Lappet-faced Vulture

[Chris van Rooyen]

Southern Africa is blessed with around 90 species of raptors, including 6 species of vultures (vagrants excluded). The Lappet-faced Vulture is possibly the most impressive of the lot, with a massive bill that can tear the skin of a buffalo, and a wingspan of around 2.8m. I photographed this individual at a vulture feeding station in Namibia, some years back. The light was not great (too late in the morning) but unfortunately these guys generally do not get into the air until late when the air is hot and the thermals abound.

Camera Model: Canon EOS-1D Mark II
Date/Time: 2006:08:30 11:476
Shutter speed: 1/1600 sec
Aperture: 7.1
Exposure mode: Av
Exposure compensation: -1/3
Flash: Off
Metering mode: Multi-segment
ISO: 400
Lens: 300mm
Focal length: 420mm

[Axel Hildebrandt]

That must be an impressive sight, I like the details, exposure control and complementing BG.

[Ramon M. Casares]

Stunning, stunning, stunning! Great pose, lovely detail, outstanding DOF and lovel comp and BG. Congratulaitons!

[Judy Lynn Malloch]

Awesome flight capture and a killer BG. Another beauty Chris. Love it.

[Joe Senzatimore]

Must be a thrill to see this bird in the wild. Awsome capture. I love the eye contact in this image.

[Doug Brown]

2.8m wingspan....WOW! I'm sure it must have been an impressive site. Sharpness is excellent and so is the eye contact. I would have liked to see a better far wing position.

[Mark Schmitt]

Can't think of anything I would nit about. The feet are as impressive as the beak. Did a good job on this capture.

[Chris van Rooyen]

Thanks for the comments guys, appreciated as always!