Little Pied on final approach

[Tony Whitehead]

Another shot of our Little Pied Cormorant (or Shag as they're known in NZ). Just about to land on the branch in view. I'm never sure if the wide open beak is a warning to those below, an airbrake to assist the flared tail and webbed feet or an involuntary scream of terror as most of the landings look like a barely controlled crash :D.
Nikon D300
Nikon 200-400 @ 400mm
1/3200 f5 ISO 800
Matrix +0.7

[Sabyasachi Patra]

Tony,
I like this image. The open bill is interesting. Perhaps it was calling you to help. :-)

The composition is simple and it looks neat. The inclusion of one branch gives a nice context to the image. Is it full frame?
Cheers,
Sabyasachi

[Axel Hildebrandt]

I like the details, open bill and included branch and only wish that the underside of the near wing were better visible. I'd love to see this 'crash-landing' sometime. :)

[bill kominsky]

What can one say when one is such a killer shot. Great detail,eye contact and love the wing position and open beak thank you for sharing.

Bill

[Stu Bowie]

Super comp to include the foliage, which balances the comp nicely. Great timing to capture the open beak, and you have exposed the blacks nicely. Great image Tony. We call these guys White breasted Cornorants in SA, but they have green eyes.

[Tony Whitehead]

Tony,
Is it full frame?
Cheers,
Sabyasachi

Thanks for the feedback guys. Sabyasachi, it is approx 80% full frame - small crop from right and below.