In addition to penguins, there were plenty of birds of the flying variety in the Falklands. The imperial cormorants, or imperial shags, were among my favorites. Cormorants can be awkward looking birds, but they often have striking facial features. You can see the blue rings around the eyes of these guys and the orange “nasal knobs.” Watching the activity of this colony was one of the highlights of the trip. It was nesting season and as one cormorant would fly out to sea to collect kelp for its nest, another cormorant would sneak in and steal the kelp that was already there. Fights were constantly breaking out between the thieves and those defending their nests. This was a rare cormorant-only colony — as these birds also nest alongside, and in amongst, the rockhopper penguins. Nikon D810 with Nikkor 17-35mm lens (at 17mm) ISO 400, f/10 at 1/1250th of a second, two Nikon SB-900 flash units
The subject matter of your photos is always marvelous, of course, but I also enjoy the composition. Two birds to the right of center, looking left. Two birds overhead, flying to the right. Half sky, half earth with the two birds’ heads popping way above that halfway mark. Pink feet and a close up of nest materials to make the foreground interesting. You are just soooo good!
Who are you, Peter Butterfield? I always look for your poetic remarks. Today’s is especially beautiful.
I agree with Shardae. I had to look twice to see where the eyes actually were. It’s interesting that the male and female of this species look alike. Normally, it’s the male birds that have the bright colors and the females look so plain and ordinary.
What’s the trick to getting these fantastic wide-angle wildlife shots? (Here with flash, no less!) Set everything up and, using a remote trigger, let the wildlife come to the camera? Or did these guys actually let you get that close?
Hey Don, I spent about two to three hours with this colony. They became very habituated to my presence and I was able to pretty much get as close as I wanted. They also were much more comfortable with me when I was belly down on the ground (as are many animals — especially if I stay down like that for half an hour or more). The flash was added once I realized that they stopped paying attention to me.
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In addition to penguins, there were plenty of birds of the flying variety in the Falklands. The imperial cormorants, or imperial shags, were among my favorites. Cormorants can be awkward looking birds, but they often have striking facial features. You can see the blue rings around the eyes of these guys and the orange “nasal knobs.” Watching the activity of this colony was one of the highlights of the trip. It was nesting season and as one cormorant would fly out to sea to collect kelp for its nest, another cormorant would sneak in and steal the kelp that was already there. Fights were constantly breaking out between the thieves and those defending their nests. This was a rare cormorant-only colony — as these birds also nest alongside, and in amongst, the rockhopper penguins.
Lithe torpedos beneath the waves —- Earth bound to tend their kelpish nests —- A promise to their young.
The subject matter of your photos is always marvelous, of course, but I also enjoy the composition. Two birds to the right of center, looking left. Two birds overhead, flying to the right. Half sky, half earth with the two birds’ heads popping way above that halfway mark. Pink feet and a close up of nest materials to make the foreground interesting. You are just soooo good!
Who are you, Peter Butterfield? I always look for your poetic remarks. Today’s is especially beautiful.
Thanks Ann, and yes, who is Peter Butterfield?
Weird looking birds! From a distance, it looks like those nasal knobs are the eyes when they’re facing you.
“Ok, everyone…look left!” sweet.
So true, Shardae! Their real eyes are much prettier! Do those knobs have a function? Nice contrast between the rough terrain and gentle sky.
I agree with Shardae. I had to look twice to see where the eyes actually were. It’s interesting that the male and female of this species look alike. Normally, it’s the male birds that have the bright colors and the females look so plain and ordinary.
These birds remind me of Muppets! It is not difficult to see where Jim Henson got some of his inspiration!
What’s the trick to getting these fantastic wide-angle wildlife shots? (Here with flash, no less!) Set everything up and, using a remote trigger, let the wildlife come to the camera? Or did these guys actually let you get that close?
Hey Don, I spent about two to three hours with this colony. They became very habituated to my presence and I was able to pretty much get as close as I wanted. They also were much more comfortable with me when I was belly down on the ground (as are many animals — especially if I stay down like that for half an hour or more). The flash was added once I realized that they stopped paying attention to me.
Excellent! Great job, sir!