This one is pretty much straight out of the camera -- full-frame, with just a bit of USM on the bird and NR on the BG. Doesn't have the close-up detail on the bird as several of my recent tern posts, but something about the comp and graphic simplicity of this makes me keep coming back to it. C&C appreciated.
D7000, 500f4, ISO 500, 1/2500s @ f/8, gitzo and mongoose.
I agree - lovely pose, sharp well exposed bird and nice lighting. A good example of where the "rule of thirds" works. The inclusion of the yellow feet adds to the image.
Nice pose overall, and I love the sense of habitat at bottom. I personally would prefer a bit more above, and a better lit face, but appealing nonetheless.
Thanks everyone for the helpful comments. Here's a repost with a little dodging of the face and an enhanced catchlight. I've left the comp as shot, with neither additions nor subtractions. [ps - looking at the repost preview, I probably could have dodged the near underwing as well.]