Flight #7, a photo from Victoria, East

Photographer's Note

Melbourne has only one species of megabat (big bat), the Grey-headed flying fox. Like all flying foxes it is vegetarian eating nectar, pollen and fruit from native and exotic (non-native trees), does not have echolocation, uses its eyes and ears like humans. It has night vision as good as a cat. The bats can be seen each evening just after sunset flying across Melbourne to its various parks, gardens and backyard trees.
Here is one at Yarra Bend where there is a colony of between 3000 - 7500.

I took this on a hot day when they skim the water to cool down. This one was just leaving the water.

To those who may have seen my previous bats photo posts - take heart, I'm sure I'll tire of them before too many more.

Matthew-Watt, anurts has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

anurts (249) 2008-02-06 5:41 [Comment]

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johnfreeman (2274) 2008-02-06 14:59

Hello Stephen,
I hadn't seen your previous bat photos but found this very striking. It's nicely in focus on the head and the dripping water after skimming is fascinating, just a pity that the wingtips are cut off.
Nonetheless an appealing image and an informative note too.
John

t0bs (147) 2008-02-06 17:07

Hi Stephen

Great capture. The focus is right on its face. The background also blurred perfectly. I believed it must have been only a split second opportunity for you to capture this image. Well done.
I'm just thinking about the wings. It's a bit cropped on its tips (especially the left wing). Never mind. Still great though.

Cheers
Toby

miscaro (236) 2008-04-14 2:22

Perfect, simply perfect.

zahoor_salmi (1053) 2009-01-07 19:41

Great capture. The focus is right on its face.

Khattakphoto (686) 2009-01-15 19:57

Hi Stephen

The focus is right on its face. The background also blurred perfectly.
Well done.

Regards
Hanif Khattak

alftrek (3270) 2009-05-15 16:03

Hello Steve,
I don't know if you notice it, 3 of your amazing shots appear on TE front page under Featured Theme. I like all of them. Good stuff. Wondering how how could get this close with your 70-200?

cheers
Alfred

abulafia (4900) 2009-10-07 17:56

Hi Stephen

I saw your them on the frontpage today, great pictures of flying foxes!

Harry