Gulls are the new ducks! :)

[dewmuw]

More from yesterday - Common Gulls this time.

Again 30D +400 5.6. Car and beanbag.

Has anyone noticed that most bird portraits show them looking to the left? Why is that? In this case the wind was blowing from that direction.

1/500s f/5.6 at 400.0mm iso400
http://www.pbase.com/dewmuw/image/69503593.jpg

Closer look at the head.
1/400s f/5.6 at 400.0mm iso200
http://www.pbase.com/dewmuw/image/69503596.jpg

For scale against two black headed gulls.
1/800s f/5.6 at 400.0mm iso200
http://www.pbase.com/dewmuw/image/69503597.jpg

I got really excited when I saw this and thought it was a different species; first thought was ring billed gull. But I'm now confident that is it a Common Gull.
1/320s f/5.6 at 400.0mm iso200
http://www.pbase.com/dewmuw/image/69503598.jpg

[cheerio0s]

I think the 2nd shot is the best. About the birds facing left thing, I don't really know

[dewmuw]

Thanks - must be something in our minds about left facingbirds.

[Anthony J Howe]

For good framing the first one is excellent, good selective focusing on the third shot and the last one would have been my best except for the little clip on the tail end Damian. Nice shots, well done.

[eslaydog]

Thanks for the laugh. Great title! hehe

[dewmuw]

Thanks Tony and eslaydog. Glad to have amd you laugh! :)

[DDA]

Very nice series, #2 is my favorite

[dewmuw]

Thanks DDA - gulls are good practice subjects. Easy to get close to and ID too.

[nitsch]

Super series Damian. You are right about the looking left, I often do it too, but I can offer no explanation. Perhaps they just look better that way! :)

[dewmuw]

Thanks Nick. I'm sure there is some reason for it - maybe that we read left to right and find images constructed left to right more pleasing?

[condyk]

I like no. 3 bacause it is a novel variation on the batteries test. Looks like your AF is dead on ;-)

[dewmuw]

I like no. 3 bacause it is a novel variation on the batteries test. Looks like your AF is dead on ;-)

:D It was another attempt to do something different.

My new ambition is to get people to love a gull! :D:D

[apatchy]

Nice series Damian i really like #2,3.


Has anyone noticed that most bird portraits show them looking to the left? Why is that? In this case the wind was blowing from that direction.


Perhaps when they see a camera they turn round so you can get their good side lol.:)

[dewmuw]

Thanks Pete. Hmm gulls are egotists then? ;)

[weemannie]

Nice series, Damian. :D
Look forward to seeing some in summer plumage!

[seanm]

Great series Damian, but...the ducks will always rule ! :).

[dewmuw]

Thanks Trevor and Sean - can't wait for summer!!

[Kraig C]

usually they face the wind to keep from ruffling their feathers

[dewmuw]

usually they face the wind to keep from ruffling their feathers

Never mind their feathers the wind was almost blowing their heads off - gale force. I was trying to get some flight shots but they weren't flying - too gusty I guess.