Eared Grebe in Breeding Plumage, Montana

Canon 1D4
500mm
Skimmer Pod

1/2000
ISO 800
f/5.6

This was one of my target species when I went to NE Montana a couple weeks ago. I have always wanted to photograph Eared Grebes in breeding plumage. I had some challenging conditions with the weather, with many gray days, and some high winds, but on the upside I could shoot all day (when it wasn't raining!).
Here I was lying on the edge of Medicine Lake, lying on my belly, and using my Skimmer Pod.
Some crop, slight darkening of background, cloning out of specular highlights on bill.
Thanks for looking. All comments and critiques greatly appreciated.

Great bird, perfect pose, exp looks spot on, and the water drops to top it off ... nicely done!

Could use a bit more contrast IMO and maybe back off a tad on darkening the BG.

This was one of my target birds also and I came back with zilch!!!

Melissa, Lovely pose and a sweet bird. Water droplets are a nice addition. I thougth it looks a little washed out, so I'll go with Mike's recommendations as to how to tweak, plus suggest a bit more sharpening (gently!) after adjusting as per Mike.

Thanks Mike and Grace. I see what you mean. I followed Mike's advice, and came up with this. I like it much better.
I also warmed it up a little.

Really nice image Melissa. I think I prefer the original posting though, but both are excellent.

Oy. Upon second thought, that was too yellow. Backed off a little, one last try.

Superb image Melissa. The high key water really allows the bird to stand out. Sharpening really helped in the re-post as well,
Cheers, Greg

Wonderful pose, color and detail. I love how the foreshortened reflection ends well before the bottom of the frame.

Perfect pose. I like the beading water on its back.

Last re post works best....lovely image Melissa, getting down low has worked nicely, and well done on achieving a target species

Gorgeous image of beautiful bird with great IQ. Love it.

Regards,
Satish.

Lovely bird and nice details in all those feathers. Last RP works best for me.

Third version is perfect for me. One of my favorite birds in lovely plumage. Great shooting angle & IQ.