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The Presentation


The Presentation
Photo Information
Copyright: John Plumb (JPlumb) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 643 W: 160 N: 894] (2837)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2006-10-30
Categories: Mammals, Birds
Camera: Nikon D-200, Nikkor 70-200/2.8VR, Nikon 2X TConverter TC-20E II
Exposure: f/5.6, 1/200 seconds
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2006-12-14 20:41
Viewed: 940
Points: 8
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
“The Presentation” is the final chapter in this visual story of this Laughing Kookaburra and his hunt.
Chapter 1, “The Hunt” can be seen here .
Chapter 2, “The Dive” can be seen here .
Chapter 3, “The Catch” can be seen here .

I am convinced this Kookaburra knew I was watching it. When it was done preparing it’s catch with it’s back to me, it turned around and presented the mouse. It held this pose for a couple of minutes before flying away. Pam Russell (Coasties) witnessed a similar activity with a Kookaburra she photographed last year in New Zealand. Hers was raucous; mine was quiet. Still they exhibited the same trait of pride in “showing off” their prize.

Laughing Kookaburras breed from August to January. The birds are believed to pair for life. The nest is a bare chamber in a naturally occurring tree hollow or in a burrow excavated in an arboreal (tree-dwelling) termite mound. Both sexes share the incubation duties and both care for the young. Other Laughing Kookaburras, usually offspring of the previous 1-2 years, act as 'helpers' during the breeding season. Every bird in the group shares all parenting duties. This bird was small; Laughing Kookaburras can attain a size of up to 45 cm. This one wouldn’t have been much larger than 30 cm (1 ft.). I expect it may have been one of the helpers. (much of this is from: http://www.amonline.net.au/factSheets/laughing_kookaburra.htm )

This and the other three shots in this series were shot hand held, with a doubler on the lens. The lens has VR (vibration reduction) which I think helped. The Kookaburra looks a little disheveled in this shot. That is from the wind blowing off the water. Post processing for this shot included: selective noise reduction on the water behind him, adjustments for shadows and highlights, some levels adjustments, a slight adjustment to contrast (up), cropping for this post, and sharpening for this post.

And for those who haven’t heard a Laughing Kookaburra (I love this sound) here’s a Sound Bite of a pair of them. Warning: turn your speakers down.

from: http://birdsinbackyards.net/images/audio/dacelo-novaeguineae.mp3
Adanac, mlines, pierrefonds has marked this note useful
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Discussions
ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To mlines: ClassicJPlumb 1 12-19 17:14
To arfer: Follow Up ShotJPlumb 1 12-19 16:54
To Adanac: BackgroundJPlumb 1 12-19 16:44
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • Adanac Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1052 W: 1 N: 4179] (14054)
  • [2006-12-14 21:16]
  • [+]

Hi John,
Very nice capture, good point of view and I like the background. I found you note very interesting as well, thanks for sharing, Rick

  • Great 
  • arfer Gold Star Critiquer [C: 2731 W: 0 N: 0] (0)
  • [2006-12-15 20:25]
  • [+]

Hello John

A very good follow up shot to this series of pics.Again lovely natural colours and excellent timing.This quick action photography is quite difficult.Good POV and DOF.The details are very good.TFS

Rob

Hi John, I draw inspiration from your photos. This is a classic, fancy getting it with a mouthful. Excellent clarity and colour. TFS. Murray.
PS also thanks for identifying the heron.

Hi John,

A nice image of the Laughing Kookaburra, the photo has a good composition, sharpness and beautiful colors. thanks for sharing.

Pierre

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