Sage grouse blast off

[D. Robert Franz]

Had some sage grouse great leks to work this year but unfortunately lousy weather. From one of the few mornings with sun this spring.

Camera Model: Canon EOS-1D Mark III
Firmware: Adobe Photoshop CS4 Windows
Date/Time: 2009:04:07 079:09
Shutter speed: 1/2500 sec
Aperture: 5.6
Exposure mode: Av
Exposure compensation: +2/3
Flash: Off
Metering mode: Multi-segment
ISO: 400
Focal length: 500mm
Subject distance: 55 m

[Dave Barnes]

I enjoy the comp here with the angle of flight following the mountain behind. The bird has interesting tail feathers and colours. Looks just a tad over sharpened to me with the fine feathers starting to look a bit crunchy? (around the head area)

[Mike Lentz]

I'm not sure I've seen a flight shot of this species, nice job. The details look good, but the white spot in the upper chest looks a bit hot.

[Doug Brown]

I know I've never seen a flight shot of a Sage Grouse. Well done! I love the fanned tail feathers, the eye contact, and the placement of the bird relative to the horizon. I might darken the light area behind the bird's head. The breast doesn't look overexposed, but as mentioned above, could be toned down just a little. Nice image!

[Daniel Cadieux]

Very cool! A first for me too (flight image of this species). I agree in toning down both the brighter white spot on the upper chest and the whitish area in the BG behind the head. A better far wing position would have put this over the top! I love the faint hint of the mountain. Very well done :-)

[Stu Bowie]

Great angle of flight showing all splayed wings and tail. You have captured him just above the break in colour in the BG, which helps in the comp.

[Fabs Forns]

Terrific catch! I'd love to see these birds at some point in my life, always thought they are fascinating. Too bad about the weather you had, but you made good use of the good day :)

[LouBuonomo]

The comp is just great here with the hills in the BG.. sweet catch !
Lou