubbery. I feel this is too large/tight in the frame, but you have exposed the blacks nicely. Without checking, the reds look quite hot, especially under the chin. Love the attentive pose.
Excellent birdie and superb exposure on black and red both. Wish for better place but thats what you really cant help on with wild so i would be happy .. bit tight if you crop it to hide the busy environment i would sure add it and use this as habitat shot.
Very nice. Glad you finally got a decent shot! What a dramatic looking bird.
We have a red/black/white bird here, the Yellow Billed Cardinal. I know how tricky they are to expose properly.
The red does look a bit 'hot' for some reason.
Killer beautiful bird. Way too big in the frame for me. Blacks could be opened up nicely I believe.....
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Thanks everybody for your kind comments and suggestions.
I entirely agree it is too big in the frame prior to this shot it was much further way, by the time I turnd round to pick up, my MkIII with 70-200mm it was gone, but that is part of the fun of photography.
Regarding the "red" it is a remarkably strong red and I have to admit that I toned it down a little, to make it look more believable.
Crimson Breasted Shrike
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