Posted by Mark Sisson on December 5, 2008 at 11:10 AM
After the 10 minute gorge the Griffon Vultures settled to digest their food, and once the final mist cleared the very European colours of autumn made the non African setting really apparent.
It was also interesting to watch the social structure within the groups - this large mature male was definitely the top of the pile.
WOW, what a ugly guy! but a great capter. Nice one Mark
Kevin
Posted by Adam Seward on December 5, 2008 at 11:17 AM
I don't know, think he's quite handsome. You should see a lappet-faced vulture! Nice detailed shot and good lighting, the autumn colours are unusual in a vulture photo as you say. Did you get some photos of the interactions?
Posted by Mark Sisson on December 5, 2008 at 11:38 AM
Hi Kev - I grew to really appreciate these guys and a certain beauty about them having spent a number of days working with them: might have something to do with long waits in a cold foggy hide though:
Mark
Posted by Andy Bate on December 5, 2008 at 11:42 AM
Ugly but a great result, love it!
Posted by jack chapman on December 5, 2008 at 12:07 PM
lovely image, the colours and pose are great, quite different from the norm
Posted by Adam Seward on December 5, 2008 at 12:26 PM
Mark - thanks, I've just looked at your other shot, which is excellent.
Posted by Paul Inglis on December 5, 2008 at 1:10 PM
Hi Mark,
Pretty birdie! Just like my ex-mother in-law!
Wonderful Bg, for this not so pretty bird - great image!!
Posted by John Robinson on December 5, 2008 at 2:17 PM
Very good.
A teeny bit of space more on the right perhaps but no big deal.
JR
Posted by Ian Mason on December 5, 2008 at 2:59 PM
Yes, wonderful colours and great detail too!
Posted by Danny Green on December 5, 2008 at 3:07 PM
Wow cracking Mark you said you got some good stuff from Bulgaria and you are not wrong, the colours and the background make this special and of course the light is great. Wish I had come now, ah well next year
Danny
Posted by John Varley on December 5, 2008 at 3:12 PM
I think they should book you for their PR. You have portrayed this vulture in a very favourable light. Looks very pleased with himself.
Love the range of browns.
John
Posted by Paul Hillion on December 5, 2008 at 3:30 PM
I love this photo, a beautiful portrait of what I think an incredible looking bird. Fantastic colours! Saw lots of Vultures on a recent trip to Namibia and really grew to appreciate them. Heard lots of good things about Bulgaria and seeing these shots I really would like to visit there sometime, another place to add to the list
Discussion
20 repliesIt was also interesting to watch the social structure within the groups - this large mature male was definitely the top of the pile.
1DS Mk2
500mm +1.4x
ISO 200 f8 1/800
Mark
Kevin
http://www.naturephotographers.net/imagecritique/bbs.cgi?a=vm&mr=36830&CGISESSID=600730efe5cacc95c8ef80601c8b18e3&u=17313
Hi Kev - I grew to really appreciate these guys and a certain beauty about them having spent a number of days working with them: might have something to do with long waits in a cold foggy hide though:
Mark
Pretty birdie!
Cracking shot!
Robert
A teeny bit of space more on the right perhaps but no big deal.
JR
Danny
Love the range of browns.
John
Fine shot.
Major.
Edwin Kats
Rene de Heer
I,m really glad I opened this one. The colours and detail are superb.
As Vultures go your captued this one beautifuly.