Posted by David Kjaer on June 12, 2009 at 11:52 AM
I am sure most of you are aware that 12 days ago on Sunday 31st May the Great Bustard Group had a new addition to the project - the first Great Bustard chick hatched/bred in the wild for 177 years
This morning at 0345 hours I got into my hide on Salisbury Plain hoping for a glimpse of the new arrival. At 0720 hours I got my first view and although not really close enough to photograph I wasn't disappointed. A 4 year old male (the father who until this year had no lead in his pencil!) was also in the area and when he approached his offspring, the female attacked the male with some vigour causing him to take flight.
Eventually 1145 hours the female came fairly close (the attached image is a slight crop on a full frame Canon 5D MkII + 300 f2.8 + x2
If you want to know more about the project visit www.greatbustard.com
I hope the mods don't mind (I know you're on your summer hols) but I am adding two other images to complete the story!
Posted by David Kjaer on June 12, 2009 at 11:55 AM
A closer view of the star of the show!
David
Posted by David Kjaer on June 12, 2009 at 11:56 AM
Father leaving the area!
David
Posted by eric weight on June 12, 2009 at 12:21 PM
I wondered if you would have any shots of these. Congratulations to all concerned. I don't think I have ever seen a shot of one flying either.
Thanks for posting these David. Eric
Reminds me of a vulture when its flying.
That's great news!! It's great being involved in a bit of history, I was able to cover the first Peregrine's to breed in Suffolk for 200 years last year
Let's hope they continue to do well and the little'un survives into adulthood.
The last Bustard in flight shot I saw was on the Portland Observatory website a few years ago when one of the release birds was caught trying to return home and cross the channel.........
Posted by Scott Tilley on June 12, 2009 at 12:52 PM
Wondered when you would come up with some of these. Its a great moment in time and an exciting one for the future hopefully. Lets have some in Norfolk.
Thanks for showing.
Discussion
13 repliesThis morning at 0345 hours I got into my hide on Salisbury Plain hoping for a glimpse of the new arrival. At 0720 hours I got my first view and although not really close enough to photograph I wasn't disappointed. A 4 year old male (the father who until this year had no lead in his pencil!) was also in the area and when he approached his offspring, the female attacked the male with some vigour causing him to take flight.
Eventually 1145 hours the female came fairly close (the attached image is a slight crop on a full frame Canon 5D MkII + 300 f2.8 + x2
If you want to know more about the project visit www.greatbustard.com
I hope the mods don't mind (I know you're on your summer hols) but I am adding two other images to complete the story!
David
David
Thanks for posting these David.
Reminds me of a vulture when its flying.
That's great news!! It's great being involved in a bit of history, I was able to cover the first Peregrine's to breed in Suffolk for 200 years last year
Let's hope they continue to do well and the little'un survives into adulthood.
Regards
Rob
The last Bustard in flight shot I saw was on the Portland Observatory website a few years ago when one of the release birds was caught trying to return home and cross the channel.........
Scott
Sounds like you had a long day, but well worth it.
Great story and a wonderful set of images.
Thanks for showing.
Major.
Interested in the grass species in the firstshot . Cocksfoot ?
Maybe not(too high ?)
Well done anyway.
Cheers
John
Glad to hear they're doing well.
David