Butcher bird saga!

[iGerard]

We have a few Butcher birds living in our area, and I'm always trying to get some good pics of them but they can be quick and don't like you getting too close!

I heard this Butcher bird in the backyard thismorning and raced out to try and get some good pics of it... Only managed about 10 before he flew away. The problem is always getting good detail/lighting around the head/eyes. I've tried flash in the past, but that seems to send them flying, though not always! I'm not sure the built in 20D flash would make much difference from this distance. These are the two best from thismorning. Both cropped.

Any tips on ways to improve would be much appreciated. Comments welcome also.

Taken with Canon 300mm f4L IS

[wolverinesr1]

these are good,the first one seems to have the best detail plus sharpness. i would be happy with both

[ngannet]

Very nice shots! What a mean looking bird! I really like the first one.

[iGerard]

Thanks for the positive comments guys. I am my own worst critic, so it's always good to hear others appreciating my pics :)

Yeah, the Butcher bird doesn't get his name for nothing. Notice the end of his beak!They make some amazing sounds, and have a bit of a reputation for mimicking sounds. We have one around here which occasionally makes the sound of a mobile phone (cell phone) ringing!!

[Tess320]

I hear you about the butcher birds, they are HARD to get.

I still haven't managed it, though I don't see many.

They are good shots, be happy with them.

Nat

[wrphhi]

I think the detail and lighting around the eyes/hear are fine, particularly the first shot.

[dancad]

Exposure-wise these look fine. If you want to be really picky you can say the white at the very base of the tail feathers is a bit hot, but not to the point of distraction. The second shot is a tiny bit soft (compared to the first). The first is perfect except for the cut off tail!

[iGerard]

Thanks again for the feedback. Unfortunately the tail was missing from the first shot because he swung around quickly! My cropping was done of the top left corner! oh well. I do agree that the second shot was a little soft though

I've attached this pic for 'the moment' factor of him looking straight at me. Heavily cropped to help get the file size down.