Ring-billed Gull (Mississippi River)

[Danny J Brown]

A very common gull makes a nice image as it forages over the icy Mississippi River. Shot yesterday morning.

Canon EOS40D; Canon 500/4 w/1.4TC; 1/2500; f/5.6; Gitzo GT3530LS w/Wimberley II.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

I like the setting, sharpness, eye contact and the fish adds to it. I wish the wings were all the way up or down. What ISO were you at?

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Danny, I know its winter over there, but for the Mississippi to ice up - then its very cold. Good exposure on the gull, sharp, and hope he cooked his fish before he ate it. I like blues and browns in the overall image too.

[Dave Leroy]

Nice shot Danny. I really like the exposure and sharpness of the photo. Man that river looks cold and in focus ice adds a lot to the photo. Good catch on the fish. Dave

[Daniel Cadieux]

Nice winter setting, and this image shows the adaptibillity of these gulls to scavenge for stuff other than human garbage:D. I agree with Axel about the wing positions, and I could do with less space above. I would also eliminate the single "highlight" at right side of the image. Otherwise very neat with all that floating ice!

[Doug Brown]

I like the environmental and behavioral aspects of the image. The bird looks great too, but I would prefer a better wing position. Agree with Dan about the bright spot on the right and the framing.

[Ted Willcox]

Hi Danny
Great capture. Nice composition. Very sharp image. I like the water droplets comming off the fish. I also like the ice expressing the coldness of the scene.
Ted

[Danny J Brown]

I like the setting, sharpness, eye contact and the fish adds to it. I wish the wings were all the way up or down. What ISO were you at?

ISO 200. I'm like Harshad - I always go for 200 if I can keep my speed up. I think that is the first time I've ever forgotten to post my ISO.

[Danny J Brown]

Thanks for all of the instructive comments, my friends. The shot was a pretty significant crop - about 50% - but the 40D file held up pretty well, especially at ISO 200.

[Bonnie Block]

This is a wonderful image, Danny. Love the enviornmental and the lighting.
Very good for being a substantial crop!