Eurasian Sparrowhawk

[Han Bouwmeester]

Two years ago I start working on a hide with a water pool in front of it in a forest were I can go when I like to and do what I like to do. Mean target were the Sparrowhawks who are breeding here every year. On warm summer days they would need some water to have a drink and to take a bath; I thought. To make a long story not to long; this week I finally had success. The Sparrowhawk family is enjoying the pool at the end of the morning and I am enjoying them. I cannot find words to impress what is going through my head at those moments. One of the adults landed one meter from my nose. To close for my Sigma 300-800 mm)
This is one of the best shots in my opinion. You can see all results on my website at http://www.enjoywildlife.nl I hope you can enjoy them!


Nikon D700; Sigma 300-800 mm f5.6; iso 400; f7,1; 1/125 sec; -1 stop

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Angle, pose, sharpness and BG look good. I might lighten the image slightly by adjusting the midtones.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Nice!! I like the wet feathers and pose. The image is a bit dark, but I like the "dark forest" mood it gives. Although the colours might be accurate I wouldn't mind seeing the yellow on the eyes and bill accentuated just a bit more (the Sponge Tool set at 6-8% works great for this).

Seeing that the pool is a set-up what is the pool's "rim" behind the bird... just a log, or other?

[Lorant Voros]

Dag Han,

Good image with the techs. I agree lightening up a bit. I checked the other shots on your site. You should post some more here too. Proficiat.

[Aidan Briggs]

Good suggestions from above. In addition to lightening the eye, I might sharpen it just a tad more, as it appears slightly soft to me.

[Gal Shon]

That is superb, killer look.
Agree with Daniel, it is a bit dark, but I really like it that way.

[Ramon M. Casares]

Agree with the comments above, but I resally really love this shot. Great natural moment, lovely bird's atitude, nice detail, BG, pose and soft light.
Congratulations.

[Markus Jais]

Beautiful shot of this little raptor. I like the tight composition, the head turn and the water soaked feathers.

Markus

[Nagesh Mula]

Its a beautiful shot. Very poignant. I agree with the suggestions posted above. Congrats!!
Also, I visited your website and your compositions are very beautiful :-).

[David Fletcher]

Super shot Han. Understand the comments on going brighter, and is an option, but like this as is as is strong and moody, in keeping with a predator of the woods. Nice shot.

[Han Bouwmeester]

Thanx for all these opinions! It's correct that I like a little bit dark pictures but I will have a look at it. Maybe I need to re-calibrate my monitor.

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

HI Han
Love the dark mood in your image. I can feel your elation too as you captured it. It is magical. Great pose and love those damp feathers. Well done for your dedication!

[Erich Stevens]

Han,

Your hard work and patience really paid off. This is a stunning capture. The feather detail, reflection, DOF, the creamy warm BG... it all comes together here. I don't mind the overall dark tones of this image. It doesn't appear underexposed; the light was what it was, and I think you nailed it. It's a fine intimate portrait. Congrats!

[Daniel Cadieux]

Thanx for all these opinions! It's correct that I like a little bit dark pictures but I will have a look at it. Maybe I need to re-calibrate my monitor.

Judging from the images on your website I'd say your monitor is fine. Good work to be found while browsing in there:)

[Arthur Morris]

Not much to add to the excellent comments above but I did want to extend a big BPN welcome. Let's see some more.

[Don Anderson]

What I really love is you planned, worked , waited, and finally it all came together,
and we get to see the result. I love that you got the shot!

[Stu Bowie]

I like the alert pose, and this is sharp showing good detail.

[Ryan Lambert]

Superb image Han, made all the better by your patience to get the image. Maybe slightly brighter would work, bu a stunning image nonetheless...

[Kiran Poonacha]

welcome to BPN... All said above..its a Beautiful Image.. I have been after this bird for sometime now.. seeing this has made my want hit the skies... TFS

[christopher galeski]

good shot Han,I used to fly one of these when I was into falconry,nice bird,like the HA,NICE AND SHARP.thanks.