Pigeon framed by arch of Pulteney Bridge

Cheers for the tip Alex!

I have run a couple of noise filters in Photoshop and given the background a combination of radial blur (to give the impression of a 'zoom' motion) and gaussian blur (to make the radial blur more subtle)

I was standing by the beer garden of The Boater, Bath, snapping randomly as birds did the rounds of the weir. I'd got about 30 photos, and they were all rubbish. Seemed like I was never going to get a decent one. Suddenly a single pigeon hopped off the top of the bridge and flew towards me. I think he'd spotted my giant traditional steak pastie. Gave me a great photo opportunity.

The bird, along with several of his buddies were destroyed by Bath City Pest Control just moments later. Then they started on the swans. It was ugly.

I just couldn't watch when they caught the poor dolphin

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Comments

Rosemea MacPherson [deleted] says:

Hey there..
I can change into most Fav..
I did not know the true meaning
of favorite..This is my top picture and top commented photo..
I will delete it...
Have a nice weekend!!
BTW nice photo!
XOXOXOXO
Posted 55 months ago. ( permalink )

NatBat says:

Thats such a tragic end to the story! I trust you are just making that last bit up :/

Great photo, I bet it must feel great to have your dissertation handed in and be able to use flickr guilt free again :p
Posted 55 months ago. ( permalink )

Beachy says:

Thanks Nat and Rosemea.

The BCPC .. *shudder* It was practically genocide. After the pigeons, they lifted several swans out of the water and put them in the back of their truck. I overheard them saying they were headed for the 'animal hospital run by Rolf's evil twin'
Posted 55 months ago. ( permalink )

thepipes says:

Stunning.
Posted 55 months ago. ( permalink )

larry&flo says:

a great photo, love the light through the wings and the framing and tones. Not to happy with the birdocide though.
Posted 55 months ago. ( permalink )

Beachy says:

heh, birdocide, good word.
Posted 55 months ago. ( permalink )

Bash Linx says:

Beautiful shot, Really terrible story, Maybe this photo was pigion's last words
Posted 55 months ago. ( permalink )

Smatchmo says:

Genius
Posted 55 months ago. ( permalink )

X-travalueMeal#2 says:

Really great. Wonderful use of your PS filters to isolate the bird in a natural tastefull way. Cheers.
Posted 55 months ago. ( permalink )

3views says:

Great composition.
Posted 55 months ago. ( permalink )

pablohart says:

Breathtaking photo!
Posted 55 months ago. ( permalink )

gms says:

Brilliant photo. Always hang out for that last shot!
Sad story though.
Posted 55 months ago. ( permalink )

Beachy says:

My comic skills could do with some work.. no birds were destroyed :-)
Posted 55 months ago. ( permalink )

Alex @ Faraway says:

Picture a rat with wings going for your pastie. Not so sad now eh? Whose dinner is it anyway?!
Posted 55 months ago. ( permalink )

evernever says:

I really like it.
Posted 55 months ago. ( permalink )

s3ood says:

breathtaking
Posted 55 months ago. ( permalink )

Photo Mama says:

LOL the shot and the story!
good job.
Posted 54 months ago. ( permalink )

SteveFE says:

Brilliant! Birds in flight are bloody difficult to catch but you got a nice shot there.
Posted 54 months ago. ( permalink )

arouradragon says:

I agree... Nice!
Posted 54 months ago. ( permalink )

christian wind says:

you pressed the button just at the right moment. congrats
Posted 54 months ago. ( permalink )

neloqua says:

Impressive,indeed!
Posted 54 months ago. ( permalink )

Humberto "Sachiel" López says:

Wow!
Posted 54 months ago. ( permalink )

Ichor says:

stunning
Posted 54 months ago. ( permalink )

Mattijn says:

Very good too bad it has this sad ending..
Posted 54 months ago. ( permalink )

Roger B. says:

That's a stunner!
Posted 54 months ago. ( permalink )

tomswift46 says:

Incredible image and story! Beautiful shot. I have to say they are what we call "rats with wings"...carry disease..too bad..I like other animals better than many people...
Posted 54 months ago. ( permalink )

epiphany15 says:

Beautiful!! i love it
Posted 54 months ago. ( permalink )

baboon™ says:

great catch
Posted 54 months ago. ( permalink )

baboon™ says:

great catch
Posted 54 months ago. ( permalink )

swardraws says:

you captured this bird just perfect
Posted 54 months ago. ( permalink )

christyscherrer says:

the framing is the first thing that jumps out as excellent, but the colors are wonderfully subtle and coordinated - nothing out of place.
Posted 54 months ago. ( permalink )

christyscherrer says:

the framing is the first thing that jumps out as excellent, but the colors are wonderfully subtle and coordinated - nothing out of place.
Posted 54 months ago. ( permalink )

brfuk says:

It might be a sad story. But pigeons are basically flying rats. Except they can drop poo on your head.

