Marbled Godwit Banking

[Joerg Rockenberger]

Photographed in late January at Palo Alto Baylands, Palo Alto, CA. I am wondering a bit why the outer wing feathers on the right wing are much darker than on the left. If anyone knows please explain.

Thanks, JR

Canon 1DMkIV, 500F4IS, 1.4TCII, 700mm, 1/1600s, F7.1, ISO 800, Manual Exposure, Gitzo tripod w/ upgraded Mongoose 3.5a

[Dan Brown]

Really nice banking shot, John! As for the lower wing, I,m guessing that it is a mutation similar to leucism.

[Scott Frye]

I like the vertical crop and the background is gorgeous

[Robert Amoruso]

Very cool and I like the muted BG and the hint of blue water ripples.

Reminds me of the Forster's Tern I am getting ready to post.:S3:

[Kaustubh Deshpande]

Awesome shot...loved the full bank pose...great details. Excellent bird, shooting, head and light angles...well done, JR.

[Doug Brown]

Awesome banking pose! The detail in the head is a little lacking; was this much of a crop? I think the image would be enhanced with some additional contrast and some extra blue using the yellow/blue slider. What do you think of the repost?

[Joerg Rockenberger]

Thank you all for the comments! And yes, Doug, this is a significant crop and there was some motion blur especially around the head. I like your idea of increasing the contrast and adding some blue but I'd just back off a bit from the version you posted. But you pointing me in the right direction is of course much appreciated. Thanks, JR

[Joerg Rockenberger]

Doug, I hope you see this version. Note, I've also sharpened the image more. JR

[Doug Brown]

Much better John!

[Joerg Rockenberger]

Thanks Doug. JR