Plain Chachalaca, A Lower Rio Grande "Speciality"

MaestroMaestro Registered Users Posts: 5,395 Major grins
edited July 5, 2007 in Wildlife
It is a type of upland game bird that you will only find in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. I was lucky enough to run across a pair in Laguna Atascosa NWR. Unfortunately, I came prepared thinking that I would need a long lens so all I had was my 500mm. Anyhow, when I saw these two I jumped out of my car threw myself down on the gravel thinking that I would have to prepare for a wait after they went back into the brush. However, one chachalaca, the male, decided to investigate. He came so close my lens almost wouldn't focus and at one point I actually had to get up and scoot back. The pictures are not great because of the short distance and the poor focus, but a few were salvageable. I was just happy to come across this guy.

Chachalaca.jpg

In this shot, I like the detail in the feathers but the head came out a bit soft.
Chachalaca_up_close.jpg

Eventually, he ran back into the brush where I was able to take a few more pics.
Chachalaca_in_brush.jpg

Plain_Chachalaca_hiding.jpg

Plain_Chachalaca_hiding3.jpg

Enjoy...more to come as I process my pics.
Stephen
www.capture-the-pixel.com

Comments

  • raptorcaptorraptorcaptor Registered Users Posts: 3,968 Major grins
    edited July 4, 2007
    Great capture Stephen! clap.gif
    Glenn

    My website | NANPA Member
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited July 4, 2007
    The first shot is very good. clap.gif These are the first captures of this bird that I've seen.
    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!"
  • Dick on ArubaDick on Aruba Registered Users Posts: 3,484 Major grins
    edited July 4, 2007
    Nice find! I like the first 2 the most.

    Thanks for sharing,

    Dick.
    "Nothing sharpens sight like envy."
    Thomas Fuller.

    SmugMug account.
    Website.
  • Ric GrupeRic Grupe Registered Users Posts: 9,522 Major grins
    edited July 4, 2007
    Very nice, Stephen. That first one! thumb.gif

    On the second...I think I would try selectively sharpening just the head...run the mask along the shadow line on the neck and encompass the head. Do it at 200%...makes it a lot easier. Oh, and feathering the mask is always a good idea. Sharpen just enough to bring the crispness inline with the rest of the bird.:D
  • slflashslflash Registered Users Posts: 186 Major grins
    edited July 4, 2007
    Stephen,
    Great shots. I like the 1st one the best!thumb.gif
    Sheila
    http://sheilalatta.smugmug.com
  • LCDLCD Registered Users Posts: 494 Major grins
    edited July 4, 2007
    nice shots and interesting information. They look kinda turkeyish.
    looking forward to your next ones.

    Lisa
  • MaestroMaestro Registered Users Posts: 5,395 Major grins
    edited July 5, 2007
    LCD wrote:
    nice shots and interesting information. They look kinda turkeyish.
    looking forward to your next ones.

    Lisa

    Thanks everyone for your comments and LCD, the chachalaca may look turkeyish but it is only about the size of your common chicken.
    Stephen
    www.capture-the-pixel.com

  • MaestroMaestro Registered Users Posts: 5,395 Major grins
    edited July 5, 2007
    Ric Grupe wrote:
    Very nice, Stephen. That first one! thumb.gif

    On the second...I think I would try selectively sharpening just the head...run the mask along the shadow line on the neck and encompass the head. Do it at 200%...makes it a lot easier. Oh, and feathering the mask is always a good idea. Sharpen just enough to bring the crispness inline with the rest of the bird.:D

    Ugh, here you go again with this advanced PS stuff, "use a mask; feather the mask." Sheesh, I'm not no rocket scientist dude! eek7.gifD Just kidding. I'll have to read up on masks though. I ain't that smart in PS.
    Stephen
    www.capture-the-pixel.com

  • Ric GrupeRic Grupe Registered Users Posts: 9,522 Major grins
    edited July 5, 2007
    Maestro wrote:
    Ugh, here you go again with this advanced PS stuff, "use a mask; feather the mask." Sheesh, I'm not no rocket scientist dude! eek7.gifD Just kidding. I'll have to read up on masks though. I ain't that smart in PS.

    rolleyes1.gifI do understand, Stephen.

    A mask is nothing more than drawing a line around an area that you either want to include or exclude from editing. Feathering a mask makes the line that you just drew gradual...so an edit blends in without a distinct line.

    I guarantee you that if you want shots that look like some of the best on this sight....then you must learn editing techniques. Yes, it's best to get the shot right...but...digital cameras have their limitations.:D
  • MaestroMaestro Registered Users Posts: 5,395 Major grins
    edited July 5, 2007
    Ric Grupe wrote:
    rolleyes1.gifI do understand, Stephen.

    A mask is nothing more than drawing a line around an area that you either want to include or exclude from editing. Feathering a mask makes the line that you just drew gradual...so an edit blends in without a distinct line.

    I guarantee you that if you want shots that look like some of the best on this sight....then you must learn editing techniques. Yes, it's best to get the shot right...but...digital cameras have their limitations.:D

    Too funny. I will look into it. Would I use the lasso function to draw a line around the area. :shrug:
    Stephen
    www.capture-the-pixel.com

  • Ric GrupeRic Grupe Registered Users Posts: 9,522 Major grins
    edited July 5, 2007
    Maestro wrote:
    Too funny. I will look into it. Would I use the lasso function to draw a line around the area. :shrug:

    Freehand is better. You left click to set a node at the starting point then drag (just by moving the mouse) the line to the next node (another left click) and a line will be set between the nodes or click points. Nodes closer for curves...farther apart for straighter areas. Double click to complete the mask.
  • dbaker1221dbaker1221 Registered Users Posts: 4,482 Major grins
    edited July 5, 2007
    really like the 1stthumb.gif
    **If I keep shooting, I'm bound to hit something**
    Dave
  • MaestroMaestro Registered Users Posts: 5,395 Major grins
    edited July 5, 2007
    dbaker1221 wrote:
    really like the 1stthumb.gif

    Thanks Dave. That was about the only good one I could get.
    Stephen
    www.capture-the-pixel.com

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