Angry Exit - Sandhill Crane from Bosque del Apache

[Jay Ing]

Just back from a great first trip to Bosque. It was all I hoped it might be. One morning it was not only freezing cold (the norm) but a terrible - but eventually wonderful fog/mist bank had rolled in. With the mist still present we had a few blast offs. This fella must not have gotten a good night's sleep as he was angry about something! :)

Details: D500, Sigma 500/4 with 1.4, 1/3200, 6.3, ISO 450, Tripod mount/gimbal, PS CCC, crop and troublesome edits

[Krishna Prasad kotti]

Beautiful shot. I like the open bill and the curled wings.

Thanks for sharing

[Raybel Robles]

Beautiful! you made the most of that foggy morning! it was nice meeting you on the field. The eagles were back at the perch today, 1 adult and 2 immature. I managed to get some shots of them flying off, finally made up for THAT miss on day 1!

[Jay Shah]

Nice expression. I also like faint outline of the other cranes in the BG. On my monitor there seems to be some noise.

[Jay Ing]

Same to you Ray... always nice to meet forum members in "real life". Can't wait to see your Eagle work. Can't keep a good man down... I guessed you'd get your shots! I'll post "my Eagle" in a bit, but TBH I liked more of my Crane shots that "that" one. Hopefully we can meet again, my friend. Stay well and travel safe.

[Jay Ing]

Jay, ISO was only 450 so I hoped to avoid any NR work - but I think you may be right - with the mist/fog there may be more noise that is ideal here. Might play with that aspect of things. Thanks.

[Isaac Grant]

I LOVE the feel of this image. This is just beautiful. The contrast between the front bird, that fantastic wing position and the flock in the background is perfect. Color palette of the image is great as well. I would do a small round of sharpening on the head and neck. Background needs noise reduction for sure. I think that would really create an even more ethereal feel as it will blur the background birds even more. It will also make the main subject pop even more. I really think this is one of my favorite crane images I have seen.

[Jay Ing]

Here's an attempt at NR and additional facial sharpening. I didn't go for a super smooth (noiseless) background as the subject has some noise (no NR done) and want the BKG to have some continuity with the bird. Better?

[Joseph Przybyla]

Nice work, Jay. Priceless expression and wing position on the Sandhill Crane. Thank you for sharing.

[gail bisson]

I have to agree with the above accolades. I really like this! Everything just works perfectly- even the OOF cranes in the BG.
Well done and congrats on a beautiful frame,
Gail

[Ian McLachlan]

This second effort with the added sharpening really does the job. The Flock [Dance,Sedge,Siege or Swoop etc.] in the background-I had to look them up - is just about perfect in every way with a touch of colour here and there to top it off. Well done.

[Isaac Grant]

Even better. Excellent repost.

[Mike Poole]

Great expression and wing position make this a very dynamic shot. Techs wise I agreed with Isaac, and the RP improves the shot further

Mike

[Bill Dix]

Excellent work. Ditto all of the praise noted above. Love the flight pose, and the wonderful foggy background with just the right hint of the flock. Repost helps make it even better.

[Geoffrey Montagu]

Brilliant flight capture, Jay. Beautiful light, fine feather detail, and you couldn't have asked for a more perfect distance for the flock in the BG.

Geoffrey




http://https://500px.com/geoffreymontagu

[Arthur Morris]

Most images with other cranes in the background are junk. This one is magical. Love the light, the fog, the mood, and the wing position. All in all, fantastic. The only thing that bugs me slightly is the white cheek just above the subject's head ..

with love, artie

[Daniel Cadieux]

Oh my, this is a gorgeous image! The NR made a nice difference. One of my favorite images of late, congratulations on a striking frame!

[Jim Crosswell]

Beautiful image Jay. Everything works perfectly in this frame. I'm sure I will see it again when its selected for IOTW.

[JakubJay]

One of the finest images I have seen here. Bravo!