Posted by Mike Andrews on January 14, 2010 at 2:25 AM
While sitting in a hide at Caerlaverock I noticed what I thought was a buzzard hunting over the salt flats. It flew closer and closer as if it was coming in to the hide, with me clicking it all the way in.
I still thought it was a buzzard until I started processing the shots the following day, when I was delighted to find it was a hen harrier - my first and only encounter with them.
All C&C welcome.
Nikon D300 with Nikon 600/F4. 1/1000 sec at F9 ISO 400, 0 EV. FF with some Highlight/Shadow adjustment, as I was shooting almost directly in to the sun.
By the way, about 240 Whooper swans were there, but I saw no geese at all. (07/01/20) I did see a peregrine, but only from a distance.
Good luck to those going this weekend.
Posted by Liam Pauling on January 14, 2010 at 2:28 AM
Brilliant shot, I love the soft lighting and background. One of my favourite birds, I would be very happy with an image like this
liam.
Posted by Jeff Harrison on January 14, 2010 at 4:03 AM
Very nice image of a sadly increasingly rare subject Mike (Only two so far at this winter's Wicken Fen roost )
Posted by Craig Jones on January 14, 2010 at 5:10 AM
Thought we were going together Lovely image and light on the bird, bringing out the beautiful feather colours these birds have,glad you had a nice time and happy new year to you
Posted by Andy Elliott on January 14, 2010 at 5:31 AM
Beautiful - the lighting and the simple, pale backdrop make this image.
Posted by Andy Gregory on January 14, 2010 at 7:08 AM
I once watched a buzzard fly past the hide at Tittesworth and then took a photo of it as it dissapeared over the trees. When I showed it to someone else they imformed me it was a grey heron!! They must have switched when I picked my camera up. Well that's my excuse anyway!
A cracking shot Mike, and a better surprise than I had!
Posted by Philip Newman on January 14, 2010 at 7:24 AM
Nice composition and background - a lovely flight image.
A very pleasing surprise and a very nice image to boot.
Robert
Posted by Dave Bartlett on January 14, 2010 at 9:39 AM
Cracking shot and a nice surprise too Awesome light.
Posted by Major Gilbert on January 14, 2010 at 11:35 AM
Now you have seen one Mike no doubt you will see afew more.
A very good flight shot of a bird that doesnt normally seem to fly anywhere near a hide when I am in it.
Major.
Posted by Paul Hobson on January 14, 2010 at 6:23 PM
superb suprise when processing, great bird and light
Paul Hobson
www.paulhobson.co.uk
Posted by Paul Ashton on January 14, 2010 at 6:23 PM
Very good shot of a bird that is difficult to get near. Well positioned in the frame. Composition is well proportioned.
Posted by Mark Sisson on January 15, 2010 at 4:15 AM
Spot on Mike - and as you say a really pleasant surprise.
Discussion
14 repliesI still thought it was a buzzard until I started processing the shots the following day, when I was delighted to find it was a hen harrier - my first and only encounter with them.
All C&C welcome.
Nikon D300 with Nikon 600/F4. 1/1000 sec at F9 ISO 400, 0 EV. FF with some Highlight/Shadow adjustment, as I was shooting almost directly in to the sun.
By the way, about 240 Whooper swans were there, but I saw no geese at all. (07/01/20) I did see a peregrine, but only from a distance.
Good luck to those going this weekend.
liam.
Andy
Lovely soft lighting and background
A cracking shot Mike, and a better surprise than I had!
Robert
A very good flight shot of a bird that doesnt normally seem to fly anywhere near a hide when I am in it.
Major.
Paul Hobson
www.paulhobson.co.uk
Mark