Smiling juvie Pied-billed Grebe

[Daniel Cadieux]

Seeing that this species is rather secretive and hard to spot (and especially to approach) in our area, a few of us have been happy with the discovery of some quite approachable Pied-billed Grebes that have taken residence in a local pond. The adults mostly stay a little further away (out of reach for my 100-400, but OK for anybody showing up with a 500mm + 1.4) but the juvies are quite curious and venture close to shore often enough (but now sometimes too close for the 500, but perfect for my 100-400:D). Another new species added to my files :)

Canon 40D + 100-400L, evaluative metering, manual exposure (-2/3 stops), 1/200s., f/6.3, ISO 800, natural light, handheld.

[Ramon M. Casares]

Well, congratulations on the new species! Nice image with lovelu light, great colors, very nice comp and detail.Congratulations again.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

I'm really fond of these little guys and always enjoy seeing them. I like the light, sharpness, eye contact and water colors. If it were mine I would crop a bit off the bottom.

[Juan Carlos Vindas]

This guy does not look like the one on my book!

But it's fine! I know it happens very often. Really nice and healthy looking fellow. The feathers on the back look like hair, makes it looks kind of funny. IMO

[denise ippolito]

Daniel, Really nice sharpness and pose. Beautiful water color. I love the feathers!!

[Ilija Dukovski]

This guy does not look like the one on my book!

Juan Carlos, this is a baby, juvenile :)

[Ilija Dukovski]

Other than above, very nice feather detail, like the water color and texture.
The juvi looks really good.

[Brian Barcelos]

I love the eye , it almost pulls you into his world. All the colors are very pleasing. Congrats.

Brian

[Kiran Poonacha]

Beautiful one.. loved the pose and details, very cute looking bird too.. I too would prefer a little of from the bottom.

[Juan Aragonés]

Yes, he seems to be very happy with a big smile in his face :-)
I like the eye contact, composition, sharpness and fantastic green BG Daniel.
I see some kind of light halo surrounding the reflection of the head in the water.

[Stu Bowie]

Pin sharp Dan, showing lovely colours and detail. I like the single feather sticking out at the rear, and interesting to see the two different textures of water - above and below the grebe. Well captured.

[Randy Stout]

Daniel:

A lovely little fellow. Another vote for a bit off the bottom, I would go just above your sig line.

Randy

[Juan Carlos Vindas]

Juan Carlos, this is a baby, juvenile :)

Yes I know but still. I know how it goes with birds...:)