Peek-a-boo preening pelican

[steve torna]

While in La Jolla photographing pelicans I was fascinated by the way the prehistoric birds took such care in preening and fluffing every inch of their feathered exteriors. I captured them in every conceivable pose as they twisted and contorted their long necks in order to reach every feather. While reviewing my images, I came across this one pelican preening his flight feathers and appearing as though he was staring at me through blinds. Canon 5D III, 100-400mm IS Mark II, ISO 640, 1/1600 second @ f/7.1, 3286 x 4695, perch cleaned, January 18, 2016 @ 10:40 AM. I feel really bad that I clipped his wing but I wanted to present the image because I think it still has some merit.

[arash_hazeghi]

that's a pretty cool shot Steve, love the pose. excellent!

do you have more room on the right? wish the primary was not clipped, did you zoom back in time to get them in the frame? if not you can "re-build" it since the clipped part is tiny.

excellent sharp details, exposure and color + a good BG. more room on the btm would be nice.

Great shot

[Glennie Passier]

I used to have an old neighbour that we nicknamed "Lourve Lil'". She was adorable, just like this bird. What a capture! It's a pity the wing is clipped, but with your talent, I am sure you can rebuild!

Well done! Thank you for sharing!

[Daniel Cadieux]

Talk about luck having the eye between those two feathers...how cool is that! It may indeed be worth reconstructing that missing tip as the pose is fun and unique. You could also perhaps cut the three longer primaries, and leave enough room for the fourth plus a bit of space (not sure without trying it though so it may not work anyhow. I love the marbled background...

[William Dickson]

Very nice indeed. I love the artistic view. The details are pretty, as is the BG. Nice one and TFS

Will

[Arthur Morris]

Way cool pose and execution. For the repost I added and filled in canvas right using John Heado Content Aware Fill, repaired the wingtip using tutorials from APTATS I & II, worked on the CYAN cast, and brightened and sharpened and added detail (to) the eye and the area around it. (The latter would have been much more effective working with the full sized TIFF of course.) Most from Digital Basics.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Look at that, the rebuild is definitely worth it.

[steve torna]

Artie thanks; that is amazing work!

[Arthur Morris]

Artie thanks; that is amazing work!

YAW. Easy peasy. It is all in DB and the two APTATS :) a

[Jonathan Ashton]

Lovely shot Steve great timing - a really interesting and most amusing pose. I agree with suggestions made.
....and Artie what is it you guys over there say - "way to go!"