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South. Crested Caracara
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South. Crested Caracara

by Jim DeWitt

Gallery: Weekly ChallengePosted January 11, 2016119 views6 comments
Canon 1D-X, 300mm f2.8 x 2.0 TC, tripod
f5.6, 1/500, ISO3200

Southern Crested Caracara on what was probably a Stilt in pre-dawn light. Brazilian Pantanal, 2014. The Caracara is staring at two other Caracaras, protecting its kill. Or at least its scavenge.

80% of full frame. Selective sharpening to the bird. 

C & C, please. Thanks for looking.

Comments

6 comments
Comment posted by David Schoen on January 11, 2016 at 1:54 PM
That's one proud and protective looking Caracara.  Nice pose.
Registered on November 6, 2006, 1213 Posts, 4587 Comments
Comment posted by John Tobias on January 11, 2016 at 2:02 PM
A good record of this action/behavior.  Nicely composed.  Maybe just a bit darker on the head of the Caracara.  Thanks for sharing.
Registered on September 12, 2009, 2120 Posts, 6455 Comments
Comment posted by Mark Seaver on January 11, 2016 at 3:31 PM
That's a fierce looking bird, Jim.  You've got excellent details in the Caracara in a fine grassy setting.
Registered on January 23, 2011, 1103 Posts, 17270 Comments
Comment posted by Jerry Marella on January 11, 2016 at 4:27 PM
Very warm light, Jim.  I wonder what it would be like with the yellows pulled back a bit. Good head position on the Caracara with a sharp eye and feather detail. Nicely done!
Registered on November 1, 2003, 142 Posts, 862 Comments
Comment posted by Jim Zablotny on January 11, 2016 at 9:34 PM
Hi Jim,

I like the pose and the bird's position in the frame.  The head could be a little darker-just my opinion.  Overall, the scene is dramatic and shows that it is an eat or be eaten natural world..........................Jim
Registered on January 17, 2004, 705 Posts, 3594 Comments
Comment posted by Gary Minish on January 13, 2016 at 1:26 AM
I'm not familiar with the Caracara but your capture covers it pretty well.  You can see the concern about a possible encroachment in it's intense gaze.  The exposure seems just a little bit hot (as others have mentioned) but otherwise it's a very nice shot, Jim!
Registered on February 4, 2006, 625 Posts, 3583 Comments