Checking me out

[Bill Dix]

Red-tailed Hawk, from Cape May. Gloomy morning light the day before Sandy blew in. Forced me to crank up the ISO which compromised the IQ, but I think it's not too bad. The bird, on the other hand, looks a bit battered.

D7000, 80-400VR @ 180mm, ISO 2500, 1/2000s @ f/6.3 manual, fill @ +0.7.

[Karl Egressy]

The IQ look pretty good to me, Bill. I also like the eye contact, head turn, shooting angle and the feet showing.

[Bill Dix]

Oops. I almost forgot to mention that this was a captive bird, a raptor photo-op courtesy of The Raptor Project. I cloned out the jesses and the gloved hand.

[gail bisson]

Nice shot.
Good direct gaze.
I think the head could be sharpened a tad more.
Gail

[Dan Busby]

IQ seems pretty good from here Bill. For me, the "stare" really makes this shot special. Plus landing gear down is a bonus.

[David Salem]

IQ looks ok over here. Like the look at you shot. Exposed well and the comp is nice. Well done...

[Daniel Cadieux]

I like the pose, head-on stare, and tree-line at bottom. Focus looks to be behind the head (feet and far wing primaries being the sharpest).

[Bill Dix]

Thank you all. Yes, Gail and Daniel, I agree the head looks a bit soft. According to Nikon View NX2 (which I've never completely trusted), the focus point is on the feathered part of the far leg above the foot. It may be right this time.

[Jim Crosswell]

I like the pose, HA and composition. Agree with more sharpening on the head. Nice image Bill.

[Bill Dix]

Thanks Jim. Here's a repost with no change other than a little selective sharpening on the head.