Loggerhead Shrike

Gallery: AvianPosted January 31, 2016127 views8 comments

Loggerhead Shrike Lanius ludovicianus

Place: Gilbert Water Ranch, AZ
Date: January 26, 2016, 8:25 am
Equipment: Nikon D7200, Nikkor AF-S 300/2.8 & TC20E III (2x), G1325, RRS BH-55, Sidekick
Exposure: ISO 800, Aperture priority matrix metered, 1/5000th @ f/5.6
Raw, PS CC 2015 on Mac, 78% of frame

I usually see shrikes sitting on a treetop some distance away and hope they will stay put until I can get closer. But this bird was a complete surprise. I’d maneuvered through some bushes to get a clear view of a pond and mudflat, and only after I’d scanned the birds there did I notice this Loggerhead Shrike perched in the tree directly to my right 10-15 feet away. It stayed put while I repositioned the tripod, composed, and got off a few frames

Honest critiques requested; all comments appreciated.

Comments

8 comments

Comment posted by David Bogener on January 31, 2016 at 3:34 PM

Nice light, pose, and eye contact. Perhaps a little tight on the bottom, but very nice.

Registered on October 30, 2013, 417 Posts, 1255 Comments

Comment posted by David Schoen on January 31, 2016 at 5:13 PM

Nice and sharp detailed image. Nice when they behave for you.

Registered on November 6, 2006, 1213 Posts, 4587 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on January 31, 2016 at 6:24 PM

Great catch, Richard. It's nice to find a cooperative bird once in awhile. Superb detail and pose and the thorny perch is very appropriate for this species.

devil

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

Comment posted by Douglas Graham on January 31, 2016 at 8:05 PM

Love this, perfect.

Registered on May 14, 2009, 123 Posts, 522 Comments

Comment posted by Keith Bauer on February 1, 2016 at 12:09 AM

Nice frame. The perch is a real bonus. A touch more room on the bottom would be nice.

Registered on November 20, 2003, 458 Posts, 4836 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Hansen on February 1, 2016 at 1:27 AM

Great shot Richard. Complete with thorns for impaling its prey! I worked with a shrike a few days ago and couldn't get close. Yours makes me envious!

Registered on May 5, 2011, 161 Posts, 908 Comments

Comment posted by Mia McPherson on February 1, 2016 at 5:37 PM

Wonderful detail, light and pose Richard!

Registered on June 25, 2007, 491 Posts, 12566 Comments

Comment posted by Nate Chappell on February 4, 2016 at 7:56 PM

Love the thorny, signature perch for this species, nice head turn and detail. A little more room on the bottom would be good but it looks like there are some out of focus distractions that direction. devil

Registered on February 1, 2006, 1158 Posts, 19528 Comments