Common Guillemot in flight

[gail bisson]

Taken in Iceland.
I sat near the cliff edge photographing any seabird that flew past me that I could lock focus on. They are flying so fast that one shoots first and asks questions later! I did not realize until yesterday that this was a common guillemot. This was a lifer for me (better late to realize this than never!). The more common black guillemot has red legs and a white patch on the top of the wings. The less common "common guillemot" has grey legs and a more brownish/black body.
The bird is well past me but I like the curve of his body as he approaches the cliff to land. I believe his head is turned slightly towards me and that helps save this shot.
This image is quite a departure from my very colorful shots that I have been posting lately. Hope you like it.
Canon 1 DX
100-400 mm v II
ISO 1600 SS 1/2500 F 5.6
PP: Crop to 70% FF, NR to BG, levels, DE/TC in NIK EFEX PRO at 20% opacity to head and 10% opacity to body.
Comments and critiques always appreciated and learned from with thanks,
Gail

[John Mack]

Nice job getting this bullet in sharp focus. Your self critique is great. The bird could be a little higher in the frame.

[Bill Dix]

Nice flight shot, Gail. They are indeed tough to catch in flight. Congrats on the lifer; I don't think I've ever seen the less common Common. Sure, a split-second earlier would have been icing on the cake, but I'd be pleased to have this one. The position in the frame may make it seem more like a takeoff than a landing, but it works for me.

[Geoffrey Montagu]

Congratulations on the lifer, Gail. Very nice work capturing one of these darts in flight, and so well. I like your control of the whites and browns in which there's a lot of visible detail.
Nice eye detail too. Love those outstretched feet and great wing position.

Geoffrey




http://500px.com/geoffreymontagu

[Mike Hitchen]

They do move quickly don't they, and to keep up with them at such close quarters is impressive. I agree that the curve of the body is what makes it.

[Daniel Cadieux]

The pose reminds me of someone having just sprung off a diving board, limbs spread out, ready for a "belly flop". Good techs, and I'm OK with the less colorful mood.