Western Grebe

Gallery: AvianPosted July 3, 201187 views11 comments

Western Grebe ( Aechmophorus occidentalis)

Place: Water Ranch, Gilbert, AZ, USA
Date: March 21, 2010
Equipment: Nikon D200, Nikkor AF-S 300/2.8 & TC20E (2x), G1325, RRS BH-55, Sidekick
Exposure: ISO 400, aperture priority spot metered, 1/400th @ f/8
Raw, PS CS3 on Mac G4, modest crop following straightening

We reached 118 degrees in Phoenix yesterday so obviously I'm not out shooting right now. Here's another image from the archives that I haven't posted before. Other images from this session (some posted before at NPN) can be seen in this gallery on my web site.

Yes, it is too tight in the frame (why I didn't post it last year when I had better shots ready).

Please view the larger version if possible before commenting. Honest critiques requested; all comments appreciated.

Comments

11 comments

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on July 3, 2011 at 3:20 PM

It's "only" 101 here and we're all roasting. Couldn't imagine 118... stay safe.
The comp here is fine for me - it showcases one of my favorite birds. Nice pose/head-turn, your usual fine detail, and silky water.
Nice!
Sandy

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

Comment posted by May Haga on July 3, 2011 at 7:31 PM

Excellent capture Richard.
May

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

Comment posted by Ron Dudley on July 3, 2011 at 8:52 PM

Rich, as you said it's probably a little tight but everything else sure works well. F/8 worked very well and this shows some excellent exposure - especially in the whites of the neck where I nearly always struggle with these guys. I also like that the pupil position indicates that the grebe is looking up.

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

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on July 3, 2011 at 9:55 PM

Beautiful detail and pose, Richard. the tightness could be easily remedied in a printed version with the correct matting choices.
I like the low angle and the look of the water.

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

Comment posted by Charles Gangas on July 4, 2011 at 12:22 AM

Rich, this is a wonderful image IMO, the detail is excellent, the position of the eye pupil is unique and the texture of the water offers a lovely background. Very nicely captured.

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

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on July 4, 2011 at 12:27 AM

Effective photo, spot on exposure and nice body position. The eye pupil is in an unusual position, adds a little extra interest.

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

Comment posted by Rob Drummond on July 4, 2011 at 6:03 AM

Only just Rich - wouldn't take much more. Like the head turn and detail.

cheers
Rob

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

Comment posted by Brian Gatlin on July 4, 2011 at 12:20 PM

nice, Rich-- I like how he's looking up. sweet details and excellent exposure. dof worked out well, and while it's a little tight but not bad.

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

Comment posted by Sharon Hallowell on July 4, 2011 at 12:44 PM

Nice pose looking up and exposure is good. Wonderful detail. Sharon

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

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on July 4, 2011 at 7:47 PM

Yes it's a bit tight..But it's OK to be uptight once in awhile Rich

Besides, this one looks great up close. Makes it easier for that red eye to hypnotize the viewer too

It's a chilly 101 degrees here BTW

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

Comment posted by Jim Hackley on July 6, 2011 at 12:05 PM

I always like the haircut these grebe's display and you have a really nice one on your website. The head turn really makes this shot for me as you can see that red eye along with the B&W contrast along the neck, well done.

Registered on September 17, 2009, 302 Posts, 5535 Comments