Canada Goose flying the other way! (Than the pelican)

This nice fellow was imaged at the local bird sanctuary in southwest Michigan. It was fairly early in the AM. That magic time when there is a enough light to shoot, but not worry about too much contrast yet.

D700 500mm f/4 1.4 TC 700mm equiv f/7.1 1/1600 ISO 1000 Gitzo/Wimb

Post:

Selective sharpening, curves, 30% crop, straightened horizon

There is a bit of an early morning color cast. When I took it out, I lost that nice early morning feel, so left the cast.

Advice and comments always appreciated.

Cheers

Randy

Nice bird and agree about the early light being so nice. I'm glad you kept it.

Randy -

Photographed at the perfect time, as you described. I think it is looking at you by the way, just to make sure you aren't carrying a Benelli Super Black Eagle instead of a Nikon. My brain might be a little crooked but the image seems to be listing downhill a little to the right. Probably just me. Take care.

DB

Nice that you caught that light in the eye Randy - the bird DOES seem to be a bit worried by your presence! Great lighting for my eye. For me, the question would be whether or not to leave the wing reflections in the water; one one hand they add a sense of proximity - on the other, a lost fragment. I am sure you thought about this and did what you thought most appropriate. I think I would remove them (at least to see what the image looked like).

Love the water reflections on the under wing. Sharp, well exposed...should we expect any less. Has that fall Michigan fell to it. Might want to remove the 2 light spots in the front right. TFS

Gary.

Thanks everyone.

Dan - I often will crop out a poor/incomplete reflection, but did leave this one for exactly the reason you mentioned, to establish the low level over the water (proximity)

Danny - I did level it already once with the level tool, but perhaps a touch more CCW is needed.

Gary - I left the two spots there just to see if you were looking carefully - well done;)

Cheers

Randy

I love this image, Randy . . . I do wish the eye were a bit more visible/prominent . . .

Randy, lovely soft light and I just love the colours in this. Good flying posture, sharp, and the rotation looks fine to me. ( looking at the ripples in the water. ) Well captured.

Hi Randy you certainly have captured the early morning light beautifully with a very clear goose. Also like the composition with great background. Not sure about the reflection but understand your thinking.

Superb collection of tones.

Tim

Beautiful image of this graceful species! I love the lighting and also the closeness of the bird to the water surface.

I like the lighting and fall feel to this one. Great image Randy!

Beautiful flight shot Randy... I love the composition.

This is sweet Randy. Love the BG color split and the down pointing wings. Well done mate. :)