One of a number of target birds for our Iceland trip. We got distant looks in a number of locations as we scoured the countryside, but never a decent shot. Geoffrey said "We'll get one on Flatey" (our final destination), but by then I had pretty much given up hope. I was sitting on the edge of a rocky cove photographing Snow Buntings when this guy flew in out of nowhere and landed right in front of me. He kept his back to me the whole time, but I'll take this head turn. I didn't notice it at the time, but when I looked on the computer I was struck by the way the richly colored bird stood out in an almost monochromatic setting.
D500, 500 f/5.6E PF with 1.4 TC, ISO 2500, 1/2500s @ f/8
You captured his "bill" beautifully, open, with a pop of color. Yes, the colors work well together, his grays with the grays of the background. DOF worked well, even with the pose.
Well I was hoping, and just about the moment I saw him fly in I saw you train your camera on him. This is a very fine capture and I agree the monochromatic grey of the rocks with nice softness in the background makes his colors pop.
Wonderful Bill, love the shot, raised foot, open bill and great view of his back... Colors look rich against the neutral grays, and really pop. Happy for ya!
I love this. Great BG that acts as a lovely foil to this gorgeous bird.
If this was mine I would paint in some light grey on the dark rocks behind the head to lessen their impact.
Love the raised foot.
Gail
Thanks Bill. What a beauty. The repost is better! I struck out on my trip on my #1 target bird :(
with love, artie
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