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Thread: Black-legged Kittiwake Pissed Off as Dead Chick

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    Publisher Arthur Morris's Avatar
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    Default Black-legged Kittiwake Pissed Off as Dead Chick

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    Black-legged Kittiwake Returning to Nest

    This image was created on 25 July 2023 on my Grimsey Island, Iceland visit. Standing at full height at the edge of a cliff on a very windy morning, I used the handheldSony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter (at 280mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. The exposure was determined via Zebras. ISO 1000: 1/3200 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 10:20:01am on a cloudy morning.
    Tracking: Zone AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

    The kittiwake was quite upset. It flew in and out of its cliff nest repeatedly. It would land and offer to regurgitate partially digested fish to its chick by leaning in close while opening its bill to reveal the red throat that replaces the pecking spot of the larger gulls. The problem was that its chick was dead. Very dead. But the bird, becoming increasingly agitated, refused to give up. Several times it flew screaming back to the nest. By being in the right spot, I had some very good chances.

    As for the image, don't be shy. All comments are appreciated.

    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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    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    Hi Artie, love the wings stretched out in front, beak open and the head just slightly angled. Nice detail all the way through from the tip of the wings to the tail. The blue/green backdrop compliments the subjects colours and adds nice standout.

    TFS
    Steve
    Post Production: It’s ALL about what you do with the tools and not, which brand of tool you use.

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    Story Sequences Moderator and Wildlife Moderator Gabriela Plesea's Avatar
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    Hello Artie

    Unusual scene, love the image design here and pose from the bird. Well exposed with nice detail, background is superb, wonderful detail on those outstretched wings.

    An impressive frame well executed with great techs. Enjoyed viewing, thank you so much for sharing the story behind the image.

    Warmest regards,
    Gabriela Plesea

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    BPN Member William Dickson's Avatar
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    Brilliant flight pose and the screaming bill with the colour boost adds so much. Trailing legs, fanned tail, all looks good. The BG 'fits' the scene well. Great birds and you show it well.

    Will

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    Macro and Flora Moderator Jonathan Ashton's Avatar
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    Super shot, love the dramatic pose and the open bill, colours look spot on and the background looks ideal.

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    BPN Member Andreas Liedmann's Avatar
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    Hi Arthur ... what a wing stretch and aggressive mood showing up in this killer image !!!!
    Love it

    No nits ... just an enjoyable image

    TFS Andreas

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    Avian Moderator Randy Stout's Avatar
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    Artie:

    As mentioned, an outstanding image in all regards, very dramatic. Sad as well.

    Randy
    MY BPN ALBUMS

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