Black-shouldered Kite hanging in there

[Tobie Schalkwyk]

Nikon D600 + Tamron 150-600 @ 600mm
f/6.3 | 1/800s | 250 ISO | Handheld
General adjustments in LR.

[Isaac Grant]

Tobie I like the hunting pose and the intense stare. But I do not think the shot is tack sharp. Also the highlights on the legs look too hot. Bird seems to have a yellow cast as well. I would try and revisit the processing on this one and see if you can make some changes.

[Walker Noe]

I agree with Isaac's comments, and would prefer a green BG, but we get what we get sometimes. Cool species.

[Tobie Schalkwyk]

Tobie I like the hunting pose and the intense stare. But I do not think the shot is tack sharp. Also the highlights on the legs look too hot. Bird seems to have a yellow cast as well. I would try and revisit the processing on this one and see if you can make some changes.

Thanks for commenting Isaac! The bird was shot an hour before sunset so it might look a bit warm. I've lowered the yellows regardless here - and added 3 rounds of unsharp masking.

[Glenn Pure]

Tobie, the repost is a considerable improvement of what was already a nice shot. Pose is great - was it hovering? You've captured the red eye nicely, possibly enhanced by the late light. Looks like you've had trouble recovering detail on the legs though. I've seen this before in this type of light and maybe not much more you can do about that. Thanks for sharing.

[Tobie Schalkwyk]

Tobie, the repost is a considerable improvement of what was already a nice shot. Pose is great - was it hovering? You've captured the red eye nicely, possibly enhanced by the late light. Looks like you've had trouble recovering detail on the legs though. I've seen this before in this type of light and maybe not much more you can do about that. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks Glenn - and thanks for commenting! Yes, the bird was hovering. I've also seen the issue on the legs but as you say, in that type of light you take what you can get.