Ferruginous Hawk?, light juvenile

[Dana Middleton]

This hawk circled overhead a few times while I was sitting near a prairie dog town waiting for burrowing owls to make an appearance. (Central North Dakota) I used a Nikon D300 and 600mm f/4 lens on a Wimberley II head and Gitzo tripod. Exposure was 1/1600 sec adn f/4, and ISO was 200. Adjustments made in LR4 and Nik Color Efex Pro. First BIF shot with this gear. I am not sure of the ID either.

[arash_hazeghi]

welcome to BPN! great first post. The bird is sharp and has great eye contact and pose. I think the ID is correct.The main issue here is the harsh light coming from above which has left the face and eyes in the shade. You may also want to lighten and desat the sky a bit.


TFS looking forward to more.

[Richard Unsworth]

Hi
Great shot - your ID is correct IMO!
NICE POST 1 !!!!

[Dana Middleton]

Arash, you are correct about the light. It was about 2pm and not a coud in the sky. Thanks for the suggestions.

[Arthur Morris]

drm4460 , Welcome and thanks a stack for your membership support. You can try reconverting darker and using the Recovery Slider to save the WHITEs on the leading edge of the wing and elsewhere.... Also try reducing the contrast with a reverse S-Curve. For me the biggest issue is the electric blue sky; it needs to be toned down a lot :).

ps: What is your name???

[Arthur Morris]

ps; great bird and a lovely pose.

[Dana Middleton]

Art,
My name is Dana Middleton. Thanks for the critique and tips. I am also going to try using rear focus as you have described on your BAA bulletins/blogs. I appreciate your comments and the work you have done educating other photographers. Thanks again.
Dana

[Arthur Morris]

Thanks Dana and you are most welcome. If you can switch your name on the forum from drm4460 to Dana Middleton, please do so. If not, please let me know here and I will get you help.

[Dana Middleton]

Art,
I attempted to change my name from drm4460 to Dana Middleton but was unable to figure it out/find the correct page to make the change. I would be greatful for any assistance. Thanks.
Dana

[Arthur Morris]

Thanks Dana, I forwarded your message to Chris Ober for help. Let me know if nothing happens in a day or three :)

[Dana Middleton]

Art,
My user name has been changed. Thank you.
Dana

[Arthur Morris]

YAW. Thank Chris Ober :)