Pale Chanting Goshawk

[Chris van Rooyen]

I captured this image in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. These large raptors are common there, and the open environment offers great opportunities to photograph them. They are a-typical goshawks, often hunting on foot and not at all shy. Despite their rather laid-back countenance, they are formidable predators capable of subduing prey as large as the size of a small bustard (called korhaans) in South Africa. I waited long time for this guy to fly after he finished his meal of a large rodent. Fortunately the wind direction made it possible for me to exactly anticipate the take-off direction.

Camera Model: Canon EOS-1D Mark II
Date/Time: 2007:06:23 09:12:00
Shutter speed: 1/2500 sec
Aperture: 8
Exposure mode: Av
Flash: Off
Metering mode: Multi-segment
ISO: 400
Lens: 500mm
Focal length: 700mm

[Gary Dumer]

A classic Chris, Top Shelf

[James Salywoda]

Gorgeous Image!!! I love the color variations in the foreground through the background and beautiful details and pose captured.

[Doug Brown]

Very nice Chris! I would be inclined to crop out the in-focus dirt at the bottom of the frame.

[Juan Carlos Vindas]

Great image of this handsome raptor, the wings up really make this image, the BG is also nice, IMO, I would crop a bit on the bottom and add canvas on the top.

[Glenn Bartley]

Absolutely gorgeous. Love the BG, wing pose and exceptional sharpness. Well done!

[Freddy Franzella]

This is as cool as it gets!! bird stands out against that gorgeous background!

[Gus Cobos]

Chris, congratulations on one great image. Love the action and the details on your bird...:D

[Dieter Schaefer]

Beautiful shot - was wondering why you choose the portrait format for the shot - I cropped a bit from the bottom and added canvas on top and on the right.

[Ken Watkins]

Fantastic photo, I must admit I like the repost better. But you have to have the subject before you can amend it and you certainly did that.

[David Steele]

This is one of my favourite raptors and you have done it full justice, Chris. I love the details of the plumage, the million shades of grey, and the beautiful brown backdrop. I definitely wouldn't crop it - I think the original is better than the re-post and the 'in focus dirt at the bottom' provides a good base (or anchor) for the rest of the image. It also positions the bird nicely for the viewer. Yet another superb image from your stable.

[Chris van Rooyen]

Thanks for the comments and suggestions. This time round I think I agree with David, I prefer the original. Somehow the repost, although effective, have a bit of a clinical feel for me(?)