One of our bossy Mockingbirds attacked this Starling this afternoon, but gave up the fight thinking he would be flying off never to come back to this yard again. The Mockingbird waited in the tree, and the Starling on the ground went back to foraging in the grass. I went out with my camera but thought maybe he was hurt and wanted to check. He wasn’t even bothered by me, and so I was sure then that he must be injured, but after letting me take a few shots he flew away.
I appreciate your viewing and all comments and critiques.
Does the iridescent feathers look okay? I calmed the highlights in them some.
What artistic feedback would you like if any?
I liked this shot with the head turned upwards. I think he was listening to my shutter clicking. Composition look okay?
Pertinent technical details or techniques:
Canon 5D IV, Sigma 150-600mm at 600mm, handheld. Settings manual (except ISO, auto), f8, 1/1600, ISO 400. Edited in LR and Topaz.
(If backgrounds have been removed, etc. please be honest with your techniques to help others learn)
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Though invasive, this is such a beautiful bird in the right light and I think you have nailed it, Shirley. I love the pose and it gives so much interest to the bird. I think this can be brightened up considerably. I used a D2 selection with a curve adjustment layer and I think the result looks better. As a side effect, the contrast in the BG will also be reduced which tones down the grasses as well. Also I would consider cloning out two dark spots a little bit behind the bird.
Really nice pose and crisp detail in what looks like harsh mid day light. I agree with Adhika regarding the increase in brightness of the black plumage, especially on the head where there is more contrast. Although pleasing as is, perhaps a mild vignette would help isolate the bird on the BG.
A very nice shot of a bird not often photographed. I am not sure whether or not it was possible but getting lower may have blurred out more of the grass.
Our Starlings here seem darker and where this one has green ours are more dark bluish.
You caught the iridescent colors well and a nice head turn. I would agree with Adhika’s suggestions. My experience with Starlings is similar to yours: when they’re foraging, they’re pretty intent on the job at hand and one can get fairly close.
