Kea calling

[Gerald Kelberg]

While the New Zealand catalog is open, and I am browsing, I thought to share this image of New Zealand's endemic mountain parrot - the Kea. Photographed on a breezy, overcast day in the Southern Alps. They are very intelligent birds and famously mischievous; great fun to watch.

This image made with the Canon 1Dx and EF 100-400 at 371mm. Shutter speed 1/1250 sec at f/5.6, ISO 1600.

Minimal processing required, in LrC and Enhance. Resized and sharpened for output in PS.

Comments and suggestions warmly welcomed.

Gerald

[Steve Kaluski]

Hi Gerald, another cracking image, full of colour and on a killer backdrop.

Personally I feel this is calling for the full subject and shot in Portrait, perhaps you have this in a few frames further on???? The open beak is a cool touch. Being overcast always helps and this illustrates it, but a bit more separation between Subject & BKG.

I think you could add a little more pop to the subject and I might be tempted to add a bit more sharpening, but at this stage it's perceptual. If you are using Ps USM use the window that pops up, as this is at 100% of the file so it creates a good gauge. The content you can move ie to an eye.

The RP might illustrate my thoughts, the option on crop is purely that.

TFS
Steve

[Andreas Liedmann]

Hey Gerald ... very cool that you are still floating around in the Kiwi archive , so we get stuff to see that we are normally not getting to see
They must be fun to watch and photograph ...
Lovely color palette in subject and BG , which is nicely isolated with very good slight variations ... way better than the almost mono color BG`s . Love the facial expression and the open beak .
Personally I would sharpen the subject more , head does look a bit soft compared to the wings

TFS Andreas

[Brian Sump]

Such a cool species Gerald. One thing I love about BPN is seeing the amazing variations of birds around the world.

This would be a treat to shoot. I do like your original composition and love the calling pose.

I think it could stand to use a little pop of luminosity and also a little warmth. You could also probably give it another round of sharpening and it would be a real banger!

Appreciate you sharing and hoping for more.

[Jonathan Ashton]

Super shot Gerald, a little more "thrutch" as my old Grandpa would say does bring out all the details.