Kestrel Hawk (male)

[Mark Schmitt]

I don't like the sky in this one. It was one of those early morning, marine layer, soggy, gray mornings with a lot of moisture in the air. Thats why the feathers on the bird have a "just out of the shower, warpped" look.

Conditions: Feb. damp, cool, overcast

EXIF:
Camera: Canon 20D
Lense: Canon EF 500 IS L / f 4.0 + 1.4 T/C (effective focal length 700mm)
Metering: Pattern
Exposure: 1/800 @ f 7.1; + .66 comp
ISO: 200
White bal: custom 5500 K

[Stu Bowie]

Lovely pose, and I dont mind the sky. I like the comp too. Well done.

[Tony Whitehead]

You've managed your DOF well here to keep the bird sharp. The only thing that bothers me is the perch as I find the large blurred section lower left distracting - I don't see a solution though. Do you prefer this sky? If so PM me and I will let you know the steps. Did a Shadow highlight too to brighten the bird a little.

[Daniel Cadieux]

I don't mind the "out of the shower" look, but I find the kestrel dark (repost by Tony is a step in the right direction). As mentioned, the perch is not ideal, and there are traces of work being done on it. Beautiful subject though, one I have nothing on yet.

[Linda Robbins]

Cute look back pose, and I like the "out of the shower" look. Nice sharp detail. Tony's repost is an improvement, especially the lightened bird. The oof area of the perch is an unfortunate drawback to this otherwise nice image. I