Black-legged Kittiwake Pissed Off as Dead Chick

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Arthur Morris

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BPN-Black-legged-Kittiwake-coming-in-to-land-_A1G1796-Grimsey-Island,-Icleand-Enhanced-NR.jpg

Black-legged Kittiwake Returning to Nest

This image was created on 25 July 2023 on my Grimsey Island, Iceland visit. Standing at full height at the edge of a cliff on a very windy morning, I used the handheldSony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter (at 280mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. The exposure was determined via Zebras. ISO 1000: 1/3200 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 10:20:01am on a cloudy morning.
Tracking: Zone AF/C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.

The kittiwake was quite upset. It flew in and out of its cliff nest repeatedly. It would land and offer to regurgitate partially digested fish to its chick by leaning in close while opening its bill to reveal the red throat that replaces the pecking spot of the larger gulls. The problem was that its chick was dead. Very dead. But the bird, becoming increasingly agitated, refused to give up. Several times it flew screaming back to the nest. By being in the right spot, I had some very good chances.

As for the image, don't be shy. All comments are appreciated.

with love, artie
 
Hi Artie, love the wings stretched out in front, beak open and the head just slightly angled. Nice detail all the way through from the tip of the wings to the tail. The blue/green backdrop compliments the subjects colours and adds nice standout.

TFS
Steve
 
Hello Artie:wave:

Unusual scene, love the image design here and pose from the bird. Well exposed with nice detail, background is superb, wonderful detail on those outstretched wings.

An impressive frame well executed with great techs. Enjoyed viewing, thank you so much for sharing the story behind the image.

Warmest regards,
 

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