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Flying again...


Flying again...
Photo Information
Copyright: Gerhard Theron (gerhardt) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1976 W: 259 N: 4103] (11585)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2005-11-10
Categories: Birds
Camera: Canon EOS 20D, Canon EF 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6L IS USM, Digital ISO 200, Hoya UV (72mm)
Exposure: f/6.3, 1/1000 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2005-11-10 15:58
Viewed: 1353
Points: 34
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Black-shouldered Kite
Elanus caeruleus

20 % of all the world’s birds of prey can be found in Southern Africa. Currently 18 species are listed in the South African Red Data Book. This book holds the lists of species that are rare, threatened or in danger of becoming extinct. This figure is disproportionately high. Birds of prey only make up some 9 % of the avifauna, but constitute 17 % of the threatened species.

To allow an eagle or any other bird of prey to become extinct would be tantamount to stripping the earth of its last vestiges of dignity. Birds of prey are the embodiment of free will and untainted liberty, representative of power and fierce, almost defiant independence.

Herein lies a conservation challenge: To identify the threatened species, to unravel the causes of the problems facing them, and implement effective action before it is too late. As far as your part in this conservation challenge is concerned, you have already achieved a great deal. Just by virtue of being a TrekNature member you have assisted in spreading the exposure of the type of work in conservation being undertaken, and the necessity for it.

The species that are included in this groups are pretty much a mixed bag, put together for convenience, and do not reflect any taxonomic affinity. Only one of these, the Black Kite, is a true kite. The others include the Yellowbilled Kite and Black Shouldered Kite. The Yellowbilled Kite is in fact a subspecies of the Black Kite, both in the Genus Mills. This genus is characterised by birds that are bold, and mainly scavenging. They have a dextrous graceful flight, and are capable of swooping quickly to the ground to snatch an item of food. The Black Shouldered Kite which is far more common and is the most likely species of the
group to be encountered.

I went to see the doctor today and he gave me the green light. I would be back at work next week. But... before I go I will be out in the veld to take some photos. This was the third photo I took after I left his office. I felt just like this bird... Free...

Thanx for all of your good wishes and words of encouragement.
coasties, PDP, Signal-Womb, hummingbird24, marhowie, paulbright, wallhalla15, scottevers7, dew77, red45, chouette, Luc has marked this note useful
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Discussions
ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To PDP: Well seen...gerhardt 1 11-11 02:44
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • PDP Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor [C: 2821 W: 344 N: 3779] (11769)
  • [2005-11-10 16:29]
  • [+]

Hi Gerhard, very nice. I remember a time when you longed for in-flight shots! I'm glad to see that they are becoming more frequent additions to your collection.

It's a very nice shot. I like the composition and the pose of the bird is very good. There is a little noise on the underside of the bird, I know this can't be your kit so I wonder if you did some shadows and highlights?

Good stuff, good news to get the green light but it's a shame you have to go back to work!

Excellent capture Gerhard with good detail and exposure. Your composition is what makes this different and special for me. Very nice work.

Great capture Gerhard,
Sorry, it's a rushed visit tonight.
Your post is well worth a big green smile.
Thanks for posting

  • Great 
  • manyee Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3067 W: 231 N: 6165] (21068)
  • [2005-11-10 20:17]

Wow, Gerhard. A splendid black-shouldered kite! One of my favorite birds amongst the birds of prey, which are my favorites. Sharp details and wonderful POV. Great job and TFS. : )
I am so happy to hear that you are on the mend. Take care. : )

Wonderful POV and perspective in this photo, Gerhard!

Your note is informative and gives a great message to all of us, thank you for caring.

A good work!

  • Great 
  • jossim Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1575 W: 5 N: 2181] (12252)
  • [2005-11-10 22:34]

Félicitations bonne exposition et beaucoup de détails.

Merci pour l'envoie!

yet another superb shot from you gerhardt. in-flight shots are such a treat to the eyes. the note is very good. keep them coming. TFS!

Hello Gerhard.
Very good moment you captured! Excellent sharpness and details. That´s a great composition with an excellen POV! Very well done! Thanks for posting.

I like the comp. Gerhard & the POV is excellent. Very good sharpness, detail and light. The kite's red eye is clearly seen also. Enjoy your R&R my friend. Well done!

Hi Gerhard,
An excellent in flight shot. Beautiful colors, with sharp detail. I like the composition and framing here. Your note has great truth about how we need to work harder to preserve what we have left of our natural world before we ruin it all.
Scott

Hi Gerhard
This is a great inflight, with very good exposure and details.
I like the composition, pose and colours too.
Great work, my friend.

It's good news about the green light,
but with all your new stuff it's better to stay home a week more.;-))

  • Great 
  • dew77 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 4774 W: 294 N: 4020] (13209)
  • [2005-11-11 11:09]

Hello Gerhard!
Wonderful in flight capture.POV,framing,details,blue sky at BG and composition are perfect.TFS...:-)

Hi Gerhard

Lovely shot. Good light and colours. Nicely composed with good sharpness and detail. Very nice work. Thanks.

  • Great 
  • red45 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2705 W: 74 N: 8864] (30243)
  • [2005-11-12 12:45]

Hi Gerhard!
Beautifull scene - birds are so free! I like wide open composition, blue sky and of course bird. Interesting story completed this very good post.

Great action shot! Nice pose of the bird, we can see lots of details on the feathers. Excellent DOF and nice light. Thanks for sharing!

  • Great 
  • sAner Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1490 W: 72 N: 1427] (4744)
  • [2005-11-16 14:10]

Hi Gerhard,

I see I have missed some of your shots! :( Anyway, this is a great one. Sharp details and I love the composition. Empty space always works very well I think. Well done & TFS!

Regards,
Pieter

Ps-Where's that e-mail buddy!? ;)

  • Great 
  • Luc Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1873 W: 304 N: 4300] (14729)
  • [2005-12-09 22:42]

The doctor gave you the green light for to work not for to take photos ;-)
Personal assessment of the photo: excellent.
Capacity of evocation in me: strong.
Strong visual impact.
Personal assessment of the note: complete.
Thank you very much my friend Gerhard.
Great shot!
I am happy to hear that you are healthy and for a long time I wish.

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