Sooty Shearwater (Puffinus griseus)

[Ian Wilson]

Puffinus griseus (grey) is abundant in southern oceans in summer, especially round the south coasts of New Zealand and sub-Antarctic islands. One of the largest breeding colonies, estimated at 750,000 pairs, is found in the Snares island group where this picture was taken in early morning light on 1 January 2014. Despite the abundance of birds, there were few chances to capture a ventral view, helpful in distinguishing this species from the very similar Short-tailed Shearwater, Puffinus tenuirostris (slender bill).
Canon 5DIII + 300 mm f/2.8L II + 2x III extender, hand-held.
Av priority, f/8, 1/5000 sec, ISO 800, EC -1/3 EV.
Processed in DPP: crop, adjust WB, brightness, shad/h'lights, USM, RAW-TIFF. PS Elements: downsize TIFF-JPEG, USM.

[Andy Shepherd]

Good flight shot and I like the inclusion of the sea at the bottom of the image, gives some context to the shot, more than just a Shearwater against a plain sky would.

Nicely taken, Ian.

[Binu John]

Nice IF shot of the Shearwater! I would apply a round of NR after masking the subject. Well done!

[Ian Wilson]

Thanks guys for your feedback. Binu, I had not noticed the fine-grain background noise until you pointed it out - thank you. Now fixed with a round of NR.
Regards, Ian

[Binu John]

I like the RP, Ian! Well done!

Thanks guys for your feedback. Binu, I had not noticed the fine-grain background noise until you pointed it out - thank you. Now fixed with a round of NR.
Regards, Ian

[Marina Scarr]

Well done on a difficult subject. Love the environment included.