White-winged Dove

Gallery: AvianPosted June 5, 2011122 views13 comments

White-winged Dove (Zenaida asiatica)

Place: Phoenix, AZ
Date: May 30, 2011
Equipment: Nikon D300, Nikkor AF-S 300/2.8 & TC14E (1.4x), G1325, RRS BH-55, Sidekick, SB-800
Exposure: ISO 400, Aperture priority matrix metered, 1/60th @ f/5, -2/3rds ev compensation, fill @ -2.3 stops
Raw, PS CS3 on Mac G4, 96% of full frame (slight crop off right edge only)

This fledgling was a surprise in our yard last week – we didn't know that the adults we get each summer were nesting somewhere nearby. A more complete story is on my blog.

As always: honest critiques requested; all comments appreciated. Larger image provided as always.

Comments

13 comments

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on June 5, 2011 at 1:40 PM

I've never seen a WW chick - funny little things!
Nice catch and capable techs and processing under difficult conditions!
Fine work!
Noit sure about that light, broad OOF blade of grass behind the head in both images. I'd personally heal it a bit, but I know youi'd be adverse to that.
Well done!
Sandy

Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments

Comment posted by Glenn Woznick on June 5, 2011 at 1:58 PM

Cute but ugly, in a good way. nice photo..I agree with the OOF blade of grass
above the head area. All in all, nice pic.
Glenn

Registered on May 7, 2011, 13 Posts, 29 Comments

Comment posted by Sharon Hallowell on June 5, 2011 at 2:44 PM

Nice exposure and incredible detail. Interesting to see all of those flight feathers in first...was he able to fly yet? Sharon

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

Comment posted by Richard Ditch on June 5, 2011 at 2:50 PM

Interesting to see all of those flight feathers in first...was he able to fly yet?

He managed to get a couple feet up on an agave at one point b ut we didn't see him do any serious flight.

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

Comment posted by Ray Whitt on June 5, 2011 at 4:37 PM

Excellent feather details, I like the background colors also.

Ray

Registered on May 27, 2011, 92 Posts, 2619 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on June 5, 2011 at 6:51 PM

Unique opportunity to see one in development. The oof area of the stump in front of the dove bothers me a little, my eye gets hung up there trying to figure it out. Fine job on the dove however.

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

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on June 5, 2011 at 7:24 PM

Exquisite detail, Richard. The greenery in the bg really sets off the Dove.

Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments

Comment posted by Steve Canuel on June 5, 2011 at 8:51 PM

Not their most attractive phase, is it

I like the woody perch and the color of the BG. I'd prefer to see the edges of the wider, lighter stalks in the BG smoothed out a bit.

Registered on September 12, 2010, 53 Posts, 660 Comments

Comment posted by Ashley Vincent on June 5, 2011 at 9:40 PM

Yet another new species to me. Perhaps not the most attractive of subjects to photograph, but your technique is spot on, thanks for sharing Richard :^)

Registered on March 1, 2011, 154 Posts, 2083 Comments

Comment posted by Angela McCain on June 5, 2011 at 9:55 PM

Really great capture. Exceptional detail in this bird in the "ugly duckling" phase of his life.

Registered on April 19, 2009, 367 Posts, 3589 Comments

Comment posted by David Sparks on June 6, 2011 at 11:21 AM

What a pleasant surprise to find in your yard. Excellent sharpness and exposure.

Registered on May 26, 2007, 290 Posts, 4270 Comments

Comment posted by Robert Holguin on June 7, 2011 at 2:08 AM

Wonderful shot!!! Superb feather detail, great perch, and nice habitat. I agree on the blade of grass behind its head being a bit distracting. Other than that fabulous pic.

Registered on January 25, 2011, 44 Posts, 294 Comments

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on June 11, 2011 at 7:52 PM

Have a bunch of WW's here, but I've never noticed a fledgling before.
Nice & sharp, I especially like the light here Richard

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