A Different Shrike

Canon EOS 7D, EF 500mm f/4L IS USM, Aperture Priority @ f/8 (1/2000 sec), -2/3 EV, ISO 400, Tripod, JPEG from RAW, About 60% of Full Frame

The next in this series of somewhat more unusual South African birds is a female Black-Backed Puffback, which is another species of Shrike; reason I know it's a female is that my Pocket Guide to Birds of Southern African tells me so ;^)

Actually, may as well type out for you the info provided:

“A fairly small black and white Shrike with diagnostic red eyes. The female has a white eyebrow and forehead, and is paler than the male even on the crown. During display the male erects the white feathers on it's back, hence the name. Easily overlooked as it lives high in the canopies of trees. Hops from branch to branch when foraging, utters a sharp click followed by a whistle.”

I know this is far from a “picture perfect” shot, due to the somewhat cluttered surroundings, but I was happy enough with the pose, eye clarity, as well as the detail in the plumage I was able to acquire, not to mention having actually had the opportunity of seeing it relatively close in the first place!

Critique and comments as always welcome.