Black-necked Stilt, male

[Melvin Grey]

It was really a privilege to be able to approach and photograph this bird so closely - I don't know anywhere in Europe where this could be done without the use of a hide (blind).

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Nice soft light and pose. I would sharpen the bird a bit more.

[Alfred Forns]

Hi Melvin Agree with Axel and would also suggest an alternate crop The reflection is not really strong so I would do away with it?

If you wish to keep it would lighten just as if you were working on the regular image !!! I like the pose a lot and the direct eye contact is great !!!!

[Steve Maxson]

I like the light and the pose. I would keep the reflection. The image needs CCW rotation. If you draw a line from the tip of the bird's beak to the tip of the reflection's beak, it should be vertical.

[Melvin Grey]

I like the light and the pose. I would keep the reflection. The image needs CCW rotation. If you draw a line from the tip of the bird's beak to the tip of the reflection's beak, it should be vertical.
Thanks for your comments, Steve - interesting point is that I rotated the image slightly CW so that the ripples in the water were parallel to the bottom of the image!
Melvin