Preening.

[dankearl]

A lot of Hoodies posted lately, I have shot a pair for a few days.
I thought this one was a bit different than the normal Hooded Merganser pose.

1/640, f5, 500mm (300 w/ 1.7), iso1600, D800, HH

DSC_4595bp.jpg (http://www.birdphotographers.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=124471&stc=1&d=1360110440)

[Miguel Palaviccini]

You are right Dan, this is different, but still great! You must have been really close to get a shot like this. That shows you really know what you're doing with these guys!

The soft focus around the hoodie gives it a dreamy look. I would usually think this is a bit tight, but I like it as is and wouldn't add any room.

Miguel

[Sidharth Kodikal]

Excellent pose and your exposure looks very good.
Very nice details and I especially like that tail.

Feels like it needs some CW rotation.
This is different and I like it a lot. I would have liked it even more if both eyes were equally visible.

[jack williamson]

Well done with the exposure on this difficult bird. Nice pose, very sharp, the BG is excellent.

[Karl Egressy]

Excellent preening pose, Dan. Nice to see both eyes.

[Joe Senzatimore]

Wonderful low angle and great BG make this one work. Fine job getting this close. Love that you can see both eyes.

[Nick Palmieri]

Different but cool pose. Agree that it was nice to capture both eyes in this funky pose.

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Dan, as the eyes are bright yellow, they do stand out, even with this preening pose. Good detail shown, and I feel the rotation is fine. I would just add a bit to the left.

[arash_hazeghi]

I like the preening pose but I wish we could see the eyes better. The histogram is clipped on both ends (blown whites and blocked blacks) maybe you can reprocess it.

[David Salem]

Nice preening pose and good looking techs. I like the raised tail and the fact that both eyes can be seen. Nice BG too. Well done.

[gail bisson]

Hi Dan, I really like this!
Love the preening pose and the raised tail and how the feathers under the tail look like down.
Whites a bit hot on the chest but these guys are nightmarish to expose properly.
I wish for a hint of CW rotation. Like the tight crop as well.
You are really nailing your hoody shots,
Gail

[Robert Holguin]

Terrific shot Dan!!
I really like the preening pose and love how those yellow eyes pop.
Great shooting angle and great IQ.
Very well done.