Black Skimmer

[Mike Milicia]

EOS-1D Mk II, 500mm f/4L + 1.4xII, 1/1000, f/5.6, ISO 400
About 70% of Full Frame.

Photographed in evening light this past August at Nickerson Beach during a Birds As Art IPT.

I got a series of images as the bird was landing in the grass. The one before this had a better wing position (straight up) but I also liked this one as it includes more of the grass.

Looking forward to your comments and critiques !

[Axel Hildebrandt]

I like this a lot! Great light, pose, BG and the just OOF blades of grass and open bill add to it. My only wish is to see the catch light a little better.

[Nicole Brooker]

I like the inclusion of the grass and th pose. Beautiful light. Great photo.

[Grace Scalzo]

Beautiful light, and a nice, layered bg. You may think I'm crazy for this detail, but they don't eat grass, and it looks like this guy is going to eat that piece that appears to be going into his beak. For that reason, I'd trim that piece back a bit were this mine, which I wish it was.

[Maxis Gamez]

Hi Mike,

Love the colors, details and pose on this one. Very nice composition as well.

[Manos Papadomanolakis]

Nice flight shot!!!
I Iove the colors and light!

[Caroline Darmo]

I see your point that the wings could be in a better position, but man what a shot! Great light & the grass really enhances the composition. Very well done.