Unhappy Pied Kingfisher

[Stu Bowie]

Whenever another Pied Kingfisher flies in close proximity to another, they show a bit of aggression towards one another. These are two males. The shiny bits on the perch are fish scales from when the KF's feed, they bash the fish against the perch to 'soften' them, before swallowing. Taken in the Pilanesberg National Park, back in June.

Canon 1D Mark IV
Canon 400mm F/2.8 +1.4 TC = 560mm
1/1600
F.7.1
ISO 800

Exp comp +0.33
rested on top of a wooden fence

[Marina Scarr]

This is a fun image and thank you for the story. The exposure and colors are very nice. I only wish they were catchlight in the eyes.

[David Salem]

Great ineraction between the two and I like the open beak and the flared wing. Nice exposure control and beautiful BG colors too. What neat little feet they have. Well done Stuart.

[gail bisson]

Great interaction.
Love the perch and that two toned BG.
I do wish there was a catchlight in the right side bird's eye. But that is a minor issue.
gail

[christopher galeski]

nice one Stuart,love the BG and perch,sharp with good detail.TFS.

[Jonathan Ashton]

Great timing as usual, I think there is a small catch light in the right bird's eye - possibly enhance a little further. Detail in the plumage is excellent. I also like the two tone background.

[Satish Ranadive]

Wonderful interaction you have captured here, Stuart Sir.I like the way BG colors so nicely complimenting with colors of perch and expressions of both birds, though one is unhappy other is really cool.
Love the frame.

Regards,
Satish.

[Steve Kaluski]

Hi Stu, like the fact you have two different behavioural aspects in one image and the two tone BKG works well for me. Whites in small areas do look blown (?) and I'm not sure if you have lightened the LH birds bill/head, looks a tad light, but probably wrong. Nice techs, be great in June if you can get them with some fish or thrashing it against the log.

TFS
Steve

[Stu Bowie]

I'm not sure if you have lightened the LH birds bill/head, looks a tad light, but probably wrong.

Thanks Steve. The LH Pied's head is untouched, probably lighter due to the angle of light and his HA. Not on this occasion, but I have captured quite a few of these guys 'bashing' fish against a perch at this location. :w3

Thank you everyone else for your feedback.

[John Robinson]

Great action stuff. never seen these in the wild.
JR

[Steve Kaluski]

Must have missed seeing those ones Stu, let me know next time you post, as I will need to brush up, will endeavour to get some more next year. :S3:

[Holger Leyrer]

Great action and excellent detail in this Image. Love the BG.

[Greg Oakley]

Lovely image Stu - interesting behaviour and your usual brilliant IQ