Maine Loons

[Fabs Forns]

The weather didn't treat us as well as it could have. I wanted so much the Loons on green calm water when the sun just peaked out of the pines, but it was not to be. Anyways, it was very exiting for us, since we had never seen them before. They are big birds and although cautious, not totally skittish. Especially when it came to coming up a dive close to the boat to check you out and asses your level or danger to the chick.
We did witness him run another Loon away in a big fight. Of course, too far for photographing, but it was most interesting. And the call is so loud it is amazing!
If you look at the techs, you'll realize we had nothing to spare

Model: Canon EOS-1D Mark IV
Lens (mm): 400
ISO: 1600
Aperture: 5.6
Shutter: 1/500

[Axel Hildebrandt]

I like the mood, composition and eye contact. The light does look tricky, I don't know if there is any way to get more details/iridescence in the head plumage.

[Fabs Forns]

I like the mood, composition and eye contact. The light does look tricky, I don't know if there is any way to get more details/iridescence in the head plumage.

I wish for the iridescence, but it was not to be on this one. I got a head portrait where it shows, but it was a different day. I have some images at ISO 4000 :o,so at least I was happy I could get 1/500 s/s on this one, we had to work at 1/250 sometimes and use a burst in the hope one would be sharp!

[Kaustubh Deshpande]

Fabs, loved the placement of the subjects. Inclusion of all that calm water has helped in capturing the mood.

[arash_hazeghi]

tough conditions and managed very well. love the low angle and sharp! :)

[Krijn Trimbos]

Hi Fabs,
I love it! Love the comp, the soft slightly warm light, the calm water, colours and chick. Details look great! Well done!

[Jory Griesman]

Well done, in what appear to be suboptimal conditions. Sharp, good low angle. Chick is a bonus, and perhaps makes up for the lack of head details that you mentioned.

[adrian dancy]

Excellent.....heads don't always shine but that in itself is not always a bad thing....this looks superb to me and the eye contact with both birds sends this up a notch.

[Randy Stout]

Fabs:

Nicely composed and exposed. Like the matching pose from the chick. The Maine loons appear to be a bit behind those in Mich, as this chick looks to be about 2 weeks old. Did you see any back riding? That usually stops by about 10 days of age, although occ. and older juvi will try to clamber on to the adult. The adults are usually not amused:)

Getting the green in the neck to show is a challenge, and usually requires direct frontal lighting. Side lighting tends to make the neck go black.

Thanks for sharing.

Randy

[Fabs Forns]

Fabs:

Nicely composed and exposed. Like the matching pose from the chick. The Maine loons appear to be a bit behind those in Mich, as this chick looks to be about 2 weeks old. Did you see any back riding? That usually stops by about 10 days of age, although occ. and older juvi will try to clamber on to the adult. The adults are usually not amused:)

Getting the green in the neck to show is a challenge, and usually requires direct frontal lighting. Side lighting tends to make the neck go black.

Thanks for sharing.

Randy

Thanks to all!
Randy, this chick hatched on July 11th as reported to me. He/she did get a back ride, but in silver, cresty water, will post sometime, but not really thrilled about how it looks. I got feeding too, with a silver lining :)
After a bit of back riding, mother got tired. He/she tried climbing again, but not allowed, it was soooo cute!
Will PM tomorrow, just got home from school. This pair has been nesting in this particular place for three years now.

[Sid Garige]

Excellent job considering tough shooting conditions Fabs.

[Kiran Poonacha]

WOW fabs, I am in love with this bird.. its beautiful.. you have done greatly well in the conditions.. the chick adds to the beauty here...

[Bonnie Block]

Yes Fabs, I am in love with this image as well. The bg is so wonderful, pose and chick perfect. I do not miss the iridescence here at all. Great work.:cool:

[James Salywoda]

This is fantastic Fabs I love the position of the chick to the Adult and the low angle of capture are outstanding also that Bg is gorgeous I love the split colors. Great Stuff!!!!

[Mike Lentz]

Not too shabby, Fabs! I'm glad you got to finally photograph these majestic birds.
Its definitely a challange trying to keep from blowing the whites, while retaining details in the blacks.

[Duane Angles]

Great shot Fabs, we don't see them in breeding colors when they are in Oklahoma in the fall and winter.