Northern Harrier

[Danny J Brown]

A female northern harrier in final hover, moments before a vole meets its maker. Shot on a snowy day before work at August Busch Memorial Conservation Area (my workplace).

This is a "painterly image" so it would like a break regarding noise and resolution.:o One must appreciate its vintage look. Other issues include the loss of the bill in the wing and a few overdone higlights....but when are my highlights not overdone? Overall, I felt the image has some impact, but I'm rather vintage as well.;)

Canon 40D; Canon 500/4 + 1.4 TC; 1/1000; f/5.6; ISO 400; Gitzo GT3530LS/Wimberley II.

[Fabs Forns]

Impact it has. The weed touching the tail is distracting. I like the snow and soft colors of the BG. Not crazy about the left wing, but in general, a pleasing image. I may crop some off the bottom, even if it means loosing some of the weeds. Light on the bird is very nice.

[Danny J Brown]

Thanks, Fabiola! It makes my day when I hear from you.

P.S. I agree with all of your comments, especially the one about too much on bottom. The bird seems really high in the air even though she is about to hit the ground.

[James Salywoda]

I really like the feel to this Danny excellent hunting pose and composition well done.

[Judy Lynn Malloch]

Magnificent pose and I love the wintery feel of this image. Excellent detail Danny and the BG is beautiful. The touches of grasses add to the beauty of this composition. Love it.

[Eric Diller]

Awesome pose! Personally like the photo as is...need to see a little habitat! ;) Eye contact looks intense.

Harriers are awesome raptors...love the way the hunt!

[Bill Jobes]

Excellent interpretation, Danny !

Harriers are among my favorite raptors.

I agree with your assessments, and also wonder if the body feathers have too much of a red tint, as opposed to brown.

Overall, I love the wintry feeling and the sense of drama.

[Danny J Brown]

Hi Bill:

I'm red/green color blind so I don't see the tint.....but I trust you!:) I'll have to ask my wife to double check these things for me once in awhile for me. The image was shot early in the morning so it might have picked up some orange light from the sun. I'm glad you liked it.

DB

[Steve Canuel]

Nothing wrong with painterly in my book. I like the colors and feel.

[Tom Redd]

I really like this photo, the snow adds to the feel, well done.

[Kiran Poonacha]

Great feel to the image, nice pose, the sticks and snowfall make this rock... well done..

[arash_hazeghi]

These are tough conditions and you did well, snow adds more!

[Hendri Venter]

The hunting pose makes this for me and I also like the soft colours and snow. Well done Danny.

[Danny J Brown]

Thanks everybody for the nice comments and thoughtful insight.

DB

[Chris van Rooyen]

Fantastic atmosphere Danny! Only thing I would change is the stem touching the tail, but certainly a winner gfor me