The Cloacal Kiss

[Melissa Groo]

Canon 1D Mark IV
500mm +1.4x
Skimmer Pod, lying flat

ISO 1250
1/2000
f/6.3

Taken at Bowdoin Lake, Montana in May. American Avocets mating, touching their cloacae together, as all birds do when mating. It's referred to commonly as the "cloacal kiss"; in a split second, the male's sperm is transferred.

I like the bit of water in the male's bill. Some people might wish there were a catchlight, but for me, I don't want to add one, as I think that would look unnatural, as there was clearly no sun or single point of light.

Noise removal, levels, sharpening, and recovered whites in the male's wing.

Thanks very much for looking, and for any comments and critiques.

[Juan Carlos Vindas]

Instant favorite! so much life and beautiful subjects makes for a splendid image. TFS!

[Marina Scarr]

This is a terrific image, Melissa. You must have been so stoked to witness and photograph this pair. I am in total agreement with you on not adding a catch light. You have some lighter areas in the eyes which you could dodge just a little more if you wanted to bring out more light in their eyes.

[dankearl]

Outstanding!
I might sharpen the bottom birds head and beak a tad.
Excellent image quality...

[Clyde Hopper]

Hi Melissa ,What a great moment in nature . I like the back ground colors matching the Birds .I think the ripples in the water adds as well . TFS.

[Arthur Morris]

Looks wonderful to me. Especially your angle to the birds. The soft light and killer-sweet BKGR are big pluses. Yes to sharpening her face a bit with a contrast mask.

[Miguel Palaviccini]

Melissa, just a gorgeous shot with great techs. Talk about being prepared for the right moment! Get his one printed (and send it to me?)

Really, a wonderful image. I could see the bottom guy getting a bit of head sharpening, but by no means a deal breaker for me.

Miguel

[christopher galeski]

beautiful capture,great light,agree with sharpening the female's head.

[gail bisson]

I love the picture.
I agree with above advice re: female's head but otherwise a great moment captured.
The pastel BG is lovely as well and your low POV just rocks,
Gail

[hennieloots]

Hi Melissa - Absolutely lovely! Great subject, comp, Bg and IQ. Ditto on sharpening mentioned.
TFS
Hennie

[Girish Prahalad]

beauty! excellent moment captured here. comp, details & exp are superb.
the female's head needs bit of sharpening as mentioned above.

[Melissa Groo]

Thanks very much for all the feedback, I really appreciate it. Here is a rework with some additional sharpening on the female's head.

[Karl Egressy]

Amazing shot, great timing, and techs, Melissa. Composition is perfect.

[Markus Jais]

Absolutely stunning shot. Great soft light, wonderful background, great action and wonderful wing pose of the male.

Markus

[Tin Man Lee]

The sharpened version makes the superb pic even better. Really like the difference in neck curve, sweet moment and great wing spread.

[Frank Schauf]

Excellent pose and light, good exposure control, nice comp and good ambient.

[arash_hazeghi]

this is a great shot, well done Melissa

[mohammad reza shahab]

Excellent pose and light,nice comp and BG.