Cooper's Hawk

[Bill Dix]

From Cape May last month. A very large crop (the image, not the bird), but I liked the dorsal view and it's the first time I've managed to catch this species in flight.

D7200, 500f4 + 1.4 TC, ISO 2000, 1/2500s @ f/7.1 manual.

[Marina Scarr]

Maybe a big crop, but what a great flight pose you captured here. I just love the look up by the raptor.

[Geoffrey Montagu]

It is a beautiful view, Bill. Certainly could not have asked for a better head position with that prominent eye. Well done.




Geoffrey

[Bill Dix]

Thanks Marina and Geoffrey.

[gail bisson]

Perfect topside view and head turn.
The crop has somewhat impacted the IQ but I would be thrilled to have taken this myself.
I think you should bump up the contrast a wee bit,
Gail
PS I have no idea why I said " wee bit"!! The Scots on this forum must be influencing me!

[Bill Dix]

Here he is with a wee bit more contrast. Thanks for the suggestion, Gail.

[Daniel Cadieux]

I agree with more contrast, or at least deeper darks, so the repost is better to my eyes. Careful on the sharpening on the leading edge of the wings. Terrific banking pose here.

[Satish Ranadive]

Excellent flight shot, Bill Sir. Superb dorsal view.

Regards,
Satish.

[Bill Dix]

Thanks Daniel and Satish. Yes, I can see I should have eased off on the sharpening of the leading edges. I often take the eraser tool to my sharpening layer, along edges of high contrast like that; but I failed to do so here.