Secretary Bird in flight ( 15000 posts )

[Stu Bowie]

This is a first for me, and pretty rare overall, as these guys are normally walking through grasslands looking for their next meal, ( snakes and rodents ) and not taking to the skies. Whilst driving through the reserve close to my house, I saw this secretary bird deep in the grasslands on a mission looking for food. He was walking parallel to me, but too far for a decent image. He was walking in the right direction, where a little further on, I could turn onto another road, and he would hopefully walk into me - he didnt. When he got closer, he seemed to be vary aware of me, even though I had turned the engine of my car off. Through the long grass, I saw him raise his wings, and he took off, at least towards me. Not easy trying to track this guy through the window of my car. Taken 2 weekends ago early morning.

Canon 1D Mark IV
100-400 @ 400mm
1/1600
F/8.0
ISO 640

Manual exposure

[dankearl]

A perfect head turn Stuart, and sharp as can be.
Your work here is appreciated by all, I am sure, just tirelessly giving the members
suggestions and support.
Congrats on this milestone and thanks for all the kind words you give to all here.
Your work is just inspiring, great photos day in and out.

[Richard Unsworth]

Congrats Stuart, your participation here is invaluable, showing us all the residents of that little nature reserve near your home, and beyond has been an absolute pleasure. Your critiques are to be respected as you clearly understand this art form. This shor is as you say very unusual, have seen plenty on the ground myself. Head turn is a peach.

[arash_hazeghi]

congrats Stu with a nice image to celebrate

[PhilCook]

The perfect head turn in my opinion, sharp as an in flight shot could ever hope to be..those wings are amazing ! Cant offer any C&C as it's darn good enough as is

[Shawn Zierman]

Very cool to see this species in flight...the only other images I've seen of them have been on the ground.
The only thing that could make the image better is if you had some cloud drama or background interest of
some sort, but regardless, this is excellent.

[Frank Schauf]

Really nice flight shot and great details.

[vishaljadhav]

Lovely one Stuart, the HA is really a big Plus
i like the details on the bird and its in air , wonderful image

[gail bisson]

Hi Stuart,
You have chosen a wonderful shot to celebrate 15,000 posts. Love the wing position and the head turn. Good exposure.
Thanks so much for all the time you have put in. I appreciate all your comments and critiques and most importantly your friendship,
Gail

[shane shacaluga]

Congratulations! Great image to match. You captured the details in both blacks and whites which is not easy! The head is spot on too

[Rachel Hollander]

Stuart - congrats on the milestone! The value of your contributions is undeniable. Thanks for all your help and patience. I don't think I've ever seen a secretary bird in flight and this is a great flight shot with excellent HA, sharpness and wing position.

TFS,
Rachel

[Karl Egressy]

Wow, this is a fantastic BIF image, Stuart. 15000 is also fantastic. Congratulations!!!!!

[Dave Leroy]

Dandy flight shot, a neat story and a real milestone all in one. Congratulations Stuart.

[Grace Scalzo]

Congrats, Stuart. Both on this image and on the milestone. Your contributions here on BPN are invaluable! Thanks for everything.

[Faraaz Abdool]

Excellent shot of one of my favourite birds, Stuart. Congrats on this milestone as well. I'm a newbie here and you've contributed heavily to my learning already. Thanks!

[Marina Scarr]

Huge congratulations on your milestone, Stuart, and what a super capture to celebrate. Love this flight pose. The colors, exposure and details are terrific and love that head turn!

[Satish Ranadive]

Stuart Sir:
A Masterpiece to celebrate 15k post.Wonderful flight pose with full up wings, lovely HA,great colors,details and composition.
Heartiest Congratulations Sir!!!

Regards,
Satish.

[Sidharth Kodikal]

Hey Stu, excellent capture of a rare moment. Love the eye contact, the flight pose and the excellent sharpness.
Not only is your work some of the best, but you're also one of the nicest guys around. Congrats on the milestone and looking forward to many more.

[Doug Brown]

Congrats on your milestone and on an excellent image Stuart! Thanks for all your hard work on BPN!

[Dan Brown]

Great shot of a great bird for a fabulous milestone, Stuart. I love seeing your fine work with the shorter lens! You and Daniel have it down pat!

[Stu Bowie]

Thank you all so much for the kind words. Hmmmm... another 5000posts to the next milestone seems like a looooong way away. :w3

[Miguel Palaviccini]

What a feat! Seriously, I know I can count on your posts to learn something. I (and I'm sure many others) truly appreciate your contributions at BPN!

[Dudley Watson]

Excellent pose and detail Love the head angle and eye contact. Congratulations on your milestone

[christopher galeski]

nice flight pose,sharp,nice light,congrats on posts,hope you post another 15000 posts.thanks.

[David Salem]

First of all congrats on a serious milestone. Second of all, thanks for all your constructive crits and your tasteful encouragement. And third, what an awesome shot. Never seen a secretary in flight. Techs are perfect and the detail is beautiful. Very nice Stuart.

[Sachin Saraf]

Hearty Congratulation Stu...This is fabulous image to celebrate milestone..

[Stu Bowie]

Once again, thank you all so much for your feedback and kind words. They are much appreciated.

[Robert Holguin]

Stunning shot!!!
The head angle could not be any better, very nice light, great wing position, and excellent IQ.
Very well done.