LargeCactusGround Finch

Gallery: AvianPosted January 16, 2012223 views3 comments

Large Cactus Ground Finch, one of Darwin's Finches
Geospiza conirostris

Photographed on January 5th, Espanola Island, the Galapagos

Canon 7D
24mm f1.4L II
f2.5
1/1250 s.
ISO 100

Slight crop only to correct horizon.

Explanation: I was kneeling on the beach switching to this lens to photograph a colony of sea lions. This individual came up to me, working on his seed, as curious about me as I was about him. He hung around, and I got quite a few shots. This is one of my faves. (I think Darwin wrote that he got a dove for his stew pot by "throwing his hat" at it. The animals are so unafraid on the Galapagos!)

Comments

3 comments

Comment posted by Barbara Graham on January 17, 2012 at 12:00 AM

Wonderful detail, down to the tiny bits of sand on the beak. Great exposure.

Registered on July 27, 2010, 1310 Posts, 5035 Comments

Comment posted by Eirini Pajak on January 17, 2012 at 9:23 AM

I like the perspective & being able to see a little of the water in the BG! What a tough exposure! I do wish I could see his eye a tiny bit better...I am not sure but maybe a little selective sharpening would bring it out?

Registered on December 13, 2011, 216 Posts, 1671 Comments

Comment posted by keith mitchell on January 17, 2012 at 3:41 PM

Rebecka it looks like difficult conditions to me and the bird does look a little dark on my screen,but as Barbara says you have got some very nice detail,nice shot.

Keith.

Registered on July 12, 2008, 127 Posts, 1735 Comments