Horned Puffin Flight Shot

Wow! Thought you didn't get any of these in flight? Looks like you did pretty well, exposure looks good and the bird is sharp! Very cool. Looks like I have to go back for flight shots and foxes.

Dennis, this is wonderful, and so sharp! The flash and exposure looks great and while the bird is slightly past your position, the head turn makes up for it and I like seeing the back of the far wing.

I little side story:

I have to say that shooting these guys is by no stretch of the imagination an easy task, and it's not for the impatient. The conditions were dark and rainy, as Dennis described, and not anywhere near optimal for shooting, particularly for shooting flight (except for he wind). We were all a little frustrated with the conditions and I remember having to bring a clean cotton t-shirt to wipe the salt spray from my lens no less than every two minutes. Much of it was admittedly a waste of time, but we were just a little determined and had not much else to do.

While Dennis was standing at the point of the South West cliffs, and E.J. and I were about 100 yards back from there, the gusty wind blowing in my ears was about the only thing I could hear. All of a sudden I hear Dennis cheering like a running back who had just made a game-winning touchdown after the 2-minute warning. I look up to see him punching his fist into the air and enthusiastically jumping for joy. Whew! Whew! he cheered. I knew he nailed one and it put a big smile on my face too . I was happy for him and it was fun to watch.

It is this kind of determination and, most of all, enthusiasm that I love to see. It feels so good to nail a shot like this (or see someone else nail one) and it is what makes those of us who love this keep coming back for more.

It was a memorable day and one I won't soon forget.

Way to go Dennis!

Dennis,

Fantastic flight shot! The detail and exposure are perfect. Great work!

Congrats, Dennis!
A truly wonderful flight shot of puffin I've seen; right across and in front of you that is ...
You nailed it!

Perseverance pays off. You already know a little more space in the frame would help. There seems to be a fair bit of noise, but you had to get the SS up so fair trade. Very nice considering the conditions.

Wonderful, Dennis! These birds make me smile and so did Greg's side story! Congrats!!

Great shot, Dennis! This puffin looks like it is really moving. Nice catch.

Super Shot!!! Thanks for sharing.

From the tip of the beak to the little black toenails, very nicely done! And I'll take this kind of tight on this guy any day. This guy's gotta wonder why God gave him those stubby little wings for such a rotund body.

Rich

Great capture Dennis. I know how tough it can be to get a small fast bird in flight. Nasty weather doesn't make it any easier. Great job!

Awesome shot, especially given the conditions.... awesome stuff.
Matthew

This is amazing, Dennis. No nits from me. Greg's story adds much to my feeling about how you captured this image and how excited you were.

Hey man, you've been holding out on us! A super cool shot!

Dennis,
Does jealousy mean anything to you? I remember standing on a cold windy island off the Lake Clark NP shoreline and trying to get something like this. Excellent, you nailed it. This is a difficult shot and very well done. These guys just zip back and forth and I know you worked hard.

Oh boy, this is cool. Love that expression. Excellent use of flash.

Dennis,
Way cool! You did well with this one. The conditions you and Greg described are exactly how I remember St. Paul Island.

Love this...just a great capture and the techs are on the money. Give the man a WOW!

Dennis,

the only word which comes to mind is outstanding. The sharpness of the face and the blurred wing are a great combination.