Angry Gray Ghost

[John Hackney]

Canon 7D Mark II
EF 100-400 f/4.5 to 5.6 Mark II
EF 1.4X TC Mark III
560mm
ISO 640
EC +1 1/3
SS 1/2500
f/8



He got so close before he veered off that the wings are out of the frame, so I centered him with the crop
WB, lifted exposure, NR, sharpening

[arash_hazeghi]

Love the intensity and the eye contact, excellent head on view. Not an easy bird! Bummer about the harsh light, I wish the sun was lower in the sky and behind you. The image has a very strong blue color cast, it looks like the RAW wasn't quite sharp or maybe underexposed (?) sharpening has caused some noise

TFS

[John Hackney]

Thanks Arash.

I agree with you on the light and direction. For some reason the birds only come in low with the sun at their backs.

I think I overshot the white balance.

RAW was underexposed and not sharp. The lens combo is a little slow for fast shots and there is an IQ hit also. I try to pull the TC off if I anticipate an in flight shot.

[Daniel Cadieux]

An exciting encounter for sure! Good call on the crop. Agree with Arash (and you).

[John Hackney]

Thanks Daniel. I was caught by surprise on this one as I have only had the females swoop in protection. This was taken on a catwalk at a local nature study area.