17 day old Loon chick near shore

[allanrube]

The parents were by this loon when a third adult landed in the pond perhaps 75 yards away. The parents immediately took off to harass the lone adult and left the chick alone. The youngster stayed near the shore which is why I got this interesting pattern in the water.

Nikon D7100 with 80-400 lens at 400. 1/1250 at 5.6 iso 160.

[Miguel Palaviccini]

Allan,

The water in this photo looks like a painting! It almost looks like you applied an artistic effect to it. Colors and saturation are great here.

The detail on this guy is great too. Nice head angle and great catchlight.

Miguel

[Randy Stout]

Allan:

I have seen the pattern before and always thought it most flattering. Sharp, well exposed, nice head angle.

I might consider toning down the bright spots in the reflection of the bill.

Was this taken with the new version of the 80-400? If so, what do you think of it?

Cheers

Randy

[allanrube]

Thanks for the comments. I did tone the besk down some already.

I used the new version. I like it a lot as long as the light is good. For some reason the shots I have taken in poor light look more drab than they should.

[Randy Stout]

Allan:

How do you find the focusing speed, always the problem with the older version.

Cheers

Randy

[allanrube]

Seems ok but I have not used it except for slow moving loons.

[Loi Nguyen]

Love the down feathers of the chick, great eye, lovely water pattern. Well done. Loi