Bathing Pied Kingfisher

[Stu Bowie]

During my recent trip to the Kruger National Park, I like to stop off at a place called Lake Panic, a hide overlooking a stretch of water where there is all sorts of activity - animals and birds. This Pied Kingfisher kept diving into the water and returning to a nearby perch to preen. I decided to get some shooting practice in as he emerged from the water. This particular area was under the cover of trees, so there wasnt much light, so I had to push the ISO to get some good ss. He was already quite far, and being small, I didnt want to crop too much. Taken late afternoon.

Canon 1D Mark IV
Canon 300F/2.8 +1.4 TC = 420mm
1/2500
F/5.6
ISO 1600

Exp comp +0.33

[Mike Milicia]

Great pose, flight angle and action! Dark water color also works well.

Comp-wise, might consider moving the bird down a bit in the frame ... would get it off center vertically and give him more room to take off into.

[christopher galeski]

nice take offpose,like the water drops and green color of the water,nice exposure.

[Geoffrey Montagu]

Nice timing being there to capture the Kingfisher's behavior, Stuart. Great takeoff capture with good detail, and wing position. I agree with Mike, bring the bird down a little. Well done.





Geoffrey

[Satish Ranadive]

Excellent moment captured, Stuart Sir.
Beautiful take off pose, Nice HA, background and flash of water.

Regards,
Satish.

[Rachel Hollander]

Hi Stu - great take off pose. Love the water splash. Excellent sharpness too. No one else has mentioned it but I'm seeing a red/magenta cast to the splash. Easily fixed if you are so inclined.

TFS,
Rachel

[Jonathan Ashton]

Super shot Stu, the action stopping shutter speed and excellent exposure make this a winner.

[David Salem]

Nice frame Stuart. The take off pose with the water splashing looks great, especially against that cool water color. The exposure and details look good too, especially for the crop. I like the comp you chose too. Another keeper!