Namaqua Sandgrouse

[Morkel Erasmus]

These sandgrouse frequent the waterholes in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

They fly in in large flocks, take a dip and drink, fly off quickly, come round again and repeat the pattern. They do this to unsettle the many lanner falcons and bateleur eagles waiting to pounce on them in the nearby trees.

I removed parts of other birds from the lower right corner to make it more presentable. This is about 50% of the original image.

All comments welcome...

Techs:
Canon 40D with 100-400mm L IS USM
f5.6 @ 1/3200 SS @ ISO-500
Exp +0.3

[Doug Brown]

Interesting behavior story. Good eye contact and I like the outstretched feet. Near wing position could be better. Since the bird appears to be landing, I would place it higher in the frame.

[Tony Whitehead]

Fascinating birds. Head looks sharp. Image looks a little flat - may be worth trying a slight contrast and saturation boost

[Stu Bowie]

Mork, I like the complimentary colours between grouse and BG, and I like the landing posture. This is still a place I need to visit.

[Betsie Storm]

Nice capture, Morkel, I still have to get one in flight. Like the colours, and the info too, but feel it could be a tad sharper; thought 1/3200 would have frozen the wings? I would still be happy for this one to be in my files:).

[Morkel Erasmus]

thanks everyone. Doug the bird was actually taking off, despite the look of the contrary in the pose.
will attempt a contrast boost.

Betsie - they move lightning quick...looking forward to try this again when I return in June, hopefully with better equipment too...

[Betsie Storm]

Mmm,the dark side stuff no doubt??:) Already green about your June plans;)

[Morkel Erasmus]

wow the contrast boost really helped! I ran LCE @ 20%,10px on the entire image.
thanks Tony - don't know how we miss these things...

I also placed the bird higher in the frame now (added some canvas at the bottom)

[Tony Whitehead]

Good improvement, Morkel.

[Callie de Wet]

Let me first get the June thing off my chest - It is UNFAIR:eek:
Morkel I know these guys well, and in ten years visiting, I still could not nail one this well. One has to be there and see it to know how difficult these birds make it to get a proper shot. I think the second post is overall a much better visual image than the first

[Morkel Erasmus]

thank you Tony & Callie...