This Cormorant was fishing in dark light under a bridge on a lake. It emerged from the water onto a rock to spread its wings in typical Cormorant fashion. The bird was close which meant I was able to capture the formation of the wing feathers and the wonderful colours that are found in the detail - blues and purples, which are normally invisible at distance. The bird somehow manages to separate each feather, presumably to allow air to pass through. I included the bill in the composition to show that it is a Great Cormorant.
Taken with Nikon D7100, 300mm f2.8 lens, 2 x Converter. Focal Length 600mm; 1/800 second; f5.6; ISO 1,600
Presenter Chris Packham's comments can be seen in the awards presentation here (21m 10s in..):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ks-Uc9NNkK8
The image appears in the book 'Bird Photographer of the Year 2' which can be bought here:
https://www.bto.org/research-data-services/publications/bto-books-and-guides/2017/bird-photographer-year-2017
Three other images of mine appear in the book:
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Jackdaw & Red Deer
Oystercatcher & Knot
Some press of the competition can be found here:
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/gallery/2017/aug/31/bird-photographer-of-the-year-2017-in-pictures
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4809210/Bird-Photographer-Year-awards-2017.html
https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/4393955/bird-photographer-of-the-year-2017-entries-winners-pictures/
http://www.discoverwildlife.com/gallery/bird-photographer-year-2017
Thanks for looking!
