Brown Falcon

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

This is my first photographic record of this species of large Aussie Falcon. I also would prefer a more natural perch, or at least rusty barbed wire. :D

75% of original capture, in the Capertee Valley, 3 hrs from Sydney's CBD.
30D, 300mm f/4L IS USM, 1.4x, HH from car, ISO800, f/8, 1/320.

[Arthur Morris]

Whoa! Barbed wire or note, this is killer. What a bird. What a stare. And love the grasses in the BKGR. A prefectly designed image for me.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Hey Akos, I like this one alot...and congrats on your first photographic record of this species! With sturdy wooden posts surely close by I'm surprised this guy chose the very thin and wobbly looking wire to perch on - was it stalking prey? Very cool image :-)

I was kinda bothered by the bright areas on the back and tail. I used the burn tool (midtones, and 8% exposure) and gave two passes on the back and one on the tail...I also gave two passes on the leg while at it. Hope you like!

[Arthur Morris]

I was so captivated by the bird that the lighter areas did not bother me. Great work Dan!

[Juan Carlos Vindas]

Very nice bird Akos. I agree with Dan about working on the light areas, some NR is also welcome. Great catch.

[Ramon M. Casares]

Repost work better indeed, still, great shot, nice pose, detail, light, BG and comp. COngratulations!

[Juan Aragonés]

I was so captivated by the bird that the lighter areas did not bother me. Great work Dan!

Me too. I agree that some areas are a bit bright and Daniel suggestion is a very good advice. The green in the BG looks a bit strange to my eyes and I made a color balance to the BG (more green and yellow) and a touch of Gaussian blur to eliminate noise traces.
The perch is almost unnoticeable considering the strong power of this image. The stare of the falcon rocks!
Fantastic image and congratulations for the new species to your personal list :-)
G´day

[Stu Bowie]

Great sighting and capture Akos. Eye contact at its best, and love the light in the eyes. I like the added grasses on the left, it balances the comp.

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

Thanks guys, I am glad you can see beyond my excitement and note the technical deficiencies. I love the reposted images and thanks for taking the time responding and reposting/suggesting! :)

[Jeff Cashdollar]

Akos,

Wonderful capture, and the eyes are to die for. From the car,wow,..what was the distance. Did you see him, or park and wait?

[Arthur Morris]

Juan, You are too good. You have a great eye for color. Again the bird got me with that stare!

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

Jeff,
Thank you.
I was driving on a very quiet country road and kept my eyes open. Nearly missed it as it was so still and seemed to blend in. I was about 25 - 30 feet away.

Daniel
It appeared to be busy staring our way and down in the grasses below. I also have an image of it looking down seeking prey.

[Dave Barnes]

I like this one Akos. Fantastic detail and eye contact.