Birds Masked Booby encounter, 24 40' 42" S 163 2' 50" E

[Bryan wilburn]

Encounters with Masked Booby's are somewhat rare as they tend to stay at sea.

We were steaming in the southern Coral Sea between New Caladenia and our destination of Sydney AU when I went up on deck and found we had an escort of around 12 Masked Booby's. They were hunting Flying Fish spooked by the ship. They were taking advantage of 24 Kt crosswinds, riding the updrafts on the left (and sunny side) of the ship.

They would either dive into the water down to around 9' to catch the fish, or intercept them while they were still flying.

The fellow looked over its should and we locked eyes, then it dove into the water.

Canon R5 Mk II RF 100-500, 500mm f7.1 1/8000th ISO1600

 

[THXGEEK]

Great pic - I love the bird's expression!

I've never known birds to check over their shoulders when flying - perhaps this one was about to change lanes?

 

[jcass]

I think you have been mooned.

 

[Bryan wilburn]

I agree with both comments! But in reality, I have never seen this before with a bird in flight. He may have been checking out the position of the boat, but it looked like he was looking right at me.

 

[Bryan Conner]

I think you have been mooned.

I think it was a booby trap.

 

[jcass]

I agree with both comments! But in reality, I have never seen this before with a bird in flight. He may have been checking out the position of the boat, but it looked like he was looking right at me.

Yes, it is a fantastic and unique photo. Did you notice the look-back in real-time or when processing?