White-chinned Petrel (South Africa)

[Dorian Anderson]

Here's one from a very bouncy offshore boat trip! This is a southern hemisphere species (I've seen it in New Zealand, Chile, and now South Africa), but it makes very rare
appearance in the North Pacific. There are two records from California, and Im praying that I'll eventually encounter one on the dozen or so pelagic trips I do each year. I
ride for free as an official spotter, so that helps!

I'd usually want the far wing be a bit lower, but I like this frame as the current position helps set-off the namesake white chin, that field mark tiny and hard to see otherwise.
Wasn't wild about the window of sky beneath the body and wings, but it grown on me given the direct, eye-level view.

Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5/6 IS II on EOS R5
1/2500 at f/5.6, ISO 1000. Shoulda been a bit faster on the shutter, but this bird's loping flight forgave 1/2500
Processed in LR CC

• Canon EOS R5
• EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM
• ƒ/5.6
• 400mm
• 1/2500s
• ISO 1000
• dorian anderson
• Sun, 31 July 2022 12:27 AM
• dorian anderson
• Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic 9.4 (Macintosh)

 

[Colin Driscoll]

I really like the shot. Not sure how that horizon could be avoided other than being further below or above the bird.
Good light and detail.

 

[Andreas Liedmann]

Hi Dorian ... i do like the shot as presnted .
Nice colors and well controlled tones , paired with a good composition plus the cool downstroke of the wings . I do not mind the horizon line crossing the bird , as this was shot from a rocking boat , so kudos in gettting this shot .
Nice sharpness .

TFS Andreas

 

[Daniel Cadieux]

I'm more than fine with where the horizon line intersects behind the petrel. I'm loving the bigger waves along the bottom edge - a good indication of the rolling sea! Nice and sharp, good blacks - just wondering if the bill could be toned down? Super cool shot man.