Snares Penguin

[Tony Whitehead]

These crested penguins are endemic to the Snares, a small group of uninhabited, pest-free, rocky islands south of New Zealand that are a pristine haven for seabirds. I was lucky to be on an expedition to these islands as well as the Auckland Islands and Campbell Island shortly after New Year. I have posted a resource to the Antarctica/NZ/Australia regional forum linking to my blog posts that are being published on this trip for any interested in visiting this unique habitat.
http://www.birdphotographers.net/forums/showthread.php/134179-New-Zealand-Subantarctic-Islands
Nikon D810, Nikon 80-400 AFS VR @ 400mm 1/1000s f5.6 ISO 1600. Manual exposure. Shot form Zodiac as landing not permitted to avoid risk of pest introduction and habitat damage.
Comments and advice appreciated as always.

[David Cowling]

A truly wonderful image of a bird in it's natural habitat. The pose and feather detail are excellent and the long trails of seaweed convey a sense of place. To be really nit picky it would have been nice to see the other foot, but that doesn't bother me too much. Great shooting from a zodiac. I have just enjoyed viewing your blog on the expedition.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Oh man, the seaweeds and background make the image for me...very neat! The penguin looks great too. Thanks for the link to your blog....

[keith mitchell]

Tony it's good that they are looking after these birds and there habitat,superb detail on the Penguin and agree that seaweed finishes it off nicely,very nice work.

Keith.

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Tony, great comp with the penquin looking into space, and once again, well exposed on this fellow. I do like the detail and colours on his face/head, and the foliage reminds me of water cascading over a waterfall.

[Marina Scarr]

The environment really makes this image!!