An Early Visitor

[Jim Fenton]

Two weeks earlier than normal for me anyway up here in MA. When I arrived on the beach this morning there were two bird haning pretty tight with one another.

This particular image was created just as the clouds began to move back in and we lost the nice long sunrise sunlight.

Nikon D300, 500 AFSVR ~ TC14EII, F 7.1, ISO 100, CW metering, +1.3 EV

[Ed Vatza]

You're a lucky man. The snowys seem to very rarely make it down this far. The image look great to me. Excellent detail and the whites look good on my monitor. Background is also very nice. Well done.

[Taylor Yeager]

Jim, you are killing me right now. After waiting all day for these 2 to move closer I finally packed it in after 7 hours. I guess I just did not get there early enough. Great image!

[Jim Fenton]

They didn't sit out on the flats at Bill Forward pool all day...did they?

[Taylor Yeager]

They sure did... At Stage.

[Fabs Forns]

This is ham of a picture :)

I'd place him more to the left given his body position.

[Doug Brown]

Really nice Jim! Beautiful details sharpness.

[Ramon M. Casares]

I agree with Fabs but I wouldn't have realized that on my own, I liek it as presented very very much! I envy you! Congratulations!

[Jim Fenton]

I did place the bird on the right as it is ever so slightly looking toward the left.

I tried the suggestions offered here and honestly...it just doesn't;t seem to look right with the bird on the left as it is then looking out of frame?

[Juan Aragonés]

Jim I think that this is one of those cases in which a centerd composition is the best choice. According to the body position the best composition is with the bird at the left but considering the eyes I have to agree with your choice. Whatever the compositio, the details, exposure and color is fantastic.

[Arthur Morris]

Stunning bird and image. Esp. love the eyes and the BKGR. Am confused by the placement in the frame. Either a pano crop from the left or having pointed the camera to the left would have been a bit better.

[Arthur Morris]

Just saw the posts above mine--to me, the bird is pretty much staring straight ahead... Do try the pano crop for something different.