I see thousands of these each winter as they winter off the CA coast in huge numbers, but this individual represents an incredibly rare find on two counts. First he's molted into full breed plumage before reaching the Arctic, and, second, he managed to find his way into an incredibly accessible golf course pond in Half Moon Bay. I would have bet my life I would have needed to go to Alaska to get this frame. Hella stoked to say the least!
Gotta be one of the most beautiful birds on the continent in this breeding garb.
Yeah, he's a bit close to the left edge. But if you're gonna have a too-short side, that where to have it! The long and low birds are tough that way!
Canon 600mm f/4 IS II on EOS 1DX Mark II
1/2000 at f/7.1, ISO 640, handheld on stomach
Processed in LR CC. Did a bit of local work on extreme lights and darks given the high contrast nature of this species.
What a fantastic opportunity for you! Quite a sleek looking loon, you must have been thrilled. Awesome details, good low angle. There is enough space at left for me - well balanced comp. Oh, and perfect head angle!
This is good Dorian.
Perfect head turn , nice low POV and the whites on the breast are not blown (something so easy to do with these birds).
Lucky you! Even luckier the golf course lets you on the property if you are not golfing.
Gail