Does it really matter

Gallery: AvianPosted October 2, 2010296 views32 comments

If the photo is well executed and the image is pleasing, does it really matter what species of bird is the subject of the photo? I suppose the subject does matter, at least for some people. Over the years I have been viewing images on forums like NPN it seems raptors have the biggest draw hands down. Images of hawks, eagles, owls, etc. seem to get the most views and comments. Well, obviously, this image is not of a raptor. Moreover, it is a non-native and very common species. Furthermore, it is a species a lot of people dislike for their aggressive nature and cavity stealing tendicies. Heck, I admit, I really don't like them as a species here in N.A. However, I believe you must admit, they are very cool looking birds when in their fall plumage and they make a pretty attractive subject. Just my latest attempt to make a very common species look uncommonly good. What do you think?

Canon 7D
500mm f/4
ISO 800
1/3200s
f/7.1
Manual exposure
HH
40% of FF
No NR

Comments

32 comments

Comment posted by Sally King on October 2, 2010 at 2:30 PM

IMO you have made this bird look quite extraordinary. I love the fully extended wing and tail feathers and the touch of green iridescence. Your flight shots never fail to amaze me.

Registered on December 2, 2008, 416 Posts, 4450 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Bielefeld on October 2, 2010 at 2:32 PM

Thanks so much Sally.

Registered on December 6, 2008, 360 Posts, 7132 Comments

Comment posted by Monica Siri on October 2, 2010 at 2:33 PM

Ron,
I'm of the opinion that if a photo is beautiful, it's beautiful and no matter the subject.
So your attempt to make an unusual shot of a common species is perfectly managed for me.
Great dynamic flight pose, great detail and exposure. I love the texture in the back of the bird too.

Registered on September 20, 2009, 132 Posts, 3764 Comments

Comment posted by Mia McPherson on October 2, 2010 at 2:54 PM

Ron,

It does not matter to me what species is posted I am happy to see them all, I agree that owls, hawks, eagles seem to get more views and comments, colorful birds do too. Subtle colored birds seem to often get overlooked, even when they are technically excellent. Excellent techs, pose, comp and light.

I would be very happy to have this in my files. I think you made this common bird look like a flying jewel with the iridescent spots you caught.

Registered on June 25, 2007, 491 Posts, 12566 Comments

Comment posted by Steve Balke on October 2, 2010 at 3:09 PM

I think it's a very fine image, Ron. It's a very well captured view of this common bird: both wings and tail are nicely spread in flight. Also, it's interesting to see how rectangular the body appears in this image. Starlings have some interesting aspects too: I just recently learned that their change in color from Fall to Spring is due to the light colored tips of the feathers wearing away (which may be old news to everyone on this website except me!).

Registered on June 18, 2009, 229 Posts, 2915 Comments

Comment posted by John Tobias on October 2, 2010 at 3:32 PM

A good bird photo regardless of species is fun to see. Thanks for sharing. I had not even considered starlings until I joined NPN and tested a lens on one just because it was in range and I was very surprised at the color of the bird. Thanks for sharing.

Registered on September 12, 2009, 2120 Posts, 6455 Comments

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on October 2, 2010 at 5:10 PM

I think I like it :)
Especially the full tail & wing spread I see..and the smaller birds have a higher degree of difficulty.
Hat's off to ya!

Registered on July 24, 2008, 1201 Posts, 10758 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Ditch on October 2, 2010 at 5:36 PM

Nasty bird; excellent image.

Every subject is worth IMO.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 1031 Posts, 12705 Comments

Comment posted by Alan Murphy on October 2, 2010 at 5:47 PM

This is a fantastic image and one I wish was mine. Not easy to get and I get more excited seeing this kind of shot that a Raptor or Owl.

Registered on December 3, 2003, 192 Posts, 739 Comments

Comment posted by Brian Gatlin on October 2, 2010 at 6:56 PM

pretty amazing flight shot, Ron. an easy species to dislike, but that is no reason not to appreciate the fact that they are a damn sharp looking bird. This is really cool, and very well executed.

Registered on March 21, 2009, 202 Posts, 4187 Comments

Comment posted by Rob Drummond on October 2, 2010 at 9:01 PM

Flight shots of anything impress me Ron. To get a nice sharp passerine is a bonus.

cheers
Rob

Registered on November 8, 2003, 617 Posts, 8267 Comments

Comment posted by Charles Gangas on October 2, 2010 at 9:46 PM

I think you did exceptionally well with this image Ron, congrats.

Registered on August 12, 2009, 544 Posts, 2414 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on October 2, 2010 at 10:08 PM

Your attempt is very successful in my opinion. The larger view is especially nice, love the green and brown on the back that looks like beadwork to my eye. Stunning image quality, 1/3200 is great if you can get it!

Registered on January 28, 2005, 879 Posts, 12098 Comments

Comment posted by Bryan Hix on October 2, 2010 at 10:10 PM

Great lighting and wing position with the head angle looking in the perfect direction to the camera. It's a Starling, but I have to say if you have ever seen one in breeding plummage, they are actually a very pretty bird.. I do agree that they can be really annoying at certain times of the year at the feeders. Great job Ron.

Registered on June 13, 2008, 117 Posts, 755 Comments

Comment posted by KC Choo on October 2, 2010 at 10:39 PM

In a word - fantastic!

