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Room to move


Room to move
Photo Information
Copyright: Guy Castley (Greenie) Silver Note Writer [C: 3 W: 2 N: 16] (68)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2005-04-21
Categories: Birds
Camera: Nikon D70 DSLR, Nikkor 70-210mm AF, Kenko Skylight 1A 62mm
Exposure: f/11, 1/2000 seconds
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2007-02-28 8:17
Viewed: 1588
Favorites: 1 [view]
Points: 10
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
This photo was taken on Bird Island in Algoa Bay, South Africa. The island is only about 5 or 6 hectares in size but the Cape Gannets pictured here only use about half of this for nesting purposes. The island supports the largest breeding colony of Cape Gannet in southern Africa with more than 160000 birds being recorded on the island (that's about 6 birds per square meter). The island is also an Important Bird Area for other coatal and marine species such as the African penguin (second largest colony in South Africa, in excess of 10000 birds) and Roseate Tern.

Bird island, along with other in the bay (St Croix) was previous targetted for the collection of guano which had a severe impact on these breeding bird populations. However, since these harvest were stopped in the late 1980's the bird popualtions have thrived (aided by erradication of feral rabbit populations on the island.

Bird Island now forms part of the greater Addo Elephant National Park in South Africa and will be a central feature of a 120000 hectare marine protected area aimed at protecting not only the islands and their breeding bird populations but also unique reefs, marine mammal populations and pristine coastline.

This photo was taken while I was out working on the island and was unfortunately during the middle of the day so the light was not the greatest. I also had the shutter speed set fast to capture the birds flying overhead, landing and such. The birds are continually competing for space and those nearer the edge get the chance to stretch occasionally.

I have not modified the image much apart from some minor sharpening and such.

Cheers
Maite, badar, Watershed has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • Maite Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1007 W: 64 N: 1266] (5195)
  • [2007-02-28 10:27]

Wow, Guy!!
I love this image! What a wonderful capture with that bird openwinged!
A wondrous composition with excellent sharpness, DOF, lighting, colors and everything!
My compliments and than you very much for sharing.
Greetings
Maite

  • Great 
  • jaycee Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2493 W: 11 N: 6885] (21912)
  • [2007-02-28 10:53]

Hi Guy,

This is quite a capture. Love the wing span and the faces that look like they have been painted.

TFS

Jane

  • Great 
  • badar Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 108 W: 0 N: 159] (785)
  • [2007-02-28 12:03]

Hi Guy,
With this photograph & your note you have given us such a good peek into the world of these gannets.
TFS
Badruddin Ali

Hi Guy,
Very nice capture! I really like the composition and the low POV. Excellente details, DOF and colours. Very well done! TFS
Stéph

A bird photo with a difference, love the action! Well done
Peter

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