Last winter, I embarked on a photography project with the aim of offering a glimpse into the life of a Little Pied Cormorant. As detailed in my initial blog post, this endeavor wasn't meticulously planned but rather developed into an obsession over the course of the winter months. Through my photographs, I documented the interplay of winter light and the evolving colours of the lake, all while capturing some of the morning antics and intimate portraits of a Little Pied Cormorant.
Making a Splash
Be The Accepted Observer.
Field Note:There is nothing more rewarding than being the accepted observer. The best wildlife images are made when your subject is comfortable in your presence. Be consistent and patient! ~Cara Devey
As the winter months unfolded, my visits to the lake persisted, and the Little Cormorant gradually grew more at ease with my presence. Positioned on the small deck that offered a view of the lake, I anticipated the cormorant's landing spots. On occasion, It would land on the deck rope and perch right next to me. Far too close for me to photograph with my Nikon 400mm f/4.5 lens. The bird obviously content with my presence, happy to preen and display its natural behaviours and me content to be the accepted observer.
Preen and Dream
Portrait
On several occasions, I photographed the cormorant with a feather or two adhered to its beak, showcasing this birds almost humorous process of preening. While I managed to capture several shots of the cormorant in flight over the lake, some of them featured distracting backdrops that deviated from the style I had in mind. The light and colour being a priority to showcase my muse. I wanted to capture an image with some action too!
Feather and Beak
My preferred wing position
After numerous early mornings spent nestled by the lake, immersing myself in the cold, damp air and the symphony of nature's sounds, I found myself still in pursuit of the elusive in-flight shot I had envisioned. Among my collection, the image to the left stands out as one of my favourite BIF (Bird In Flight) shots, owing to its neutral colours, smooth background, and the perfect positioning of the wings. Unfortunately, on this particular occasion, my shutter speed wasn't quite fast enough, resulting in no part of the bird being in sharp focus. A slightly faster shutter speed and improved panning technique would have yielded better results. Despite my eagerness for another opportunity to recreate this image, challenges emerged, including the bird's angle of approach, the lighting conditions, and the backdrop.
As the winter months gradually waned and the sun began to rise earlier, my access to the lake limited before 7 am, I reluctantly concluded that my project had reached its end for the year. Despite this, I found immense joy in the activity and have plans to continue photographing water birds next winter. Throughout the project, I also managed to capture a variety of images of little grebes and ducks, which I am equally thrilled with. I love how challenging wildlife photography can be. You have to love the process as much as the end result. Stay focused & enjoy the experience x
