Swallows, Pelicans, Cormorants, Kites & Bush Thick Knees

[Dennis]

Hello,

Here are a few bird photos taken during recent trips to Moreton Island. The Swallow photos are incredibly difficult to shoot; in flight, they are virtually impossible to capture. For every one that has a bird, or partial bird in-frame, I probably have 50 shots of an empty blue sky.

Whilst I was on the jetty trying to capture Cormorants in flight, one Swallow landed within 3 or 4 metres of me, perching on the railings where I managed to grab a few shots whilst he inspected my gear!

The Pelican in flight shots were captured from the Tangalooma Ferry as we motored out of the mouth of the Brisbane River early in the morning. The Pelicans were heading up river with the Sun behind them, making exposure difficult to judge.

The Whistling Kite was wheeling overhead as we were making our way to pick up our tickets for the return journey.

All in all, a couple of very memorable day trips. Thanks for looking.

Cheers

Dennis

[h0ughy (David)]

some great shots there Dennis, nice pelican

[multiweb (Marc)]

Love #1 & #2. That bird almost looks like a butterfly.

[DavidU (Dave)]

#4 ! a corker.

[rcheshire (Rowland)]

Magnificent Dennis. Constantly in awe of your work.

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

Pelican!!!
Congrats on the swallow too.

[astroboy]

Excellent shots Dennis
You must have a lot of skill to get some of those in flight shots . I really like the cormorant shot but think ( if you don't mind my saying ) that it would be better not so tightly cropped and with a vertical composition to get more of that reflection.

Great work !
Zane

[iceman (Mike)]

Fantastic shots, Dennis.

The last one is hilarious - reminds me of that eagle character off the muppets - can't remember his name

[multiweb (Marc)]

Originally Posted by iceman

Fantastic shots, Dennis.

The last one is hilarious - reminds me of that eagle character off the muppets - can't remember his name

Gonzo (the trumpeteer)

[iceman (Mike)]

No not him. The big eagle.

[iceman (Mike)]

This one top left.

[multiweb (Marc)]

Originally Posted by iceman

This one top left.

Ha ok... Sam the Eagle.

[Liz]

You Sesame Street boys!!

Magnificent images Dennis, I am in awe of how sharp you can get these moving creatures. Beautiful.

[Dennis]

Thanks for stopping by and having a look at these gorgeous creatures.

Zane – thank you for your suggestion re the crop and yes – I agree, it is too cramped and would benefit from a portrait crop. However, what you see is virtually the full frame, as the Corm just got too close! The reflection was off the bottom of the frame as the Cormorant filled the 400mm field of view; one of those rare cases of too long a focal length!

Cheers

Dennis

[ving (David)]

bleeding excellent work there dennis

[Derek Klepp]

Really like the 2nd Swallow shot.

[acropolite (Phil)]

Swallow shots are awesome Dennis.

[astroron (Ron)]

Bloomin Marvalous Dennis
Enjoyed them all
Cheers

[oosh (Jason)]

Great images Dennis! My pick of the bunch is the one mid flight with its reflection in the water! I'm assuming this is with the 400L (or was it 300?) - very crisp.

[Octane (Humayun)]

I can see extended halos around some of the birds. Topaz?

#4 is win.

H