Birds of a feather

[Alpha_7]

While I was away I had a chance to take some bird shots, it isn't usually my thing but I thought I'd share them and get some feedback from the more seasoned bird lovers. Most of the shots are unfortunately cropped a fair bit, with the 80-200 or the 70-300 I was always wishing for more reach... I tried to get at the wrens level, but it was so skitish it kept flying off.

[marcotrov]

The last shot is a beauty Craig. 2nd shot needs a dash of fill flash. Flash Extender(Better Beamer) will be your next purchase along with 80-400VR to get that reach
cheers
marco

[Collingwood]

Love the pelican shot!
I am biased to that one though because I love pelicans and intend to do an entire series on them in the future. Shot 2 ain't bad either but the softness is a bit too much in the first.

[Alpha_7]

Love the pelican shot!
I am biased to that one though because I love pelicans and intend to do an entire series on them in the future. Shot 2 ain't bad either but the softness is a bit too much in the first.

Thanks for the comments I have more pelican shots... Batemans Bay always has plenty of pelicans ready to pose.

[birddog114]

.... with the 80-200 or the 70-300 I was always wishing for more reach...

There're 200-400VR, 300VR & 500mm are available at your pursuit

[blacknstormy]

You're evil Birdy
Instills lens lust in us all !!!!

[LittleB]

Pelican photo is great Craig.

[stubbsy]

Craig. The first one lacks interest for me - it's an odd looking sort of bird. The second shot is my favourite since we're seeing nird + habitat. The pelican shot isgood, but could be better with a little more brightness & contrast to add punch.

[kipper]

The first bird is a Sooty Oystercatcher. Not sure what the non-breeding pairs do if they travel in groups, but so far I've only ever seen pairs of Oystercatchers whether Sooty or Pied.

[Alpha_7]

The first bird is a Sooty Oystercatcher. Not sure what the non-breeding pairs do if they travel in groups, but so far I've only ever seen pairs of Oystercatchers whether Sooty or Pied.

There was a pair of them, and your right, I've always seen them feeding in pairs.

[Finch]

Hi Craig,
Birds are great subjects to photograph, but not always easy. I agree with some of the earlier comments. First pic of Oyster-catchers is a bit soft, second pic of wren could do with some fill-flash which will highlight the eye (very important) and third shot of pelican is definitely the pic of the three. Love the bright blue background.

Keep clicking at those birds!

Cheers

Michael

[sirhc55]

The first pic appears to be out of focus and I do agree with Peter that the second shot is really good. Pelicans - they are becoming the new duck

[Finch]

I agree with Chris and Peter- second shot of wren is good but needs a bit of fill flash to lighten face. Would be a corker then!

[Poon]

Craig,
I like the third one.
It think that it is a make one.
Very attractive.
---
Regards
Poon

[Alpha_7]

Thanks for the encouragement, I actually nearly didn't include the pelican, I thought the angle was a bit funny, and there has been a excess in Pelican shots recently.
I must remember the fill flash something I didn't use at all this last week.

[rokkstar]

The pick of the bunch would be the pelican shot Craig for me. I think a little contrast boost might give it that extra oomph.
#1 is a bit too OOF for me and #2 doesnt do anything for me I'm afraid.

[Alpha_7]

The pick of the bunch would be the pelican shot Craig for me. I think a little contrast boost might give it that extra oomph.
#1 is a bit too OOF for me and #2 doesnt do anything for me I'm afraid.

Thanks for the feedback Matt, here is an adjusted PP'ed version, is this closer to your suggested version ? Click for bigger.