A few Birds

[mark]

As a result of recent acquiring of a DSLR I have found out quite by accident that I like birding.... However I don't know much about them, sure I can tell you what a Magpie and Seagull look like... But unfortunately that’s about the full extent of my knowledge....

So if you can help me out with Id on these fellas I'd appreciate it… Also if you can recommend a good web page or book for the same purpose you would make me





Click on the photo's for a larger image.

Thanks

[Manta]

White Faced Heron and Pied Oystercatchers. Nice shots too Mark. I understand how the birding bug can bite. I use Michael Morcombe's "Field Guide to Australian Birds - Complete Compact Edition". It's smaller and easier to throw in the 'go-bag' than some of the other publications.

EDIT: Love the depth of field in the second shot but the saturation might be just a little strong.

[blacknstormy]

Mark - first one is a white faced heron, and the second Pied Oystercatchers (Love the second shot by the way)

We'd recommend 2 books:
for in the field, Slater "The Slater field guide to Australian Birds"
(nice, compact and easiest to carry around)

and for information (ie keep in the office)
Pizzey & Knight "The Graham Pizzey & Frank Knight Field guid to birds of Australia".
(great book, but a bit too bulky to carry around)

There are others, but these are the 2 we use the most.

Keep it up

Rel

(Simon - beat me again !!!! )

[avkomp]

I went into the bookshop and came out with a few field guides because I couldnt decide which is was the best to get.

as it turns out, all 4 I have have merit and I refer to all often.
some have drawings and some have photos.

I am too lazy to carry em in the field.
I get a shot of unknown stuff and figure it out later.

like the shot of the heron also.

STeve

[radar]

Hi Mark,

I use the same book as Simon. I find it fairly good, but sometimes a bit lacking. Areas I found lacking is description of young birds where colouring is not quite like the adult. But I haven't rushed out to get a second book, will probably have one on my Santa list

NatureScapes is a good web site, similar to here, but dedicated to wildlife/nature. A few members here can also be found on there as well, look in the Australasia section. http://www.naturescapes.net

Like you, I find that I like photographing birds, lots to learn. Got myself a flash finally and a Better Beamer flash extender, it helps with fill flash.

Those two are very nice, I like both.

cheers,

André

[Slider]

Great stuff Mark Love the 2nd shot.

[mark]

Thanks Guys....
Really appreciate the feedback....

[Matt. K]

I like the way you have held back a little and caught the critters with a little of the environment around them. There is a tendency when shooting birds for the photographer to get as close as possible and this gives the imagery a clichéd look. I'm looking forward to seeing how your style develops. Nice work.

[Manta]

I like the way you have held back a little and caught the critters with a little of the environment around them. There is a tendency when shooting birds for the photographer to get as close as possible and this gives the imagery a clichéd look.

That's a very good point Matt and one I hadn't considered. I know I'm certainly guilty of trying to fill the frame with the bird, probably because I'm trying to emphasise the feather detail or colouring (though I rearely succeed in doing either).

I'll be keeping your comments in mind next time.

[greencardigan]

Great shots Mark!

Which lens were you using? And what exposure settings?

Pizzey & Knight "The Graham Pizzey & Frank Knight Field guid to birds of Australia".

This is the main book I use too.

[JordanP]

Mark,

Nice shots, very sharp and crisp.

I notice a nice looking wave in the background of the second shot. Is that Clarks Beach? Nice bit of swell that day if it is.

Cheers,

[marcotrov]

#2 is my pick here Mark for it's simplicity, composition and subject posture is unique. I like how you have isolated the subject from its environment.
cheers
marco

[mark]

I notice a nice looking wave in the background of the second shot. Is that Clarks Beach? Nice bit of swell that day if it is.

Thanks for noticing it Craig, I waited about 3 minutes for that wave... The photo was taken half way along Tallows, that's Broken Head in the background. Gee it was big that day, just ask Jonas he paddled out for a few....I did too, but thanks to the flu earlier in the week, I didn't feel I had the lung capacity for a good hold down... So I turned tail and headed back to the beach and took some photos...

Macrotrov - Thanks, I wasn't so sure about #2 myself, hence the lack of border. It was nice to hear that so many other people liked it.. I really only posted it for an id on the birds... Shows what I know.

Greencardigan- Here is the the exif for both, unfortunatly the programs I use (photoshop 5.5 and Fireworks) seem to strip exif details..

#1
Nikon D50
2006/07/16 09:46:47.6
Compressed RAW (12-bit)
Image Size: Large (3008 x 2000)
Lens: 70-300mm F/4-5.6 G
Focal Length: 300mm
Exposure Mode: Manual
Metering Mode: Multi-Pattern
1/400 sec - F/6.3
Exposure Comp.: 0 EV
Sensitivity: ISO 400
Optimize Image: Normal
White Balance: Cloudy
AF Mode: AF-C
Flash Sync Mode: Not Attached
Auto Flash Comp: 0 EV
Color Mode: Mode IIIa (sRGB)
Tone Comp.: Auto
Hue Adjustment: 0°
Saturation: Normal
Sharpening: Auto
Image Comment:
Long Exposure NR: Off

#2
Nikon D50
2006/07/09 11:15:13.3
Compressed RAW (12-bit)
Image Size: Large (3008 x 2000)
Lens: 70-300mm F/4-5.6 G
Focal Length: 300mm
Exposure Mode: Manual
Metering Mode: Multi-Pattern
1/640 sec - F/10
Exposure Comp.: 0 EV
Sensitivity: ISO 200
Optimize Image: Normal
White Balance: Direct sunlight
AF Mode: AF-A
Flash Sync Mode: Not Attached
Auto Flash Comp: 0 EV
Color Mode: Mode IIIa (sRGB)
Tone Comp.: Auto
Hue Adjustment: 0°
Saturation: Normal
Sharpening: Auto
Image Comment:
Long Exposure NR: Off

Matt.K - Thanks mate, I'll keep posting if you keep looking

EDIT: Love the depth of field in the second shot but the saturation might be just a little strong.

Yeah, I notice this now that you point it out... the sand has a slight pink tinge to it, I might have overdone the red.... Is this what you were referring to?