2 Redheads & 1 Perch

Tech: D2X c/w 500/4.5 - 1000/f5.6 - ISO 320 - RAW AF-C – hand held
Location: Durham, UK - Dec 2006

Already well into December & only the 2nd frost of the Autumn/Winter occurred over the weekend!

I thought I try a local country park yesterday & was pleasantly surprised to find 20+ Goosanders on the woodland lakes. There was soft winter sunshine throughout, but only small sections of the water were in direct light. It was so frustrating at times, as the birds were often were often well within range, but in deep shade.

The pleasant weather also brought out visitors in their droves, so by the end of the afternoon there were only 3 (resilient) birds left. However, I did get some decent captures while I was there.

This particular interaction occurred in an area of dappled light, so my camera settings produced a rather UE image. What would do without RAW?

The image is only slightly cropped (93%) which was mainly a result of correcting sloping water. My usual post-production actions were undertaken, but also included EV adjustment & touch of Neat Image.

Well you did very well then!!! Love it. My eye is drawn straight to the subject so works really well. Did they eat that thing?



Graeme

Hi Wayne a very nice image.

Phillip.

What a smashing bit of behaviour and interaction.
No nits from me.

Hi Wayne

Wow, what a great action shot. I think you have done very well here in the conditions you describe. Nicely done.



cheers

Sean

Wayne,

This is just the business. Top class. Did you get a sequence by any chance?

MJ

Fantastic action well captured. Do you have AF with a 1.4x tele on the 500mm with the D2X?
It seems handholding is not a problem.
Excellent stuff.



Tim

Fantastic image Wayne!! Captures the drama of the moment perfectly!

W W this is what it is all about - wildlife action at it's best. You have also handled the lighting very well, this is an image out of the top drawer!

David

Hi Wayne, that's a fantastic and dynamic image, full of interest. Excellent work.

Regards

JohnS

This is the sort of image we all dream of taking!!

BBC Wildlife here you come!!

Just superb a joy to view

Excellent, stunning image...... no more I can add.

brilliant, just brilliant

maybe more space top, less bottom only suggestion?

Mark

Great image-The perch must have wondered what was going on,Perfect timing

Talk about fighting over a perch. This is very well timed shot showing excellent interaction. Well worth the day out among the droves.

Rob

A dream shot.
Praise to you

What a cracker! Superb - well done.

Simon

Hi Wayne
Stunning.
John
Aberdeen

This is a great image, nothing i can say that aint been said.

Cheers
Brian

Wow Wayne, I nearly missed this shot what a belter if that doesn't do well in a comp then I will eat my hat, cracker.



Danny