Great pic though! The pigeon does look good.
Posted 54 months ago. ( permalink )

Hilary (curioush) says:

okay, i hope i understand you correctly and the last part was a joke.

this photo is incredible.
Posted 54 months ago. ( permalink )

flappingwings says:

Totally awesome!
Posted 54 months ago. ( permalink )

Kaká says:

great picture! perfect treatment.
Posted 54 months ago. ( permalink )

bravewest says:

wonderful!!!
Posted 54 months ago. ( permalink )

BrunoMeunier.com says:

great action shot!!! congrats!
Posted 54 months ago. ( permalink )

Jan Tik says:

Great stuff!
Posted 54 months ago. ( permalink )

florriebassingbourn says:

Anyone going to speak up for ordinary rats without wings? It's a profound issue. Any other species must reckon we're ripe for culling. Superb picture anyway, made bittersweet by the context. (Must find out what Gaussian blur does one day ...)
Posted 54 months ago. ( permalink )

ღWild Lilyღ says:

So peaceful

wonderful perspective!
Posted 52 months ago. ( permalink )

Beachy says:

Barbfi: "how were the pidgeons killed?"

Only in my imagination -- but it was pretty savage!
Posted 52 months ago. ( permalink )

Beachy says:

Barbfi: "pity the bird is out of focus"

Next time I will arrange for the bird to be paused whilst I make the necessary adjustments on my camera :-)
Posted 52 months ago. ( permalink )

sniffette says:

ditto on the focus. just because it's very difficult to do doesn't mean that you get a free pass at failing.

-voted as "deleteme" (from Delete me! group)
Posted 52 months ago. ( permalink )

Beachy says:

sniffette: "just because it's very difficult to do doesn't mean that you get a free pass at failing."

Damn, I was really counting on that free pass at failing...
Posted 52 months ago. ( permalink )

Optimus Paul says:

it's not very good, and there are too many comments and groups for me to care too much about this.

-voted as "deleteme" (from Delete me! group)
Posted 52 months ago. ( permalink )

Beachy says:

Optimus Paul: "there are too many comments and groups for me to care too much about this."

Battle the Orwellian evil of "group-think"! :-)
Posted 52 months ago. ( permalink )

Blue Dragonfly Girl says:

it's gorgeous -- i don't think it matters that it could be sharper.

voted as "saveme" in (Delete me! group)
Posted 52 months ago. ( permalink )

Eggz says:

Framed but blurry!

voted as "deleteme" (from Delete me! group)
Posted 52 months ago. ( permalink )

mscaprikell says:

great composition.... yes, that much is true.... and I am not that bothered by the blur of the bird... so, for some bizarre reason... I do feel compelled to... be kind.

-vote as "saveme" (from Delete me! group)
Posted 52 months ago. ( permalink )

TvR says:

sorry, the focus is too soft.

voted as "deleteme" (from Delete me! group)
Posted 52 months ago. ( permalink )

the-tml says:

Out of focus, otherwise not bad. But even if pin sharp wouldn probably not have been extraordinary enough to be worth a place in the safe.

-voted as deleteme (from the Delete me! group).
Posted 52 months ago. ( permalink )

Felix63 says:

It is a pity pest control didn't move in just a tat earlier. Could have saved us from any distress.

voted as "deleteme" (from Delete me! group)
Posted 52 months ago. ( permalink )

Dr. Pat says:

i am all for pest control when needed.

-voted as deleteme (from the Delete me! group).
Posted 52 months ago. ( permalink )

robert madeira says:

(as mostly already said) really great composition, but the focus... hard to get right in those conditions, but... maybe try a soft focus effect to counter?

-voted as deleteme (from the Delete me! group).
Posted 52 months ago. ( permalink )

Beachy says:

A soft focus effect sounds interesting - it would probably add a nice warm glow around the bird.. I'll have to give that a go
Posted 52 months ago. ( permalink )

sous les pavés, la plage says:

I second pest control

Voted deleteme10 (from Delete Me! group)
Posted 52 months ago. ( permalink )

vodkamax says:

Don't listen to them: an amazing one I tell you and I especially like the big fish behing the bird
Posted 51 months ago. ( permalink )

florriebassingbourn says:

Hey - he's right about that big fish! He's going to swallow the pigeon before the people get it!
Posted 51 months ago. ( permalink )

shimmo23 says:

Absolutely fantastic
Posted 51 months ago. ( permalink )

Chrisser says:

A terrific shot of a bird in flight.
Posted 49 months ago. ( permalink )

sushipumpum says:

Well framed shot. Went under that building myself last Fall in a longboat.
Posted 49 months ago. ( permalink )

0olong says:

Yeah, very nicely captured.

But you knew that.
Posted 48 months ago. ( permalink )

beloglintsev [deleted] says:

You're genius!
Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

Detailswe4sake*Photography says:

Photo Invitation For Contest:
www.flickr.com/groups/flowercontests/discuss/ 721575941948...
contest ends july 13
Posted 41 months ago. ( permalink )

MamaLola* says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called ╠ 1 year ago- 1 an déjà- Hace 1 año (invited pix only)╣, and we'd love to have your photo added to the group.

