Female Merlin In The Wind

[Jim Fenton]

This gal was having a touch time holding on as the wind was blowing around 25 mph.

Another image from the car blind with beanbag for support and the only little hole between some branches that allowed me to get her lit from the front in late afternoon light today.

Nikon D300s, 500VR, TC14EII, ISO 1000, F9, 1/320, CW metering +1.3 EV

[David Stephens]

I love this image of a beautiful bird. Exposure seems spot on with a very nice BG.

I know it may break some "rule" but I'd try the crop with the centerline of the birds head in the middle of the frame with about the same space top and bottom. I'm a noob, so you can kick my butt if you think that's a stupid suggestion.

[denise ippolito]

Jim, Nice pose and I love the wind blown feathers. Very nice details.

[kenn threed]

An excellent capture Jim, love the windy pose and the exposure of the bird looks great.

The eye and beak might seem a bit over-sharpened on my monitor, and I'd try taking the bg brightness down a tad to give a little more contrast with the bird.

very nice shot,

Kenn