Humble Magpie...

Apr 7, 2008

• #1

B

Barry Johnston

New member

It's been a while since I photographed any birds, but I was happy with this shot of the humble magpie taken this weekend as he sang on my balcony...

1D-MkIIN
EF400 f/2.8
1/500 @ f/4 ISO200

Barry

 

Apr 7, 2008

• #2

D

Don Cohen

Guest

A nice portrait shot, again with that wonderfully smooth background, tack-sharp features, and a great pose.

The orientation of the light coming from the left, leaving the head partly shadowed is the only negative to this shot.

 

Apr 12, 2008

• #3

D

Doug Lloyd

New member

Spectacular Detail
D

 

Apr 12, 2008

• #4

Asher Kelman

OPF Owner/Editor-in-Chief

Don's point is valid but hey, there's photoshop, easier than moving the sun or getting the bird to switch sides. I'd add more space on the left. I like room for the bird to fly away.

One day I'm going to hang the guy who said we must crop close! Nuts! Don't put beautiful things in prison!

I too am impressed! A portrait to be proud of. Whenever you post like this, it's another vote for looking after them!

Asher

Even what we think is "common" took ~2 billion years to arrive on your window.

 

Apr 12, 2008

• #5

B

Barry Johnston

New member

Magpie - uncropped

Thanks, I really appreciate your comments.

Actually, I thought the lighting was perfect, I wasn't concerned about the shadowy area at all. It was early morning and the sun was still low, hence the shadow...

Asher, I agree with you, it was probably cropped too close. Below is the uncropped version, I think it was the next frame along though, I like the expression all the same.

Uncropped

Barry

 

Apr 12, 2008

• #6

J

janet Smith

pro member

Hi Barry

Yup, I prefer the uncropped version too, s/he looks very pensive and peaceful, unusual state to see a magpie in, we have them around here sometimes too, but they're so noisy!

 

Apr 12, 2008

• #7

B

Barry Johnston

New member

Mag-Pie....

Hi Jan,

They can be very noisy... we have a family of 4 visit us for a daily feed; mum, dad and two youngsters. My wife Sharon has named the two young ones Steak Pie, (pictured above) and the other is Kidney Pie... cool names huh ?! We can hand feed them all except the Dad, and we enjoy their company...

Regards,
Barry

 

Apr 12, 2008

• #8

J

janet Smith

pro member

Barry Johnston said:

My wife Sharon has named the two young ones Steak Pie, (pictured above) and the other is Kidney Pie... cool names huh ?! We can hand feed them all except the Dad, and we enjoy their company...

Click to expand...

Love the names! but what are you going to call Mum & Dad??

Our youngest son Michael used to have two guinea pigs called "Smokey" & "Bacon"

 

Apr 12, 2008

• #9

B

Barry Johnston

New member

Names...

Hi Jan....

not sure about the parents, but probably something like 'Humble Pie' which is what I am very familiar with, and Margaret.... have to discuss it with Sharon....

Regards,
Barry

 

Apr 13, 2008

• #10

R

Ray West

New member

Hi Barry,

I don't know what the attitude to them is like in your neck of the woods, but this is a reasonable assessment here, except the rspb neglects to mention that the magpie's favourite natural food in the countryside, would do more consistently what they say the magpie does as a good feature.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/7316384.stm

(clue - put out a tray of bantam eggs for them)

Best wishes,

Ray

 

Apr 13, 2008

• #11

B

Barry Johnston

New member

Humble Pie....

"They are described as challenging and arrogant, and that's by their supporters". - BBC Magazine.

Click to expand...

Mmmm, and I thought it was only the 'Australian' maggies that showed their arrogance....and everyone knows where they learned that from... ;-)

A friend of mine lost his eye whilst cycling during magpie breeding season... they often cause chaos during that time of year...

Interesting, thanks Ray...

Barry.