Chestnut-cheeked Starlings

[Ding Carpio]

The flock of starlings returned, in much greater number (at least 50) and perched and fed on a tree right outside my fence. Problem is, they're always moving about, and stayed only for five minutes early morning when sun is not fully out and clouds were thick. Here are the blurred photos:













I'm not sure if the last one is a female or is an entirely different specie. Starlings (as Mike Lu told me) also travel in mixed flocks.

[Edu Lorenzo Jr]

I like these starlings a whole lot more than the asian glossy ones.. those are freaky.. all black with red eyes. haha!

Conratulations sir on the captures!

[Romy Ocon]

Congrats, Ding..... these birds are very active and tough to freeze. I got only a few sharp photos of the one that visited Hardin a couple of years ago, despite the 500 f4's IS and shooting a lot of photos. Great to see the female captured too!

[Neon Rosell II]

Wow!! I hope they come back to the same place tomorrow and haven't had their fill yet for the long journey back to the main land.

Looks like the last one is still a chesnut-cheek as the distinctive white spot on the base of the lower mandible is present. Must be a different lighting condition as the others.

[Romy Ocon]

Apr 17, 2009 12:09:39 GMT Neon Rosell II said:

Looks like the last one is still a chesnut-cheek as the distinctive white spot on the base of the lower mandible is present.

Indeed, the last one is a CCS - a female. ;D

[eman campos]

I have to admit that this bird is one of my favorites. For me, it's one of the most beautiful.

By the way, how far were you when you took these first 3 photos?

[Ding Carpio]

Apr 17, 2009 20:51:51 GMT eman campos said:

By the way, how far were you when you took these first 3 photos?

Pretty close. probably 6-7 meters.

[eman campos]

6 to 7?

Is there a way to beat the odds in getting a clearer shot?

Would a higher speed camera, i suppose, get you that?

[Ding Carpio]

I should've used a tripod. I should've upped the ISO. I should've focused better.

I was to darned excited snapping away.

[eman campos]

i can understand. even i may do the same thing when such a pretty thing comes to view suddenly.

then again, you're suggestion (or reminder) is still noted. thanks.

[Farmer Nestor]

Congrats Panyero this bird is really tough to photograph.
below is the only decent pics I got (Birding in the Jungle of Camarines)