Interesting Gannet

[Bill Dix]

This fellow stood out from all the other Northern Gannets in the colony at Stori Karl (Iceland). Having never photographed Gannets before, I wasn't sure what he was, but looking at Sibley and images online I've concluded he must be a third-year bird.

D500, Sigma 150-600C @ 600mm, ISO 800, 1/2500s @ f/7.1 manual, HH. Full-frame, but shifted the bird up in the frame for comp.

[Bob Smith]

This fellow stood out from all the other Northern Gannets in the colony at Stori Karl (Iceland). Having never photographed Gannets before, I wasn't sure what he was, but looking at Sibley and images online I've concluded he must be a third-year bird.

D500, Sigma 150-600C @ 600mm, ISO 800, 1/2500s @ f/7.1 manual, HH. Full-frame, but shifted the bird up in the frame for comp.

The far wing is up just enough to show nicely Bill and your exposure is just right for the big range of brightness here. I particularly like the fine wavey ripples in the white breast feathers and the subtle browns in the trailing wing feathers and all of it set off by such a dramatic BG.

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[William Dickson]

Very nice against the dark BG. Nice detail and quite a nice flight pose. I've seen a few of these 'immature' birds at the Bass Rock.

Will

[Daniel Cadieux]

My favorite part of the image is the dark wavy background - very dramatic. Good on you to catch variations in individual birds, nice to have different plumages in the files!

[Tim Foltz]

Bill, nice exposure and details wish the HA was better but heck you can't always get everything.

-Tim

[John Mack]

The bird looks great against that dark water. Composition is right on. Yes the head is angled sligly away but oh well.

[Geoffrey Montagu]

Really nice frame, Bill. Perfect exposure, fine detail, and I too like the separation of the darks from the beautiful dark blue sea. Well done under the harsh bitter, windy conditions.


Geoffrey




http://500px.com/geoffreymontagu (http://500px.com/geoffreymontagu)

[Mike Poole]

Pops beautifully against that dark BG. Pity about the head turn.

Gannets start off with lots of black in them, gradually going whiter over the first 5 years. I think you're about right, I'd have said either a 2nd or 3rd year bird

Mike

[dankearl]

The BG rocks...outstanding. Bird pops really well, nice to see the plumage.

[Bill Dix]

Thank you all for your comments.