Iridescence

IcebearIcebear Registered Users Posts: 4,015 Major grins
edited May 28, 2011 in Wildlife
I don't think there's anything "Common" about this Grackle. Yeah, they're bullies, and there are too many of them around here for the happiness of the smaller birds, but gosh, when the light hits them right they're breathtaking. Old screw-drive 300mm with a 1.4TC on the D300.

JWS0460-XL.jpg
John :
Natural selection is responsible for every living thing that exists.
D3s, D500, D5300, and way more glass than the wife knows about.

Comments

  • LindiweLindiwe Registered Users Posts: 606 Major grins
    edited May 24, 2011
    Fantastic, the way you've managed to capture the iridescence in those dark feathers. It might still be a common (as in abundant) bird, but there's absolutely nothing common about this photograph. Lovely! thumb.gif
  • PGMPGM Registered Users Posts: 2,007 Major grins
    edited May 25, 2011
    John, you caught that beautiful iridescence just perfectly! Best, Pam
  • Ric GrupeRic Grupe Registered Users Posts: 9,522 Major grins
    edited May 25, 2011
    Nicely done, John. thumb.gif
  • IcebearIcebear Registered Users Posts: 4,015 Major grins
    edited May 25, 2011
    Thank you all! Another thing, they're very skittish too. It's hard to get a shot of them, 'cause they're very observant, and won't light if they perceive my presence.
    John :
    Natural selection is responsible for every living thing that exists.
    D3s, D500, D5300, and way more glass than the wife knows about.
  • TaDaTaDa Registered Users Posts: 169 Major grins
    edited May 25, 2011
    Great shot. I also happen to be a fan of European Starlings. Same bad rep of being a nuisance bird, but when you catch them in the correct light, their iridescence is breathtaking.
    My Kit
    Canon 5DII, Canon 7D
    Canon Canon 24-70 f/2.8L, Canon 35 f/1.4L, Canon 70-200 f/2.8L IS II, Canon 85 f/1.2L II, Canon 500mm f/4 IS, Zeiss 21mm ZE
    Speedlite 580ex II, Canon 430ex
  • IcebearIcebear Registered Users Posts: 4,015 Major grins
    edited May 26, 2011
    It's strange, but I've only seen one starling so far this year. Wonder where they are??? Guess I'd better be careful what I wish for.
    John :
    Natural selection is responsible for every living thing that exists.
    D3s, D500, D5300, and way more glass than the wife knows about.
  • TaDaTaDa Registered Users Posts: 169 Major grins
    edited May 26, 2011
    Here is one from NY for you :)

    IMG_0194.jpg
    My Kit
    Canon 5DII, Canon 7D
    Canon Canon 24-70 f/2.8L, Canon 35 f/1.4L, Canon 70-200 f/2.8L IS II, Canon 85 f/1.2L II, Canon 500mm f/4 IS, Zeiss 21mm ZE
    Speedlite 580ex II, Canon 430ex
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited May 27, 2011
    Excellent work John on a subject I too often overlook when I go out.
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • IcebearIcebear Registered Users Posts: 4,015 Major grins
    edited May 27, 2011
    Are Florida grackles as "tame" as your other birds, Harry?
    John :
    Natural selection is responsible for every living thing that exists.
    D3s, D500, D5300, and way more glass than the wife knows about.
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited May 27, 2011
    Icebear wrote: »
    Are Florida grackles as "tame" as your other birds, Harry?

    I think a ubiquitous would be more apt than tame.
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • IcebearIcebear Registered Users Posts: 4,015 Major grins
    edited May 27, 2011
    Have you checked your avatar lately? Your birds are damn near domesticated.
    John :
    Natural selection is responsible for every living thing that exists.
    D3s, D500, D5300, and way more glass than the wife knows about.
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited May 28, 2011
    Icebear wrote: »
    Have you checked your avatar lately? Your birds are damn near domesticated.

    The birds in FL are very tolerant of humans. They very often associate us with food.

    35170118.jpg
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • IcebearIcebear Registered Users Posts: 4,015 Major grins
    edited May 28, 2011
    Harryb wrote: »
    The birds in FL are very tolerant of humans. They very often associate us with food.

    I think I'd go for the one on the right. The other one looks a bit tough.
    John :
    Natural selection is responsible for every living thing that exists.
    D3s, D500, D5300, and way more glass than the wife knows about.
  • MaestroMaestro Registered Users Posts: 5,395 Major grins
    edited May 28, 2011
    Grackles are too often overlooked because they so common and just look black from a distance, but in the right light their plumage is very nice. As long as they don't show up in droves, I much prefer them over cowbirds and especially starlings which are invasive!

    Your shot is excellent..love the DOF.
    Stephen
    www.capture-the-pixel.com

  • IcebearIcebear Registered Users Posts: 4,015 Major grins
    edited May 28, 2011
    Thank you Stephan.
    John :
    Natural selection is responsible for every living thing that exists.
    D3s, D500, D5300, and way more glass than the wife knows about.
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