Wear & Tear of being a parent - common loon, late season

[Randy Stout]

This adult loon was imaged last weekend, the latest in the year, that I have been with the loons. The adults are well into their molting, and looking rather care worn, probably from stuffing food into junior for the last 3 months!

D4 600VR f/5 1/1600s ISO 800 Fill flash Pedestal mounted in the bottom of "Loonie Too"

Post: Leveled, 30% crop, selective sharpening. Cleaned up second catchlight in eye. I toned down the luminosity of the reflection, as it was so bright against the dark water that I found it distracting

The plumage is turning grayer, losing the distinct contrast of breeding plumage.

Advice and comments always appreciated.

Cheers

Randy

[Miguel Palaviccini]

Randy,

This is definitely a different showing of their plumage. I'm used to seeing them in their "full glory" in your photos. Nice reflection captured.

It may just be an illusion, but I want to rotate it just a bit CW.

Miguel

[Jim Crosswell]

I like the sharpness, red eye, exposure and water colour. I could see a version with a little more on top but fine as presented. Well done Randy.

[Grace Scalzo]

You have captured a fantastic journey from start to finish. I totally love this. Now send them my way. Always look forward to their winter return.

[Martin Dunn]

The loon stands out really well against a deep dark background.
the colours and details on the bird are super and although the image is very tranquil the ripples in front of the bird communicate a sense of movement.
nice one

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Randy, just not the same without the lovely green sheen, but you have still brought out the detail so well, and of course, that lovely red eye still stands out. I do like the dark green BG, compliments the loon very well.

[Bill Dix]

Love the light on the bird, and the light blue wake against the dark water. Certainly not as handsome as the full breeding plumage, but good to show all versions. Definitely needs some CW rotation to get the eye to line up with its reflection.

[Randy Stout]

Thanks everyone for the input.

re: rotation - I actually rotated the image CCW, because the original appeared to be swimming up hill. The bird is angled a bit in the frame, the head is angled a bit, and it makes for an interesting visual dilemma.

If I use the pupils and the measuring tool in photoshop, it does say to rotate 2.34 degrees CW. But, after doing that, the bird looks like it is swimming up hill to me. Perhaps a compromise is in order!

Cheers

Randy

[Diane Miller]

Beautiful image! Rotate it till it looks right and then bend the reflection if that part still looks off.

[Markus Jais]

Great loon shot with perfect sharpness and image quality.

Markus

[gail bisson]

I hate being late to the party! It seems like all has been said. IQ is excellent and I like the water color.
Agree on some rotation.
Nice image although loon isn't as pretty as the full breeding plumage! I guess I am a prejudiced birder...!!
Gail

[Rachel Hollander]

Hi Randy - I enjoy your loon images and this is no exception. Nice light and the dark bg works well. IQ is excellent as usual.

TFS,
Rachel

[hennieloots]

Hi Randy - I love the subject agaist the dark bg. Great IQ and detail. The light on the wake in front of the loon adds to a superb image. TFS.
Hennie