It isn't always pretty....

[carole wiley]

...but it's still cute. From Machias Seal Island. I don't know why he is so dirty....maybe just out of the burrow? Anyway, not a great head angle but I couldn't pass it up, the scruffy look is in. 70-200f4 at 191, f4, Av, ISO 400 1/6400, eval.

[Gus Cobos]

Hi Carole,
I like the capture and composition, the only draw back is the head angle, he needs to be looking more at you, also you can lighten up the eye just a tad...good show, I like it...:):cool:

[Lance Peters]

Hi Carole - love Puffins - even dirty ones :) Love the BG.

I think you have some lashes from the HAP coming your way though.

:)

[Oscar Zangroniz]

Carol, I'm glad I'm not the only one getting lashes from the HAP!!!
Nice capture.
Regards,

[Doug Brown]

Here's lash #1! ;) The head angle is less than ideal, as you pointed out. I don't mind the dirt, but I do think the image is lacking in the DOF department; I would have dialed down a couple of stops since you had shutter speed to spare. I would also sharpen a bit more. I'd love to see one of these guys some day. Thanks for posting!

[Nicki Gwynn Jones]

Hi Carole,
Do agree with Doug's comments but it is a sweet capture nonetheless. I noticed on Skomer Island that the birds do get very grubby on rainy days going in and out of their burrows.
Regards,
Nicki

[Alfred Forns]

Hi Carole ..... you will be getting less than the customary twenty since its such a cute bird :D:D:)

As presented would like a crop from the back wold make the face bigger in frame which is the strong part of the image !!!! I think the dirt does give a special feel !!! .....was probably remodeling !!!!

[Julie Kenward]

Yes, bad head angle - but cute bird! I like the scruffy look as well...just would like it better with a head on view! May I just say a big congrats on getting so much definition in the black tones? Good for you!

[Harold Davis]

beautiful bird carole!! must have been fun to have the opportunity to photograph!! hope you share some more!!