Gang Gang Cockatoo (Callocephalon fimbriatum)

[Jan Wegener]

Is there any bird that asks more for a head portrait than a male Gang Gang Cockatoo!?
I guess there might be some, but not many :)

These cockatoos with their unusual crests and colors always come to Melbourne in late fall to feed on the Hawthorn berries that grow on bushes in many parks.
While feeding the birds basically forget where they are and show no fear. This opens up great photo opportunities. The biggest challenge remaining is the very busy bushes they feed in, so it's a real challenge to get some clean shots.

This stunning male was feeding at the edge of a bush in a quite ugly spot, but I saw an opportunity for a nice head portrait. Hence I went for it and used a distant bush as my BG :)

More Gang Gang images and a few making ofs can be seen on my Blog

1D Mark IV
600 L IS
F 6.3
ISO 800
1/200
580 EX II + BB

[gail bisson]

Nice solid portrait.Raised crest really makes this shot.
Excellent IQ as always and I like your reflection in the eye. I can even see your lens!
Gail

[Vivaldo Damilano]

A beautiful portrait, perfect pose with a slightly open beak, super IQ and a great BG well done.

[Marina Scarr]

Top notch image, Jan. The details, colors, BG and comp are just super, and I like the partially open beak.

[jack williamson]

Super sharp with a ton of detail, colors look excellent. Love that hairdoo.

Jack

[Frank Schauf]

Beautiful portrait, great details and sharpness.

[Robert Holguin]

Very nice shot of a very beautiful bird.
Great comp, details are great, and love the slight open beak.
Well done.