Merlin Takes Off

[Loi Nguyen]

Same Merlin that Arash and Glenn posted earlier. I was in my own vehicle next to David Salem's truck when this shot was taken. Right at noon, but the light wasn't as bad as I had feared.

1DX
500f4 II
1/3200
f5.6
ISO-800
Bean bag

I'm glad that I had just taken the 1.4X TC when she took off. Otherwise, I'm afraid I would have missed the shot.

Thank you for your comments.

Loi

[arash_hazeghi]

nice take dynamic off, I wish the wings were fully raised or lowered. it seems like sharpest focus was on the far wing, I'd sharpen the head more

TFS

[gail bisson]

Lovely bird with nice light (considering it was noon.I would never have guessed it was this late in the day if you hadn't told).
Whats not to like about the BG?!!
Before reading Arash' post I also thought the head needed to be sharpened a bit.
Gail

[Grace Scalzo]

Ditto the above comments, but still a cool take-off pose. Looks like the remnants of his meal in his left talon.

[Lyle Gruby]

That BG is spectacular, great take off pose, the head is just a bit soft as mentioned, otherwise all you need is a little better perch but I saw an earlier post where they said this merlin has been a bit resistant to the perches offered by David and Glen--unlike their kestrel they trained.

[David Salem]

You sure got some nice frames that day Loi. Glad you came out. The shot looks nice and I like the pose. Not bad at all for the time of the day.. I would sharpen the head a bit more but otherwise a nice keeper. Well done.

[Loi Nguyen]

Thank you everyone for your comments. I gave the head another harping round, hopefully it does not look too crunchy. Loi

[arash_hazeghi]

repost is better but is still clear that the focus locked on the far wing. If you selectively apply sharpening with the radius of .5 and amount 50-60 you may fix it