There's What on My Beak?

[Richard Waas]

I finally unpacked the 500mm and used it for the first time. I photographed this image with my Canon 5D Mk II at the Metro Zoo today. Since it was high noon I used the circular polarizer. ISO 200, f/5.6, 1/500 sec, -1.0 EV, EF500mm f/4L IS USM +1.4x extender, 700mm, Evaluative Metering, Auto Exposure, Auto WB, No Flash. Comments Welcome.

[carole wiley]

Great detail, nice BG, exposure looks good...you are going to love this lens.

[Alfred Forns]

It is a sweet lens and looks like your putting it to good use !!!

Love the framing, exposure and overall feel !!! Big Congrats !!

[Lance Peters]

Congrats on the lens - Exposure is on the money, Composition is good -Big Congrats.

What is on his beak??? Haven't seen before.

[Gus Cobos]

Hey Mr. Wass,
It was a pleasure shooting with you at the zoo today...:) Your portrait of Mr. Pelican is excellent...no more no less...love your new toy...:cool:

[Thanaboon Jearkjirm]

Excellent details and sharpness, a really good portrait. Seem like you had a great time with your new toy.

[Jackie Schuknecht]

Nice BG, with good sharpness and colours Richard. What is on the beak??

[Richard Waas]

Not sure whats on it's beak. Some sort of growth.... Looks weird.

[Flavio Rose]

Per Sibley, American white pelicans grow a protuberance on the beak in breeding season. I've seen it and photographed it from afar, but never this close. Here is a photo found on the Web showing it:

http://www.naturspesialisten.no/func...29&calculate=1

and some information from a book on the protuberance:

http://books.google.com/books?id=ta8...20beak&f=false

[Richard Waas]

Thanks Flavio for the info....... Now you've seen it up close too.