Bearded Vultures, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

[Chris van Rooyen]

This huge, eagle-like vulture is an icon of the remotest mountain ranges in southern Africa. They are spectacular flyers, reminding one of giant falcons.

Camera Model: Canon EOS-1D Mark II
Date/Time: 2006:06:15 09:28:15
Shutter speed: 1/2000 sec
Aperture: 8
Exposure mode: Av
Exposure compensation: -1/3
Flash: Off
Metering mode: Multi-segment
ISO: 400
Lens: 500mm
Focal length: 700mm

[David Fletcher]

Pretty cool action and getting them both in the same plane of focus. Dave

[Nikolay Staykov - shotlandetsa]

Amaizing timing! I love the interaction, the colors, the fact that both birds are well on focus - astonishing shot :)

[Gyorgy Szimuly]

Lovely and powerful. The lights are excellent.
Good to see some other birds besides the North American ones :d
Szimi

[Hillebrand Breuker]

impressive birds, great light. no nits from me; great!

[Rich Ikerd]

Excellent image Chris. Getting the great action, both eyes visible, everything in focus and a killer background took a lot of talent. Very impressive!!

[Axel Hildebrandt]

I like it a lot! Great interaction, even though not very friendly :) - poses, details and BG. The composition works very well, too. My only wish is to be able to see the eye of the lower one a little better and a spread left wing, but that is nitpicking. :) As I said, great image!

[Tony Whitehead]

Great shot Chris. Looks like the vulture hide at Giants in the morning! Brilliant light and the colours of BG and birds complement well - nice to have the bright red eyes showing well. Wondering how it may look with a little cropped from each side to a square format that would enhance the diagonal composition. Clutching at straws to make any suggestions though - fantastic image.

[Maxis Gamez]

This is awesome, love the light and action. The BG goes very well with the image. Excellent capture!

[paul leverington]

quite incredable!!

[D. Robert Franz]

Great action with lovely harmonius colors. Love it...

[Linda Robbins]

Wonderful capture of this midair action, and the background color perfectly compliments the birds. Razor sharp, and the composition is perfect. Wonderful to capture both birds in such great poses.

[Dobromir Dobrinov]

Grat action,very nice timing and the light is beautifull.Well done!!!!

[Chris van Rooyen]

Thanks for the comments guys:) Yes it was at Giant's Castle hide - what a fantastic spot for raptor photography:eek:

[Nicole Brooker]

This is a beautiful image. I love the action and colours.

[Manos Papadomanolakis]

Great colors and great timing!!!