American White Pelican

Gallery: AvianPosted January 22, 2017117 views6 comments

American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos)

Place: Gilbert Water Ranch, AZ
Date: December 28, 2012, 4:00 pm
Equipment: Nikon D300, Nikkor AF-S 300/2.8, TC20E (2x), G1325, RRS BH-55, Sidekick
Exposure: ISO 400, Aperture priority matrix metered 1/800th @ f/11, -2/3^rd ev compensation
Raw, ACR, PS, 68% of full frame

I’ve had mixed feelings about this shot (and the entire series I took) – the pelican just sat there for a long time and I eventually got bored and departed. There are still many raw files from this shoot that I’ve never managed to review, so there is still a chance I might find something more stimulating if I get around to it. This species isn't common in central AZ and I've only seen it on a couple of occasions at the Gilbert Water Ranch.

As always: honest critiques requested; all comments appreciated.

Comments

6 comments

Comment posted by Barbara Graham on January 22, 2017 at 11:49 PM

I love the position of this pelican. I've never seen one sitting like that in those surroundings anywhere in Florida. They find too many manmade places to sit.

The exposure is perfect, the detail is great, the colors of the water are beautiful, and I really like the composition with the reflection.

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

Comment posted by Ed Williams on January 23, 2017 at 12:49 AM

Good shot of this pelican and its reflection Richard. You did a really nice job handling the bright lighting and getting a lot of details in the feathers.

Registered on December 28, 2010, 636 Posts, 3499 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on January 23, 2017 at 8:43 AM

A nice clean shot of the pelican, Richard, with excellent techs. Too bad it just spent the whole time resting. I do like the nice reflection.

devil

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

Comment posted by Hans Overduin on January 23, 2017 at 3:14 PM

Nice light, well exposed and great reflection... Like it ! Best, Hans

Registered on August 31, 2011, 491 Posts, 3807 Comments

Comment posted by Steve Thompson on January 23, 2017 at 4:25 PM

Richard, sometimes they just don't cooperate the way we would like. I do like the comp you chose and the reflection is pleasing. Nice job processing the whites too. A fine image!

Registered on August 7, 2014, 125 Posts, 2319 Comments

Comment posted by Charlie VanTassel on January 25, 2017 at 11:58 AM

This looks pretty good. All it needs imo is a little more of a head turn. Good exposure and comp, and plenty sharp. We have a bunch of these birds around here. devil

Registered on October 18, 2006, 644 Posts, 4801 Comments