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Preening Beauty


Preening Beauty
Photo Information
Copyright: Smitha Komath (smitha) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 323 W: 75 N: 1002] (3753)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2007-11-18
Categories: Birds
Camera: Nikon D200
Exposure: f/7.1, 1/180 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2007-11-29 19:26
Viewed: 912
Points: 22
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Whiteheaded Babbler, Turdoides affinis, belongs to the vast family of babblers. The dingy cream coloured crown contrasting with the dark ear covers as well as its sharper more musical notes distinguish this species from other babblers.
They are rather weak fliers since they have short round wings and rather unusually long tail. They prefer to live near the ground where food finding easy.They have developed strong feet for walking and hopping around the ground.

We in kerala call these birds "Kariyila kili" in in which 'kariyila' means dries leaves and 'kili' means bird.it is in fact very difficult to notice these birds when they sit on the ground, looking for food among the dead leaves.

They are highly organized and vigilant flock of birds.They always post a guard for lookout while others have their meal. At the sight of an intruded the guard on the higher perch makes loud calls at the sound of which others fly off to the nearest safe area.

They usually feed on insects and vegetable matter.

Their nesting season is January to November.Both sexes share parental duties and other adult members of the flocks also help in feeding the fledglings. Communal or co-operative nest building and rearing of young is common among babblers.

This bird was so busy preening itself that it allowed me a few minutes to creep on closer and take a good picture. The light was good, but only disadvantage was the cluster of leaves and branches amidst which it was perching.

Photo taken with
Camera : Nikon D200Nikkor + TC 14 E
Speed :1/180
F stop: 7.1
ISO: 200
Tripod : yes

Thanks in advance for stopping by and leaving your comments.
Regards,
Smitha.
goutham_ramesh, shabsslg, Argus, fartash, gracious, angybone, SelenE has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

Hi simtha,
In spite of all the distrubances in the BG, the picture has really come out very well. The colors and the look in its eye is amazing
TFS,
Goutham R

Hello Smitha,

Though babblers are not favourite birds, this pic looks nice. I don't know if this is available here? Thanks for capturing the mood in the bird.

Subhayan.

  • Great 
  • Argus Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3825 W: 190 N: 11396] (35111)
  • [2007-11-29 22:44]

Hello Smitha,
Though I have seen Jungle babblers, the White-headed is new to me. It does look rather like a dried leaf. You caught this one in an interesting pose with good sharpness and composed the image nice in a fine natural BG, so that the 'dead leaf' stands out against the greenery.
Well done and thanks,
Best wishes, Ivan

Hello Smitha
Very nice shot of this Babbler,
Great focusing,lighting and composition,
Welldone.

Regards
Fartash

  • Great 
  • joey Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2001 W: 226 N: 6845] (24727)
  • [2007-11-30 1:34]

Hello Smitha,
great shot of this Babbler.
Very good detail in the plumage.
I like the pose as well.
Well done,
Joe

  • Great 
  • demeve Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 604 W: 11 N: 1631] (5995)
  • [2007-11-30 22:19]

Hello Smitha,
I don't have much time today, only to make a quick point
You got a fantastic shot, wonderful presentation.. Well
done my friend..

Everton

Hello my friend Smitha,
I am fine and my best wishes to you always!
nice to see your excellent posting again!
this is a good size posting to enjoy the closeness of the beautiful bird with a useful notes
good sharpness, vivid colour and details in the shot
well done
have a wonderful weekend to you and family!
cheers
Tony

Wonderful bird photography! You have the touch. :)
Love this composition with the limbs all pointing to the central focus of the photo. Good sharpness. Lovely shot!

  • Great 
  • SelenE Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2405 W: 63 N: 4227] (13822)
  • [2007-12-01 9:10]

Hi Smitha,
The expression you captured is very good. I liked the warm color tones, POV and the composition. TFS
Best wishes,
Selen

Hello Smitha,

Have seen this wonder long back, and in a long distance.. Now, I am so happy to see this KARIYILAKKILI so close...
Good shot, and a drive back to old days as a kid....

Namasthe :)

jean paul

Dear Smitha, Nice sharp eye and nice soft feather touch ! The natural habitat add to this scene and is very natural blend of colours. TFS. with best regards.vab.

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