Grey Bird

[arne saknussen]

My concerns are if this shot is sharp enough and if the bokeh is appropriate. And any other comments as well.

[NKP68]

Nice shot. The eye is sharp as a tack, almost looks plastic. DOF could be a bit deeper to include his bill and comb. I would have cropped some off of the right side of the frame and opened up the left side. That's the way the animal is facing. The white area seems to be growing out of the birds head feathers. Could try to calm that down a bit. Do you know what kind of bird it is? Very unusual, for me at least.

[arne saknussen]

Thanks, very good points.

Here's a description of the bird:

The Common-crowned Pigeon is one of the largest species of pigeon in the world. These lovely blue-grey birds approach the size of a small turkey. The feathers of the back are tinged with purple to create a maroon wash across the upperparts. There is a small white patch on each wing formed by upper wing coverts. There is a terminal lighter blue-grey band on the tail feathers. A narrow band of darker blue feathers runs from the base of the bill through the eye. The eyes are red, the bill black, and the legs a deep maroon. The most noticeable anatomical feature is the elegant erect lacy crest formed by specialized feathers on the top of the head.

Distribution and Habitat

Common-crowned Pigeons are native to the moist lowland forests of eastern New Guinea and several adjacent smaller islands. They are found from sea level up to 600 meters in elevation. Groups of two to ten birds forage on the forest floor and flush into the tree tops when alarmed.

[frog4gators]

Did you take this pic at the National Zoo? It's where I got mine.

[arne saknussen]

frog4, yes, I took this at the National Zoo. Your shot is grayed out on my monitor, I only see the top fifth or so.

[Greg McCary]

I have always read that with animal shots it is important that the eyes are sharp. Here they are and I also think that it is good bokeh. As far as composition I think it is better for the subject to be looking into the frame as opposed to out of it.

[frog4gators]

hmmm.... not sure whats up. Its showing up on mine

[arne saknussen]

It shows up on my iPad. Must have had something to do with when the site was down.