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Diamond Dove


Diamond Dove
Photo Information
Copyright: Loot Eksteen (loot) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 5695 W: 603 N: 3357] (8939)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2007-04-12
Categories: Birds
Camera: Cannon EOS 350D, Sigma 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 HZ DG Macro, Digital ISO 100, UV 62mm Kenko
Exposure: f/13.0, 1/200 seconds
Details: (Fill) Flash: Yes
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): Birds / Aves, Birds of Australia, Doves and Pigeons, A study in Ornithology, Pigeons and Doves [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2007-04-16 23:06
Viewed: 1212
Favorites: 1 [view]
Points: 60
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Diamond dove - Geopelia cuneata

Visiting the Kwa-Zulu Natal Midlands means that one have to be wary or well informed when selecting the season. The locals call it "Little England" and not without reason. The breathtaking and beautiful mountainous landscapes are only visible if it does not rain or if there is no fog present and this area are notorious for both.

Regrettably our timing was rather unfortunate as we did not have many opportunities for scenic drives or any landscape photography due to the continuous rain and thick fog that reduced visibility to less that 100-200m, and that was the good moments. The result was that we had to spend more time than anticipated in the in-house facilities. We had a wonderful day in the uShaka Marine World aquarium (in Durban) where I shot over 600 photos and also at "Butterflies for Africa" (in Pietermaritzburg) where this photo was taken.

Description
One of the smallest species of doves and considered to be one of the most beautiful.

Adult male: The head, neck, and breast are light blue-grey. The bill is dark grey. The iris is orange with bright red orbital skin, which intensifies in breeding season. The abdomen is creamy-white. The upper and back, as well as the tail and central feathers are brown-grey. The next outer pair of tail feathers is tipped with white and the other whole distal half is white. The wing feathers and scapulars are brown-grey, spotted with small irregular white spots with black edges. The primaries, leading edge, and tip are brown-grey; the remainder is chestnut. The secondaries are blue-grey. On the under-side of the wing, the chestnut primaries have brown-grey tips. The legs and feet are pink.

Adult female: The female is similar to the male but has more brown suffusion on all grey parts. Also, the orbital skin is less bright.

Juvenile: The bill is light grey. The iris is fawn, with fawn orbital skin. The breast is grey, each feather having a brown tip. Very few, if any, white spots on the wing.

Distribution
Central, West and Northern Australia.

Habitat
Lightly wooded arid or semi-arid grassland where there is water.

Behaviour
They are found mainly in pairs and sometimes in small flocks. They are seen running on the ground with a bobbing motion of their long tail and prefer open terrain. Flight is strong and direct and can be undulating. The wings can make a whistling "frrr" noise when flying.

Food
They feed off seed mostly from grasses and will also eat ants.

Status
Abundant. Very prolific.

Call
A penetrating, gentle "coo", often consisting of a single note. Sometimes they call two long coos or a combination of long and short coos. The calls sound mournful, slow and have a falsetto quality to them. The alarm coo consists of a few short but loud coos. Source.

Post Processing was done with Adobe Photoshop Elements 2.0.
greenpinkorange, jaycee, manyee, Juyona, fiyo, Janice, saeedabbasi, TAZ, Aaltjie, Alex99, horia, Hil, wuta, lgfoto, jcoowanitwong, Shoot_Score, jeanpaul, Dyker, thor68, dew77, betsie, Miss_Piggy has marked this note useful
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Discussions
ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To Shoot_Score: Adjusting of the eye?loot 1 04-22 14:07
To Janice: Sharks vs Dovesloot 1 04-17 06:45
To greenpinkorange: No cave - we're civilisedloot 1 04-16 23:33
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Critiques [Translate]

Hello!
I have never seen a dove as such before. Very interesting and unique. The red around its eye is really unique. The plumage of the bird is also very different, especially the spots.

Where did you take this? First thing i thought of when i saw it was that it was taken in a cave! (possibly because of the black bkground) haha.. the sharpness and colors are very nice.

steph

Hi Loot,
welcome back from your trip.
The picture is very nice with fine sharpness and details.
The dove is beautiful both in colours and pattern.
I like the POV and composition but maybe the flash-light is
a bit hard but thats me.
Very well done, my friend.

