Juv. Gull with Bullhead

Gallery: AvianPosted September 27, 2011123 views8 comments

I had a report of a Great Egret in a marsh some distance from my home (very uncommon in my area), but despite searching for a couple of hours by kayak, could not locate it.

While watching a GBH, I heard a large splash close behind me and swivelled in time to see this gull taking off from the water. I grabbed a couple of quick shots when I realized it had captured a fish.

I liked this shot as it showed the tiny bullhead well, including droplets coming off one of its barbels (shows in larger version).

I believe the bird is a juvenile Ring-billed.

Nikon D300; sIGMA 500/4.5; f 6.3 @1/1250th; ISO 400; 80%FF; HH from kayak.

All comments and suggestions most welcome.

Comments

8 comments

Comment posted by Barbara Graham on September 27, 2011 at 1:16 PM

Wonderful, clear shot, Tom, with those drops of water emphasizing just how clear and sharp this shot is.

Registered on July 27, 2010, 1310 Posts, 5035 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Ditch on September 27, 2011 at 2:29 PM

Nice action. I find the BG a bit over saturated. There's also something gone wrong along the upper edge of the distant wing where a selection or over work has spilled over and softened the wing edge.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 1031 Posts, 12705 Comments

Comment posted by Sally King on September 27, 2011 at 5:42 PM

Love the water droplets, the tiny fish, and the nice crisp eye. What a great catch.

Registered on December 2, 2008, 416 Posts, 4450 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on September 27, 2011 at 11:35 PM

Great job getting the head of the gull and the bullhead in such crisp focus, Tom. I really like this image.

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

Comment posted by Bill Kleinfelder on September 28, 2011 at 9:40 PM

I like how the head and catch are in focus and very sharp, yet the wings are soft.

Registered on September 6, 2011, 14 Posts, 71 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Dudley on September 29, 2011 at 8:48 AM

Interesting wing position relative to the head Tom, particularly with the fish to help pull our eyes there. Excellent POF. Agree with the two points made by Richard.

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

Comment posted by David Haynes on September 30, 2011 at 3:16 PM

Very cool image Tom. Love the water drop falling off the barb of the fish. Very sharp. Well done Tom! Hope you find that Great Egret.

Registered on February 20, 2010, 110 Posts, 1511 Comments

Comment posted by Jim DeWitt on October 1, 2011 at 6:20 PM

Very nice, Tom. Nits already noted. One other minor issue: I'd call this an adult Ring-billed Gull in winter (non-breeding) plumage.

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