Burchell's Sandgrouse

[Chris van Rooyen]

I created this image of a Burchell's Sandgrouse earlier this year in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. I would have preferred a slightly better body angle, but I like the pattern that the droplets formed as he jerks his head back.

Camera Model: Canon EOS-1D Mark III
Date/Time: 2008:06:12 10:22:22
Shutter speed: 1/1600 sec
Aperture: 9
Exposure mode: Av
Exposure compensation: +1/3
Flash: Off
Metering mode: Multi-segment
ISO: 640
Focal length: 1000mm

[Vincent Grafhorst]

I agree with your self-criticism about the body angle, but apart from that minor nit this is splendid, lovely low angle and those droplets are cool. I also like the feet in the mud.

[Arthur Morris]

Excellent image and spot-on self critique. Love the golden-buff tones in the bird's plumage.

[Tony Whitehead]

Lovely colours. Droplets and beakful of water great. Agree with you re body angle but image still great. Wish the Double-banded Sandgrouse I was chasing recently would have come in before dark.

[Linda Robbins]

The body angle may not be absolutely square to the camera , but the beautiful color, sharp detail, low angle and water drops make that a minor point. I've never seen a better image of this bird.

[Aidan Briggs]

Wonderful image. Despite the body angle, the water drops, low angle and details make it spectacular.

[James Salywoda]

I love the trailing water drops Chris beautiful detail and plumage......

[Nagesh Mula]

Wonderful image with great sharpness and the droplet is making it more beautiful.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Great light, details and droplets. I might add a bit more room at the left if you have.

[Glenn Price]

The droplets really make this image. Have you tried a close crop with just the head, neck and droplets?

[Mark Schmitt]

I don't think the body angle is that critical. This is a fine image. All else has been said. Well done.

[Arthur Morris]

I don't think the body angle is that critical. This is a fine image. All else has been said. Well done.

Hi Mark, I do agree that this is a fine image but when it comes to creating contest winning, awe-inspiring images the body angle here and the resulting head angle are critical. And Chris is a good enough photographer to have realized that right from the get go.

[Gyorgy Szimuly]

I love as is. This is the way how bird is keeping the body while drinking.
For me it is a winner :)

Szimi