Rufous-backed Robin

Rufous-backed Robin (Turdus rufopalliatus)

Place: Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Superior, AZ, USA
Date: October 21, 2009
Equipment: Nikon D200, Nikkor AF-S 300/2.8 & TC20E (2x), G1325, RRS BH-55, Sidekick
Exposure: Aperture priority matrix metered, ISO 400, 1/640th @ f/5.6
Raw, PS CS3 on Mac G4, 90% of frame (trimmed right edge for balance)

Rufous-backed Robin is primarily a Mexican species that occurs in small numbers in the U.S. along the border from Texas to California. AZ is the best place to see them, and Boyce Thompson Arboretum is the best place in AZ to see them. I've seen one in 11 of the 16 winters I've been here in AZ, and 10 of those times were at BTA.

Rufous-backed Robin is a close relative of the familiar American Robin. It is distinguished by the rusty plumage on the back and wing coverts and lack of white eye crescents.

I thought we had a good chance to see one when I led a birdwalk at BTA the preceding Saturday, but it wasn’t until I went back alone on Wednesday that I discovered this bird. I've got marginal shots of some of the previous 10 I’ve seen, but this bird usually feeds high in the trees or on the ground in deep cover. I was astonished to find this bird at eye level feeding in the open. I know some viewers will not care for the mergers by the head and bill but I was thrilled to get this shot (and I won’t clone out the berries in the interests of pictorial purity).

Honest critiques requested; all comments appreciated. Please view the larger version for critiquing.