Johnny Walker Jackal Buzzard
After lying in hiding for 3 days this Jackal Buzzard flew in, landed directly in front of my son and I and proceeded to march like a man straight towards us in ...
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After lying in hiding for 3 days this Jackal Buzzard flew in, landed directly in front of my son and I and proceeded to march like a man straight towards us in order to get to the carcass. He then proceeded to consume his fill and flew away.
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Jun, 2016Views
551
Likes
Awards
Action Award
Fall Award 2020
Absolute Masterpiece
Superb Composition
Peer Award
Top Choice
Magnificent Capture
All Star
Superior Skill
Outstanding Creativity
Emotions
Happy
Top Ranks
Top 30 rank week 1
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken at Giant's Castle in the Drakensberg Mountain Range on the border between South Africa and highland kingdom of Lesotho. My son and I sat in this hide on the cliff edge for 3 days trying to get that one awesome shot. This spot is renowned for its raptors and especially the highly endangered Bearded Vulture. The goal was to get some images of the Bearded Vultures and then any other raptors that may present itself. About 75meters from our hide there was a carcass which attracted the attention of a number of Ravens. On day 3 I noticed this Jackal Buzzard streaking in at speed straight at the carcass. It landed and with absolute attitude it marched straight towards the carcass and the Ravens. Fortunately for me this was the same direct line straight at our hide. It marched in, despatched the Ravens and proceeded to consume its share of the carcass. What a magnificent raptor!Time
We had sat in this tiny hide in the icy cold weather at the top of this mountain range waiting for the raptors. At around 9am on day three this Jackal Buzzard swooped in to our delight. Magnificent in all its splendour and attitude. It stayed with us for around 10 minutes and then took off with a screech.Lighting
The lighting was still quite soft so no additional flash was needed. Just under-exposed it a little to save any whites.Equipment
I used the Canon 1DX MkII with the F4 600mm Canon lens. Then I mounted it on a tripod for ease of use as the lens is quite heavy for hand held.Inspiration
To be brutaly honest the shot presented itself and I pulled the trigger. No inspiration, just fortuitous luck and realising this was a great shot in the making.Editing
Yes, did the usual cropping, sharpening and colour enhancing. Bit of Lightroom and a bit of Photoshop.In my camera bag
My usual equipment is all Canon: 1DX MkII Body 5D MkIV Body F4 600mm fixed lens F4 100-400mm Lens Flash 1,4 converterFeedback
When I am asked how to get great images my answer is always: Practice, Patience and loads of Passion. Nothing replaces passion
