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Blackstart


Blackstart
Photo Information
Copyright: David White (dkaved) Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 266 W: 18 N: 433] (2106)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-08-29
Categories: Birds
Camera: Nikon D70S, Nikon 70-300mm F/4.5-5.6 AF-S VR
Exposure: f/6.3, 1/2500 seconds
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2008-11-05 11:00
Viewed: 627
Points: 12
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Blackstart
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The Blackstart, Cercomela melanura, is a chat found in desert regions in North Africa, the Middle East and the Arabian Peninsula.

It is a 14–16 cm long bird named for its black tail, which is frequently fanned; the rest of its plumage is bluish-grey or grey-brown (North African races being browner, Middle Eastern races bluer). The sexes are similar, but the male on average has blacker lores. The song is a clear melancholy whistle: CHURlee...TRUloo...CHURlee...TRUlur..., with short phrases from the song used as a call.

It is a species of rocky deserts and mountain slopes which nests in a rock crevice where it lays its 3–5 eggs. It feeds on insects, taken mainly on the ground.

The Blackstart is a confiding species, unafraid of man.

Detailed distribution
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In Egypt, the Blackstart is common in the Sinai peninsula.

In Israel the species is primarily found in the Negev Desert, Arava Valley and Dead Sea areas; it is present in areas of the Jordan River valley further north, but is scarcer there.

In Jordan, the species is only found in western parts of the country, in areas from the Jordan River valley south through the Dead Sea region to the Arava Valley and Aqaba Mountains.
nglen, jconceicao, rousettus, thor68, Alex99 has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • nglen Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2865 W: 34 N: 8488] (31708)
  • [2008-11-05 11:05]

Hi David. A very clear shot of this Blackstart.
Its a very elegant looking bird which you have taken so well with fine detail and natural colours. with good notes well done TFS.
Nick..

Hello David,

Great capture.
Good focus and sharpness.
Excellent difinition and detail.

Hello David,
Blackstart is one of new recorded birds in Turkiye. Several year ago, it was found. I am not still see it. You are lucky to see it and captured great shot. Great POV and sharp details. Nicely composed. TFS, well done
Ahmet

what a pretty grey bird! :-) haven´t seen one of those during my visits to israel yet. excellent and detailed shot with good
sharpness on the blackstart in its natural habitat.
well seen & captured, thor.

  • Great 
  • cako Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 545 W: 0 N: 735] (3213)
  • [2008-11-06 12:19]

Hi David
very nice imge
well done.

  • Great 
  • Alex99 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3556 W: 143 N: 5626] (18415)
  • [2008-11-09 11:36]

Hi David.
Outstanding image of a beautiful bird. All details and features of the bird are fantastic and cannot be better. Superb low POV, fine DOF and very nice colour palette. Bravo. Well done.
Alexei.

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