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The Pollinator
The Pollinator
HarveyG


Photograph Information Photographer's Comments
Challenge: Free Study 2011-08 (Advanced Editing VII)
Camera: Nikon D90
Lens: Sigma 170-500mm f/5-6.3 APO Aspherical for Nikon
Location: Letaba, Kruger National Park, South Africa
Date: Aug 13, 2011
Aperture: f/8
ISO: 800
Shutter: 1/1600
Galleries: Nature, Birds
Date Uploaded: Aug 27, 2011

 White-bellied Sunbird (Cinnyris talatala) - Juvenile thus no white belly yet.

Non Captive Bird. Letaba Camp, Kruger National Park, South Africa. Like a Duracell Bunny. Wouldn't stand still for more than a fraction of a second. Tiny bird @ 11cm / 7.5 g. He could fit standing inside your 500mm lens hood :) Near impossible to compose him and shot hand held, no mono-tripod, with my 1997 Sigma 170-500mm f/5-6.3 APO non stabilised bazooka. It keeps surprising me. Love the orange pollen caked around the mouth area! That's from sticking it's beak down those long orange flowers to get the nectar out. Isn't nature amazing?

I had three other Animal shots I agonised over entering but went with the eye-candy eventually. Let's see...

1st hour: Avg Vote: 7.1429
3rd hour: Avg Vote: 6.8750
5th hour: Avg Vote: 7.0000
152nd hour: Avg Vote: 6.8824

ETA: 12 hours before rollover I really thought I had a shot at a top 10 at 6.8824 Alas a few "below average" 5 and "it's mediocre" 6's scuppered that idea. Nonetheless I am happy about the placing considering this Free Study's professional work.
Thank you all for comments and votes and giving a simple wildlife shot a chance.

13th! My highest placing yet in a FS.

This image is © copyrighted 2011 by Harvey Grohmann. Publication is strictly forbidden and protected by law. To obtain pricing and consent contact me via Photocommission.com

Here is what a mature adult bird looks like:

For the 2011 FSM (Free Study Marathon)
Thread Here / Results Here

Statistics
Place: 13 out of 324
Avg (all users): 6.8129
Avg (commenters): 8.0000
Avg (participants): 6.8526
Avg (non-participants): 6.7273
Views since voting: 1568
Views during voting: 241
Votes: 139
Comments: 18
Favorites: 0

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AuthorThread
 05/17/2012 05:46:43 PM
Great shot of this exotic (to me) bird.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/04/2012 03:24:06 PM
This is such a great image Harvey!
Along with excellent technique, the bird gave the perfect pose and background spacing. Even though very brief and erratic, you nailed it. I love a good challenge like this.
As when it all comes together, it is so worth the effort. This is the kind of image, to be proud of.
Excellent!

  Photographer found comment helpful.
 05/04/2012 04:38:03 AM
Wow....nice shot....never seen a bird like this
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 01/07/2012 04:50:08 PM
Beautiful, would have given it a 10 if I had been voting! I know how hard it is to capture Sunbirds! We have a Malachite Sunbird who visits our garden. I live in Wakkerstroom very cold in winter!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/08/2011 12:24:19 AM
WTG! The Kruger gave you lots of joy on this trip, I see.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/07/2011 10:29:35 PM
Harvey, dis 'n donnerse mooi shot.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/07/2011 09:59:31 PM
Incredible detail. Is he molting or just has weird feather patterns?
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 Comments Made During the Challenge
09/07/2011 07:20:17 PM
Nice detail and a great capture. Well done.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/07/2011 05:00:34 PM
Crisp and colorful. Beautifully done.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/07/2011 04:03:03 AM
nice detail in this one
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/06/2011 08:25:08 PM
perfect
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/04/2011 12:54:05 PM
Beautiful capture!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/04/2011 09:25:37 AM
Bump up this little bugger with its splendid bib
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/04/2011 04:47:05 AM
Good quality image.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/02/2011 07:25:33 PM
So cute! Terrific details.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/01/2011 06:49:10 PM
Awesome focus! fantastic job. 10!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/31/2011 09:29:15 PM
very sharp- would have been a better image if the out of focus flowers and stems were not there- but I know how difficult it is to be able to achieve that! That only my humble opinion. Its a great shot nonetheless.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 08/31/2011 08:54:09 PM
Nicely Done!!!!!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.


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