Nest building time

I've been trying to capture an image like this for a long time. Taken at a local pond where the DC cormorants have established a colony. The locals hate these birds as they do make a mess of the pond, but they are really very sweet in the way that they gather and bring sticks to their waiting mate).This is my fav so far. (would have liked a better head angle and a bit more sharpness- the eye was not tack, also not pleased with the white reflection in the water- a house.)

1/1600, f 5.6, ISO800
Canon 1Dx, 600 f4 + 1.4tc + lowered tripod

Grace:

Strong sense of action, stick,shooting angle,comp, all good.

I do agree with your own assessments, re: reflection and sharpness. Will encourage you to keep working them!

Cheers

Randy

I like it alot Grace. Good action, low angle, and BG. I have no issues with the head angle...but I know what you mean about the white patch. Perhaps you can clone in some colour with a low opacity brush...

Very nice action captured, really like the big stick. I do agree with your own assessment also, looks like you need just a sliver of CW rotation to me. Love that the eye is so well lit.

Hi Grace, cormorants taking off from the water always produce great action images, and you have achieved that here. Great wing position, well exposed on the blacks, and love the green eye. Hope the end of his building material didnt get in the way of the feet during take off.

Nice action you have here, you self assessment says all
i am sure you will get a better image that you are completely pleased with of these birds carrying the material, however i know that there is only a time frame on it or it just goes to the next year,
All the best

Great work, Grace. Super action captured, both with stick and take off. Love that light on the face and in the eye.I know what you mean about the house reflection, but it doesn't bother me that much. I still think its a stellar capture.

I like it Grace. Love the stick in the mouth and the take off pose. Looks pretty sharp to me and the white water spot could be toned down easily. Nice work and Ill bet you better this shot soon. Nice work