We spent several hours looking for and observing the Green Sea Turtles during our time in Hawaii. The Hawaiian name is Honu. Although they seem clumsy on the ground, the are quite graceful in the water - except perhaps when they are feeding in shallow waters and the tail end sticks up exposed.
In Hawaii there is a fine for harassing or touching these creatures as they are endangered. Needless to say I was quite distressed to observe a little boy who was allowed to hit one of these creatures with a stick before the nearby parent finally intervened. If you chance to encounter one of these creatures, please keep your distance.
1/500 f/5 ISO 400 EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM @ 80 mm Canon EOS 40D
Punaluu County Beach Park, Hawaii
Taking their pictures from the surface while there are swimming takes much patience as they can hold their breath for quite some time and are more interested in eating than they are posing.There are several places where they come on to shore to sunbathe and that is a good photo opportunity. But keep you distance and use your telephoto, this is one case with zoom with your gear is better than zoom with your feet.
1/400 f/4 ISO 400 EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM @ 195 mm Canon EOS 40D
Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, Hawaii
A Circular Polarizer can help cut through the glare and see into the water.
1/200 f/3.2 ISO 400 EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM @ 190 mm Canon EOS 40D
Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, Hawaii
I have seen some beautiful underwater photos of them as well, but unfortunately I was not afforded such an encounter this time around.
1 comment:
Love the write up and the pictures on this one Terry. It's a wonderful story of these beautiful and amazing animals - Turtles are known to travel hundreds of miles before they come offshore to breed.
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