A Snake Bird drying its wings Photo

Photographer’s Note

Yesterday I posted a shot of the Anhinga or Snake Bird as its sometimes called, resting in the lake. This is the pose I had normally seen it in and didn't realize they had to dry out their wings. They are a very curious creature and having never seen them before, I am fascinated by them. I posted the link with my last picture if you're interested in knowing more.

The light conditions were really tough and he was far away from me so the quality isn't all I wish it could be. Hope you enjoy it anyway.

JCG, gunbud, Vasa, jusninasirun has marked this note useful

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JCG (25331) 2009-10-21 9:01

Hello Again Shelly,

Apparently the bird plunged but to miss its prey !!! Beautiful focus on the subject drying its wings. Still an effective framing which balances the composition agreeably. The good exposure emphasizes well the bird on this rather green environment. Well done Shelly.

With all my friendships of Versailles under the rain…

Jean-Charles

Longroute (9355) 2009-10-21 12:35

A very good composition with the tree and bird on the left corner and the rest of the photo with a neutral or blurred bg.
It's very incisive even if as -you said- the conditions were not easy. I think it's the strong contrast that makes it so vivid and clear.
I don't find strange this bird, actually it's very similar to our cormorans (even in their habits of extending the wings to let them dry) only they are bigger and with the yellow collar on the chest.

Best greetings,
Donato

gunbud (27879) 2009-10-21 15:05

Hi Shelly,
Beautiful decisive moment capture of this unique bird with such an impressive wing span.
Love the textures to the old tree and the muted green backdrop.
Regards, Tom

Juntas (3259) 2009-10-22 2:22

Hi Shelley. Very nice focus on the bird. Nice composition with the tree that seems a big foot. Good colors and dof. Well done. Best regards. PAulo

Dyerco (9078) 2009-10-22 7:44

Hi Shelly
Nicely composed with the bird in the lower left quadrant. You have captured some nice detail despite the light and distance. We have cormorants around here that do the same thing with their wings.
Phil

batalay (20940) 2009-10-22 17:24

You should be a nature photographer, Shelly,

This is a stupendous capture, the bird showing off his full span, and back lit by the glowing surface of the water. It is graceful and noble in its pose.

Warm regards,

Bulent

Vasa (5500) 2009-10-23 3:40

Cannot be seen better, dear Shelly. Many things are important for that lovely realization: your presence there, the presence of the bird just on that place, the comportment of the birds, the light, your sensibility. Decisive moment, but the real. All compliments dear friend, you are the queen of animal photos.

Warm regards,

Branko

jplebrun (16978) 2009-10-23 13:37

Bonjour Shelly
j'ai fait le tour de ton album photos que j'ai bien aimé tant par sa diversité que par sa qualité, j'ai retenu celle-ci pour son originalité, j'aime beaucoup les animaux et je trouve que cet oiseau à de belles manières, la luminosité donne de belles couleurs à l'ensemble du cliché.
Amitiés
Jean-Pierre

jusninasirun (10203) 2009-10-25 1:28

Hi Shelly: This shot is excellent with the highlight on the back. I like the well perched position on that rustic looking tree and nice pleasing shallow focus. Well done. Jusni