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Dear Departed


Dear Departed
Photo Information
Copyright: Ram Thakur (ramthakur) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3295 W: 167 N: 9901] (32112)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2007-02-09
Categories: Birds
Camera: Nikon D200, Sigma 70-300 4-5.6 APO DG MACRO, 58mm UV
Exposure: f/8, 1/160 seconds
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2007-03-03 11:33
Viewed: 799
Points: 16
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
GREY HYPOCOLIUS FEMALE

I know I am going for an over-kill by posting the third picture of Grey Hypocolius in succession.
However, I'm so besotted with it at the moment I just can't help it.

Many of you would find the tall thorn on the date palm obstructing the view of her face irksome.
Still, it is my favourite picture on account of the endearing posture the bird has adopted here -- her head cocked slightly and an intense expression of curiosity in her eye.

I have two more presentable pictures of this bird which I will post some time later. Three are more than enough and the novelty has already worn thin, I know.

I am quoting information on the bird from a different source this time:

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves (Birds)
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Hypocoliidae

Hypocoliidae (Hypocolius) breed in open woodlands and orchards of Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan. They drift down to south and south-east in winter. Hypocoliidae are grey, medium-sized, shrike-like birds (24 cm) with long tail having black subterminal band and white-tipped black wings. Bill strong and broad at base; small oval exposed nostrils and rictal bristles weak but always visible. These birds generally feed on fruits and occasionally insects. Hypocolius are gregarious and conspicuous in non-breeding season. While breeding they become cautious and easily abandon nesting. Clutch size of 4-5 eggs in bulky cup-shaped nest, made of sticks in a tree. Both parents care for the young.

The closest relative of Hypocoliidae family, consisting of just a single specie (Gray Hypocolius), are Bombycillidae and Pycnonotidae. This bird is found in western semi-desert regions of India, migrating here in the winter season.

http://www.birding.in/birds/Passeriformes/hypocoliidae.htm

Thanks for looking and regards to all.
jeanpaul, volkan, dew77, saeedabbasi, pablominto, peter_stoeckl has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • Argus Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3802 W: 190 N: 11310] (34871)
  • [2007-03-03 12:58]

Hello Ram,
OK, I don't like series of the same species myself and have said so in my profile. Nevertheless for me this shot is appealing because it show the Hypocolius plumage slightly better than the other two and, as you say, she has an appealing pose here. This is no longer Audubon, it has the individuality of a Ram Thakur and I mean that in a positive sense!
Best wishes, Ivan

  • Great 
  • volkan Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor [C: 463 W: 10 N: 2] (1030)
  • [2007-03-03 13:22]

Hi Ram,
Great shot of this beautiful bird.
Pity that the twig came across its face.
Still the sharpness,details and point of view are superb.
Great job.

  • Great 
  • dew77 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 4774 W: 294 N: 4020] (13209)
  • [2007-03-03 16:13]

Hello Ram,
Lovely capture.She seems a part of tree.I liked lighting and framing a lot.
TFS..:-)

Hello Ram,
This is a beautiful bird, very aerodynamic in the shape!
Well captured with fine details, a soft-crisp appearance of the plumage...
Well composed image!
Greetings,
Pablo -

Hi Ram ,
very nice iamge.
beautiful colours, nice sharpness and great BG.
well captured.
thanks for sharing dear Ram .
Saeed

  • Great 
  • Debz Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 516 W: 0 N: 846] (3307)
  • [2007-03-04 5:21]

Another lovely shot of this Hypocoliidae. Indeed the posture is good and what stikes me is the very elegance of this bird. Lovely colour depth and great sharpness. DOF works wonderfully.
tfs
debz

Hello Ram,
perfect adder to make it series of three that shows the gentle motions of that lonesome singing hypocolius girl in its very thorny palm tree.
Thank you! Best regards,
Peter

bonjour Ram
Il a une drole de tête cet oiseau ,on dirait qu'il a des oreilles mais il est joli,de bons detail sur ce cliché.C'est la première fois que je le vois sur le site.
Felicitations et merci.
Les sourires demain

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