Boat-tailed Grackle

Gallery: AvianPosted December 2, 2011154 views4 comments

Sorry I haven't been that active lately. I'm trying to build my skills and create some images worthy of this great site.

I found this grackle feeding among the dunes on Assateague Island in Virginia. I approached as close as I could without spooking him and then laid down in the sand. He quickly resumed feeding and eventually let out a loud call. That is what's pictured here.

Any comments or suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Nikon D300s
Mode: Aperature Priority
ISO: 500
Lens: Nikon 300mm f/4 & TC-17E II
Exp: 1/500 sec at f/6.7
60% of full frame - cropped mostly for composition
Hand held

Comments

4 comments

Comment posted by Mark Schiebelbein on December 2, 2011 at 11:52 PM

Nice catch there to get the open bill. The bird is just the right size in the frame and nicely posed on a small rise. That, along with the bit of colourful vegetation in the foreground and a slightly OOF background make this a very pleasing shot. My only nit is it appears just a tad soft, however definitely a keeper. Well done.

Registered on November 8, 2008, 55 Posts, 393 Comments

Comment posted by Scott Frye on December 3, 2011 at 10:57 AM

Really like the pastel colors surrounding this black bird -- especially that nice yellow in the foreground. This is nicely presented

Registered on February 3, 2007, 387 Posts, 1136 Comments

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on December 3, 2011 at 12:46 PM

Good detail and I love this birds color, great calling pose too Jeff.
The plant FG with its yellow color brings a lot to the image as well.
Pleasant image, I like it

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

Comment posted by Sharon Hallowell on December 3, 2011 at 9:38 PM

Really nice comp with the plant and bird. Open bill is a plus! Well done. Sharon

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