Kookaburra with mouse at back door
This kookaburra swooped near my verandah during a mice plague, and grabbed this one - he nearly lost it - was interesting to watch....
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This kookaburra swooped near my verandah during a mice plague, and grabbed this one - he nearly lost it - was interesting to watch.
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Mar, 2013Views
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Awards
Featured
Contest Finalist in Survival Photo Contest
Peer Award
Top Choice
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Magnificent Capture
Superior Skill
Outstanding Creativity
All Star
Jaw Dropping
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ChrisKIELY
March 06, 2013
Thanks so much Mistyvkirsch. Thank you also for your PR! Much appreciated.
Platinum
ChrisKIELY
March 07, 2013
Thanks heaps mdriley for your fabulous comment - yes, the poor mouse didn't look comfortable at all!
ChrisKIELY
March 07, 2013
Thanks so much Kazza - just a lucky shot I guess - being in the right place at the right time.
PRO+
BrianBasson
March 08, 2013
Wow, Chris!! This is an awesome photo with great detail, bokeh and light! Well done and thank you for sharing this with us on VB. Brian :-)
ChrisKIELY
August 12, 2013
Thanks heaps Brian - it was one of those shots that makes you glad you walk around with the camera strung around your neck :)
ChrisKIELY
August 12, 2013
Thanks so much Louse! A lucky snap - only once in a while we get the chance. I was standing on my veranda when this kookaburra sat near me, and I had the camera around my neck. I always have the camera while I'm walking around outside - we have so many birds and reptiles etc that come and go on our property.
Platinum
PRO+
ChrisKIELY
August 12, 2013
Thanks heaps for your fabulous feedback! Yep, poor mouse - the kookaburra's are very quick. I hate it when they get one of my little frogs in our pond though!
PRO
snowdon
September 18, 2015
Brilliant work Chris, congratulations in your Finalist Win in Survival competition
PRO+
kathyk_abq
October 04, 2015
Incredible shot! You may have been in the right place at the right time, but you knew what to do! :)
Platinum
PRO
Philjmainey
December 02, 2016
Join the conversation. Add a comment or even better, a critique. Let's get better together!
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
I was standing on my veranda, and as always, I had my camera with me. This Kookaburra flew right past me, and landed on a chair just a few feet away from me, with this mouse well entrenched in his beak. I was at first taken back, then I started clicking straight away, never wanting to lose a shot of this perfect opportunity. I was totally thrilled when I saw the photo turned out. An ideal opportunity for a candid shot.Time
It was around midday when I captured this photo - it must have been lunchtime in the Kookaburra household too. Probably two babies to feed as well. The babies are always hungry. The Kookaburras are always on the lookout for food. We have a fishpond outside which is covered with mesh - the kookaburra keeps a keen eye on them!Lighting
The lighting was just at the right time of day with the sun in the right position to shed enough light on the action. I didn't need to use a flash. I had to be mindful of not frightening this Kookaburra away, with his prize possession well and truly locked in his beak.Equipment
This shot was captured with my Sony a500. I didn't have time to grab a tripod or anything else. It was a matter of bolting out the door, quietly, yet quickly, to get as many photos as I could, hoping I would get one decent shot.Inspiration
I'm one of those people who take photos of anything and everything. I do particularly love wildlife photos though. The term "Wildlife" encompasses anything animal, bird, insect, snake, flowers - you name it. If it's within reach, I'll take a photo of it.Editing
The only post-processing I did with this shot, was to sharpen a little, otherwise it was pretty much off the camera.In my camera bag
In my bag, I always have my macro lens and my 18-55mml lens. Most of the time I use my 300mm lens. It is awesome for macro and most photos I take. I also carry my tripod, which folds up small enough to fit well in the camera bag. I always carry lens wipes, spare Lens covers, a few spare camera cards so as to never be caught out with not enough room on the cards.Feedback
Be ready is my advice. Never stop looking. I have my camera with me most of the time I am outside. I live on a country property in rural New South Wales, Australia. There is a large amount of wildlife on our property, including sugar glider possums, goanna's, snakes, lots of birds along with plenty of other insects, animals and wildlife.
