Common Loon Leg Waggle

[Bill Dix]

OK, here's one last loon from me, for this month's theme. Taken in mid-July on a lake in Maine (which they call a pond).

D500, Sigma 150-600C @ 550mm; ISO 800, 1/2500s @ f/8 manual.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Looks like you had harsh light, but tamed it well. I like the foot waggling pose with water drops flying behind. I do wish the pupil was centered though, but I suppose that is what this loon gave you.

[Bill Dix]

Looks like you had harsh light, but tamed it well. I like the foot waggling pose with water drops flying behind. I do wish the pupil was centered though, but I suppose that is what this loon gave you.

Thanks Daniel. The light was constantly changing. This was about 9:30 in the morning and pretty bright; 10 minutes later it was dim. On this one, I lowered the contrast a bit. I thought about re-centering the pupil - it bothers me too - but it was indeed what he gave me.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Fun lighting conditions, especially for a black-and-white bird!

[Randy Stout]

Bill:

I always think foot waggles are fun, nice drop spray, good iridescence on the head, exposure well handled overall.

I generally am off the water by around 9:30 when doing loons, just too much contrast on a bright day. You did well here

Cheers

Randy

[Allen Sparks]

Hi Bill,
Love the raised foot and water drops. Well exposed for the light conditions as others have mentioned. A nice frame.
Allen

[gail bisson]

Hi Bill,
I love it when loons do the foot waggle. I imagine it must feel so good for them to stretch!
Not much to add to the above comments.
You must be counting the days till the "BIG TRIP"!
Enjoyed viewing this and made me smile
Gail

[Geoffrey Montagu]

Great capture, Bill. Not seen this foot waggle in person, but I would say the timing with that extension and water droplets is spot on. Beautiful detail and iridescence.

Geoffrey




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

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

I am not that bothered by the light. Does it look a little tilted to anyone? Perhaps it is just the bird angling away somewhat.
Nice details and you managed the exposure very nicely.
TFS

[Bill Dix]

Thanks everyone. Yes, the light was less than ideal, but it was a thrill to be in such close proximity to these iconic birds. Akos, I was shooting hand-held from a bobbing canoe, so the level could be off. I tried to level the image based on the zone of focus of the water. Tough to be accurate within a degree or so, but I think it's close.