gannet with nest material

[John Chardine]

Been very busy and haven't posted much lately. I just returned from a very successful field trip to Bonaventure Island and will post of few of my favourites over the next few days.

This is a Northern Gannet male (males bring the nest material) returning to it's mate with something that does not look like it will fit into the nest.

I cropped from the top, made some tonal adjustments to the bird (dodging) and sharpened.

Date: 11 June, 2012, Time: 1705h
Model: Canon EOS-1D Mark IV
Lens: EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM, @ 200 mm
Program: Manual
ISO 400, 1/2000s, f/5
Exp. comp.: 0.0
Flash: no flash

[Kerry Perkins]

Hi John, glad your trip was successful and I love this image. We have missed your postings and look forward to seeing the keepers! You have to admire birds for taking on tasks that seem impossible - like carrying giant sticks in their mouths and flying thousands of miles at a time. I love the way these birds look in the sky, almost a high key effect as they come close to blending in with the background. How are the population numbers looking? I know that this species has had some man-made challenges, including the Deepwater Horizon spill and fire. I applaud your efforts and life dedication to preserving and improving bird life on this planet.

[Cathy McEntee]

Stunning image John! Beautiful detail and nice action.

[Jeff Cashdollar]

John,

In its purest form a picture tells a story and you remind us with this post. Seems it is always the simple elements and clean backgrounds that makes me pause - well done and like it as posted.

[P-A. Fortin]

Very nice image. Really makes me want to pay a visit there in the next few years, hopefully sooner than later.

[Rachel Hollander]

John - the soft, muted tones work really well here. Beautiful image and glad your work is going well.

TFS,
Rachel

[Arnon Cahen]

Hi John,
An amazing picture of such a beautiful bird. I love the way it almost merges with the background.
Arnon

[John Chardine]

Thanks everyone. It's really fun tracking these birds as they come in to land, and provides great birds in flight practise. You end up throwing a lot out and keeping just a few like this one.

Thanks Kerry and yes, our work is in relation to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. 25% of our gannets go there in the non-breeding season. No effects seen at this point. Population effects will be delayed until 2013-2014 when the young birds potentially affected in 2010 will return to breed.

Would be great to meet you at Bonaventure P.-A.!

Rachel- the tones are mainly the result of fantastic light that day- bright but overcast with no shadows. The birds themselves reflect a lot of light up underneath the landing birds, which helps a lot.

[Marina Scarr]

Love this image, John. Super wing position, good framing and the nesting material is a huge plus.