Head on Peregrine

[Herb Houghton]

This is a nesting female peregrine falcon from the Hudson River. She nests on the Palisades Cliffs opposite the Big Apple. I monitor this area which harbors one of only 24 peregrine nesting sites in all of New Jersey. Canon 1D mk IV, 800 f5.6 lens, iso 800, 1/1600, f8 shot in manual mode from gitzo/wimberley.

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Herb, love the head on capture with the eyes fixed directly on you. I like colours and detail on the head, and pops nicely from the light sky BG. I would maybe lessen the contrast a touch.

[Marina Scarr]

Nice sharp head, and I like the look. How do you know this image is level, or does it really matter? I am really asking myself, but would love it if you and others would chime in here.

[Chris Jimenez]

Wow, great capture!

[Rachel Hollander]

Herb - well done, love the slight head tilt and the straight on view.

TFS,
Rachel

[Lorant Voros]

Just amazing as it is flying directly towards you. Well done.

[PhilCook]

Great perspective !...almost a comical look on it's face, like the hint of it's last meal on it beak. I think the slightly off level works nicely in this and compliments the slightly twisted head

[arash_hazeghi]

Good incoming pose and the food residue on the beak adds a touch of behavior. another vote for reducing the contrast and lightening the belly area a bit.

TFS

[Herb Houghton]

Thanks for the comments. I'll look into reducing the contrast.