One of many tern-in-flight frames from a productive afternoon at Nickerson Beach on 1 August 2017. Small crop. I do wish the bill tip were clear of the far wing edge; perhaps why I hadn't posted this one before. (I suppose a little PS trimming of the wing edge might produce some clearance?)
Nice image either way Bill. I would prefer it to be clear too. Details look good just enough catch light so one can see the eye. I have some just can't make out the eye. Love the dark blue background sets the bird off nicely. TFS.
I hardly notice the modified wing in the repost, but that version does seem significantly sharper. Yeah it would be great to have more clearance from the wing as you attempted, but the disinteresting gaze - which can't be fixed after the fact - is the biggest issue. The graded background is really nice, but there appears to be something funny going the trailing side of the left/upper wing, where it intersects the lighter but at the top. Might lift the blacks to get a bit more detail on the cap as well.
Though to get these birds to look at you here. If they are above the surf. They usually just look down and away. I do like the light and that dark background.