(Please take a minute to vote and to participate in our two current contests)
--
Seen in the interestingness archives. (?)
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

MamaLola* says:

We're honored and we thank you for adding this wonderful image to "One Year".
--
Seen in ╠ 1 year ago- 1 an déjà- Hace 1 año (invited pix only)╣ (?)
Posted 32 months ago. ( permalink )

Jacek Z. says:

I like the pigeon (perfect shape!) and the framing very much. Personally I am against photoshoping pictures, but I assume the bird was flying head-on, so you had neither time, nor much choice what is going to be sharp and what not;-)
Posted 30 months ago. ( permalink )

tehsiffyguy says:

Pigeons carrying diseases communicable to humans is little more than a myth spread by pest control companies to increase business.

That said, they're beautiful, amiable birds which I've raised on my balcony for around two years now. I know first-hand how awful it feels to have birds you regard as even more than pets taken away from you by pest control and people you thought were your friends turn against you with their misplaced hatred of the birds.

That said, that's a great photo. If you don't mind, I'll be setting that as my desktop's wallpaper now. :)
Posted 29 months ago. ( permalink )

David Lewis-Baker says:

Hi, Bath Fine Arts and Photography Group (BFAPG), would love to have your photo added to the group.
david:>) You are a fine photographer!
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

Vol-au-Vent says:

OMG; it's such a wonderful photo and such a sad story.... I loved visiting Bath while living in Torquay (Devon) and sadly, they DO have a problem with the water population.
Your cheerful last sentence made me laugh though....

FAVED

I invite you to add this great 100+ faves picture to the 100+ Faves group.
Posted 25 months ago. ( permalink )

athanawat says:

great shot
Posted 25 months ago. ( permalink )

kliffklegg says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called * Free N A T U R E * ~NEW contest~ funny nature, and we'd love to have your photo added to the group.
Posted 25 months ago. ( permalink )

alordelo says:

Show... que rasante :)

Mágico momento, na hora certa..

Fave!!!

This is an Amazing Shot! Please consider adding your photograph to the group Amazing Shots!!

Você está recebendo a

Por favor mande a sua foto para a galeria do grupo:
◄◄ www.flickr.com/groups/camera_de_ouro/ ►►
Adicione a TAG: "câmera de ouro brasil" (entre aspas)

Please join and share your photo with The World Through My Eyes
Posted 24 months ago. ( permalink )

JKmedia says:

Superb.
Recognised the bridge instantly! (my home City!)
Posted 23 months ago. ( permalink )

gina4xoxoxo says:

Incredible framing on this! Great capture! Sad story.
What's with the dolphin at the end of your message? I don't understand! Why are they killing these animals/mammals?
May I ask what noise reduction tool you used in CS3?
Posted 23 months ago. ( permalink )

timelessphoto says:

nice capture
Posted 23 months ago. ( permalink )

Shu...... [deleted] says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Flickr "BEST" Pictures (Invitation Only), and we'd love to have your photo added to the group.

5 Stars of Excellence Award
Posted 23 months ago. ( permalink )

peace4allglobe says:

Awesome
Posted 19 months ago. ( permalink )

joost_nolle says:

verry nice pall
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

snaphappyraa says:

Great Capture :)
Posted 8 months ago. ( permalink )

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Pigeon framed by arch of Pulteney Bridge

Comments

Rosemea MacPherson [deleted] says:

NatBat says:

Beachy says:

thepipes says:

larry&flo says:

Beachy says:

Bash Linx says:

Smatchmo says:

X-travalueMeal#2 says:

3views says:

pablohart says:

gms says:

Beachy says:

Alex @ Faraway says:

evernever says:

s3ood says:

Photo Mama says:

SteveFE says:

arouradragon says:

christian wind says:

neloqua says:

Humberto "Sachiel" López says:

Ichor says:

Mattijn says:

Roger B. says:

tomswift46 says:

epiphany15 says:

baboon™ says:

baboon™ says:

swardraws says:

christyscherrer says:

christyscherrer says:

brfuk says:

Hilary (curioush) says:

flappingwings says:

Kaká says:

bravewest says:

BrunoMeunier.com says:

Jan Tik says:

florriebassingbourn says:

ღWild Lilyღ says:

Beachy says:

Beachy says:

sniffette says:

Beachy says:

Optimus Paul says:

Beachy says:

Blue Dragonfly Girl says:

Eggz says:

mscaprikell says:

TvR says:

the-tml says:

Felix63 says:

Dr. Pat says:

robert madeira says:

Beachy says:

sous les pavés, la plage says:

vodkamax says:

florriebassingbourn says:

shimmo23 says:

Chrisser says:

sushipumpum says:

0olong says:

beloglintsev [deleted] says:

Detailswe4sake*Photography says:

*Mama*Lola* says:

*Mama*Lola* says:

Jacek Z. says:

tehsiffyguy says:

David Lewis-Baker says:

Vol-au-Vent says:

athanawat says:

kliffklegg says:

alordelo says:

JKmedia says:

gina4xoxoxo says:

timelessphoto says:

Shu...... [deleted] says:

MamaLola* says:

MamaLola* says: