Greater Coucal (Centropus sinensis)

[Nishith Kumar]

Greater Coucal (Centropus sinensis)
Also called crow pheasant, characterised by a vibrant but low 'cou cou cou' which can be heard resounding from the undergrowth. Seen clambering awkwardly over vegetation. Diet consists of insects, snails and small mammals.



Exif Info:

Camera: Canon 60D
Lens: Sigma 150-500mm
Focal length: 340mm
Aperture: 8.0
Exposure time 1/60
ISO: 2000
Hand Held
Overcast/Low light condition
SGPGIMS Campus, Lucknow

-Nishith

[Sabyasachi Patra]

You found it clearly without any intervening vegetation. The shutter speed was low despite ISO 2000. In such situations one needs to use the correct technique, wait for the bird to be momentarily still and slowly press the shutter. A monopod if not a tripod will help in such situations. Thanks for sharing.
Cheers,
Sabyasachi

[Nishith Kumar]

Thanks Sabyasachi da for valuable comments...I do own a Manfrotto Monopod and a Tripod along with a ball head, But I am yet to master using it. I find it cumbersome in field..it slows me down....I have heard that gimbal head is more versatile and equipment of choice for wildlife photography...is that true??

-Nishith

[Sabyasachi Patra]

Gimbal head is bigger and easier. If you are using a bigger lens, then obviously a gimbal head as the ball head may or may not take the weight. The Wimberly gimbal head is costlier. Benro etc are cheaper.

The monopod helps in arresting the vertical degree of motion. So when you are using a monopod the camera is not likely to move up and down. However, it can still move from side to side and front and back. Place it near your leg in such a manner that the weight is well distributed. The monopod helps as a walking stick during treks and near human habitations can come in handy warding off an unruly dog.

[Mrudul Godbole]

The red eye is striking. Seems it was feeding on the ground. As the shutter speed was less, maybe you could have used a slight wider aperture like f7.1 or f6.3. Thanks for sharing.

[Nishith Kumar]

Thanks Mrudul mam for valuable inputs...

-Nishith