"This I Offer Thee...."

[susanschermer]

Courtship going on at North Beach was non-stop last month. The Royal Tern with the fish kept going around to all the females, but refusing to give it up. I think he was enjoying the thrill of the chase.
Mark III, 500+1.4, 1/1600 @ f8. Compensation around + 2/3 or +1 for light background.

[Fabs Forns]

Excellent behavior, Susan. She doesn't look very interested...

Great whites considering the light, he's a handsome bird!

BTW, Viera is closed to cars because of heavy rains...

[Daniel Cadieux]

Yes, great behaviour depicted. Excellent pose by BOTH birds! There is a small shadow (?) on the male's throat area that could easily be fixed...it is rather small but for some reason my eye keeps wandering there.

[Judy Lynn Malloch]

Well composed Susan and great behavioral capture. I sure hope she took the offer < smile >

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Great interaction and moment captured. You handled the harsh light really well.

[Arthur Morris]

Yes, very nice despite the overhead sun. Now, if you had gotten down on the ground for this one it would have been amazing...

[Jody Melanson]

Great behavior captured. I agree with Artie on the lower angle to take this to the next level.

[susanschermer]

Thanks, folks. Getting down would have meant lying in the surf. Actually I wouldn't mind, but my camera-gear would.

[Michael Castellano]

The composition is priceless, Susan, and you did everything right technically, with excellent DOF and exposure control.

[Doug Brown]

I think it's a great photo Susan! You've conveyed the sense that he's not giving up this fish to just any female. Thanks for posting!