Checking the weather for the long flight south - common loon in the fall

[Randy Stout]

This molting adult loon appeared to be checking out the weather in preparation for the long journey to the south. It will be a few weeks yet before the adults head out to Lake Michigan for a while, and then down to Florida.

D4 600VR f/5 1/400s ISO 1250 Fill flash. Pedestal mounted in the Loonie Too.

Post: Crop from original horizontal frame. Selective sharpening. Removed blue cast from bird

Advice and comments always appreciated.



Cheers

Randy

[gail bisson]

I like the unusual head turn.
Great comp. Usual excellent IQ.
I find the shades of blue very appealing and I like the little wavelet in front of the loon.
Did you give them Grace's address?
Gail

[Marina Scarr]

My favorite thing about this image is the head turn/angle, and I very much like the hues of blue on this bird. So ditto what Gail said I guess. :)

[Grace Scalzo]

Loving the conclusion of their story, Randy. Nothing to suggest, just an image to be enjoyed.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Those blues are so appealing!! Love the salt-and-pepper goatee of this molting individual. I could see a version with the subject a tad lower in the frame, but still excellent as is.

[Melissa Groo]

Super, unique head portrait of this loon, Randy. Love the coolish blue color of the water. Great comp too.

[Norm Dulak]

Another fine one, Randy. I can't think of any way to improve it, so I'll just enjoy it.

[Satish Ranadive]

Randy Sir,
Excellent image with beautiful pose. I like the upward head turn, beautiful eye and blues in the backdrop.

Regards,
Satish.

[LinzRiverBalmer]

Love the head turn, so many things could be running through that mind.

only thing I might try is removing the one white spot right above the eye.... The eye is nicely sharp and highlighted in the corner, I think that one little dot out might lend more to the eye.

[Doug Brown]

He's got a gray beard like me! Great head turn and nice eye contact.

[Randy Stout]

Thanks everyone for your comments, much appreciated.

I was most struck by the very unusual head position here and the soft blue waters. Always looking for a new take on my favorite bird~

Cheers

Randy

[Sandy Witvoet]

Love everything here. Some folks don't consider a molting Loon "pretty enough" to photograph... this image says, "yes they ARE!" (IF you have Randy's "Loon eye".)