Black Skimmer

My first [and only] sighting of this unique bird from last year.

50D, 300 2.8, 2x II
1/1000, f8, iso 400
Full frame

Appeared to have a bit of blue in the white, which I attempted to remove.

Comments appreciated

Sidharth

I must say that one opportunity you bagged very well. superb closeup. Will patch that little blue over the head. Also may be reduce the shine on long bill ;)
AIA can say i just loved this portrait. last year had travelled 400km with news of 30 Indian Skimmers and two days inland roaming couldnt find anything. :(
Yet to see one in field as highly wished this year.

excellent head shot Sid I love the details.

Very nice portrait. I like the windswept look to the head feathers. Great IQ and I like the comp,
Gail

Hey Sid, congrats on your first - I dont have one.:e3 Good choice of aperture, as your DOF is perfect. Overall, well exposed sharp. and just enough space all round. Killer BG too. A fine image Sid.

Maybe it's me/my eyes.

Everyone thinks the head is sharp; I am seeing the area behind and below the eye as soft.

Perhaps I simply do not know the bird.

Looks sharp to me. Though the bird is quite disheveled (with lots of missing feathers on the chin) you have created a pleasing image with the soft light and perfect framing.

Great detail on this portrait, Sidharth. Beautiful.

Nice portrait, great exposure and the bill is filled with lots of detail.

What a messy bird, you have created a great image of him (or her). I find this portrait to be quite humorous. Not everything in nature is perfect.

Thank you all for the feedback. I appreciate it.

Jay, I looked at the RAW at 200% :) That's just how the feathers in that area are.

A great look at that crazy bill. Nice and close with great detail.

another stunning portrait sid..amazing sharpness..grt

Great exposure and details. :)