Spur Winged Goose Portrait

[Ken Watkins]

We were trailing two very hungry Female Lions when we came upon a small pool wherein the goose was undergoing its ablutions, when the Lionesses broke cover it departed with great haste.

Taken in Kwara concession, Okavango Delta, Botswana, 30th December 2010

EOS 1D MkIV

500mm F4 IS hand-held from open game viewing vehicle.

F6.3, ISO 800 (waiting for any sudden lion movement), 1/4000, EV-0.67

[Randy Stout]

Ken:

The color and detail here are striking. Nice eye, sharp and well exposed.

The bird is so strong visually that the background doesn't distract.

Thanks for the story too.

Cheers

Randy

[Stu Bowie]

Great close up of a very wet Spurwing. Tack sharp, and the spurwing is separated from the BG very well. I would maybe remove the lower catchlight.

[Pieter de Waal]

Wow Ken, nice profile and excellent sharpness.That facial colour is amazing, have never seen it that brilliant before. Is that as a result of the wetness or breeding colouration ?.

[Ken Watkins]

Thanks for the comments,

Randy,

Glad you enjoyed the story.

Stuart,

I had thought about removing the lower catchlight, but decided to leave it in. I will look again.

Pieter,

I think it is probably the wetness.