Feral Pigeon

[Stu Bowie]

This was taken the morning at one of the local spots in Pretoria. These guys are a challenge, as they fly pretty fast, so I was happy to capture the full down stroke of the wings.

Canon 50D
100-400 L IS USM @400mm
1/1250
F/6.3
ISO 640

Exp Comp +0.33
Hand Held

[Fabs Forns]

Agree, having tried, that they are not easy target. Love the light, pose and BG. Judging by the ones here, you may need to increase the midtones.

[Kobus Tollig]

Looks great as is. Super well done on this. Great pose bg and exposure

[Alfred Forns]

I have tried these guys many times and find them challenging This is an outstanding image !! Big Congrats !!! .... great lens/camera combo !!!

[Mital Patel]

This is a fantastic image i would say. we have calle them blue rock pigeon little different wings pattern though and they are so familiar here and very common species amongst all.

These are very fast in flight and you've got them really nicely with perfect light condition and with gr8 details.

agree with fabs to try midtone work.

[Stu Bowie]

Thanks a lot guys and Fabs. Here is my repost with midtones adjusted.

[Scott Frye]

Nice capture -- BIF are great to shoot and among the most challenging. I like the subtle colors surrounding that great red eye

[Fabs Forns]

Great repost, Stuart, it looks much better!

[Doug Brown]

Nicely done Stuart. Like the repost!

[Danny Laredo]

Superb image Stuart.

[Dave Phillips]

quite a difference in the repost Stuart.....nicely done.
I find the bg colors verrrrry complementary.

[Mark Dumbleton]

Well done Stu! This is super - great light and BG. Do agree the repost is better!
Wing position super and this is one pin-sharp image!

[Morkel Erasmus]

repost is much better, but the original as super to start with. great sharpness, they are quick! lovely downstroke too. well done sir!

[Tony Whitehead]

Well done, Stuart. Pigeons are really challenging and you have a lovely sharp image in great light. Their eyes are stunning. I have a real soft spot for them having bred them as a kid - it was great to see them fly and then come back down to the loft.

[Juan Carlos Vindas]

Love the repost. And you are right, those pigeons are tough subjects. I might be tempted to burn the whites a little.

[James Salywoda]

Awesome Shot! Nice colors,detail and wing position

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Great capture of this fast flyer, I like the wing position, details and BG.

[Arthur Morris]

Just goes to show you that a good image is a good image, regardless of the subject. My favortie part of the photo is that super-sharp eye. Good job on the re-post.

[DanWalters]

Beautiful flight shot! Gorgeous lighting and I really like colors in the background.

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

Stuart,
What an awesome flight shot of such a common bird. Well done for taking the time and making the effort. The result is overwhelmingly good! :)

[Desmond Chan]

Love the light! A beautiful image !!

[Dave Barnes]

Not too shabby Stu. You nailed this one.

[Stu Bowie]

To each and everyone, thank you all for the great comments. Much appreciated.

[Chris Kotze]

Excellent shot Stu. Great detail and colours

[Kiran Poonacha]

Great image stuart, loved the details and pose, the BG works well too..

[Stu Bowie]

Chris, Kiran, thanks for the kind words.

[Mike Lentz]

Stuart, very nice! I love the irredescence in the neck on these species!
As mentioned the wing position is nice as is the BG... the re-post is a beauty!

[Stu Bowie]

Thanks so much Mike. Appreciated.