Honey eater?

[gregj1763]

Hi all, This little bird has been a constant companion on a work site I have been on for the last couple of months, today when everyone left I had the opportunity to grab some shots.
I don't take many photo's of birds, they move too fast but enjoy it when I can get a reasonable image.
All were taken on my Sony A99, Sigma 70-200mm with a 2x teleconverter.
I think all were at 200mm 1/2000 ss with flash auto iso f.5/6.
The last one I missed focus on his/her eye but included it for identification if anyone can help in that regard.
Cheers, Greg

[dje]

Good captures Greg, great light. Had a look in my bird book - I think it's an Eastern Spinebill and they appear to be closely related to the Honeyeaters (but with slightly longer beaks).

Dave

[gregj1763]

Thanks Dave, Do you have any recommendations for bird books. I think it would be something I would be interested in getting for future reference

[dje]

Thanks Dave, Do you have any recommendations for bird books. I think it would be something I would be interested in getting for future reference

Greg the book I have is "Field Guide to the Birds of Australia" by Simpson and Day (sixth edition). I've found it very useful and it is well illustrated. But I'm a complete amateur when it comes to birds so there may be better stuff around. I had a quick google and needless to say there are quite a few similar books around. The one I have appears to be in it's 8th edition now so it must have something going for it.

Dave

[gregj1763]

Greg the book I have is "Field Guide to the Birds of Australia" by Simpson and Day (sixth edition). I've found it very useful and it is well illustrated. But I'm a complete amateur when it comes to birds so there may be better stuff around. I had a quick google and needless to say there are quite a few similar books around. The one I have appears to be in it's 8th edition now so it must have something going for it.

Dave

Amateur is good with me as well Dave, just need something to tell the difference between a seagull and a sparrow

[Stagecoach]

Well captured Greg, he's nicely framed in those first two and you certainly nailed the focus on the eyes spot on.

[deetheturk]

Lovely set Greg, #2 is my favorite but all 3 are nice!

[gregj1763]

Thanks Grahame and David, I was pretty pleased with the results, #2 is my pick of them as well, little bit of catch light in the eye from the flash is one aspect that I was pleased with.

[IzzieK]

Greg all good captures...#1 looks like it is wishing for something? A worm? A mate? More food? There is something happening up there that he is looking at...

#2 is my fav as well...good lighting, nice eye highlights...though busy background. It's OK though because the colour of its feather made up for it.

#3 looks cold...he looks cold...

How is the weather over there in Tassie, Greg? Still cooperating with you? I also have the Field Guide to Birds in Australia book but mine is old. I think it is version 3 or 4...Time to buy an updated version when I go back home for visit this September/October period...

Cheers, mate...

[Marie Hass]

What a lovely set! The images are all crisp and clear.

Marie

[TonyW]

These are good images. I believe Dave is right in saying that it is an eastern spinebill, which is a species of honeyeater. It is interesting that we have had a few different species of honeyeaters around here in large numbers recently, most commonly the yellow faced honeyeater.

I am nowhere near an expert on birds but I intend to get the Morecombe and Stewart eGuide to birds. This seems to be a good app for the iPad and I don't know what else.

[Shadowman]

Nicely done.

[pnodrog]

Greg I like 1 and 2 just about equally - may be the second a nose (1/2 a beak) in front. If they were mine I would be tempted to try and desaturate the background a little even if it is just the greens.

Very well taken.

[gregj1763]

Thanks Izzie, weather is clear and cool at the moment after a few days of being wet and miserable, but the sun is shining so all is well

Marie, glad you like them, I had planned the shots so I was very pleased with results.

Tony thanks for your comments and I will look into the ebook you mentioned.

Thank you John, always appreciate a thumbs up from you.

Cheers Paul, I had thought the same about the background and will give it a go through the week, it wouldn't need much though?

[FrankMi]

I'll join the chorus of those that favor #2 as well Greg.

One of the things that I find interesting about this image is that the background, as sharp, contrasty, and messy as it is doesn't appear to impact the enjoyment of the subject in the slightest!

I don't yet understand what this is the case as most images like this would need more separation between the subject and the background but I'd sure like to grasp why that aspect of this image works so well!

Simply lovely, Greg!

[gregj1763]

I totally agree Frank, there is a hell of a lot going on in the background in the first two images and I did a bit of selective sharpening on the bird to make it pop, perhaps it's the colours of the bird that make the difference?

Glad you like it

[bnnrcn]

Very nice images Greg Although my best is #2, I also like the composition in #3. I would crop if from right just a little bit , this would make a square crop and put the bird on 1/3 of the frame.

[gregj1763]

Very nice images Greg Although my best is #2, I also like the composition in #3. I would crop if from right just a little bit , this would make a square crop and put the bird on 1/3 of the frame.

Thanks Binnur, I will try your crop suggestion tonight

[ST1]

Great set Greg, well done👍

[gregj1763]

Great set Greg, well done��

Thanks Peter