Frigate Birds (in flight)

[Otavio]

Hi. Some frigate birds, also shot this morning. These are the most difficult type of birds I've ever shot, because they are REALLY black and they fly high, so we are forced to shoot them against the sky (in my case, a very bright one). I used +EV compensation, to have some gain. Also, due to the distance, I had to crop aggressively. Difficulties appart, these are magnificient birds to observe and shoot. Their wingspan can reach up to 2.4m. This morning there were many of them at the estuary.
Note: The red throat pouches are a characteristic of male frigates. They inflate it to atract the female. Females have a white chest.
C&C welcomed, as always.

#1


#2


#3


#4


#5

[NorthernFocus]

You did well under difficult conditions, Otavio. The third shot is my favorite due to the perspective and a little better BG. Of course the male wouldn't cooperate for that shot so you could have had the red in there too

I've seen frigate birds in the Caribbean. They do soar high unless they have a reason to come down. They really are shameless theives.

[Otavio]

You did well under difficult conditions, Otavio. The third shot is my favorite due to the perspective and a little better BG. Of course the male wouldn't cooperate for that shot so you could have had the red in there too

I've seen frigate birds in the Caribbean. They do soar high unless they have a reason to come down. They really are shameless theives.

Hi, Dan. I appreciate your feedback. Regarding the male's red throut pouch, I will try wearing a female frigate costume next time!

Cheers,

[kaneohebud]

Otavio:
Nicely done my friend. We have a large number of frigate birds (in Hawaii we call them Iwa) that drink daily from a freshwater pond near the ocean. They never alight. They swoop in and skim the pond with beaks open to gulp water. Definitely difficult to shoot because of their muted black coloration and, as you said, with the sky as a background because of their constant motion. You've done a terrific job here managing to catch sharp images.

[deetheturk]

Another great series Otavio,thank you for sharing!

David

[Otavio]

Hi, Bud. Good to know you have these beauties in your part of the world. Thanks for viewing and commenting. Why not a try at them, with their beaks touching the water? I never saw them doing that. It would be a nice thread, if you have the chance!

Wish you and your family a happy new year!

[IzzieK]

Nice series...for a while there I thought of something else, nevermind...I love #1...and #5.

[Otavio]

Another great series Otavio,thank you for sharing!

David

Thank you David, for your kind words. Cheers,

[Otavio]

Nice series...for a while there I thought of something else, nevermind...I love #1...and #5.

Many thanks, Isabel. Rgds,