Common, but beautiful to me

[Kerry Perkins]

I have always had a sweet spot for the common pigeon. I don't know why this bird has been saddled with such a bad reputation, and sometimes feel that the lowly pigeon is the scapegoat for all things that humans don't like about birds. Anyway, here is a pigeon, or rock dove, or rock pigeon - whichever you prefer. Captured in late afternoon light, full frame. Noise reduction on the background (Topaz DeNoise) and sharpening on the bird (unsharp mask in PS).

1D4, EF400mm f/5.6L
Manual mode, f/5.6@1/5000 ISO 800 WB 5200K
AI Servo autofocus, hand-held no flash

[Ofer Levy]

Hi Kerry, this is not really a Rock Pigeon but a domesticated animal. I assume you won't post an image of a domesticated cat in the WILDLIFE forum - I think it is the same case....

[PhilCook]

Nice pose and sharp, lovely tail and wing spread....agree the humble pigeon get an unkind title such as " flying rats " here, beautiful birds up close and lots of variations

[jack williamson]

Nice light, wing position, sharp with a fine BG.

Jack

[Kerry Perkins]

Thanks for the feedback! Ofer, I am well aware of your elitist attitude toward the postings on this forum and I would suggest that you re-read the statement at the top of the Avian Forum page. In fact, let me make it easier for you. Here is the statement: "For posting and critiquing avian images. Images may included (sic) minor hand of man elements. If your subject is captive, please disclose that fact. If you have attracted your subject or subjects into photographic range with food, water, audio, or by any other means, please let us know. If you have significantly altered your image by adding or removing elements of the composition, we ask that you let folks know that as well."

I'm sorry, but I don't see any mention of "Ofer's interpretation of what a wild bird is". This bird is neither captive, nor was it attracted by anything other than the prospect of mating with another "domestic animal". Please explain to me how I violated the rules of this forum, or if it is only your opinion.

[Roger Clark]

Hi Kerry,

Beautiful image, beautiful pose, beautiful wing position. I agree very appropriate for this forum. I love the light and the shadows making great fine texture.

Roger

[Ian Cassell]

I love the pose on this one, Kerry. I also like pigeons (and squirrels, for that matter). One thing bothers me, though, and that is the lack of irridescense which I usually see on pigeons. Is that just the way the light is hitting him?

[Ofer Levy]

Hi Kerry, I didn't say you have violated any forum rule. The only reason I commented in here is that you have wrongly mentioned the name Rock Pigeon which is the name of a wild bird not this domesticated bird. I guess the second part of my comment wasn't necessary but I can't revise it now as the system won't let me.

[laurie golden]

Your photo is a beautiful and unusual look at a common bird. Thank you for reminding us that all birds have value and I agree that it is appropriate for this forum.

[Jonathan Ashton]

A magic moment, I love the light on the bird and the fanned tail, the contrasting background shows the bird to good advantage.

[Nick Palmieri]

Love the contrast. makes me rethink that these birds can be beautiful. TFS

[rajojomanik]

Gotta love that afternoon light, well done Kerry.

[Jack Breakfast]

Kerry, we share a mutual love of this bird. I love all the common photogenic ones with the bad reps: ring-billed gulls are my favorite, pigeons are a close second. A stunning shot, I must say. Very special indeed, and very much to my taste. I've recently acquired a 400mm f5.6 and although there's a little bit of a learning curve for me, I'll be snapping on pigeons in no time. Thanks for sharing this; it really stands out...

[Daniel Cadieux]

Looks great (and also looks like a Rock Pigeon, or Rock Dove, or Pigeon to me!), Kerry...I especially like the wings and tail! The dark BG really makes the subject pop. The face seems a bit soft compared to those wings so perhaps an additional round of sharpening for web presentation would be good.

[Frank Schauf]

Great pose and setting you have here.

[Robert Holguin]

Wonderful image. Love the pose, great background, and excellent comp.
Well done.

[Rachel Hollander]

Kerry - nice pose and comp. Try living in NYC and you'll understand the rep they have . This does put them in a different light.

TFS,
Rachel

[Arthur Morris]

Thanks for the feedback! Ofer, I am well aware of your elitist attitude toward the postings on this forum and I would suggest that you re-read the statement at the top of the Avian Forum page. In fact, let me make it easier for you. Here is the statement: "For posting and critiquing avian images. Images may included (sic) minor hand of man elements. If your subject is captive, please disclose that fact. If you have attracted your subject or subjects into photographic range with food, water, audio, or by any other means, please let us know. If you have significantly altered your image by adding or removing elements of the composition, we ask that you let folks know that as well."

I'm sorry, but I don't see any mention of "Ofer's interpretation of what a wild bird is". This bird is neither captive, nor was it attracted by anything other than the prospect of mating with another "domestic animal". Please explain to me how I violated the rules of this forum, or if it is only your opinion.

Not to mention that this species is firmly established as NA breeding species and as thus should qualify as free and wild in anyone's book. BTW, a loverly image. A bit of extra sharpening on the face would improve an already fine image.