Bird Photo Competition 6 2014 : Entry Number 149

Judges Comment

The elaborate courtship rituals of the grebe family have fascinated and delighted people for centuries. At the right time of year and in the right location, patient observation will be rewarded with wonderful behavioral displays. Recording these photographically, though, requires composure and quick reflexes. This image has not only captured the natural spectacle but, through the 'three plus two' grouping and reflections, has achieved a great photographic composition.

Photographers Comment

Many thanks to my friend Brian Caldwell who showed me this spot where the grebes were dancing. We went at sunrise, and I hauled my 500 f4 Canon lens out there. You need reach, light, and speed. I used a high ISO to enable a shutter speed of 1/2000th at f8. I went for two mornings and shot lots of wonderful dancing grebes. This was clearly the best as it lined up so perfectly. Canon EOSMark 1V John Hendrickson