Exotic
Jun 17, 2019 17:58:37 #
This small finch like bird was originally called the Nutmeg Manikin. Recently renamed "Scaley-breasted Munia," this exotic species originated in Southeast Asia but has established a viable population in Southern California. A smaller population had found its way to Houston, TX. They seem to populate stream beds and ponds where reeds and grasses are plentiful. They only grow to about 4-1/2" in length and have very quiet calls.
These shots was taken on an overcast day, handheld, with a Nikon D500 and Nikkor 200-500mm telezoom. The birds were part of a larger group discovered yesterday morning at the Carbon Canyon Regional Park in Orange County.
These shots was taken on an overcast day, handheld, with a Nikon D500 and Nikkor 200-500mm telezoom. The birds were part of a larger group discovered yesterday morning at the Carbon Canyon Regional Park in Orange County.
Jun 17, 2019 18:03:03 #
A wonderful shot of the male in the grass by himself. Night and day between the two different shots.
Jun 17, 2019 18:18:07 #
Jun 17, 2019 18:22:43 #
Jun 17, 2019 18:35:19 #
Jun 17, 2019 18:41:13 #
martinfisherphoto wrote:
A wonderful shot of the male in the grass by himself. Night and day between the two different shots.
So true. I lost detail in #1 trying to denoise the photo. I probably went too far and lost focus. The moment I saw #2 I thought it was a keeper. I love the pastel colors in the grass, the contrast of the green, and the colors and pose of the bird.
Thanks so much for taking the time to look and comment. Much appreciated.
jak
Jun 17, 2019 18:43:15 #
NMGal wrote:
The first is good, but the second is gorgeous.
Thanks very much, NMGal. I agree that the second is much better. It's sharper and the colors and contrast are really nice. I went overboard trying to reduce noise in the first shot, leaving it very soft. Thanks again for taking the time to view and comment.
jak
Jun 17, 2019 18:44:03 #
"Scaley-breasted Munia" - obviously a name derived by a Committee.
Nice images, and the last one is really unique.
Nice images, and the last one is really unique.
Jun 17, 2019 18:46:01 #
quixdraw wrote:
Ditto!
Thanks, quickdraw. I knew the second was special as soon as I saw it Pose, contrast, color...all better than #1. I wish I hadn't tried so hard to denoise #1 because that really reduced sharpness...as they say, overprocessed. Oh well, at least I can go back and reprocess the original...thanks to RAW and Lightroom.
Thanks again.
jak
Jun 17, 2019 18:47:55 #
UTMike wrote:
Wonderful work, jak! #2 steals the set.
Mike,
How are you? Great to hear from you, and I agree that #2 is the better image. I over processed #1 because of noise and it really showed. #2 is sharp, has nice colors and contrast, and the bird's one and colors are just better. I always appreciate hearing from you and thank you for the kind words.
jak
Jun 17, 2019 18:51:30 #
rgrenaderphoto wrote:
"Scaley-breasted Munia" - obviously a name derived by a Committee.
Nice images, and the last one is really unique.
Nice images, and the last one is really unique.
Thanks very much, Robert. I have admired many of your submissions and appreciate that you have taken the time to view and comment. As explained in other replies, I over processed the first image because the noise was pretty bad. #2 was just better out of camera and was an obvious keeper from the start. This was just one of several exotic species I've seen in the past few days, but photographically, I think this was my best shot.
Thanks again. jak
Jun 17, 2019 19:01:23 #
I agree, #2 is wonderful - just the right touch of composition and dreamy texture of the soft grasses.
Jun 17, 2019 19:07:26 #
BlueMorel wrote:
I agree, #2 is wonderful - just the right touch of composition and dreamy texture of the soft grasses.
Thanks. That was very nicely said. It's such a lucky moment when a wild creature ends up posing attractively in such an nice location. I always feel lucky when that happens. Thanks again for the kind comments. jak
Jun 17, 2019 19:18:45 #
Jun 17, 2019 19:28:12 #
kpmac wrote:
Very nice. #2 is outstanding.
Thanks very much, kpmac. I very much appreciate the nice comment. I went back and reprocessed #1 (see below) and it's improved, but the pose, color, light, pretty much everything in #2 was better. Have a great week. jak
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