Morus serrator

I had the luxury of spending several mornings by a Gannet colony in NZ.
These birds are simply amazing, to say the least. I could spend days watching how effortlessly they navigate rough winds and the break neck speeds at which they dive for food.

At this location, the colony is quite a bit lower than the viewing platform. I only got one shot from all my visits where the bird is almost head-on like this.
This is a bit bigger than full frame. I clipped the right wing tip (which I reconstructed in PS by borrowing from another shot)

This bird was photographed on very windy/stormy day. The BG is the Tasman sea (and some wispy clouds)

Canon 1D4, 500mm
1/1600, f 4.5, ISO 1000
Manual, HH, FF++ (see above)

All input appreciated.
Thanks!

An interesting perspective showing sophisticated use of aerodynamic control surfaces including the webbed feet. Nice management of the blacks and whites and good reconstruction work. The only tiny issue for me is the grain in the background which would become a problem if you tried to make a large print of this otherwise very fine capture. Regards, Ian.

Sweet looking incoming shot Sid. I love those big Booby like feet acting as air brakes as it comes in for a landing. The techs really look good here and the bird pops off of that dark smooth BG nicely.
A really nice frame Sid.

Fantastic image Sid - love the incoming pose and the bird really pops out of the beautiful BG - great work

Killer background color to set this beauty off! Instantly special imo, because it is so different from many of the gannet images I've seen from the North American locations where this species is photographed. I'm envisioning some cool graphic lettering centered right under the bird...your name perhaps! Composition is perfect and the head angle is right down the barrel perfect. If the bird's left foot were not merging with the tail like it is, it would almost be too perfect! I see no issue with bg grain...

Excellent flight shot with very nice symmetrical wings position, wonderful BG and composition.

Regards,
Satish.

Killer shot, Sid! Love the exposure, composition and pose!

Nice incoming! I love the wing stretch! The BG is cool, though a tiny bit of reductions in the grainy would be nice.

Excellent incoming flight shot, Sid. I agree with you these species are truly amazing to watch.

Just love this! The BG color is "to die for".
I would never have known you repaired a wing tip. Was it the birds' right wing or left wing? You said right wing but is it our right or the birds' right?
Love the IQ, the comp, the BG, the perfect exposure on whites and blacks.
A stunning image and if I had one little wish it would be that the foot did not merge with the beautiful fanned tail.
9.8 out of 10 for this one!!
Gail

Thanks all for viewing and commenting!
Yes, I too wish I could have avoided the foot-tail merge.
Hi Gail, sorry it's the bird's left wing. thanks.

Dynamite! Sid. An image that you want to keep looking at. Put it on your wall and be proud.

Glenn

This is simply superb. Love the exposure & composition. Fantastic picture