Florida Whooper

Gallery: AvianPosted November 16, 200965 views8 comments

Hey all, I just took this out of my archives as this photo has been hidden away. This bird was named "Lucky" as it was 1)the first Whooper to fledge in Florida in 63 years (so I was told) and 2)its sibling was taken by an eagle.

Someone at the local wildlife service gave me a tip when I was at the office about a Whooper family nesting in an almost dried up lake bed. I called the person in charge and he gave me permission to shoot this beauty (before it was tagged).

Not many photos were taken of this bird due to my schedule and the timing. This shot was taken while the bird was under a tree, giving me the opportunity I needed.

Camera: Nikon F100
Lens: Nikon 300 F4/Shot I think at F5.6
Film: Fuji Provia 100

Comments

8 comments

Comment posted by Steve Balke on November 16, 2009 at 7:53 PM

Beautiful image, Steve. Nice detail, great background. The bird's head is a bit dark. A little less exposure there might make the detail more visible without spoiling the lighting effect. Also, your crop choice does work but to me it's sort of in between a profile and a whole bird. I'd sure like to see the whole bird. Anyway, all that said, still very nice as posted too.

Registered on June 18, 2009, 229 Posts, 2915 Comments

Comment posted by Steve Neff on November 16, 2009 at 9:04 PM

Thanks very much Steve. Actually, I can't give you the whole bird; this image was barely cropped and I took it when he walked toward me [under the tree @ 12-15 feet]. When he walked away from me, he was back in the harsh lighting with his parents and I only was able to take about half a dozen shots.

But hey, I'm grateful for what little I got.

Thanks for the kind words.

Registered on December 11, 2003, 10 Posts, 35 Comments

Comment posted by Mia McPherson on November 16, 2009 at 9:14 PM

Steve,

Congrats on getting images of this colt. I find the background very appealing, if possible I would try to lighten the bird's head, bill and just slightly. I think that would accentuate the bird's beauty.

Registered on June 25, 2007, 491 Posts, 12566 Comments

Comment posted by Steve Balke on November 16, 2009 at 10:00 PM

My pleasure, Steve. Thanks for the fine post and the extra info.

Registered on June 18, 2009, 229 Posts, 2915 Comments

Comment posted by Nate Chappell on November 16, 2009 at 10:08 PM

Welcome Steve, nice portrait of this young Whooper, I agree that the head is a little dark as posted. I'm looking forward to seeing more of your work.

Registered on February 1, 2006, 1158 Posts, 19528 Comments

Comment posted by Steve Neff on November 16, 2009 at 10:38 PM

Well folks, I've heard what the humble critics had to say and I've made a small revision to the Whooper shot and will attempt to post it in the next 48 hours [forum rules]. Thanks for your advice folks and when I post it, let me know if it's more to your liking or the entire image is a little too light. I'm winging Elements and trying to work a full schedule on the road.

Registered on December 11, 2003, 10 Posts, 35 Comments

Comment posted by Brian Gatlin on November 17, 2009 at 7:59 AM

certainly a special moment to see one of these youngsters, especially before being tagged. I've been lucky to see some wild-hatched and fledged California Condor chicks before they received their tags and transmitters here at the Grand Canyon, but no pics. I agree about brightening it up a bit. I like the head and shoulders crop but would like just a little more room in front of the bill. Nice shot!

Registered on March 21, 2009, 202 Posts, 4187 Comments

Comment posted by Cheryl Molennor on November 19, 2009 at 1:06 PM

Really nice and a super bg. I too would like to see just a little more light on the face

Registered on June 30, 2009, 300 Posts, 5051 Comments