Red Grouse - calling

[Steve Kaluski]

Taken just before Christmas from up on the moors, a few still around, even tough it was still the shooting season. The white heather is from a 'control burn' they do to promote new vegetation growth, not ideal, but this is the habitat they feed in. I kept the 'wispy' bit of heather behind the neck in, although some might prefer to remove it.

They were showing well the other week at this new spot, so perhaps not all were bagged for the pot, although for the first time I noticed they were wearing coloured leg bands.

Thanks again for swinging by on the last image and to those who left a comment.

Steve

Subject: Red Grouse calling (Lagopus lagopus)
Camera: Canon 1DX
Lens: 200-400/4 HH
Exposure: 1/320s at f/5.6 ISO400 0 stop compensation

Note: image flip R to L, FF width, slight crop, some may prefer less space above gong the old 5x4 format?

[Andreas Liedmann]

Hi Steve,
firstly congrats on the new ? toy.
You finally got it ,i think, you should have told me that .
Great IQ as ever from you , specially with the latest upgrades over the last year !!!!!
Love the colors and overall tonality in the frame with great details and sharp where it counts.I do not mind about the burnt heather and the one sticking out.
Would go for 5x4 or even square.

Great stuff maestro , TFS
Andreas

[Steve Kaluski]

Would go for 5x4 or even square.

Here you go Andreas, but this is just for presentation here.

[Andreas Liedmann]

Hey Steve, works better for me , as you say just my take.
Thanks

[Joseph Przybyla]

Nicely composed image. The background colors compliment the bird colors wonderfully. I like the crop in the second image better.

[Rachel Hollander]

Hi Steve - another one where I really like the rich tones. Open beak pose really adds to the image. I too prefer the comp of the rp but only by a slight margin.

TFS,
Rachel

[William Dickson]

Great image Steve, I hope to see some of those on my trip to Cairngorm

[David Salem]

Nice Grouse shot Steve. Perfect HA and the red raised brow and open beak really look great. I like the veg in the FG and the smooth BG. Well done

[adrian dancy]

All looks good to me...superb colour/tones. I'm easy on the different crops.

[keith mitchell]

Steve can't explain why but the repost just does it for me, after saying that I would be thrilled with either ,already mentioned but the colour and the tones are superb.

Keith.

[Steve Kaluski]

Cheers folks.

Hi William, depending on when you go, there heather could be out, try just before the 'Glorious 12th' as it can be spectacular as a backdrop and with the new kit you shouldn't have any issues in nailing them. However, you will have plenty of options open in that location and if you need help up there let me know, likewise a location to bed down.

Hi David, you have great light for your subjects, the light has been appalling at times here and so you just have to take what you can, but no moping about sitting at home, you just need to get out there to get the shots.

[Jonathan Ashton]

I am torn I like both versions, lovely colours - very accurate and excellent detail - well done!

[Holger Leyrer]

Wonderful close up with great colors. I prefer the repost. Love the composition, details and BG

[eddyswan]

Beautiful image, Steve. Love the open beak, the habitat in FG and the BG really compliment the bird.

[christopher galeski]

nice capture,like them both,great BG,the bird is sharp with some nice detail,must pay my local moors a visit,when the weather improves.

[Sidharth Kodikal]

What a sweet image Steve. Just love the mood, the setting and the warmth. Good stuff!