denizen of the southern oceans

[John Chardine]

As we approach South Georgia in the South Atlantic, we continue to see both species of Giant Petrel. This is the Northern Giant Petrel, recognised by the reddish tip to the beak. Adults are also lighter than the Southern GP.

Birds in flight are a challenge on a rocking ship in windy conditions but it can be done. I sure could use IS on that 400/5.6 lens!

Not much done other than a minor crop, NR in the BG and sharpen. Comments welcome!

Date: 9 November, 2010
Time: 07:21h
Model: Canon EOS-1D Mark IV
Lens: EF400mm f/5.6L USM @ 400 mm
Program: Manual
ISO 1000, 1/2000s, f/6.3
Exp. comp.: 0.0
Flash: of

[Andrew Merwin]

John, I like every thing about this image: sharpness, composition, techs, BG, & HA. Very well captured.
What is the extra bit on the top beak used for?
Is the GP bigger than a raven?

[Mark Young]

This looks great. Nice sharpness and details, the pose is just perfect and I really like the details throughout the bird, especially around the head

[John Chardine]

Thanks Andrew. The knob on the bill is the tube of the tube-nosed seabirds. It is the nares or nostril and also provides a means for the highly saline fluid from the salt glands at the top of the head to be voided. Giant Petrels are quite a bit bigger than ravens and have a much longer wing-span.

[Stu Bowie]

John, I really like how the Petrel is separated from the sea BG. Excellent detail, and that bill is very, very interesting. Well captured.

[Jonathan Ashton]

A superb image - just oozes quality, the exposure and detail is excellent.

[Kaustubh Deshpande]

John, loved the details and the BG. Excellent DOF. never seen a shot of this bird before....so TFS.

Comp-wise, I think pano might work better.

[ChasMcRae]

Like it . Like the space and depth around it. Quality is great. Are you posting this from the ship ? If so technology is amazing !

[John Chardine]

Thanks everyone. Yes posting from the ship! The wifi gets a little slow when everyone is on Skype and Facebook but some times of the day its pretty snappy.