Hi and welcome back Loot,

Looks like you did pretty good regardless of the weather, the flash work really brings out the details in this beautiful dove but maybe a wee bit to much. I hope to see more cool stuff from your vacation. :)

  • Great 
  • manyee Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3068 W: 231 N: 5840] (19618)
  • [2007-04-17 2:36]

What a beaut, Loot!
Diamonds in the Sky indeed!
The white markings show off so dramatically against the black BG. The red eye is fantastic. A remarkable-looking bird, a new species for me... so thanks for the introduction. : )
Sharp details and perfect POV and pose.
Knowing you, no fog or rain can keep you from taking some interesting shots. Looking forward to seeing the rest of your shots.
TFS. : )

I like the separation from the dark background caused by the flash. This works quite well.

  • Great 
  • Juyona Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 2000 W: 6 N: 1953] (13047)
  • [2007-04-17 3:23]

Hola Loot,
exquisita captura,
bello colorido y magnífico flash,
genial pov.
saludos

Hi Loot
Ek is bly julle het die vakansie geniet ten spyte van die weer.
Hierdie duifie is nuut vir my en die lyftaal van hierdie duif wat jy vasgevang het, laat mens voel of jy hom kan makmaak en troetel. Die kleure van die duif staan vir my baie mooi uit teen die agtergrond. Uitstekend!

  • Great 
  • fiyo Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 924 W: 5 N: 2244] (8264)
  • [2007-04-17 4:21]

Hello Loot,
Great shot, very good POV and pose. Sharpness,details and colors are excellent.
Very well done .TFS..

Hi Loot
what fantastic eyes!colours,sharpness and light are superb!
best regards


pedro

Hi Loot, didn't the Sharks do well??? Sure surprised all us Kiwis.
And I'm sorry about the weather conditions - that was what our trip south last month was like for nearly 3 days. But 3-4 were perfect!
This Diamond Dove is beautiful Loot. I love his colours and patterns, and especially his pink eye make up. I love hjow he's posing there for you. The lighting is good, especially with that dark BG>
Well done
Janice

Hi Loot ,
it has great composition with excellent focus.
sharpness and backgroun are great.
vivid colours.
great work.
thanks for sharing
best wishes
Saeed

  • Great 
  • TAZ Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2395 W: 50 N: 3190] (10896)
  • [2007-04-17 7:06]

Hello Loot,
Only 600 shots there, poor Canon :-))
The "+++" : smart composition, lovely subject, nice pose, sharpness, DOF, contrast on neutral BG, flash exposure, great complementary note...
The "-" : nothing...
Congratulations my friend and TFS.

Dear Loot

This beautiful Diamond Dove in my opinion changes the saying “Grey is dull”.

What a dainty looking bird. We are so used to see the common turtle dove or the mourning dove, this is a bird I have never seen before.

I was just wondering about the name. I looked and looked but the spots did not want to turn to diamonds. This bird could easily been called spotted dove, or big eyed dove.

Over 600 photos in the aquarium!!! Agge nee man.!!! How can you?
Do you think I’ll be able to wait for each posting? I don’t think so. It is going to be very difficult.

I have heard from various people about the breathtaking nature in the Natal Midlands, and it is a pity that you could not take the photos you have planned to. But as long you have enjoyed it and had a well deserved rest, all is worthwhile.

Thanks once again for your very informative notes with regards to this pretty dove.

Looking forward to the 1st of the 600 fish photos.

Keep well.
Aaltjie

  • Great 
  • SkyF Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2390 W: 194 N: 1991] (8113)
  • [2007-04-17 8:39]

Hi loot,
hey any other time I would say.. do something about the red eye, but here no way! Great shot, the black BG does bring out all the wonderful details of this dove. Very good POV, get get a nice view of this stranger (to me). Sharpness and colors are great.
TFS..sky

  • Great 
  • Alex99 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2991 W: 148 N: 4435] (14369)
  • [2007-04-17 10:06]

Hi Loot.
You managed to created a really great dove picture. I have never seen this species. Your model is amazing and you have reflected all its beauty. I like flash work so much, excellent sharpness of the dove and branch image, impressive dark BG and perfect composition of the shot. Note is great as always. Bravo and TFS.
Alexei.

  • Great 
  • jaycee Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1687 W: 8 N: 4335] (14097)
  • [2007-04-17 10:37]

Hi Loot,

I never knew they made Doves like this! Excellent capture of this unusual and beautiful bird. The colors, details, and BG are all wonderful. And that eye!!!

