Steller's Eider

I took this in Barrow, Alaska 2 years ago.
I know lots of you do not like square crops but I love them and felt this was the only way to go for a good comp.
This drake let me get to within 15 feet of him.I worked my way across a small tundra ice pond to where he rested on the bank. This is full-frame vertically and I cropped from the right and left.
Canon 1DX 600mm and 1.4x
ISO 800 F 7.1 SS 1/1000
PP: Cropped, cloned out a couple of extra long grasses that were near the face on RHS, increased saturation, levels, DE to eider at 2%, USM to JPEG
Comments and critiques always appreciated and learned from with thanks,
Gail
I did shoot this guy from a higher vantage point by raising my tripod but the BG was not as pretty.

Hi Gail, What a unique and wonderful shot to look at! The pose of the bird is made even more interesting by the black rings around the eyes, turned oval. I really like the grasses and the background too. I feel that a a little less (maybe 1/2 head diameter) OOF grass at the bottom, and a little more of that great tan background on top would render the composition even better ... in my eyes ;)

TFS-Ross

Lovely looking frame. Love the colours and the pose. Maybe it is the square crop, but some off the bottom, on a browser scroll does look good Gail. :S3:

TFS

Will

A unique shot of a great bird I've yet to see. Well exposed and great habitat. I'm OK with the square crop, but I could also see just a bit off bottom and top.

This image is asking for a nice wide frame and a hanger . Great image of this rare to be seen bird, Gail.

Very nicely exposed lovely detail and pose, I would agree with taking a little off the base.

I like the eye contact, exposure, BG, IQ and setting. I too would take some off the bottom. Very well done Gail!

This image absolutely rocks, Gail!!!! Love the pose and the vegetation adds so much interest. I agree on a tad off of the bottom.