This skimmer was interacting with another skimmer in what appeared to be either a slight altercation or a courting ritual. Not sure which. Maybe some one can let me know ???
Nikon D3
Nikon 600mm F4
1/5000, F6.3
ISO 400
All comments are appreciated. Thanks
05-29-2008, 04:19 PM
Axel Hildebrandt
I like the exposure control and details in this one. Whenever I saw two skimmers in mid-air 'interaction', it looked like some sort of fight, maybe territorial.
05-29-2008, 04:28 PM
John Chardine
Did you use flash with this image? The lighting is very nice. When I see this species I always remember Frederick Kent Truslow and his marvleous bird images in National Geo, including amazing images of skimmers feeding.
05-29-2008, 05:00 PM
Gus Cobos
Great capture, exposure and composition Judy,
I really like the action here...That is one heck of a dive, I like the wing position...congrats...:cool:
05-29-2008, 05:20 PM
Paul Pagano
Love the wing position and the descent here....nicely done! Don't know about the interaction. I've rarely seen these here in North Florida.
05-29-2008, 06:42 PM
Steve Maxson
You did well with a tricky exposure, Judy. I like the diving pose with the wings up and the overall sharpness. Not sure about the behavior as I have not witnessed it - I would guess aggression.
05-29-2008, 07:02 PM
Freddy Franzella
Well done image Judy Lynn! nice lighting and pose! we have these guys by us. every year they come to mate. you may have between 600 to 800 and they make some racket.
05-29-2008, 08:21 PM
David Hemmings
Fantatsic pose and great white control Judy, love it!!
05-29-2008, 08:25 PM
Dave Phillips
great tracking with a 600 and nice exposure too.
That underwing is nicely toned/detailed
05-29-2008, 08:36 PM
Judy Lynn Malloch
John sorry for the late reply but in answer to your question I did not use flash. This was taken in the early morning using just natural lighting. Thanks very much for your comments too.
05-29-2008, 10:00 PM
Sid Garige
Excellent details and Pose Judy. Very well done job.
05-29-2008, 10:27 PM
Bonnie Block
Perfect, Judy! Great lighting-sharp. Doesn't get any better!
05-29-2008, 10:33 PM
Maxis Gamez
Hi Judy,
Love the pose and action. You nailed the exposure on this one. However, I find the catchlight some what un-natural. Did you add more catchlight? I know their eyes usually don't reflect so much light!
Thanks for sharing!
05-29-2008, 11:26 PM
Judy Lynn Malloch
Hi Maxis
Many thanks for the comments. There was no catchlight added to the image. This is natural as photographed and I must say I was thrilled that there was one as they are not as you already mentioned readily seen.
05-29-2008, 11:31 PM
Maxis Gamez
Amazing Judy!
Thank you for the clarification!
05-30-2008, 06:42 PM
Kirk Benson
Beautiful shot Judy for all the reasons already mentioned, wonderful exposure control. I'm new to bird photography and am really enjoying shooting these Skimmers for the first time. Very well done.