Adrian Binney, PPSA, LRPS
May 2023 - Southern Giant Petrel
Original
About the Image(s)
This was taken south of the Falklands on the way to Cape Horn on 30th January this year. Most Petrels I saw were flying around well above the sea, but a few were surfing the waves so I concentrated on these. I wanted to time a shot with waves included - this was my best attempt. They are large birds with a wingspan of 2m or more.
I took this at 263mm using an Olympus 150-400 lens - so FF equivalent 526mm at 1/2000 f8 ISO800 and developed it in Lightroom.
5 comments posted
Adrian, The Giant Petrels are a group of very peculiar Antarctic birds. The name "petrel" comes from the story of Saint Peter who walked on water because petrels look like they're running on water as they begin to take off into flight. Giant Petrels are the only members of the Procellariidae family (Petrels, Prions, and Shearwaters) that have legs strong enough to allow them to move around on land. Like some other seabird species, Giant Petrels secrete a saline solution from a nasal passage in order to rid their bodies of the excess salt they swallow while feeding.
You capture the bird in flight. The whites look overexposed. I tried to reduce the brightness but there was no information there so the area turned grey. It is sharp, and your crop gave enough space in the front of the bird to fly into. Posted: 05/04/2023 16:21:08
You capture the bird in flight. The whites look overexposed. I tried to reduce the brightness but there was no information there so the area turned grey. It is sharp, and your crop gave enough space in the front of the bird to fly into. Posted: 05/04/2023 16:21:08
Hey Adrian, You are really lucky to see some many unusual animals and places. Thanks for sharing this bird to the group. The whites also seem to be blown out on my screen with no information to adjust. Bruce Posted: 05/05/2023 15:47:52
I think you met your objective with the timing of the waves and the composition. As mentioned by Isaac and Bruce, the whites are overexposed. I don't know if birds feel elation when they fly but seeing this bird in flight over the cool blue water gives me a feeling of wonderment. Nicely done. Posted: 05/10/2023 10:47:36
Hi Adrian, what a fantastic bird that you have captured in the right moment to compose your shot. I like the crop of the image and I agree with the others that whites are overexposed. Sunny days and white feathers don't have a good relations ship resulting most of the times in overexposed areas of the bird. Posted: 05/12/2023 07:17:59
Adrian, How cool to once again capture this awesome bird. Your crop is effective as it allows the viewer to concentrate on your interesting subject. It is wonderful that you were able to capture this one as it was surfing the waves. I agree with the others about the overexposed area. Posted: 05/13/2023 12:38:26