Incoming Cape Vulture

[Stu Bowie]

I couldnt have captured a better alignment with the OOF Marabou Stork framed between the legs of the Vulture - is it distracting -should it stay or go. I also quite liked the Vulture in the FG with the Bloodied head and neck from feeding. The white parts in the FG are feathers.

Canon 1D Mark IV
Canon 300mm F/2.8
1/2000
F/6.3
ISO 400

Hand held from a hide.

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

The marabou looks great between the legs. So lucky there Stu. Keep the bird I say.
I agree the front bird adds to the image.
Nice and sharp incoming pose.
I love seeing the hint of their habitat at the rear of the frame.
Thanks for sharing mate.

[Satish Ranadive]

Magnificent incoming pose you have captured here. Vulture in the FG looks great.
Very nice composition.

Regards,
Satish.

[keith mitchell]

If the Stork was showing a little more detail I would keep it, but as it is think it might have to go, the Vulture itself looks really good and just enough of that African scene shown in the Bg,nice work Stuart.

Keith.

[BenBotha]

Well captured vulture. Techs spot on. Too little detail in the stork IMO, not contributing to the image.
Ben

[John Robinson]

Looks OK to me Stu
I think the rear bird hs to go!
John

[David Salem]

I agree about the stork but I like the bird in the FG and the incoming bird looks big and formidable. Nice colors and details too. Well done Stu

[Sidharth Kodikal]

Just love the incoming flight pose, your IQ and the overall scenery. The stork's gotta go, Stu :)

[Stu Bowie]

Thanks a stack for the honest feedback everyone. Here is the version without the Stork.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Yes, the image looks better without the stork there. I really love the habitat depicted here. I'm torn about the FG bird - on one hand the image would be stronger without it there (IMO), but its inclusion nicely tells the tale of a feeding going on and why the main subject is moving in.

[keith mitchell]

Much prefer this Stuart,just a personal choice of course.

Keith.

[William Dickson]

Love the repost Stu, love the original to. Great looking natural BG and beautiful detail on the bird(s). Nice one and thanks for sharing

Will

[dankearl]

Another vote for getting rid of the stork.
I really like the other bird in the frame.

[Steve Kaluski]

Hey matey, from a timing aspect, pure brilliance and something you could not have planned in a month of Sundays, therefore I think the OP has merit, however with the manipulation and removal of the Stork, the whole image changes. Great colour, love the detail, overall - nice work!

TFS
Steve
PS I'll buy you a beer for this one on your birthday.

[Joseph Przybyla]

I echo all the previous comments. I prefer the one with the Stork removed, less distraction. Thank you for sharing, Stu.