Crowned Lapwing

[Stu Bowie]

These Crowned Lapwings frequent the veld where I walk my dogs every evening, and as yesterday was a holiday, I decided to walk down to the veld and capture some images of them in late afternoon light. Axel, my Jack Russel likes to chase them, and their normal behaviour is to take off, and return by 'dive bombing' who ever is in their territory, including myself. As I walked the dogs in the morning, I went by myself, and this fellow was letting me know that I was in his territory. I kept my distance, took a few shots and left them alone.

Canon 1D Mark IV
Canon 300mm F/2.8 +1.4 TC = 420mm
1/1000
F/7.1
ISO 500

Hand Held.

[gail bisson]

Love the eye on this one Stu! Would work well for the theme.
Great IQ and detail in the feathers.
Great BG and love the calling pose.
A sliver off the LHS would suit my taste!
Gail

[Mike Poole]

Great timing, you can really see the intensity in telling you off!

Te only nit for me is the chosen crop, there is quite a bit too much negative space for me on the left - I know some people like this kind of view, but there is too much for me here.

Other than that, the details are great and the light is wonderful.

Mike

[Stu Bowie]

Thanks for the feedback on the comp Gail and Mike. I just liked the colours of the BG. :w3

[William Dickson]

First time I have seen a lapwing in 3D :S3: Lovely detail Stu. The BG shows the bird real well, but I would take some from the LHS to.

Will

[Daniel Cadieux]

Wicked eye! I like the IQ and aggressive pose. I agree with trimming some off the left, but yes the colours are nice there.

[Isaac Grant]

Great details and love the intense calling pose with the tongue out. Exposure is perfect. Really nice Stu.

[Steve Kaluski]

Well spotted Stu, nicely timed too. Good clarity with cracking detail, lovely warm light from the late, afternoon sun.


Axel, my Jack Russel likes to chase them

I bet it was Banjo who was behind the camera on this one, :w3.

Nice one Bud.

TFS
Steve

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

A little too much negative space for my taste. Otherwise a splendid portrait mate.

[Mike Hitchen]

The detail on this is excellent, Stu and the head is turned just enough to make the pose really striking. Yes, there is too much negative space but my immediate thought is still 'great shot'

[Stu Bowie]

Thanks a stack for the feedback everyone.

[David Salem]

The sun angle and the details are awesome Stu!! Great colors and exposure too. I do agree about the neg space but otherwise a real beauty. Well done