Low rider - common loon in alert pose

[Randy Stout]

This common loon was alarmed by something, generally another loon flying over, but occ. an eagle, and altered its buoyancy to present the lowest possible profile while still being above water and able to see the sky. Probably the female, since no yodeling occurred.

D4 600VR f/4.5 1/800s ISO 1250. Taken from my little boat, "Loonie Too"

Post: Crop for comp. Removed one reed right in front of the head. leveled, cleaned up catchlight.

Appreciate folks thoughts on leaving the 3 reeds on the left in the frame. I rather liked them, as it gave a better sense of the place, but open to suggestions.

Cheers

Randy

[John Hackney]

Fantastic angle, great focus. I do find my eyes trying to wander to the reeds.

[Adhika Lie]

Hi Randy, this is a very cute pose and I do like the perspective you've chosen here. But I agree with John that my eyes do wander to the reed a little bit.

[arash_hazeghi]

cool pose Randy, love the green but would lose those reeds

TFS

[Isaac Grant]

I echo what others have said. Really nice pose and a refreshing change from the typical loon shots. I love the eye and the ripples from the bird getting low in the water. I would also remove the reeds as they distract from such a neat bird and pose.

[Randy Stout]

Thanks everyone:

I really appreciate your honest input. I am always trying different looks for my loons, and do like an environmental component, but have redone this one.

Thanks again.

Randy

[Bill Dix]

An interesting behavior shot; always nice to see something different. I like the red eye, right in the center, and the repost is an improvement for me.

[Arthur Morris]

Lovely. I was fine with the three reeds as they were balanced by the faint reflection of another one on the right side of the frame.

Curious--why would the males yodel in the presence of danger while this bird seems to be trying to hide itself?

a

[Marina Scarr]

I like this image with or without the reeds. The reeds do add a little bit of interest but also detract just a tad. Great behavior captured.

[John Hackney]

I like the re-post without the reeds. Awesome behavior shot.

[Randy Stout]

Thanks everyone. Appreciate the input. MIght do an intermediate version, with just a hint of the reeds left.

Cheers

Randy

[Kirk Benson]

Man this is a cool image Randy, love the pano crop, and the eye-level POV from your boat is fantastic. I would be tempted to leave the 3 reeds but just tone them down a bit, but I like it as presented too. Excellent work and a real pleasure to see. :-)

Kirk