So I have decided to start posting some “behind the shot” blog posts for some of my pictures.  I will start with a photo I have shared this week on my Facebook page of a Southern Pale Chanting Goshawk showing off its fresh sandgrouse kill.  This photo was taken at the Cubitje Quap waterhole in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.  It was late morning and from my research I knew that this particular waterhole is well known for the bird action.  The goshawk was drinking from the waterhole, looking innocent enough.  Every now and then flocks of sandgrouse would descend to drink, with the goshawk paying little attention to them.  It was all a devious plot!  Suddenly while the goshawk was still on the ground it did some kung-fu move and bam! a hapless sandgrouse was in its claws.  Where’s the photo of the kung-fu move you may ask?  Oh well, I was busy taking crappy photos of the sandgrouse flying towards the waterhole!  Lesson learned, never ever take your camera lens off a predator when there is prey around – EVER!

Tech:  Canon 7d | Canon 300 2.8L IS II + 1.4 Extender (420mm) | f8 | 1/1000 | ISO 200