This juvi loon was imaged the first week of Sept. It is the time of year when they are first learning to fly, always a joy to see them figure it out. Often they will patter along the surface for a while and then settle back down into the water, but this fellow made it up, took a quick victory lap of part of the lake, and then splashed back down.
D4 600VR f/5.6 1/5000s ISO 1000 Pedestal mounted in bottom of my little boat
Post: Selective sharpening, small canvas extension to left, crop for comp
I love that big white foot helping him to launch forward
Hi Randy,
This is a great dynamic pose of a loon. Most images are quiet and tranquil so it is really a nice treat to see this.
I really like the white foot, the shadow of the beak on the throat and the water splash and droplets.
Tack sharp and the whites look great.
I know some may wish that the head didn't merge with the wing but I am fine with it.
Are the feathers on the chin blue or is that water reflection?
Very nice shot.
Gail
Wow, what a beautiful photo! Dynamic is indeed the right word to describe it, to steal a term from Gail. ;) I particularly like the ripples reflected on its underbelly, wonderful. Superb angle and subject isolation as well.
That white foot is amazing! Great sharpness and a good exposure. I do wish the head didn't merge with the wing, and I'd like a bit more canvas up top and to the left.
Hi Randy, this is the first time I have ever seen a foot of a Loon, as they are always swimming so peacely, with their feet below the water. Well timed for the take off, and love the wing position and flying droplets. The juvi pops well from the surrounding BG, and overall, the little guy is well exposed and sharp. I also like the water's reflection on the body.
Awesome action captured, Randy. Just love that foot so much. The splashes and the wing position are great too. Wish the head hadn't merged and I wonder if you tried to dodge the head ever so slightly, would help it stand out more? But overall a wonderful and unique image.
Thanks everyone for the input. I agree about the wing/head merge. There was no chance for me to change my position as one second the bird was swimming around, and the next it blasted off. He had never flown for me before, so he caught me off guard. I have fiddled with lightening the back of the head/neck slightly to help with the separation, haven't hit the right look yet. I have other frames, but they are all clipped a wing, plus no display off that white foot! The adults feet are black, so not nearly as striking.
Prepare to launch - Juvi loon learning to fly
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