Arctic Skua (Parasitic Jeager) attack

[Krijn Trimbos]

When I went to Spitsbergen 2 years ago there were several breeding pairs present around the place I stayed. This one caught me by surprise, apparently we were to close to its nest and it started to fake attack us. My first initial reaction was to take photo's of this cool behavior, but when we understood what it was doing we went back to the car. Luckily I got this one

Comments and critique are welcome,

Canon EOS 30D 1/640 f8 Manual
ISO 400
Canon 100-400 L IS USM
Focal Length 170mm
RAW

[Fabs Forns]

Excellent bird and behavior, only improved if he had a head turn. Amazing as is , though. Thanks for respecting his territory :)

[John Chardine]

I really like the look of this image, especially the detail of the under-wing feathers. The colour scheme of subject and BG is very sympathetic. A very small point but I think the comp. would be improved if the mossy hump behind and to the left of the bird were further left. This would nicely balance the wing at top right.

[Manos Papadomanolakis]

I really like the angle,details and wing position,agree with Fabs for the head turn

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Great pose, details and habitat. Sounds like the right thing to do that you left the bird alone. I'm sure they can't leave the legs alone in this climate very long.

[Dan O'Leary]

Beautiful image. The underside of the wing is amazing. I do agree about the head turn.

[Gyorgy Szimuly]

This is a beautiful image. I love to see the habitat here. Nice and typical action captured.
Szimi