Lunch at the Crater

[Ralph Bendjebar]

Common (Steppe) Buzzard Buteo buteo vulpinus at Lerai Forest, Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania.
1D3 with 500 f/4L and 2x Ext, 1/400 sec @ f8 ISO 800 EV -2/3 w/ BB fill at -1. PP in LR2.
We were photographing a large Tusker when I happened to turn around and spotted this Steppe Buzzard landing on a fallen Doum Palm with a captured mouse in its talons, which it proceeded to devour. Just illustrates the old adage: not all the action is in front of you.
C&C welcome. Thanks for looking.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

I like the pose, angle and BG. The prey adds to it. I would sharpen the bird more, increase contrast a bit.

[Aidan Briggs]

Adding on Axel's suggestions, I would remove the branch intersecting with the bird.

[Morkel Erasmus]

agree with all nits noted. still a super capture!! great pose and eye contact with catch. I'm jealous!

[Ralph Bendjebar]

Thanks to Axel, Aidan and Morkel for your suggestions. I've processed the image in LR2 to increase contrast, sharpened the bird and prey, but I'm stymied as to how to remove the branch intersecting with the bird, since it darkens a feather where it merges with the bird. Any suggestions?