20110427

Shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis)

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I knew the moment I spotted the brooding figure of this shag perched high above a precipitous cliff face that it could make a compelling image. There was something almost Lord of the Rings about the setting; something prehistoric, alien. As the bird waited for the right moment to take to the air, the sheen of its dark green breeding plumage catching occasional shimmers of light through the sea fret engulfing the cliffs, I waited with my finger on the shutter release. Then, as it took one step forward and launched itself on to the swirling wind, it took on the air of a dragon, dark and imposing against the mist. A magical moment.

Both Canon 1Ds MkII



Posted by at 10:38 pm

5 comments:

  1. Roy28 April 2011 at 11:45

    Wow, stunning shots Tim, definitely out of Lord of the Rings. Great detail (considering you had to cope with the dark plumage)

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  2. Anonymous28 April 2011 at 13:35

    Superb shots, the background is perfect.

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  3. Tim James28 April 2011 at 13:46

    Thanks Roy, thanks Toffeeapple. Much appreciated.

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  4. Quantum Tiger5 May 2011 at 19:41

    Great shots. Love the first shag particularly. Hoping to see these myself in a few days time!!!

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  5. Tim James5 May 2011 at 19:50

    Here's wishing you a wonderful trip – I'm sure you will find it, as I did, a wildlife wonder.

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