An immature Shy Albatross (Thalassarche cauta) off Sydney NSW
An immature Shy Albatross (Thalassarche cauta) off Sydney NSW
Canon EOS 40D Lens 100-400mm L IS USM at 120mm ISO 640 5.0 1/3200 available light 12 June 2010
Taken on the Sydney Pelagic trip noted earlier. New to this type of imagery but it was well worth the effort.
I hadn't really thought out that I would see immature birds and adults plus there were a number of species all of which were new species for me. Fortunately we had a number of very experience observers on board who would identify new birds at a distance and say where they were coming in from which was a great help. One Nicholas Haas is kindly identifying the birds I have photographed as this area is new territory for me. Here is Nicholas Haas's ID on the above image:
"This is an immature albatross of the Shy Albatross group - either Shy Albatross (Thalassarche cauta cauta) or White-capped Albatross (Thalassarche cauta steadi). From this angle it is impossible to tell the two apart. Even at other angles, there is much debate about useful ID markers for these two forms. However, Thalassarche cauta (without further subspecific ID) is definitely correct."
Thanks for viewing
Best regards
Rod Warnock
Hi Rod Position of bird with clouds below make for an attractive image, not my favorite pose with outstretched wings and coming at you but you made pleasing image !! ...sharp head and well exposed !!
Thank you all for your comments.
Rachel you said: "Can't believe you were close enough to shoot this at 120mm."
This was one surprising thing for me on this first trip they were coming in so close which made the trombone action of the 100-400m lens very suited. Will be out on another pelagic trip ASAP.
Best regards
Rod