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Thread: Andean Condor - Colombia

  1. #1
    BPN Member Dorian Anderson's Avatar
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    Default Andean Condor - Colombia

    Attached Images Attached Images
     
    In 32 years of birding (since age 7!) this was one of the most remarkable encounters I've had. The condor holds
    a special place in the history and culture of indigenous people in Southern Colombia, and a local Andean community
    to the east of Popayán - in Purace National Park - puts out food for the birds several times each week. The birds
    don't always show up, but an adult and an immature came winging in from high overhead on the day of my visit.
    With 11-foot wingspans, they were absolutely breathtaking.

    With shifting clouds, strong wind, and a fair amount of rain, shooting conditions were tough, particularly as the
    birds stayed mostly overhead before finally coming down to the offered entrails. The adult did make one brief pass
    below my vantage, and it was then that I captured this topside frame. Detail is lacking a bit, but I'm still happy
    with the frame given the species, view, and conditions. This represents about 35% of the frame.

    Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 IS II on EOS 5D Mark IV
    1/1600 at f/5.6, ISO 800

    I've included a second photo to help you picture the scene. The other birds are Black Vultures, for comparison.

  2. #2
    BPN Member Dorian Anderson's Avatar
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    The scene, unedited......

    Name:  423A2095.jpg
Views: 127
Size:  425.8 KB

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    Hi Dorian,
    Wow that is one big spectacular bird! Must have been an awesome experience.
    I really like the topside view - a great flight pose. Nice capture. I see what you mean by the crop affecting the image quality.
    Allen

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    BPN Member Dorian Anderson's Avatar
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    Thanks Allen. The big is just SO BIG that it necessarily has to be a long way off to get the entire wingspan. That will necessarily
    limit the amount of detail I could get in a full-spread flight shot.

    Quote Originally Posted by Allen Sparks View Post
    Hi Dorian,
    Wow that is one big spectacular bird! Must have been an awesome experience.
    I really like the topside view - a great flight pose. Nice capture. I see what you mean by the crop affecting the image quality.
    Allen

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    hi Dorian, Glad you posted the second image for comparison, wow how spectacular, the black vultures look like ants at a picnic! What a special event to witness! Wonderful topside view, TFS!

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    Publisher Arthur Morris's Avatar
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    The dorsal view is killer. The whole image looks dark to me; what are others seeing? I am pretty sure that opening up the face would help.

    with love, artie
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    BPN Member Dorian Anderson's Avatar
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    As suggested. Agree it looks better. First version processed late last night with sleepy eyes! Had already lighten head a bit, but bumping the light on the whole image this iteration
    also helped.

    Quote Originally Posted by Arthur Morris View Post
    The dorsal view is killer. The whole image looks dark to me; what are others seeing? I am pretty sure that opening up the face would help.

    with love, artie
    Name:  andean condor flight 062318.jpg
Views: 87
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    Publisher Arthur Morris's Avatar
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    Much better. Well done.

    with love, artie
    BIRDS AS ART Blog: great info and lessons, lots of images with our legendary BAA educational Captions; we will not sell you junk. 30+ years of long lens experience/e-mail with gear questions.

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    Pretty neat experience. The repost looks much better in terms of exposure. You caught a great view of this guy.

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    Wow! that's a bird you dont see everyday!

    Love the banking pose. Great head angle and BG. Super special photo for sure. The repost is my pick.

  11. #11
    Super Moderator arash_hazeghi's Avatar
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    love the dorsal view of this bird, glad your trip was productive, I also like the repost with increased brightness

    TFS
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    Lifetime Member David Salem's Avatar
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    Awesome capture Dorian!! The repost Rocks!! Look at the size of that thing compared to the Blacks!! Must have been some trip. Keep em coming.
    Come join me for a Custom Raptor Workshop starting this November 2019- January 2020.
    P.M. me to inquire on dates, pricing and availabilities. Thank You.
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    Super Moderator Daniel Cadieux's Avatar
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    What a majestic bird! Great view of the wingspan. Good IQ for the large crop.

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