Actually a pretty rare bird...

[John Stuelpnagel]

To most this might look like a regular Western Scrub Jay. In fact, it is an Island Scrub Jay, one of two California endemic birds. I have been told that California is the only state with 2 endemic bird species. The Island Scrub Jay is located only on Santa Cruz Island and has a conservation status as Near Threatened. They are larger than the Western Scrub Jay with deeper blue colors and thicker bill. This image was taken a couple of weeks ago. The light was a little harsh. The frame was cropped significantly (~50%). And the bird is a little ratty. Thanks for looking and I appreciate any comments or suggestions.

1DX, 300mm +1.4X
1/3200, f 5.6, ISO 800

[Grace Scalzo]

That is interesting information about the species and its status. I agree with your own assesssment about the light and the condition of the bird, but that being acknowleded, I would have taken the picture as well. You probably have cropped to the max here but if possible, I would recompose to get rid of the bright part of the background and put the bird in a more intesting composition. He looks misplaced to me. Also, a bit more sharpening might improve the quality. If this species can be refound, I would keep trying in better light. Thanks for sharing.

[dankearl]

Nice species photo and story.
TFS

[William Dickson]

Well done on capturing this rarity John. I like the pose and the flight path. Lovely details and colours on the bird. Thanks for sharing

Will

[Doug Brown]

I was just reading about this bird the other day. Thanks for sharing a flight frame John!

[Daniel Cadieux]

I could see a version with a bit less canvas above. I love the downstroke, and the nice blues. Good BG too. Thanks also for sharing some info about this species.

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

For me less above and on the left as far as negative space is concerned.
A pretty nice flight shot in its own right. Nice downstroke.
TFS

[arash_hazeghi]

Excellent shot John, this is tough bird to get in flight and you found the rare sub specie! I like the wing position and the details. beautiful BG too. My only suggestion is to slightly darken the brightest patches of the BG.

TFS

[Bill Nuttall]

It looks a very good image to me - well taken with skill
The colours are good, the position of the bird in flight is interesting and the bg is warm and fitting
I can see the point about different crops but these would be just personal preferences

A good find from a birding standpoint

[Satish Ranadive]

John,
Congrats for getting rare bird. Excellent flight shot. TFS.

Regards,
Satish.

[David Salem]

Great looking frame John. I really like the down wings pose and the nice HA on this one. Yes to removing some from the top and to darkening the BG a bit but otherwise a great looking flight frame of this rarity.
Sorry things didn't work out this year.
The Peregrines fledged and we never got any wether opening. Maybe you might be interested in coming out this winter for some raptor shooting.
See ya soon

[John Stuelpnagel]

Thanks Grace, Dan, Will, Doug, Dan, Akos, Bil, Satish and Dave for the comments. I really appreciate the suggestions. Here is another attempt. I cropped some from the top and left. Then I used adjustment layers to brightness and curves (below the isolated bird layer) to darken the background. I am not sure whether this is the best way to do this...but here is the result.
Thanks again,
John