Loggerhead Shrike series

Captured these over this past weekend. All are captured using either the 1.4x or 2x TC on the 600mm f/4L with 1DsMII. 1 and 3 are with the 1.4x, and 2 and 4 are with the 2x. Number four was a particularly difficult shot. It was taken at the very last light of day, during that final moment of golden light. Thankfully there was no wind, so I was able to work a shot at 1200mm at only 1/125th! I could actually see my heart beating in the lens, and kind of had to "will" myself still to get the shot. I had worked my way in fairly close, so f/10 was necessary to maintain enough DOF for the capture. Enjoy.

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'text/html' | Byte size: ZERO

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'text/html' | Byte size: ZERO

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'text/html' | Byte size: ZERO

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'text/html' | Byte size: ZERO

Exceptional images there Bob, especially the ones with the 2X. I have never been very satisfied when using the 2X on my 600mm. You must have been almost on top of this bird for these shots. Great work.
Bob

Fantastic shots!

Wow such wonderful detail and colours, perfect perch...and a BG to die for -Fantastic work here!

I love these small predators, exceptional images Bob.

I love that second image Bob, neat pose and great detail...Nice captures of a bird I've never seen, except here on the forum.

Outstanding series, Bob. Here on the East coast of Florida we are seeing many of the Loggerhead Shrikes.

Wonderfully close with great details and smmmmooothe BGs.

very good work Bob,

Kenn

Nice pose, perch and background with good eye contact. Well done series as I usually see them on wires.

Did you clone out something LRC in #1 ?

Wow...I'm in ave... these are all simply perfect. The best shots I have ever seen of this species. Outstanding work Bob. My hat is of to you.

Blue Deuce wrote in post #6836050
Nice pose, perch and background with good eye contact. Well done series as I usually see them on wires.

Did you clone out something LRC in #1 ?

Yes - Errant twig. I see the pattern there - Thanks for pointing out!

Snow Goose wrote in post #6834394
Exceptional images there Bob, especially the ones with the 2X. I have never been very satisfied when using the 2X on my 600mm. You must have been almost on top of this bird for these shots. Great work.
Bob

LOL - Yup, I was pretty close. All the glass in the world is no substitute for getting close. It's just nice to be able to shoot them at full frame when your stalking is done .

In reality, shooting with the TC's is all about technique and knowing when conditions are favorable. Most folks take the TC's out of the bag far more than they probably should.

I had perfect conditions last night (no wind, and pretty good light) for the 2x to work. I just had to "will" myself still to avoid any motion blur.

Thanks for the comments everyone! Glad you enjoyed these little fellows.

Nice shots all 2 and 3 being my personal favorites.

Wow...killer shots. Love the bill on those birds! Great BG and perches too. And amazing that you used the TCs on them. I have used both the TCs and I never had much luck getting decent images unless close (then I might as well just crop them)!