Theme: Reed 'em and Weep

[Brian Sump]

I believe this is a juvenile male Northern Harrier based on the plumage and yellow eyes (likely first fall). He was so gracious to let me come close, only 15% crop.

Canon R5
600mm + 1.4x
Handheld
ISO 3200
1/800
f5.6

LR and PS, DN applied carefully. Evicted two faint grasses above head and lessened one on each side. Cleaned up catchlight.

NOTE - when I look at just the eyeball it looks a tad soft and noisy, but at 1:1 you can see in this species/year the sclera is very speckled and undefined especially in the green area where it meets the pupil. Also, the eye was completely encapsulated within the focus square fyi.
NOTE 2- last night I posted a version and realized after 20 views it was not ready, so I deleted before there were any comments. If you viewed then, I have updated since.

[David Roach]

Hi Brian, now that is a unique perch and I love it. Great view of the face/eye and the environment works for me. Especially the snow... TFS

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Brian, Lovely angled pose, and you have brought out the father detail nicely. I like how the talons have 'grabbed' onto the grasses for support.

[William Dickson]

Looking good....maybe try a wee bit neg exposure from what I see on the iMac...it looks a wee bit bright here...saying that, you have still managed to capture great detail throughout the frame...maybe my monitor...Fab detail Brian especially on the wing...The snow sure adds...Good crop and POV.

Will

[Daniel Cadieux]

I can only dream of such an opportunity with this smart and skittish species! Vertical was a no-brainer here, and I am super happy to see the snow in bottom right corner (I don't love winter, but it does look great for photography).

[Kamal Hari Menon]

Fantastic image Brian, love the colors and composition.

TFS
Kamal

[Brian Sump]

All of your comments are much appreciated!

Daniel, I can hardly stand Winter as well but we might as well make the most of it :-)

[John Mack]

What a treat this must have been. Really like the winter feel to this one. Nice and sharp with good detail. The title is great.