Catching a meal
a Jackal that perfected its method of catching sandgrouse at a waterhole, show its skills. While the birds are descending to the waterhole, it starts running fr...
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a Jackal that perfected its method of catching sandgrouse at a waterhole, show its skills. While the birds are descending to the waterhole, it starts running from behind and jump for its catch even before the birds touches the ground.
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Dec, 2016Views
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Awards
Fall Award 2020
Superb Composition
Outstanding Creativity
Absolute Masterpiece
Peer Award
Magnificent Capture
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Behind The Lens
Location
Thanks for the opportunity to explain... This photo was taken in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park between South Africa and Botswana, on the South African side at a water hole near the Nossob rest camp.Time
This particular waterhole is known for the sandgrouse coming in for a quick water stop, and for jackal or predator birds trying to catch a quick meal while they are there. The birds land for a mere seconds before proceeding on their way. This particular morning we were very lucky, since there were no birds on our first stop at the water hole, so we proceeded deeper into the park. Because there were no activity, we turned around back to camp, just to be treated with these birds starting to arrive at the water hole as we passed it again around 09 0'clock am. And suddenly this jackal appeared in time and gave as a show!Lighting
At that time of the morning in Africa, the sun is already shining brightly, so that helped with the settings on the camera to take quick action photos and freeze them. I love action bird photography, so my camera settings were already set when we arrived at this once in a life time opportunity, and I could concentrate on the action and focusing.Equipment
I use a Nikon D5 and a 600mm Nikon 1.4 fixed lens. I also stabilize the camera and lens on a Gimpro door mount which is perfect for this type of scenery.Inspiration
Well, as mentioned, action photos are my passion - and here I had a flying bird and a jumping jackal all in one! I see this picture as one of my best opportunities ever in this genre.Editing
For post processing I cropped the photo and did some minor and normal cleaning up of the picture.In my camera bag
Loving wildlife and birds, the D5 and the 600mm lens is my go to kit. I also have the Nikon wide angle lens, the 24-70 and the 70-200 as part of the Nikon stuff in my bag. A big bean bag stuffed with mattress sponge works best for me when not using the Gimpro. I also use tripods, a mono pod and a Benro Gimball head when on foot with the long lens. My camera has a L-plate on permanently for when I get the opportunity to do landscape photography and I then use a Sirui ball head and a leveler. I also do have a Nisi filter or two after I lost some Lee filters and could not get hold of new ones in South Africa. A useful tip for those interested - I also use a motorcycle glove when sitting in hides - the reason, I then rest my lens on my (left)hand - the hard parts of the motorcycle gloves underneath makes it easy on my knuckles and I then can move the lens quicker without hurting my hand. In many hides it is not possible to set up a long heavy lens with a tripod or mono pod.Feedback
First - you must be there when the action happen. A fast shutter speed is of most importance, and then one must practice and practice - so that when the opportunity arise, you are ready. In this case it is also in your favor to know your area and the behavior of the animals you are photographing.
