Caspian Tern ?

Gallery: AvianPosted March 11, 2012139 views10 comments

I go to go on a shoot with Charlie VanTassel, Sandy Richards, Patrick O'Healy and Sandy's friend Paula (sorry I forgot her last name). Charlie was conduction a tour of the San Diego area and I got join them for the Saturday morning portion. At the second La Jolla location, I saw some terns which I have not been able to find many lately in Orange County. It was great to see them again. I think this is a Caspian Tern because of the beefy beak. Correct me if I am wrong.

Thanks Charlie!

7D with 500mm on tripod
1/2500 at f / 6.3
ISO = 250
AV
EV at - 2/3
Center-weighted average metering

Comments and suggestion are always appreciated.

Comments

10 comments

Comment posted by Philip Hodgkins on March 11, 2012 at 2:45 PM

Can't say for sure on the ID, but a lovely landing pose! Terns are such graceful fliers.

Registered on July 24, 2006, 2741 Posts, 12349 Comments

Comment posted by Craig Strand on March 11, 2012 at 3:54 PM

Great job Skip, like the handling of the whites and detail seen in larger version.

Registered on March 30, 2008, 416 Posts, 2885 Comments

Comment posted by William Bickle on March 11, 2012 at 5:33 PM

Hello Harry Nice wing position, detailed in wing great, I really like the shaow of wing on his body.

What is the crop?

TFS

Bill

Registered on June 13, 2011, 183 Posts, 1702 Comments

Comment posted by Randy Bacon on March 11, 2012 at 8:31 PM

Very nice Harry, I love the pose. I love to watch terns in flight, they're an interesting contrast in grace and athleticism. I am by no means an expert, but the lack of a dark tip on the bill makes me wonder if this might be an immature (1st winter) Royal Tern. Also, I believe the Caspian Tern's bill is a bit redder, while this birds bill Is clearly orange. Anyway, nice image, sounds like you guys had a nice time.

Registered on November 24, 2008, 56 Posts, 492 Comments

Comment posted by Charlie VanTassel on March 11, 2012 at 11:11 PM

Nice to meet you, Harry. It was a fun day. I think these are Royal Terns.

Registered on October 18, 2006, 644 Posts, 4801 Comments

Comment posted by Balan Vinod on March 12, 2012 at 12:03 PM

The whites are handled very well here ..dof perfect ...brightening up the BG may make this more interesting ..may be ...but great action as is ..well done

Balan Vinod

Registered on March 20, 2006, 889 Posts, 2312 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Hackley on March 12, 2012 at 5:28 PM

Now that sounds like an interesting get together. Wonderful flight shot, I like the wing position and shadows across the body, nice job in getting this difficult shot, well done.

Registered on September 17, 2009, 302 Posts, 5535 Comments

Comment posted by Nate Chappell on March 12, 2012 at 9:45 PM

I was thinking Royal Tern as well Harry, I like the wing position and detail here. You might try to pull more light out of the eye with a selective levels adjustment to it.

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

Comment posted by Albert Darmo on March 12, 2012 at 10:16 PM

Hi Harry

An amazing bird

the detail, color,, and wing position are remarkable

well done

Albert Darmo
Canada

Registered on November 25, 2008, 1386 Posts, 11978 Comments

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on March 13, 2012 at 11:17 AM

Excellent!! Royal Tern. Wasn't it a great day? And excellent company!
Tack-sharp here, great wing position, and gorgeous creamy water.

Sandy

Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments