Very rare bird on Cape Cod: Ivory Gull

[Axel Hildebrandt]

I read reports that an adult Ivory Gull has been seen on Cape Cod yesterday. I decided to leave at midnight to arrive there by sunrise, one way is about 400 miles and 6 1/2 hours. Fortunately the bird was still there and I made this pre-dawn. It is a lifebird for me and its normal range is much further north: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Ivory_Gull/id The bird was feeding on a goosefish carcass and happily 'hiking' on the beach and didn't mind people very much. A long but wonderful day. :)



1D4, 500f4, 1.4x, 1/320s, f/8, EC +0.33, ISO 800

[stuart wanuck]

what a wonderful and most dedicated trek

[Dan Brown]

Great image of a great bird Axel! I am envious!!

[Steve Canuel]

Congrats. Good to see and hear your trip worked out. Nice, soft detail in the bird and the waves and rocks give a nice beachside feel.

[Paul Lagasi]

Another vote for envious here Axel...congrats...image is super, raised foot, they look so delicate..
If I wasn't working til Monday I'd be there in a flash...only 520 mile for me

[Loukie Viljoen]

I am glad to see you trusted the MK4 for the beautiful photo, and the way MK4 handled iso 800, congrats.

[Bill Jobes]

Gorgeous photo ... big congrats on a successful journey !

[Gary Jones]

What dedication , but the trip was worth it.
A beautiful bird. Great feather detail and the exposure is spot on. Foot up adds the extra. Super comp - congrats.
Did you use spot metering?

[RakeshDhareshwar]

The determination tells it all. And you made the trip count with a perfect shot !!

[Tom Walters]

Wow that is dedication for you. Im so glad that it was still there! Its a beautifully exposed and detailed shot, well worth the trek required. :)

[Gabi Sandu]

WOW. Superb image, great details. Big congrats.

[Ignacio Yufera]

Just to see this beauty must have been such a treat. Love the pose in mid-step, the eye contact and the BG. Great sharpness and detail. Congrats.

[Ilija Dukovski]

Excellent Axel, this is second year we have this species in MA.
The image is great of course, you captured the detail on the white bird.
Great job on evening out the light. I'm tempted to say this is once in a lifetime shot,
but I said that for the last year's birds, so we might have more of these guys around
in the future.

[denise ippolito]

Axel, Glad you found it. I was worried you would make the long drive and not see it. Great looking exposure and a real treat to see. I like the raised foot.

[Marina Scarr]

Don't you just love it when your hard work pays off....when it all comes together. Wonderful capture you have here of this bird. The sand here contrasts the bird nicely, and the raised foot is a big plus. Love the texture you acquired in the bird's feathers.

[Joe Senzatimore]

Made the long trip work for you. I admire your dedication. Congrats on a fine image of a life bird.

[Krijn Trimbos]

I am very glad you went Axel. One of the best shots of this bird I have seen here. Lovely soft light, great detail, good low angle and nice BG. If this were mine I would lighten up the head (also the eye) and breast just a tiny bit more. Congrats on getting a lifer! Well done man!

[Ed Schneider]

So glad you got this lifer, Axel, and an awesome image to boot! The drive for me is more like 16 hours, but I'm thinking about it:eek:

[Stu Bowie]

Now thats dedication, and Im glad you reaped the benefits. Excellent exposure, and just love the low angle.

[Callie de Wet]

What we will do to ourselves to see a bird! And then, if we can nail it, so much the better! Congrats on geting it, Axel!

[Judy Lynn Malloch]

Beautiful Axel !!! So lovely to see a rare bird and what a thrill it must have been for you . Big Congratulations !!!!

[Grace Scalzo]

Axel, A beautiful image....so glad that your tremendous effort paid off. You are one dedicated photographer!

[James Salywoda]

Well worth your efforts Axel as this is a beauty. Did you get any flight oppt. with this bird ? I've seen pictures of these in flight and they are gorgeous.:)

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Well worth your efforts Axel as this is a beauty. Did you get any flight oppt. with this bird ? I've seen pictures of these in flight and they are gorgeous.:)

Thanks, James! I have a few flight images that I haven't processed yet. Its flight pattern appeared pretty erratic at times which resulted in unusual poses.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

So glad you got this lifer, Axel, and an awesome image to boot! The drive for me is more like 16 hours, but I'm thinking about it:eek:

Ed, the bird was still there today. If you want to go, I wouldn't wait too long.

[Arthur Morris]

Thanks for e-mail this and the others to me. It was a special treat. Both the bird and the image are exquisite. I keep going back to look at the well-handled dreamy/creamy white plumage and the amazing colors of the bill.

[Kaustubh Deshpande]

Axel...that is some dedication. And it seems you were on top of your game even after an all-night long drive. Hats offf. Cant add anything about the image that hasnt been seen before. Jaw-dropping.