African Sacred Ibis at sunset

[Morkel Erasmus]

I created this image in my hometown, where smog is constantly affecting the light quality (not to mention air quality).

This is the African Sacred Ibis - found throughout South Africa. Hundreds of them roost in the duck pond area at the centre of our town in summer and autumn months, and they give you good opportunities to photograph them as they come in to roost at sunset. That's if the light and smog plays its part.

Your comments and critiques most welcome!

Techs:
Canon 1000D with 100-400mm L IS USM @ 400mm
f7.1 @ 1/500 SS @ ISO 800
Exp +0.3

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

The dark areas on the head and neck seem a bit noisy Morkel. Otherwise the colors are super and love the flight pose! I wish the upper wing was more in a horizontal pose and not so downstroke. Thanks for sharing! :)

[Morkel Erasmus]

thanks Akos. the noise is the result of the pollution I mentioned. at another location far away from my home town I get crystal clear shots in the same type of light at ISO 800 :)

[Kobus Tollig]

Ditto the noise and also see a halo....probebly also from the pollution hey.....bwah hahaha.....Nice one bud well done. like the pose. Image is a bit soft

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

thanks for the explanation Morkel. I guess it would make sense. :)

[Harshad Barve]

Agrred with Kobus and Akos , Halos are visible
nice flying wings
TFS

[Morkel Erasmus]

thanks Harshad & Kobus.

@ Kobus - I won't give an excuse for that. sloppy processing on my side, maybe I shouldn't process on my laptop monitor ;)

[Brian Barcelos]

Morkel, other than the smog getting in the way you did well. Lovely wing position and I like the transparency in the feathers. Warm light a plus.

Brian

[Stu Bowie]

I like how the edge of the wings are transparent, looking through to the sky. I wish the left wing was extended more. Still, well captured Mate.

[Morkel Erasmus]

thanks for viewing and commenting, Brian & Stu!

[Dave Barnes]

Morkel I think the bird is a bit soft due to SS. you should have set your App at f5.6 to give you more speed.
Ditto comments on noise and halo. The smog has provided interesting light.

[Morkel Erasmus]

thanks Dave. I have a habit of trying to keep to apertures of 7.1 or 8 since that is the sweet spot of my lens. but I will try opening it up a bit :)