Double-crested Cormorant, portrait

[Melvin Grey]

I could not believe how close you can get to these cormorants in the Everglades National Park, Florida. 100yds would be more normal in the UK! I have left the 'Louse fly', a type of feather mite that all birds are parasitised with, in the photograph as it appeared from the bird's feathers as I was photographing it, and it is all 'part of the story' of what birds have to put up with. Of course I could easily clone it out.

Camera Canon 1D Mk11 with 500f4 IS plus TC 1.4 Exp. 1/400 @ f8 at ISO 200

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Great portrait, I like the colors, details and his little 'friend'. The eye of these birds look amazing. I would have preferred a more uniform BG but like it as is.

[Manos Papadomanolakis]

Very sweet image,I Iike the bg`s color,eye contact and light!

[Linda Robbins]

Lovely portrait and I like the inclusion of the "louse fly" and your explanation. These birds have such beautiful eyes. I like the bg in this image also. Nice capture.

[Judy Lynn Malloch]

Beautiful portrait with excellent exposure and detail.. The eye is gorgeous and I also like the BG. Fine work and thanks for sharing.

[James Salywoda]

Beautiful Portrait!!!! Excellent detail and compo....

[Gerald Kelberg]

Great image; I love the detail.

Gerald