Common Loon Close-up

[Grace Scalzo]

I've enjoyed our March theme. It has been fun seeing all the closeups. Here is my final contribution, maybe my most fav image of the winter. Just a beautiful bird and a pleasure to photograph.

1/2500, f8, iso800
Canon 1dx, 600 f4 + 2.0tc

[arash_hazeghi]

Excellent low angle with great details, I like the water drops, the nice HA and the composition you chose

TFS

[Girish Prahalad]

some great light here along with superb angle & IQ. love the water drops on the bird.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Fantastic portrait. I feel like I am swimming right there with the loon. I love the dip of water surrounding the breast.

[David Cowling]

Terrific portrait. Love the low angle, do you shoot from a floating hide? The light is lovely on the birds head. There is a strange diagonal light mark across the beak, a reflection from the water perhaps ?

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Grace, excellent low angle, and you have certainly nailed the detail and overall exposure. Just love those blues of the water.

[Randy Stout]

Grace:

Still a couple of months before I get to see them in Michigan, but thanks for this beauty. Beautiful light shows off the bird well, shooting angle, fine detail.

Was this one by itself of with others?

Cheers

Randy

[Grace Scalzo]

Thanks everyone. David, yes, that is a reflection. I did consider removing it, but rather like it. Randy, this one was by itself. There were some white-winged scoters in the same area, but everyone was his their own business. Remember a few years ago, we discussed the slight extension of the upper bill? This bird has it too, I think this is a first year bird and it isn't worn yet perhaps?

[Randy Stout]

Grace:

If memory serves, this upper bill extension isn't quite as pronounced as the other one you shared with me. I still haven't gotten a def. answer on this point. I have seen a lot of loon bills, but don't recall seeing this much extension on them up North. I have seen a few where the top bill is actually broken back just a bit, as if the too long portion snapped off.

I will really keep my eyes out for this when with them this year.

Cheers

Randy