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| This immature Galapagos Hawk was photographed with the handheld 70-200mm f/4L IS lens (at 75mm) and the EOS-1D MIII. ISO 400. Evaulative metering +2 stops: 1/640 sec. at f/7.1. |
After a successful but long and arudous walk on the 3 mile trail at Urbina Bay we planned to call the pangas once we got back to the beach. We were, however, delayed when we were met there by about a dozen Galapagos Hawks. Our brilliant guide, Juan Salcedo, theorized that a turtle nest had hatched the day before and that the birds had returned in hopes of another feast. The birds were ridiculousy tame; at times, they landed on our lenses. With clear skies, bright sun, and the wind against the sun we worked hard to create some pleasing backlit images.
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| This image is copyright and courtesy of Keith Kennedy a participant on this year's Photo Cruise and a multiple IPT veteran. |
Thanks Keith! I believe that this image was created at virtually the same instant as the opening image above. Do note my Sun Protection Hood. See the BAA store for more info on this great product. And as always, you can click on each image to see a larger version.
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| This yawning backlit youngster was photographed with the Canon 800mm f.5.6L IS lens, the 1.4X II TC, and the EOS-1D MIII. ISO 400. Evaluative metering +2/3 stop: 1/200 sec. at f/9. |
See the informative BPN thread on this image here: http://www.birdphotographers.net/forums/showthread.php?t=41523
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| Image created with the handheld Canon 70-200mm f/4L IS lens at 127 mm with the EOS-1Dn MII. |
Careful readers might be asking why I was using the old 1Dn II. Well, I was carrying Doug Holstein’s 500 rig over some big lava rocks and our guide Juan wound up far ahead carrying my 800 with the MIII on it. Suddenly, one of the young hawks was hovering right above me so I grabbed Doug’s camera and the short zoom lens from my Xrtrahand vest and went to work.
All in all it was a truly amazing experience. I only wish that we had been there for a turtle hatching. Maybe next year….
More panga stuff coming soon.
Fantastic shots. What a great place this must be.
I wish the Common Buzzards on my area where as tame as that fellow.
Actually, there were about 11 juveniles and one adult. Everyone got face portraits of the young birds, the adult was a bit more shy. We did run into an adult male on Hood Island that was quite tame. After I walked away he dove into a bush and came up with a hatchling Marine Iguana!
Most of the birds on the Galapagos are ridiculoulsy tame.