Take Off

[Ken Watkins]

I am sure that what happened here has happened to everybody but it is still annoying. We had just finished trying without success to get some images of a Gymnogene and had set off in the boat to get down to the White Throated Bee-eaters, when all of a sudden this Pelican appeared. Just grabbed the camera and fired off in the general direction, no time to change settings, I got 5 frames and this is the first.

Taken on Lake Manze channel, from a moving boat, 7th July 2012

EOS 1D MkIV

500mm F4 hand-held

F5.6, ISO 800, 1/2000, EV-0.33

Full frame for width

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Ken, for what sounds like a grab shot, you have done exceptionally well. Love the eye contact, flying droplets, and the big guy is separated from the surrounding foliage nicely.

From your introduction that the pelican just 'appeared' - are you meaning that it flew in un-noticed. I ask that, as it actually looks like it is taking off. If so, I would add a bit to the top.

[Karl Egressy]

Nice take off shot, love the pano crop, Ken.

[gail bisson]

I like the image. Droplets and the "straight down the barrel" look are excellent.I would definitely add some on the top if you have the room,
Gail

[laurie golden]

I would love this kind of grab shot. The bird is sharp, coming straight at you, good water drops and a very nice looking wetlands to take off from. I like the pano crop.

[Ken Watkins]

Thanks everybody, when I said "appeared" I meant to my eyes, I was not looking in the right direction.

It certainly was taking off but not for a long flight.