Swainson's Hawk

[Dan Brown]

This Swainson's Hawk was captured a few weeks ago at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, Yolo co, CA. Cropped and PP'ed in ACR and CS3.

Camera Model: NIKON D300, handheld
Shutter speed: 1/1000 sec
Aperture: 8
Exposure mode: Manual
Flash: Off
Metering mode: Multi-segment
ISO: 400
Lens: 80 to 400mm
Focal length: 400mm

[Fabs Forns]

Very nice flight pose and eye contact. The only thing that bothers me is the shadow across the breast.
Great under wing detail considering the side light.

[Ramon M. Casares]

Light angle is not ideal, but you managed to get great level of detail despite that.
Nice pose, colors and sharpness. A crop from the right would, IMO, improve comp.
Congratulations!

[Dave Barnes]

I like the angle of flight and the comp.
Light and shadows very often a problem when shooting up.
I see a bit of noise in the shadow areas, is this as a result of extracting detail?

[Simon Bennett]

I like the pose and eye contact.

[Joe Senzatimore]

I'm with Ramon on the comp. suggestion. I think the detail is great and you did a great job with that lens. Not an easy flight lens.

[Ilija Dukovski]

Nice one, what stands out here is the HA,
the bird almost makes contact with the camera.
Wings bit soft but the head is OK. Good one.

[Gyorgy Szimuly]

Nice image Daniel. Lovely pose and nice pastel-like colors.

Szimi

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

A little noise in the dark areas, but nice pose and colors. I wish for better light, but not always possible. I would take the shot myself too! :)

[Brian Barcelos]

Very nice exposure, you did great with what you had as far as light. Love the HA and underwing details. Only wish the left wing were in a better position. Congrats.

Brian

[Stu Bowie]

I like the light cast over the head Dan, and what a great angle of flight. I would maybe move back to the right a bit.

[Juan Carlos Vindas]

Great bird and image Dan!

Love the eye contact here and wing details, congrats.