Northern Harrier Hunting

[Bill Dix]

From Plum Island in September of 2014. Essentially full-frame except for slight rotation. I also tried a pano crop without the water, but liked this one better as an overall birdscape, even though the water may distract a bit from the bird.

D7000, 500f4 + 1.4 TC, ISO 1000, 1/2000s @ f/6.3 manual.

[Randy Stout]

Bill:

I like the hovering pose, with intent stare. The soft colors make the bird pop.

I tried the crop without the water, and can see it going either way. I also tried a version with 50% of the water cropped away, and thought the remainder made a nice, more subtle framing element for the image

There is no right or wrong here, and will be interesting to see what others think.

Cheers

Randy

[Geoffrey Montagu]

Wonderful image, Bill. I don't feel the water is a distraction at all. IMO it adds depth. Yes my eyes take the water in, but come right back to the bird. Beautiful light and pose.


Geoffrey

[keith mitchell]

Bill think I agree with Randy re the water, on the bird I like the way the light is coming through the tail and wings, like the whole feel of this.

Keith.

[Satish Ranadive]

Excellent image of Harrier's hovering. I like the wing spread and fanned tail feathers, nice colors and environment.

Regards,
Satish.