Look out, here I come! -- common loon taking off (kind of)

[Randy Stout]

This fellow was imaged last week in Northern Michigan. Loons have the highest wing loading of any flying bird, meaning that each square inch of wing has to lift a lot of weight compared to the average bird. This makes taking off a real challenge for them. Most take offs consume long distances, depending on the wind. I thought this image gave a sense of the effort it takes.

Challenging lighting, but the slightly gritty feel adds to the sense of struggle (at least for me)

D4 500mm AFS f/6.3 1/4000s ISO 800 handheld

Post: crop for comp, selective sharpening, detail extractor on some of the bird

Advice and comments always appreciated.

Cheers

Randy

[Sanjeev Aurangabadkar]

Randy, the image depicts what you have described very well. Thanks for the info and yes you did very well in the given circumstances. I like the low POV, the exposure looks good and the in-coming HA.
TFS.
Sanjeev

[Daniel Cadieux]

I can really feel to "struggle" to get airborne here! I like the almost monochromatic look of the image. I imagine the darker traces above the loon and leading up to the URC are traces of its running path? I do appreciate the "gritty" look, just wish it wasn't so on the face as much. A fun image!

[Geoffrey Montagu]

As Sanjeev and Daniel have mentioned, this shows the effort the Loon is putting into this takeoff. Like that you captured both wings fully extended. Very interesting information you provided for us.




Geoffrey

[Randy Stout]

Daniel:

Part of the 'rough' look of the head is that he has started the fall molting, so losing the normal black feathers there. I saw this individual the next day as well, and when up close, the molting area was very visible.

Cheers

Randy

[Jim Crosswell]

I like the low angle, action and composition. Nice image Randy.

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Randy, I am so used to your Loon images showing pure serenity in calm waters, so I cant be blamed in thinking that this guy has lost his marbles. Great low shooting angle, and love the trail of splashing water from the feet. We have a great view of their wingspan too. Well captured.

[Joseph Przybyla]

Wonderful action image, the intensity on the birds face as it struggles to get airborne is priceless. Great low angle, exposure and detail. Thank you for sharing.