Black kite:- wrong place and wrong time!

[Jonathan Ashton]

Tripod Canon 7D canon 500mm f4 L IS ISO 400 +0.3 1/1600 sec f7.1
Looks like this kite should have looked out for the ....!!

[Randy Stout]

Jon:

Well, the passerines got there revenge! It took a few seconds to figure out what had happened. I kept looking off to the right to see what was sneaking up on him!

Sharp, nice look back pose, stark environment.

I would be tempted to crop from the left and top, because of his gaze.

Cheers

Randy

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Jon, Ive seen poop on perches, but not on the subjects. Great lookback pose, detail shows up nicely, and you pretty much nailed the sharpness. I agree taking a bit off the left, but I would leave the top, and add a touch to the bottom.

[Jonathan Ashton]

Thanks for the comments, i must admit I was a little unsettled, I cropped using the golden ratio but I guess what looks best is best!

[Joe Senzatimore]

Nice light and details. I too would crop some off the left side.

[Steve Kaluski]

Hi Jon, I would look at a pano crop 1024 x 512, seems to sit better, with a hint off the LHS. Basically 8mm from head to trim, 20mm from trim to breast. Where was it taken, Europe?

BTW are you going to the RPS at Smethwick on the 6th April?

TFS
Steve

[Nick Palmieri]

Nice one Jonathon. I think I would crop a little tighter overall but nice exposure and details in the bird. Usually the poop is on my hat or lens!

[Mike Veltri]

Very nice, love the pose and agree with cropping a bit off the left.
Not sure if I am seeing a dirty sensor or it's the bokeh.

[Karl Egressy]

Bretty amazing capture, Jonathan. One of those once in a lifetime experience. Well done.

[Marina Scarr]

This image made me chuckle. Lovely light and pose. Agree on what looks like dust spots but probably isn't. Maybe you're not opposed to removing them. Agree on a crop.

[Frank Schauf]

Beautiful portrait, great pose and colors.

[gail bisson]

It took me a while "to get it" but this one made me smile!
I would crop from the top and LHS.
Are those dust bunnies or part of BG?
Either way I would clone them out.
I like your POV but feel you could have gotten lower for even more impact.
A terrific shot,
Gail

[Miguel Palaviccini]

Wonderful shot Jon. As mentioned above, cropping a bit takes it the next level. Great storytelling image, even if subtle!

[Robert Holguin]

Terrific shot!!
Poor thing hopefully it got a chance to shower. :)
Great pose, very nice background, and great IQ.
Well done.