Aerodynamically perfect, a photo from Chatham Islands, Other Islands

Photographer's Note

We were out fishing earlier this week in Hanson Bay on the east coast of Chatham Island when a number of these magnificent Pacific mollymawks came around - always ready to grab any fish or bait scraps, especially after the fish have been filleted. We were moving position & these birds followed us. This was when I took this picture. He was just coing in the land on the water next to the boat. Mollymawks are small albatross & there are several different species found around the New Zealand coast. The Chatham Islands in a major breeding area for both mollymawks & the large Royal albatross. These birds in the air are amazing - very little flapping of the wings, just utilising air currents to their maximum. Royal albatross have been clocked at speeds of over 115kmph!!

CLODO has marked this note useful

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emka (59010) 2013-01-30 23:59

Hi Neil, A pity the photo is not a bit bigger, with the full wings, but of course it is not easy to make such a close up of flying bird. We see even the water droplets here. Excellent photo!

Warm, regrads

Malgo

CLODO (24902) 2013-01-31 0:14

Hi Neil

Too close, you should have taken it with a 10mm lens! Good overall sharpness from drop of water in the beak to the legs!
Hats off, but it's a pity the wings are cut!
Regards
CLODO

arnie (718) 2013-01-31 2:57

Hi Neil,
Stunning capture, yes a pity not in full shot but i think it would have taken away the great detail in the face.
Regards Arnie.

Jakab (3861) 2013-02-01 3:10

Hello Neil,
though a bit too close but otherwise an excellent shot. I could not resist to correct the light curves only to see how it looks when brighter and more contrasty.
Best whishes
Laszlo

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