European Starling

Gallery: AvianPosted May 13, 2012118 views9 comments

European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)

Place: Gilbert Water Ranch, AZ
Date: May 7, 2012 6:12 am
Equipment: Nikon D300, Nikkor 300/2.8 AF-S & TC20E III (2x), G1325, RRS BH-55, sidekick
Exposure: ISO 400, aperture priority matrix meter, 1/500th @ f/8
Raw, PS CS3 on Mac 64% of full frame

Starlings are among the first subjects I encounter when I use the main parking lot at the Water Ranch, and it is a good opportunity to confirm my camera settings and operation before I start my walkabout there. In soft warm morning light even the lowly and unloved Starling can be a worthy subject.

Honest critiques requested; all comments appreciated. Larger image provided, as always.

Comments

9 comments

Comment posted by Ron Bielefeld on May 13, 2012 at 10:51 AM

Very nice IQ and setting Rich. I agree, just about any species can be a good subject if encountered under the right condition in a good spot and the image is executed well.

Registered on December 6, 2008, 360 Posts, 7132 Comments

Comment posted by Barbara Graham on May 13, 2012 at 11:51 AM

I really like the glow of this, and the setting and colors.

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

Comment posted by May Haga on May 13, 2012 at 2:03 PM

Very, very nice Richard. I know some people consider these birds to be nuisance birds but they are really quite beautiful.
Love the setting.
May

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

Comment posted by Rick Turner on May 13, 2012 at 2:43 PM

Great light on this capture.

Registered on February 18, 2012, 534 Posts, 2755 Comments

Comment posted by Charles Gangas on May 13, 2012 at 10:23 PM

An often overlooked bird- here showcased in great light reveals the lovely hidden colors this bird possesses. Very nicely captured Rich.

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

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on May 13, 2012 at 11:57 PM

Really love the unusual color harmony, where the metallic green in the starling is echoed in the vegetation. Excellent composition. The background has a lot going on, but it all looks esthetically pleasing and best of all - natural.

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

Comment posted by Jim DeWitt on May 14, 2012 at 1:28 PM

Lovely work on the sheens in this male, Richard, and sweet light. It makes you almost – almost – understand why it was so popular in Britain that they felt compelled to introduce it here.

Registered on August 28, 2006, 1240 Posts, 8506 Comments

Comment posted by Basri Akcasoy on May 14, 2012 at 5:02 PM

I love the Starlings. I like the pose of the bird, perch and light colored romantic BG. TFS.

Registered on February 16, 2012, 118 Posts, 767 Comments

Comment posted by Sally Wood on May 15, 2012 at 6:14 AM

Lovely image of this bird that annoys me greatly.............. love the texture of the feathers you captured.. and the light!

Registered on March 8, 2012, 39 Posts, 509 Comments