Whitebacked Vulture

[Morkel Erasmus]

Captured this shot on a brief drive through a section of the Kruger Park in September 2010.

Light was kinda harsh but liked the detail I achieved.

I posted my own personal "Top 10" nature images for 2010 on my blog tonight...would love for you to check it out:
http://saffascapes.blogspot.com/2010...-for-2010.html

Thanks for making BPN a "rocking" photo community, and for accepting me with open arms as a new mod! Love learning and growing with all of you.
Wishing everyone a wonderful 2011 filled with unbelievable photographic opportunities

Techs:
Canon 7D with 100-400mm L IS USM
f8.0, ISO-400

[Randy Stout]

Morkel:

A wonderful and productive New Year to you!

What I like the most about this one is the head. It looks almost sculpted, very 3D from the lighting.

I could do without the two snags on the right, but you obviously can't control the perch in that venue.

Cheers

Randy

[Doug Brown]

Wishing you a very happy 2011 Morkel! Maybe I'll see you in London next October! :) The bird looks great; you handled the harsh light very well. The obstructing perch is unfortunate.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Happy New Year to you too Morkel...and here's to many wonderful opportunities for 2011!

Awesome details on the head and I like the scoop-like lower mandible...very neat. Like the others, I find the obstructing branch unfortunate...with the detached one at right being a good contender to be eliminated in post. I also wish the feet were sunlit rather than shaded.

Off to go check out your top 10.....

[Pieter de Waal]

Great detail on this one Morkel not only the head but the feather pattern as well. Good handling of the harsh light. All the best for 2011.