Tern Fledge - Lunch

Gallery: AvianPosted July 26, 2011379 views12 comments

This shot is the same fledgling Forster's Tern and Forster's Tern adult from my last couple of posts. The fledgling was sitting on a fence waiting for Mom to bring in some lunch. I was really close and was after a nice close head shot of the youngster. About the time I was ready to shoot, the fledgling starting calling indicating Mom was on her way with lunch. I backed up a few steps, Mom flew in and this was the shot I captured. I wish for more of the adult (I have another series with all of the Mom on a different day). Still kind of like the interaction here and the really tight shot of the exchange.

Techs: 7D, 500mm f/4
1/2500 @ f/7.1
ISO 320

Full Frame

Handheld

Larger version included.

Thanks for taking a look.

Comments

12 comments

Comment posted by Jim DeWitt on July 26, 2011 at 11:32 PM

Great capture and perfect timing. The backlighting isn't ideal, but I suspect you had no choice, and it does illuminate the adult's bill nicely. It's hard to be certain, but the adult looks a bit soft. Maybe a slower shutter speed and a little more depth of field?

Registered on August 28, 2006, 1240 Posts, 8506 Comments

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on July 26, 2011 at 11:51 PM

I'd sure take this!
Great, intimate interaction, sweet backlighting on the bills to make them glow, fine detail on the chicky.
I bet you could bring out a little more detail in both eyes, with a selective levels adjustment.
Nice!
Sandy

Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments

Comment posted by Balan Vinod on July 27, 2011 at 1:52 AM

Keith ..beautiful light, back light ..and the comp is excellent and wonderful capture of the action.

Balan Vinod

Registered on March 20, 2006, 889 Posts, 2312 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Hackley on July 27, 2011 at 11:55 AM

Some nice interaction and interesting angle of light to highlight certain features, I like how the bill and fish on the mom stand out along with the bill of the fledgling as this draws me into the image, nice job getting this close, way to go.

Registered on September 17, 2009, 302 Posts, 5535 Comments

Comment posted by Terry Sohl on July 27, 2011 at 2:31 PM

I agree the adult looks a tad soft, but given that all the focus is on the better-lit chick, and the transfer of the fish, it doesn't detract from a very nice image. Great capture of the moment.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 513 Posts, 6889 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on July 27, 2011 at 10:31 PM

Superb composition in this one, Keith. My only nit is that I'd like the mother a bit sharper.

Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments

Comment posted by Mia McPherson on July 27, 2011 at 11:23 PM

A very intimate family portrait Keith, love the interaction, food in the bill of the adult and that you got light in both birds eyes. Having the adult sharper would be nice though I still find this an appealing image as posted.

Registered on June 25, 2007, 491 Posts, 12566 Comments

Comment posted by Harry Harris on July 28, 2011 at 9:08 AM

Love the image Keith. I have seen the exchange quite often but I have as yet been able to get a decent image. I also like the composition a lot. ?? was the parent flying??

Registered on August 2, 2010, 169 Posts, 741 Comments

Comment posted by Keith Bauer on July 28, 2011 at 2:02 PM

Love the image Keith. I have seen the exchange quite often but I have as yet been able to get a decent image. I also like the composition a lot. ?? was the parent flying??

Yes, the parent was flying. She never sat down, just hovered quickly, transferred the fish and flew off. It all happens really fast.

Registered on November 20, 2003, 458 Posts, 4836 Comments

Comment posted by Daniel & Loana on July 28, 2011 at 5:05 PM

Simply wionderful!

D&L

Registered on October 7, 2008, 166 Posts, 3044 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Dudley on July 30, 2011 at 9:18 AM

Love the intimate look at the behavior Keith. Your POF was right where it should be. Great to get this FF.

Registered on March 30, 2007, 437 Posts, 10915 Comments

Comment posted by Sharon Hallowell on July 30, 2011 at 11:27 AM

I missed this one before...I love the wonderful interaction you caught. Very appealing image. Sharon

Registered on November 1, 2003, 392 Posts, 4810 Comments