Belted Kingfisher

[Lyle Gruby]

Shot this gal last summer right at first light at a lake outside Memphis. I got to the lake way before sunrise and camped out on some of her favorite perches. Full camo, camo netting as well. All C&C always appreciated.

Techs: D7000
200-400 with 1.4
ISO 400
550mm
f/6.3
1/800

[Nick Palmieri]

These guys are so hard to find and photograph. Nice capture, I think the bird could use another round of sharpening, and if it were mine I would crop the top and left side so the perch would go from corner to corner and not end in the frame. Great BG and congrats on what I know is a difficult capture.

[Miguel Palaviccini]

Lyle,

Nice job of getting set up early to get the shot. I think you got a great head angle here - almost looks like she's telling you that she knows you are there, but will tolerate the photos :)

As Nick mentioned, I might consider taking some off the top (and maybe a sliver off the bottom).

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Lyle, the early morning light is cast nicely on her, and she gave you a cool look back pose. Love the smooth BG, and I would have gone vertical here. :w3

[Karl Egressy]

Nice image, Lyle. Sharpening and crop has already been mentioned. I would also try ti go for a lighter background, if possible.

[christopher galeski]

nice image,nice pose,agree on crop and sharpening sugestions.thanks.