D90; 80-400 VR 2 400mm. ISO 500. f/7.1 @ 1/1600s. Matrix metering @ -1.0 EV. HH. 45% crop. Removed multiple water droplets from heads of both birds.
I posted another version of this on Avian yesterday. That had more interesting wing, head and fish positions, but this one (a split-second later) has better focus and sharpness, less motion blur; and I like the 2nd bird's open beak and the way his head is framed by his wing. Every time one bird came up with a fish, several others would scurry after him to try to steal his breakfast. This guy managed to hold on to his catch. C&C appreciated as always.
Great action, like both bird positions, exposure nailed and sharp !!! If anything would like seeing more room behind the birds and would take a little of the top to accentuate forward motion and having the birds bigger in frame !!!
.. btw these birds seem to exert more energy chasing each other around than what is worth food wise .. fun to watch !!!
Hi Bill - action is priceless - love the sharp eyes, lovely detail and exposure looks good - id crop some from the top for more of a pano feel - will also accentuate the forward motion.
Good show :)
Thank you Alfred and Lance. I should have thought to crop to pano. Just doing a simulated crop with the scroll wheel shows how much it improves the image. Appreciate the comments.
Common Mergansers with fish
