Long-tailed Skua

Gallery: AvianPosted April 6, 201187 views10 comments

This was taken in northern Norway, well inside the Arctic circle. This was the first time that I had seen this species and I was pleased to be able to see the impressive tail but then on second glance I noticed its webbed feet. I hadn’t really thought about Skuas feet before, but with the conditions underfoot and the time spent at sea, webbed feet seem like a good choice for this bird.

More bird images from Norway and Finland can be found HERE

Canon 1DMK4, 500mm +1.4x, ISO800, f5.6, 1/320

C&C welcome.

Cheers

Austin

Comments

10 comments

Comment posted by Doug Gilham on April 6, 2011 at 6:02 PM

Very nice image you've captured here Austin. Good detail in the bird, and the exp. is good giving detail in all areas, and I like the waterdrops on the head as well as the perch, mimicing the shape of this skua. A clean and pleasing BG as well. Well done.

Registered on September 20, 2009, 77 Posts, 489 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Ditch on April 6, 2011 at 7:51 PM

I love this as posted. I've only seen this species at a distance and would be thrilled to have this opportunity and come back with such a nice image. Lovely soft light and understated colors. Good exposure; nice detail. Composition and setting work well.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 1031 Posts, 12705 Comments

Comment posted by dan elster on April 6, 2011 at 8:30 PM

Love it....You don't see images of this species this nice too often. You framed it perfectly.

Registered on September 23, 2005, 299 Posts, 2443 Comments

Comment posted by Cheryl Molennor on April 6, 2011 at 10:14 PM

Beautiful Austin! Love the water drops on the head

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

Comment posted by Brian Gatlin on April 6, 2011 at 11:02 PM

excellent, Austin. I agree with the others, nice light, comp, water drops, details. very good looking shot.

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

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on April 6, 2011 at 11:09 PM

Beautiful, Austin. I like the composition and bg a lot and the bird itself is perfect. The beads of water on the head are a great touch.

Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments

Comment posted by Jim DeWitt on April 6, 2011 at 11:36 PM

Excellent, Austin. I know from experience that the whites and blacks are difficult. This species (we call them Long-tailed Jaeger here) breeds on the alpine tundra and north slope of Alaska; they are famously difficult to approach.

Registered on August 28, 2006, 1240 Posts, 8506 Comments

Comment posted by S Govindarajan on April 7, 2011 at 12:24 AM

Congrats on getting this rarity, Austin! I like all the elements in the image - a look at the entire bird, pose and nice background. Exposure and composition are spot on. The water droplets over its face and feathers is a very nice bonus. I would selectively brighten the area around its eyes a bit.

Registered on April 19, 2008, 115 Posts, 1921 Comments

Comment posted by Simon Bennett on April 7, 2011 at 3:47 AM

Excellent portrait and head-turn and I like the nicely blurred background tones.

Registered on February 4, 2007, 350 Posts, 4614 Comments

Comment posted by Rob Drummond on April 7, 2011 at 6:11 AM

Lovely setting and detail Austin. Like the fine raindrops on the bird

cheers
Rob

Registered on November 8, 2003, 617 Posts, 8267 Comments