Another Gift

Another marvelous sighting on my birthday, this time a Grey Crowned Crane.

Taken in Lake Mburu National Park, Southern Uganda, 25th June 2012

EOS 1D MkIV

500mm F4 hand-held

F6.3, ISO 800, 1/640

Hi Ken, excellent detail on both the feathers and crest. The head and crest are separated nicely from the BG, and only wish he had turned his head a little more towards you. :w3

At the local pond in Pretoria ( Austin Roberts ) where I frequent lately, there are 2 cranes there, but they are always in the shade, so no chance of any shots - yet.

Wow!! Beautiful bird. Love the details on feather with tiny droplets on it, exposure, big crown and alert position. Well done.

- Maya

The details and colors are great. While I like this pose, I wonder if you were able to get any from a lower vantage point.

Great image you captured here! Like the colours and detail! Ditto on a lower angle would have made it even better.

Hi Ken,
A belated Happy Birthday!
I love the composition and the IQ is terrific. Great feather detail in crest and blacks.
My only wish is for a bit more of a head turn.
gail

very nice Ken,sharp with good detail and nice color.thanks.

Wonderful detail on the crown and feathers... Lovely vibrant background
Hope you had a great birthday Ken, many more to come :S3:

Thanks everybody for your comments, the angle of the head was selected deliberately to give what I think is a slightly aloof look.

I have some more with more conventional selections.

Sharp, nice detail, well exposed. Agree regarding the shooting angle.

Magnificent image of Grey Crowned Crane in habitat,Sir.Lovely composition.Love the excellent feather details and colors.
I like the crest very much.l also love the way he is searching something in the grass. Superb expression.
Regards.