Hodgson's Hawk Cuckoo

Gallery: AvianPosted December 26, 2010146 views9 comments

This small spot in Singapore, on land that was a cemetery only a short while ago, seems to attract various Cuckoos during their migration in November. This one is not uncommon and I was pleased to find one at eye-level just before an afternoon thunderstorm. I was the only photographer out that afternoon and in the darkening sky, it felt quite eerie! But, with the storm approaching, this bird was going to stay on this perch as he allowed me to move all around for views of the front and back, as shown here. I managed to rush to some shelter just in time!

Best wishes everyone!

1D MkIV, 700mm, 1/25 @ f8, ISO500, tripod, manual fill-flash. Cloned the small flash catchlight, as well as a thin twig across trunk and upper left wing. Practically full-frame.

Comments

9 comments

Comment posted by Carol Hyman on December 26, 2010 at 1:14 PM

Nice capture, KC. I'm amazed by the yellow orbit (I think that's what it's called) around the eye.

On the very plus side is the separation between the bird and the BG.

On the negative is maybe that one twig sticking out from the branch. IMO, it's not a deal breaker but it does distract from the bird and I would consider removing it.

Carol

Registered on January 18, 2007, 597 Posts, 8062 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Bielefeld on December 26, 2010 at 1:23 PM

An awesome looking bird KC. If I could not see the head I would think this is a hawk of some sort, so aptly named for sure. I like the head turn and the yellows as a nice focus point. BG and perch tree are fine with me. Nice shot.

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

Comment posted by Alan Murphy on December 26, 2010 at 2:34 PM

A very nice lookback of a very cool bird.

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

Comment posted by Fabio Giarrizzo on December 26, 2010 at 2:54 PM

Excellent shot of a very interesting bord- Nice details, Bg and composition- well done, Fabio

Registered on December 3, 2010, 90 Posts, 1614 Comments

Comment posted by Sally King on December 26, 2010 at 10:42 PM

This is the coolest of birds. Love how it is highlighted by the green background. Lovely pose too.

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

Comment posted by Ken Archer on December 27, 2010 at 12:17 PM

A beauty Kwan

Ken Archer

Registered on October 28, 2004, 222 Posts, 6683 Comments

Comment posted by Geoffrey Baker on December 27, 2010 at 7:11 PM

What a beautiful bird

Well captured.

Geoff.

Registered on August 20, 2010, 192 Posts, 980 Comments

Comment posted by Nate Chappell on December 27, 2010 at 8:55 PM

This is terrific Kwan, I've seen these hawk cuckoos in Asia quite a bit but I've never gotten an image of one that's worthwhile, congrats

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

Comment posted by Rob Drummond on December 28, 2010 at 1:33 AM

Another SE Asian gem KC - love the setting and even light.

cheers
Rob

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