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Surprise at the feeder


Surprise at the feeder
Photo Information
Copyright: Paul van Slooten (pvs) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1128 W: 254 N: 2441] (11099)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-02-04
Categories: Birds
Camera: Sony Alfa dSLR A700, Sony 300mm F2.8 G, Digital RAW 200
Exposure: f/6.3, 1/125 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version, Workshop
Date Submitted: 2008-02-04 6:51
Viewed: 431
Points: 22
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Picture taken a while ago in our backyard,while the usual blue,great and march tits were enjoying their seeds at the birdfeeder,this sparrowhawk was landing in the tree next to the birdfeeder,as I had my camera stanby I could make a few shots before he dissappeared again,my camera was in manual mode and the setting were not good (Underexposed pictures),but as I use RAW with photographing I could lift it a bit up and I must say once again although the picture might maybe not the best capture of a sparrowhawk on TN,but I am quite happy with the presentation of my first 2 pictures (one in WS) of this predator out from our backyard,hope you like it as well.


Eurasian Sparrowhawk

The Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) is a small bird of prey in the family Accipitridae which includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards, harriers and other sparrowhawks.

It is a widespread species throughout the temperate and subtropical parts of the Old World. It is mainly resident, but birds from colder regions of north Europe and Asia migrate south for the winter, as far as North Africa and India.

This species nests in trees, building a new nest each year. It hunts birds in woodland or cultivated areas, relying on surprise as it flies from a perch or hedge-hops to catch its prey unaware.

This bird is a small raptor with short broad wings and a long tail, both adaptations to manoeuvring through trees. The male is 29-34 cm long with a 59-64 cm wingspan, and is slate-grey above and barred reddish below. The male was formerly called a musket, and the gun called a musket was named after the bird.

The female is much larger at 35-41 cm length and a 67-80 cm wingspan. She is barred grey below, and can be confused with the similarly sized male Goshawk, but lacks the bulk of that species. The juvenile is brown above and barred brown below. The flight is a characteristic "flap – flap – glide".

The New World species formerly known as the Sparrow Hawk (Falco sparverius) is now called the American Kestrel. The new name is preferable, since this bird is not an Accipiter hawk but a falcon.
Argus, crs, Islander_, kjpweb, NinaM, cloud, viv has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

Some shots are more difficult than others and although this shot may not be technically perfect you did a fine job of capturing this guy and working him in PP. He is in good focus and your exposure correction was well done. If only that one branch wasn't there. Well Done.

  • Great 
  • Argus Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2492 W: 132 N: 7090] (22145)
  • [2008-02-04 7:39]

Hello Paul,
We had a juvenile Sparrow hawk visit our bird feed but he flew off before I could get close enough to get a shot. Though there are a few branches in the way you got a fine sharp shot of it in a good pose.
Well done and thanks for sharing this one,
Ivan

  • Great 
  • crs Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 193 W: 0 N: 276] (1157)
  • [2008-02-04 8:01]

Hi Paul,

Even if it is not a perfect shot due to the blurry branches in front of the bird your photo has a very dramatic atmosfere. I like the light you had captured as well as the nice natural colors.

Thank you for sharing,
Cristian

Hi Paul,

This bird was very difficult to catch, but you did it! There is a suspense, a hunting atmosphere in your shot, despite of evident technical drawbacks. Btw, the noise in the BG can still be removed in a separate layer. Overall, well done! I'have seen the American Kestrel several times, but could never even catch it in my eyepiece... Thank you,

Eugene

Hello Paul
Well done and TFS!
Ralf

Hello Paul
Super focusing on this wonderful Sparrowhawk through the branches...He would be a most welcome visitor to my Garden!
Thanks for sharing this one Paul
Paul

  • Great 
  • kjpweb Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 367 W: 86 N: 1084] (4788)
  • [2008-02-04 13:28]

Cool! Good capture of this rare guest! You managed well - also in postwork! Bravo! Cheers, Klaus

  • Great 
  • thijs Silver Star Critiquer/Silver Note Writer [C: 36 W: 4 N: 42] (168)
  • [2008-02-04 13:37]

Hoi Paul

prachtige vogels blijven het toch he?, erg veel geluk dat hij even bij je kwam buurten. Je hebt hem er erg scherp opgekregen. Wel een beetje jammer dat er een takje voor het hoofd zit, maar die dingen heb je soms. Goed gedaan!

TFS, Thijs

  • Great 
  • cloud Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 103 W: 57 N: 182] (1717)
  • [2008-02-05 1:42]

Hi Paul,
These branches give impression of the concealment. Good sharpness and pose of the bird.
Regards, Pawel

  • Great 
  • viv Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 301 W: 3 N: 613] (3062)
  • [2008-02-05 2:52]

Hi Paul,
What a great visit you had in your garden, I would like to have seen it, so close.
I think your were very lucky but the tits were may be a little shocked.
Vivian

  • Great 
  • NinaM Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 544 W: 0 N: 1338] (4443)
  • [2008-02-05 16:07]

Hi Paul, I really like that kind of picture, as if we were intruding in this bird's life. The colours are fantastic with a lot of nuances and tones, I like it a lot. The bird is natural, we feel he hasn't seen you. Great moment, thank you,

Francine

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