(Manipulated image - background replaced with gradient fill)
Royal Tern (Thalasseus maximus syn. Sterna maxima), Morro Strand State
Beach, Morro Bay, CA, 05 feb 2008 05feb2008 - Photo by Michael
"Mike" L. Baird bairdphotos.com Canon 1D Mark III w/ 300 f/2.8 IS lens with 1.4X II TE handheld.
Source non-manipulated image is www.flickr.com/photos/mikebaird/2245038533/
Note: 06feb2008 I corrected the ID from Elegant Tern to Royal Tern.
Thanks to Maggie Smith earlier, and Greg Smith today, for correcting
me on these. Greg says "I am pretty sure they are Royal Terns
given the black on the crown and other distinctions. ELTE black
should cover the entire crown down to the forehead at this time. ROTE
have their black stick out the back whereas ELTE lay down on the back.
We might have one ELTE as a vagrant here at this time of year, but
for the most part, ELTE is here [Morro Bay, CA] during our summer warm
water months. ROTE is not common but expected on our beaches at this
time of year [5feb08]. One more helpful hint is the ELTE have a more
needle-like bill. Hope this is helpful. Your gradient fill for the
background on this shot make the bird even more eye-popping. I am a
big fan of cleaning up backgrounds and other distractions. Great
shot! Greg"
NOTE: Effective 31 Jan 2013 (c) All Rights Reserved © 2008 Michael L.
Baird due to Getty Images representation.
Royal Tern (Thalasseus maximus syn. Sterna maxima), a bird on Morro
Strand State Beach, Morro Bay, CA.
Manipulated image - background replaced with gradient fill.
05 feb 2008
becky lou, NaturalLight, flythebirdpath~}~}~} Alabama Hills for Me, ingridtaylar, and 2 other people added this photo to their favorites.
View 4 more comments
slobirdr 64 months ago | reply
Cleaning up the background makes an outstanding shot even better!
flythebirdpath~}~}~} Alabama Hills for Me 64 months ago | reply
As much as I like habitat in pix, I appreciate the enhancing contrast here for your Royal Tern. Lovely and very helpful for IDs.
himountainpaul 64 months ago | reply
just WOW!
christian_barthels 23 months ago | reply
awesome bird,congratulations!!!!!