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The Gossips


The Gossips
Photo Information
Copyright: Kathy Meader (writerscrawlz) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 259 W: 2 N: 745] (2429)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-06-29
Categories: Birds
Camera: Canon EOS digital rebel XT, 70-200 f2.8
Exposure: f/11, 1/350 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2008-06-30 16:02
Viewed: 316
Points: 16
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
"...and then I tell you, Harriet, when she pointed that large thing at me, I sailed off the tree, swooped down, and tried to knock it out of her hands...but get this, that human not only had it in her hands, she also had it around her neck. Now I tell you, isn't that like a death wish or something?"

These two common ravens (Corvus corax) reminded me of two close friends that came together for no other purpose than to gossip. When one raven finished, the other raven added her two bits in. (I'm making the assumption they are both female - look at them, don't they just look like gossips? And, I don't mean any offense against women, after all, I am of the female gender, but these two had a lot to talk about...)

I will admit that I had a difficult time differentiating ravens from crows, but according to my guide, ravens have long shaggy feathers on their throats. That was one clue, and the other important detail were their tail feathers. They have a long wedge-shaped tail, unlike the crow. The crow's tail feathers are squarish with rounded corners (Audubon Field Guide).

My guide also says that ravens are shy, but looking at these two, I have to wonder...

It was amusing to watch them 'talk' back and forth, and every so often, a glance would be thrown my way - which is why I started my notes the way I did.

I've named these two Harriet and Lucy. I hope they add a bit of humor to your day as they did mine.

Kathy
CeltickRanger, Luis52, eqshannon, tuslaw, rcrick has marked this note useful
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Discussions
ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To eqshannon: I suspect they do...writerscrawlz 1 06-30 19:53
To Adanac: Oops?writerscrawlz 1 06-30 19:51
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Critiques [Translate]

hello Kathy

i don't love ravens as birds, but here in your superb image
they are very beautiful birds, you did a excellent shot,
with fine POV, excellent luminosity, i love the background,
great sharpness and details, i love the pose of the birds
or the scene of the image with the birds, TFS

Asbed

  • Great 
  • Adanac Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1043 W: 1 N: 4096] (13768)
  • [2008-06-30 17:24]
  • [+]

Hello Kathy,
My Lucy was amazed by the choice of names. A splendid image with well thought out notes. Black plumage is difficult to get detail but you have done well here Kathy. I find Ravens very intelligent and resourceful. Thanks for sharing this great image.
Rick

Cute title - great shot!
Wonderfully composed, great contrasts.

Good one!

  • Great 
  • Luis52 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1022 W: 5 N: 2801] (10142)
  • [2008-06-30 18:27]

Hi Kathy.
Those Ravens are having a very interesting conversation up in a tree. I like the name of this frame.
Great colors and light too.
Luis52.

You're too cute...but who knows...maybe it is closer to truth that we realize. After all...if nature could understand us (*they might already), they would think us nuts!
Bob

  • Great 
  • tuslaw Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 232 W: 8 N: 598] (1901)
  • [2008-06-30 19:59]

Wonderful image Kathy,
They do remind me of two gossips, especially the one on the right. You captured them in the perfect pose and the exposure was right on the money.
It's really hard to get great detail with all black plumage, but you managed to show these two off very nicely. Love your notes! TFS.
Ron

Hi Kathy,

Just wonderful, excellent detail, superb colours, well composed and framed, love the intro it suites Harriet and Lucy, I'm sure I've seen them here as well :)

Cheers Rick....

  • Great 
  • arfer Gold Star Critiquer [C: 2731 W: 0 N: 0] (0)
  • [2008-07-04 22:44]

Hello Kathy

A well composed image that you have personified well.
Lovely lighting and colours.
The focus and sharpness are very good.
TFS

Rob

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