Pterodactyl, by Charles Annen:

Pterodactyl, by Charles Annen:

Click image to see a larger view in Charles' gallery.

Charles Annen, who goes by the user name of changeling on the DPNow discusssion forum and galleries, excels in photographing the wildlife on the west coast of the USA. Earlier in the year we featured his shot of northern elephant seals on Picture of the Day (POTD). This time it's the turn of the Western Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis californicus), mischievously re-named 'Pterodactyl' in his gallery.

"I continue to be thrilled by the capture of this Pelican on its approach to a fresh water bath and gaggle with its klan," says Charles, adding: "It was taken on July 29 2007 at Rodeo Lagoon, Marin headlands, California. I have been doing wildlife recon around this area for a while and noticed some days the pelican flock floated nearer the shore and the incoming flight path brought some within 50 ft. of a very convenient hide. This is one of many the new Olympus E-510 captured quite proficiently that day. These birds are superbly graceful in flight and I am fortunate to have been granted their close presence."

A little about the photographer

Charles describes himself as a keen amateur, though I reckon he could make a living from his photography. He has invested in some serious kit, including an Olympus Zuiko Digital 300mm f/2.8 ED telephoto lens for his latest camera, the new Olympys E-510. He uses this lens, which is equivalent to a 600mm telephoto on 135 format cameras, combined with a 1.4x converter, turning it into an 840mm tele. Oh, and it's worth ten times the value of the E-510 body it's attached to. And the whole lot is usually mated with a Wimberley 2 gimble head and Gitzo 1348carbon fibre tripod. Charles may be an amateur but he's equipped like a pro.

Visit Charles' gallery to see a wide selection of his excellent and varied photography.

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