Gang Gang Cockatoo (Callocephalon fimbriatum)

After three years in Australia, I finally photographed my favorite bird! It was only the 5th time I had even seen them...

Yesterday my mate Chris gave me a tip about a spot where I might find a few birds. Since I was free, I jumped into the car and drove up there again. After walking around for an hour I suddenly heard a Gang Gang call and shortly after I found four birds feeding quite low. So I ran to the car, took my gear and photographed those four birds, a pair with two youngsters, for about an hour. The birds didn't even notice me, I reckon I could've just grabbed one....
It's like they are on drugs and don't care about anything else than those Hawthorn berries.
While photographing it got quite dark and during the initial excitement, I forgot to take my flash. So I decided to chuck my whole rig into the bushes and ran 400m back to the car to get the flash. Luckily when I came back the birds and the camera were still there!

No better feeling than finally getting your favorite bird.

A Making of can be seen HERE

1D Mark IV
600 L IS
ISO 1600
1/160
F 5.6
580EXII + BB @ -2

Jan if you want to catch these elusive birds, take a trip to Raymond Island East Gippsland. The island also has a colony of Koalas, Sea Eagles, and a plethora of native birds.

http://www.raymondisland.net/

Very well done Jan, your hard work paid off, the image is simply superb.

Nice one Jan, I like the berries in the image as well....I too love the Gang Gangs but sadly they dont exist here in Sth Australia, nearest point I have photographed them is in the Lower Glenelg National Park just over the border, but always just on dark.

Sharp and nice pose on this one, but not so sure about the greenish color of the backdrop

Excellent image. Love the pose with berry in beak,beautiful colors,nice details,lovely perch,backdrop and composition.

Regards,
Satish.

Love it Jan. Great perch nice clean bg