Termite Terminator

Gallery: AvianPosted June 3, 201183 views5 comments

We came across an incredible scene in the Kalahari recently where there were multiple birds of prey in the sky and also on the ground. The reason for their abundance in such a small area were the flying termites. We had Tawney Eagles, Bateluers and various falcons enjoying the feast. This is a Tawney Eagle giving a termite the evil eye.

Camera Model Canon EOS-1D Mark IV
Shooting Mode Shutter-Priority AE
Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/5000
Av( Aperture Value ) 4.0
Metering Mode Evaluative Metering
Exposure Compensation 0
ISO Speed 250
Lens EF500mm f/4L IS USM
Focal Length 500.0mm

Comments

5 comments

Comment posted by Ashley Vincent on June 3, 2011 at 11:30 PM

Having read what you wrote Neal, then seeing the larger version, I immediately noticed the flying termite to the right, which in turn immediately widened my smile; looks like the raptor's thinking, "Could this be any easier?!?!" ;^)

Wonderful low angle you have on the subject/s - makes it look like you must have been lying prone on the ground! - the eye contact is superb, as is what appears as the expression on the raptor's face :^)

If this were mine, I think I might try to darken the primary subject a little, as this may make it stand out from the background a bit more.

Registered on March 1, 2011, 154 Posts, 2083 Comments

Comment posted by Butch Lama on June 4, 2011 at 12:12 AM

Majestic raptor...love the way how its eyeing the termite. I also echo what Ashley is suggesting about darkening the subject.

Registered on July 23, 2010, 42 Posts, 316 Comments

Comment posted by Ken Watkins on June 4, 2011 at 3:17 AM

Neal,

I hope to get something like this in a couple of weeks when I am there, hopefully not all of the termites have hatched

I agree with the suggestions of Ashley and Butch regarding darkening the subject a little, on my monitor it seems hust a bit to bright.

Registered on December 15, 2010, 1537 Posts, 4877 Comments

Comment posted by Rob Drummond on June 4, 2011 at 8:16 AM

Waht a great experience Neal - really like the setting and the bird's concentration on the termite. I might consider rediucing the brightness a little

cheers
Rob

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

Comment posted by Marlise Launstein on October 23, 2011 at 4:12 PM

This is such a cool picture! Nice timing for the termite to fly right into the picture. I like how the eagle is looking straight at the termite. Really nice detail in the feathers.

Registered on August 31, 2011, 28 Posts, 175 Comments