Red-throated diver (loon)

[gail bisson]

Bill picked this species for our Iceland show and tell. I have very few images of these loons.
Taken on Hrisey Island Iceland 2019
Canon 1dx1 600mm and 2x extender. I think that was the last time i used the 2x.
It is hard to get close to this species.
I was under my camo sheet for about an hour waiting for this guy to come in close but other species kept me entertained while I waited,
including watching Ann who was looking for me from the far shoreline. It was fun watching her make her way towards me but not seeing me!
Crop to about 70% FF.
Comments and critiques always learned from and appreciated with thanks,
Gail

[Steve Kaluski]

Hi Gail, the pano crop works and I like the position of the subject in frame. Cool to include the habitat, especially in the BKG, adds context to me. I do feel it's a little flat overall however and although the conditions may have been overcast, I think this is where a bit of artistic licence comes into play???

If the 2x was the MKII it was pants, MKIII is far better and I've have no issue in using, it's delivered crisp, sharp images.

TFS
Steve

[annmpacheco]

I'm laughing as i remember that very well! I think this may be the loon that was waiting for the eider to attack and chase off; a bite to the tail feathers as i remember. I like your composition and the distinct red throat!

[Bill Dix]

Elegant loon pose and nice comp, with the grasses on the left giving a good sense of habitat. Feels cool, as it probably was. Would just the slightest touch of warmth help?

[Brian Sump]

Gail, this frame proves it was worth the wait!

Lighting treated you well here providing a little drama, albeit a little more perpendicular to the lens. Subject is nicely sharp. Is that a bit of iridescence I see on the head?

Composition is really unique and I quite like it. The Loon is located well within the habitat and below the shoreline.

Overall a quality frame!

PS - did you get any shots of the rare Icelandic Pacheco bird while you waited?

[Jonathan Ashton]

I like it very much, the composition is pleasing and the pose is informative. I may have been tempted to deliver a little more detail in the back and wing feathers - just a little subtle lift.

[Joseph Przybyla]

Hi Gail, lovely image. Sharp, nice colors, I like the inclusion of habitat. Your wait was worth time spent. Thank you for sharing.

[John Mack]

The loon looks good in that nice light. The grass in the foreground gives some nice depth.

[William Dickson]

Well done Gail....I get the feeling of 'being there' ...The reeds in the FG add so much....Nice shoreline in the BG and good POV...Good detail on the bird and lovely colouring throughout the image. Perfectly cropped for my liking.

Will

[Arthur Morris]

DATPA. I love the pano and would consider taking a bit more off the right.

with love, a

[gail bisson]

I give up! What does DATPA mean!

Gail

DATPA. I love the pano and would consider taking a bit more off the right.

with love, a