Long-tailed Skua

[Ivan Sjogren]

Another one from a setting with pink flowers on the tundra. Thank you for all the positive comments on my previous post of the Golden Plover. This image is taken at the same place. The Long-tailed Skuas can be seen eating grass and insects during years when there aren't many voles. This is such a year. The skuas and owls depend on an abundance of voles to be able to feed their chicks so during years when the supply are low there are much lower numbers of breeding pairs. Instead you can see them in very large flocks that travel quite large distances each day. This makes it hard to find them but seeing them feed among these pink flowers are a unique and beautiful sight once you find them. During my week in the Swedish mountains this was my number one goal. I spent a large amount of time scouting and planning for a shot like this. Finally, it all paid off. Let me know what you think, all comments welcome!

Canon 5D Mark IV | Canon 500mm f/4.0L IS USM II | ISO640 | 1/1000s | f/5.6

[Jonathan Ashton]

Absolutely first class, I really like the colours and processing, the plumage detail is superb, the pose equally. If I had to find a "fault" I would like to have seen the tail with the obscuring flowers but to be perfectly honest they do not bother me one bit.

[Bob Smith]

A stunning image Ivan. Taking this from a low POV really uses the flowers to the most advantage in cradling the bird, the head angle and shades of grey toning of which are terrific. The touches of brown/yellow throughout the bird are spectacular. A very distinguished portrait.<script type="text/javascript" src="safari-extension://com.ebay.safari.myebaymanager-QYHMMGCMJR/282ee288/background/helpers/prefilterHelper.js"></script><script type="text/javascript" src="safari-extension://com.ebay.safari.myebaymanager-QYHMMGCMJR/282ee288/background/helpers/prefilterHelper.js"></script>

[kevin Hice]

Ivan beautiful,the tail doesn't bother me. The problem for me the feet being cut off. Too bad, its what we get. Been nice if we would have at least a raised leg. Flowers and colors are great. TFS

[William Dickson]

Excellent frame...I really like the colours throughout, and the beautiful detail and pose on the bird. Nice POV...I may take a little from the bottom...Good work

Will

[Daniel Cadieux]

Excellent low angle, the type that I love. Perfect head angle, great colours. The brighter clumping of grass at right does catch my eye - you could tone those down. Everything else checks all the boxes, a very beautifully executed image.

[John Mack]

Great frame. Love the low angle and the flowers. Background is excellent. Nice pose on the bird as well.