Royal Tern courtship behavior


Posted by Chris Valentine on Wed Mar 31, 2004 11:01 pm

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Royal Terns
Fort Desoto Park, FL

Photographed this couple last weekend. Getting two birds isolated was the difficulty. As soon as two birds started their dance a third...fourth and so on would crowd in.

I certainly learned important lessons about shooting from the ground on sand. I think all my equipment survived, 10D gave out on me for awhile but seems to be working fine now.

10D 600mm with ext. tubes
1/640 sec, f/10
Exp comp: -2/3
ISO: 200
Support: Tripod mount directly on ground
Chris Valentine
Liberty, MO

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by Bill Whala on Wed Mar 31, 2004 11:36 pm
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Chris,

This is really cool!! I love the composition and interaction. 8)
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by Peterh on Thu Apr 01, 2004 1:50 am
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This is just great.

Excellent shot in all aspects.

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by Japper on Thu Apr 01, 2004 6:16 am
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Stunning composition! This works really well. A well thought shot, one to be proud of!
 

by Peter Wallack on Thu Apr 01, 2004 6:20 am
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Very artistic bird outlines. Delightful and important behavior captured.
 

by Harvey Edelman on Thu Apr 01, 2004 7:04 am
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Beautiful detail and composition.
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by Wayneh on Thu Apr 01, 2004 7:36 am
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Great shot Chris. Well done!

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by DC on Thu Apr 01, 2004 8:07 am
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Awesome shot Chris. Excellent technique and sand-crawling ability :wink:
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by RichardMittleman/Gon2Foto on Thu Apr 01, 2004 10:23 am
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Great crop. It would have been awesome if they were a little more symetrical.
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by AForns on Thu Apr 01, 2004 10:36 am
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Excellent shot Chris I particularly like the way the birds are looking, one slightly down the other directly as if communicating. A very strong and beautiful image.

Next time try the mud, its softer and cooler than the sand :lol: I had to physically wash the 500 (damp cloth with woolite) when I got back to the room :)
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by walkinman on Thu Apr 01, 2004 10:56 am
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Hey Chris,

This is WAY WAAAYY cool. I think it's awesome, both in conception and execution. Superb photo.

Cheers

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by Mike Danzenbaker on Thu Apr 01, 2004 12:41 pm
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I'll agree with everyone else so far in applauding your vision and execution. Certainly worth a little sand on your equipment.

It would be even more ideal if the left bird were facing your way a bit more (like the other one), but with everything this has going for it ...
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by Noel on Thu Apr 01, 2004 1:32 pm
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They truly do look in love!

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by Dennis Olivero on Thu Apr 01, 2004 2:43 pm
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Very creative comp! Excellent...
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by AlexC on Thu Apr 01, 2004 3:14 pm
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The touching wings does it for me, the look also helps, and the exposure is very nice so are the colors!! Congrats!! 8)
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by ebkw on Thu Apr 01, 2004 8:20 pm
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Interesting to see the difference in the thickness of the beaks. Well done and behaviour I would like to see!!
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by Alan Melle on Thu Apr 01, 2004 8:53 pm
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Wonderful shot! Love the composition.
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by Jill on Thu Apr 01, 2004 11:08 pm
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Chris, A loverly image in all respects!!! Fabulous composition!!! :D :D
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by digimies on Fri Apr 02, 2004 12:35 am
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Great capture of interaction. Tight composition is bringing out mood very well.
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by Neil Solomon on Fri Apr 02, 2004 11:04 am
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Chris,

As has been said, the composition is tremendous. With the wings touching it almost looks like they're taking their vows. There is great symbolism here.
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