Juv Red-backed Shrike at Porth Loe, Porthgwarra

This is the second Red-backed Shrike that I have seen this Autmn, the first being last week at Nanquidno.  The Porthgwarra bird was quite obliging and allowed everyone some very good views.

Red-backed Shrike, Porth Loe, Porthgwarra, September 2016. Nikon D500, 500mm F4, 1.4xTC. ISO 1000, 1/1250s, F/5.6.

Images from west Cornwall this weekend

Dotterel at Porthgwarra

Dotterel at Porthgwarra, seen just past the stone wall.

 

Sanderlings feeding at Marazion beach

 

Juv Red-backed Shrike by the sunken garden at Nanquidno.(heavy 50% crop).

 

Juv Lapland Bunting on the footpath leading to the first pool at Porthgwarra.

All images taken with the Nikon D500, 500mm F4 and 1.4x Teleconverter, Tripod mounted.

 

 

Butcher's larder

I was busy photographing butterflies when I was aware of this Red-backed Shrike in the hedge about 30 yards away. It seemed more interested in the object hanging from the thorn. I have tried to identify it but to me it is unrecognisable. Any suggestions are welcome. Shrikes are known as butcher birds for their habit of impaling their prey in so called larders.

All of the images were taken at varying distances and have been cropped between 10% and 33%. I had enough time with this stunning bird to adjust camera settings and even take some shots in portrait mode, as shown below.

EXIF Detail: Aperture Priority. F/8. ISO 125. Shutter speed 1/250s. White Balance Cloudy. Exposure -0.7EV. Focal length 500mm. Tripod mounted.

Red-backed Shrike

This stunning male Red-backed Shrike was photographed in Spring 08 with a D2x and 300mm lens and 1.7xTC at a distance of about six yards. It was taken early in the morning with the low sun behind me. Either the sun blinded him or he just wasn't bothered by my presence. I took many photos and was even afforded enough time to compose every angle of shot conceivable! With new software always being updated, I put these "old" shots through CS3 and they have been surprisingly refreshed.

EXIF Detail: Program Mode. Ap F/9.5 Shutter 1/320s. ISO 200. Exposure -1.0EV. Focal length: 700mm.