Frogmouths

[conkerwood]

I first saw a tawny frogmouth when I visited the studio of Robbie Ulmann, the renowned Australian wildlife artist. He had a licence to look after injured birds and he had a tawny frogmouth which he was nursing back to health. It was the only one I ever saw until I moved to Queensland where I am lucky enough to have them occasionaly visiting my garden. They are very very difficult to spot because they hide amongst branches in the daytime, holding very still with their heads erect to look like branch stumps, great camouflage. In ten years we have only seen them in my garden three or four times but it is always very special when we spot them. But of course their habit of hiding in the darkest part of a tree when there is very bright sunlight around makes getting the exposure right a difficult challenge. So I exposure bracket and blend to pull the background back. Mostly you see them completely rigid but I have been lucky enough to see them looking around so sometimes I have been able to capture their eyes. And the one with the adult and baby was really nice to get.The last pic in the series is an even rarer shot for me. It is a Papuan frogmouth which I captured during a river trip up the Daintree River in far north Queensland. I must have taken 30 or so shots as the boat moved back and forth to get the perfect position. Every shot was a stuff up except this one. Any thoughts re technique etc?

conkerwood

[Wavelength]

As contrary to your concerns, you have such wonderfully clear and crisp images of the birds. Really done well

[rpcrowe]

Great captures!

[Shadowman]

Nice series and nice find.

[lovelife65]

Really cool and unique looking birds, nicely sharp.

Only question is did you do some blurring of the background in PP?

[Ziggy]

Very nice.

[NorthernFocus]

Those are some crazy looking birds. And perfectly camoflaged to hid during the day. Deciding on exposure in those conditions can be tough. You've landed on a good solution IMO. That third shot among the fern branches is special. Nicely done.

[Tronhard]

Great shots and amazing birds!

[ScoutR]

Well done, I've never heard of these birds. They are thoughtful looking little things. Number 2 looks like how I feel when I have a migraine.
the third one is perfect - the lighting the colours the eye contact. I really like that one and the 2 with the Mom and chick.
Considering their tendency to hide, I'd say ended up with some excellent shots.

[mugge]

Just great.
Cheers Ole

[conkerwood]

Thanks to all for the feedback, I am glad you liked these guys as much as I do.

Re lovelife65 question. There are a couple of small spots where I did a little blurring, just to smooth out a couple of slightly harder lines, but mostly the background blur was as shot.

[JBW]

they are all fine. Finest is the last one.

[ccphoto]

They look like baby screech owls in many ways and blend in with their surroundings much the same. Neat little critters for sure.

[skitterbug]

These are beautiful creatures! I've never seen them before. Each one of them is filled with character and interest! Thank you for sharing them!