Getting a large bustard in flight is very difficult. I noticed this bird on a dune crest late afternoon in the Kgalagadi. Knowing the behaviour of these giant birds, I decided to wait and see if it would not possibly take off. The birds like to roost on higher ground, and late afternoon/early evening is about the only time they undertake long flights to favourite roosting spots. My patience paid off when it finally took off. The light angle wasn't perfect by any measure, (I generally avoid side/back lighting against a light sky), but just getting him flying was enough reward for me. I was lucky to get a suggestion of light in the eye. Comments welcomed as always and thanks for looking:)
I think the light angle actually works in your favor Chris. I like the glint of light in the eye and the long shadow of the head on the neck. Wing position, exposure, and sharpness are excellent. Nice inclusion of habitat. I might darken the pupil a little.
I love the downward stroke of wings you captured. The inclusion of the habitat is also pleasing to me. As expected the exposure and sharpness looks spot on to me. Well done and thanks for sharing.
I agree the light angle isn't ideal but there is still more than enough detail to work with here and I love the sunlit eye. Lovely pose, flightpath and wingposition. I also like the the inclusion of the habitat. Congrats on getting a hard to get shot!
For me the light is Beautiful and very unique .. I love how the eye got light while most of the body is almost backlit !! Very interesting !! Bustards are very very shy and rare here in India so they are very special to us .. you have got such a beautiful pose and the composition is very clean and neat .. I wish you could get it at a bit lower angle but then it was not in your control I guess .. So in all I Completely Loved this Gorgeous Image !! Congrats for this :)
Great capture, especially as when they usually fly it is nearly always away from you. You must have been a reasonable distance away to get all of the world's heaviest flying bird in frame.
We dont often see these guys in flight, so Im sure you are chuffed to capture this. Great flying posture, and I like the inclusion of the grasses in the FG. Great image.
The BG with the grass and the sky is amazing, gives one a feel of the habitat. The light is just fine with me. The details on the under and upper wings are great. And love the light on the eye.
Still to see one fly. I heard that this is the heaviest flying bird with a weight of up to 20KG?
Moment well seen and captured Chris, your knowledge and patience has paid off. Ditto Morkel.
Not mad about the direction of the light, but I would take it any day and be absolutely delighted if it was mine.
Chris, I love this picture! I grew up on farm in Free State province and there used to be one of these gaints roaming the field close to our home. I like the long shadow with the golden rays from the face and front of wings - I wasn't there, but I can see a beautiful sunset!
Last edited by Hannes van Rooyen; 08-13-2009 at 10:47 AM.
Like you say, a little better lighting would have been nice, but the overall shot is a beauty, love the angle you shot from, the crop and the vegetation at the bottom.
Kori Bustard
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