Fighting Coots.

[Stu Bowie]

We are often seeing Coots chasing each other across the water, so I was quite pleased to have captured an actual fight. This was a bit far away and they are not the biggest subjects, so I was happy that I could use my 2X TC to bring the action a little closer. Taken late afternoon at the same wetlands in Cape Town as my previous post of a shoveler. I could have taken away the green weed at the bottom of the frame, but thought that wouldnt have left enough space below the Coots.

Canon 1D Mark IV
Canon 300mm F/2.8 +2X TC = 600mm
1/2500
F/6.3
ISO 640

Manual exposure

[Tobie Schalkwyk]

Nice action shot with lots of detail Stu! I like the leg positions on the chests, getting ready to push the oponent away at a speed. Amazing that they do not get injured during these fights (well, I have not seen any casualties yet). I probably would have darkened the bills just a touch, but nothing serious.

[keith mitchell]

You have caught some great action Stuart, your Coots are a bit different to the ones we have without the red knob, understand your thoughts about the green band, nice job.

Keith.

[Rachel Hollander]

Hi Stu - Interesting action/behavior and well captured. I agree with your decision to keep the line of green. The image would be too tight below without it.

TFS,
Rachel

[Richard Flack]

Nice one Stu, some very cool behaviour captured here! I love the dual poses and the droplets of water. I also think you made the right decision to include the green line but I do find it a bit distracting. TFS

[Stu Bowie]

Thanks a stack guys.

[gail bisson]

Great action Stu. Too bad you couldn't have been close to allow for a really tight crop.
I really like the foot on the chest x 2. Awesome to have both birds eyes visible and the heads at a great angle.
Did you try a tighter crop for internet use? Would the IQ hold up?
Gail

[Sidharth Kodikal]

Perfect exposure and great action. Good call on the pano. Agree that cropping to remove the green would've made it tight at the bottom. Love the flying droplets all over the frame. Well done Stu

[David Salem]

Great looking action shot Stuart!! Love the tangled up feet and the good look at the faces. Your usual solid techs make for a really cool frame. Well done

[Binu John]

Excellent action shot, Stuart! Love the action and the water droplets. Excellent composition, exposure and exposure. TFS