Merlin

[AlvanBuckley]

Shot in Prince Edward County, Ontario this month.
The bird was at the top of the tree so I had to settle with this angle from below.

ISO 200
0 ev
f/5.6
SS 1/640
Nikon D300s + VR 80-400 @ 400mm
no flash

What do you think of the branches helping frame the bird in the photograph?
Also, not 100% sure this is a Merlin. Raptors aren't my strong point!

C&C always appreciated!
thanks in advance :)
-Alvan Buckley

[Ivan Sjögren]

First of all it's a Merlin :)
I like the pose and light on the face. The crop works very well and the branches add alot. I would like to get closer to the bird also I would lighten up the dark parts of the bird, thats in the shadow.
TFS!

[Daniel Cadieux]

Yes, Merlin it is (female, or juvenile). The framing from the branches works very well indeed. The light angle isn't ideal though and this has put most of one side of the bird into shadow. Thankfully the head is turned in a way to have it splashed by the light, but still not enough for the rest of the body. I also find the sky a bit too strong in its color...I'd reduce the saturation on the blues and cyan channels to make it less electric.

Congrats on your new website, I just checked it out. I see you were at Shirley's Bay recently - are you based in Ottawa?

[Jim Neiger]

I agree with Daniel's comments. It would have been good to move to your left if possible.

[Robert O'Toole]

Agree with the previous critiques, I would like to see the bird more full frame but with this size, the crop is good as is. the sky really needs some work to reduce the blue saturation.

Robert

[Arthur Morris]

Smart folks above; the light angle is problematic and the sky too electric blue. Reducing the SAT and lightening the sky is a start. You could also try subtracting BLACK from the BLUE in Selective Color to tone it down a bit.