Black tailed godwit

[Jonathan Ashton]

Camera Model Canon EOS-1D X
Shooting Mode Manual Exposure
Tv(Shutter Speed) 1/3200
Av(Aperture Value) 8.0
Metering Mode Evaluative Metering
Exposure Compensation +1/3
ISO Speed 1250
Auto ISO Speed ON
Lens EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +2x III
Focal Length 1000.0mm

A large crop than desirable but I quite liked the elegance of the bird.
All C&C welcome (the left wing tip is genuine - no cloning etc done)

[Bill Dix]

This one's a beauty, Jonathan. Fabulous pose (just at the moment of lift-off?), with great detail and perfect exposure. I assume you're referring to the smudge at the top of the bird's left wing, which is probably a motion-blurred primary. I might consider a version without it, and perhaps a sliver off the bottom and added to the top. But as posted this is a very handsome capture.

[annmpacheco]

I like it Jon, very elegant indeed. Id prefer the "smudge" gone as I am drawn to it immediately, doesn't add a thing to the gorgeous godwit. You did very well with the light you had.

[stuart wanuck]

lovely capture peak pose

[Jim Crosswell]

I agree with Bill's critique. Very well done Jonathan!

[keith mitchell]

The feathering you have caught in this shot is super,godwit caught at it's best,very nice work Jon.

[Joseph Przybyla]

Lovely image, Jon. Thank you for sharing.

[Satish Ranadive]

Excellent image with lovely pose. Very artistic. Beautiful colors and composition.

Regards,
Satish.

[Frank Schauf]

Great timing, great action.