Registered on November 15, 2004, 519 Posts, 8278 Comments

Comment posted by Jagdeep Rajput on October 2, 2010 at 10:51 PM

Ron, I strongly agree with you !
Awesome capture!
Jagdeep Rajput

Registered on April 29, 2008, 686 Posts, 2857 Comments

Comment posted by David Haynes on October 3, 2010 at 12:01 AM

Ron,
Excellent commentary. I agree with everything you said. I believe this bird is extremely beautiful in it's fall plumage and while I hate the bird for it's disruptive nature I have to admit I shoot images of them all the time. I've never posted one for reasons you've stated. I believe you would have to add ducks in flight to the list of highly viewed images and some of your recent posts have been phenominal Ron. I love the wig spread on this shot Ron and the sharpness is indeed impressive. I would love to have this shot. Way to break all the rules.

Registered on February 20, 2010, 110 Posts, 1511 Comments

Comment posted by Chris Ross on October 3, 2010 at 6:29 AM

Nicely presented Ron, you have it looking its best here. We have the same trouble with them here in Oz.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 403 Posts, 2729 Comments

Comment posted by Andy Shepherd on October 3, 2010 at 8:02 AM

I think this is a fantastic capture, Ron. The wing position is superb as you can see all the various feather groups. I also think the species doesn't matter; if it's a beautiful, then it's a beautiful shot, common or otherwise.

Andy...

Registered on September 24, 2006, 123 Posts, 1254 Comments

Comment posted by Dan Moore on October 3, 2010 at 10:04 AM

Wonderfull shot and perfect comp.

Dan

Registered on February 11, 2010, 143 Posts, 1248 Comments

Comment posted by Sharon Hallowell on October 3, 2010 at 11:55 AM

If it's got wings...shoot it! Nicely done!

Registered on November 1, 2003, 392 Posts, 4810 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Leggett on October 3, 2010 at 3:20 PM

Outstanding shot, Ron! Judging from the detail in both wings, I'm guessing the bird was gliding during this exposure.

Registered on July 21, 2004, 706 Posts, 3233 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Bielefeld on October 3, 2010 at 4:16 PM

Bill, the high shutter speed of 1/3200s also contributed to stopping the wings and everything else. Not sure if the bird was gliding at that exact point in time. It was moving fast and it is a small bird, so I just tracked the bird and took the images. Don't have time to notice what they are doing when you only have a split second to acquire the bird and shoot.

Registered on December 6, 2008, 360 Posts, 7132 Comments

Comment posted by Terry Sohl on October 3, 2010 at 5:04 PM

Beautiful flight shot, and I agree, these are beautiful birds, once you get past the negative characteristics of the species here.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 513 Posts, 6889 Comments

Comment posted by Simon Bennett on October 3, 2010 at 6:55 PM

A terrific capture Ron. I really like the view of the upperparts in flight, and the pose with spead wings and tail, and the bird heading your way.

Registered on February 4, 2007, 350 Posts, 4614 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Dudley on October 3, 2010 at 8:25 PM

Ron, For me Rich Ditch couldn't have put it any better in his inimitable, succinct way - "Nasty bird, excellent image". I know full well how difficult this type of shot is to get of a passerine in full flight. Add to that the fact that you got an apparent banking turn with an excellent look at the dorsal surface in full plumage flare in good light. And it's sharp. You've inspired me to try something similar at the first opportunity though I have largely failed in the past with the smaller species.

Something you said in your second comment struck a chord with me - "It was moving fast and it is a small bird, so I just tracked the bird and took the images. Don't have time to notice what they are doing when you only have a split second to acquire the bird and shoot." That is so, so true!

I love the shot but still reserve the right to despise the species in N. America.

Registered on March 30, 2007, 437 Posts, 10915 Comments

Comment posted by May Haga on October 3, 2010 at 10:12 PM

Awesome capture. These birds move very quickly so tracking them would not be easy.
I love the fan of the wings and tail.
May

Registered on February 22, 2007, 714 Posts, 8470 Comments

Comment posted by Nate Chappell on October 4, 2010 at 3:23 PM

Best starling flight shot I've seen Ron

Registered on February 1, 2006, 1158 Posts, 19528 Comments

Comment posted by Dan Walters on October 4, 2010 at 5:24 PM

Very nice! Like the wings and also very sharp! To me a good bird shot is a good bird shot, regardless of the species!

Registered on October 30, 2005, 405 Posts, 3693 Comments

Comment posted by Axel Hildebrandt on October 4, 2010 at 6:19 PM

Cool topside view, wing position, fanned tail and eye contact. It might not qualify as the rarest species on the planet but I enjoy images of all birds if they are well done, and this one certainly is.

Registered on October 16, 2006, 66 Posts, 441 Comments

Comment posted by Michael Lotito on October 5, 2010 at 12:48 PM

Beautiful treatment of the subject! Even though they reek havoc I do admire their beauty. I don't blame the bird that is doing what it must to survive. Another example of man's miss placed good intentions.

Registered on June 26, 2009, 181 Posts, 1558 Comments

Comment posted by Nick Saunders on October 8, 2010 at 4:08 PM

Awesome capture Ron. Easy to comment on, because its a wow shot

Registered on February 6, 2008, 321 Posts, 3035 Comments