Jane

  • Great 
  • horia Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2047 W: 212 N: 3658] (12174)
  • [2007-04-17 10:50]

Hi Loot

Nice to see another post from you, my friend! Long time, no see :))
Sorry to hear you had such a bad weather :( I would have loved to see a tone of beautiful new photos from you :)
This dove is anyway a charming capture, but he seems to be missing some sleep hours, judging from its eyes :)))))))
The colors and details in the plumage are terrific and that black Bg contrast well with the subject...it's actually rare that we get to see a bird shot taken with only flash light...
Anyway, the result is very nice and the note is also great.

Bravo and TFS
Horia

  • Great 
  • Hil Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 741 W: 11 N: 1382] (4763)
  • [2007-04-17 14:16]

Hi Loot

Superb shot, I've not seen this Dove before and am amazed by its eye, nicely presented composition and a excellent sideways on POV and a fine pose, the colours are excllent set againast the Black BG.

TFS Hil :o)

  • Great 
  • wuta Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 870 W: 2 N: 606] (2034)
  • [2007-04-17 14:47]

Hallo Loot , Het is weer een hele mooie, foto heel scherp prachtige kleuren en een mooi oog ,hij komt heel goed uit tegen de zwarte achtergrond ,tfs ,Groeten Teunie .

  • Great 
  • lgfoto Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 198 W: 15 N: 285] (1464)
  • [2007-04-17 17:43]

Very nice sharpness and good DOF Loot. Great control of the light and BG.TFS

Hello Loot,
Good to see you after a long time.
I always read your note first. It helps in getting a clearer idea of what I am looking at. Such exhaustive and instructive notes are rather rare on TN.
After looking at this bird, I feel that no other name could have suited it better: Diamond Dove.
It truely looks like a diamond!
And it gleams like a jewel against the pitch-black BG.
A composition par excellence, my friend.
Ram

Woow. Excellent shot Loot. Technically perfect picture
Excellent composition
Stefan

Hi Loot,
Wonderful use of flash. On the spot focus and exposure. Masterly composed picture.
JC

Loot, I kept thinking abt this dove, I wondered if
a) it sounds like the mourning dove
b) isn't the same as ones I saw in Australia...

Then I located this abt the dove in OZ

I saw them in King's Park, in Perth, which is the same place where I saw the Duifken! < A replica of course >

I could use some Diamond Doves here, as they also eat ants! Tfs, Jay

PoV, compo, sharpness and detail are very good. Nice use of flash < although I prefer "natural">. Did you have to do any adjusting of the eye? It looks pink/salmon, rather than orange.

  • Great 
  • Dyker Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 141 W: 0 N: 59] (170)
  • [2007-04-24 0:15]

Hello Loot
Oooooh, wragtig pragtig hierdie mooi rooioog.
You have taken this photo with such a wonderful composition. The colours jumps out of my monitor and the focus are absolutely perfect. The fill-in flash gave such beautiful contrasts on the dove's plumage and the background isolated the bird and made it come alive. Lovely, lovely, lovely.
Greetings
AC

Bonjour Loot
Elle est très jolie ta photo avec cette belle tourterelle aux couleurs exceptionnelles.je crois bien que c'est la première du genre que je vois,cette année je n'en ai pas vue une seule dans le secteur ou j'habite.Les couleurs et les détails sont splendides ainsi que la belle présentation et ton Bg fait bien ressrtir ses couleurs..
Merci et au revoir....JP
Les sourired demain

  • Great 
  • dew77 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 5171 W: 297 N: 4050] (13069)
  • [2007-05-12 4:16]

Hello Loot,
Excellent capture,beautiful use of flash.Contrast between BG and bird,detasils,sharpness and colors are perfect.
TFS...:-)

Hi Loot,

What a beauty
Excellent lighting and use of flash
Superb sharpness with great details and a PERFECT dark BG
i like the POV and the catchlight in its eye

TFS Thijs

  • Great 
  • Ken52 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 660 W: 98 N: 1249] (4153)
  • [2007-07-22 13:00]

In my opinion, this is about as good as it gets when it comet to proper exposure and focus. Stunning light and details. The black background really adds to the 3-D effect. Congratulations!

Hallo Loot
Wonderful image of this Diamond Dove you have managed to capture. The rusty brown colour of the plumage is well captured and the white spots make it more special. Another great post from your lens. Excellent technique applied, showing the results of a perfect sharp and spot on focus presentation. The red-rimmed eye is very impressive and the catch light make is more special. A very elegant looking bird. Thanks for sharing.
Love
Anna

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