DSLRUsers.com

Hi there,

When processing this file of a kookaburra I thought I had a nasty case of 'steel-eye':



But on close inspection I think it's actually a membrane over the eye... Is this an eyelid? I always assumed that birds had eyelids that worked similar to ours but this looks more like a cat's second eyelid.

Can anyone tell me if this is infact and eyelid? (100% crop)



Paul

Here is another shot of the same bird without the 'eyelid'.

DOF is crazy shallow in these shots (They are full frame). 500mm + 36mm extension at close to Minimum Focus Distance. This one is at F8 and the beak isn't even nearly in focus even though the eye is nice and sharp!



Paul

Definitely some kind of eyelid..I noticed the same thing when I found this lil fella in the parklands near Adelaide Zoo.

G'day Paul,

This is called a 'nictating membrane' and is found in birds and reptiles. It is used to help moisten the eyes in dry conditions and also protects eyes as well.

Cheers

Michael

Finch wrote:G'day Paul,

This is called a 'nictating membrane' and is found in birds and reptiles. It is used to help moisten the eyes in dry conditions and also protects eyes as well.

Cheers

Michael

Well there ya' go!

Thanks for that info. I'd seen the membrane on lizards and such but didn't realise that birds had the same 'system'.

Now I've just gotta try and commit 'nictating membrane' to memory... hmm

Paul

Interesting capture, a bit disturbing to look at.

I actually really like the image you posted w/o the membrane. I think the shallow DOF works fine.