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Great Bustard

Discussion

16 replies
Posted by David Kjaer on April 30, 2010 at 5:02 PM
Great Bustard
Taken last week on Salisbury Plain where two males have been displaying with up to 5 females visiting. Unfortunately I never got the full display and as the females are now looking for nest sites I will have to stay off this area for a few weeks!

This male is 5 years old and fortunately for me lost his wing tags shortly after release and none of the birds have rings either.

Taken from a hide!

Canon 1D Mk1V 300mm f2.8 IS plus x1.4 extender iso 320 f5.6 1/1600

David
Posted by Danny Green on April 30, 2010 at 5:41 PM
David fair play to get an image of this species in the UK, it must have been a great project to witness and be a part of.

Nice One

:toast: :toast:
Posted by John Robinson on April 30, 2010 at 6:01 PM
Lovely shot.!
Incredible light too.
JohnR
Posted by Austin Thomas on April 30, 2010 at 6:25 PM
I wasn't expecting Salisbury Plain having read the title.

Very well done David and good detail in the plumage.

Cheers

Austin
Posted by Tom Smit on May 1, 2010 at 2:23 AM
Great shot David. Nice colors although the harsh light you had (Or isn't it).
:toast: :toast:
Posted by David Kjaer on May 1, 2010 at 5:40 AM
Hi Tom

Yes the light was harsh - he didn't arrive until 1045 hours and I had been in the hide since 0500 hours and up until 1030 it had been overcast :mad:

David
Posted by Robert Lawrence on May 1, 2010 at 6:06 AM
A very regal looking pose. You were obviously quite close as well, so a great experience.
Posted by Sandra Hendrikse on May 1, 2010 at 6:09 AM
Very nice image, despite the harsh light. :smile:
Posted by Brian Davis on May 1, 2010 at 6:25 AM
Cracking shot well done.
Posted by eric weight on May 1, 2010 at 8:43 AM
A touch of the Eric Cantonas about this guy with his head held up high like that. Very proud of himself. A great capture David. I guess you don't have much competition when it comes to photographing these in the uk? I'd say you've done wonders given how strong that sun looks.
:toast: eric
Posted by Andy Astbury on May 1, 2010 at 10:52 AM
I wonder what old J G Mavrogordato would have made of these on his beloved crow hawking grounds :eek:

Hang on while I get the Saker out David :biggrin:

Fascinating - even if the weather and the big fella conspired against you :wavey:
Posted by David Taylor on May 1, 2010 at 12:50 PM
Arrogance personified. Excellent.

:toast: :toast: :jump:
Posted by Mark Davies on May 2, 2010 at 5:35 AM
The light looks like it conspired against you but as said fair play in getting one of these .A rare treat indeed .
Posted by Justin on May 2, 2010 at 9:27 AM
Hi David,
A fine portrait. :toast:
Posted by Mark Green on May 3, 2010 at 5:13 AM
Really nice picture , well done, with the hash light too.

:toast:
mark.G
Posted by PhilH on May 4, 2010 at 6:55 AM
Really nice... you have handled the light very well...

:toast: :wavey: :toast:
Posted by Ian Butler on May 5, 2010 at 4:55 AM
Great to get one without the wingtags or rings! Its great to see them doing so well. :toast: