Hey! No hitch hikers!

[Randy Stout]

This juvi common loon was imaged in northern Michigan last weekend. I had floated around with a pair of juvis for about two hours. The light was fading fast, but I had had some success with a bit of fill flash before, and used it here.

This particular bird had been having a running feud with the mayflys which kept landing on him. Sometimes on bill, head or back. I thought this image a bit ironic because of what juvi loons do with their parents when very young, back ride!

An alternative title might be: Do you think you are a loon, or what!

Nikon D300 500mm f/4 at f/7.1 1/250s ISO 640 Manual exposure SB800 -1.0 EV, pedestal mounted in my little boat, Looney Too.

Post:

CS4 PS, with selective sharpening, noise reduction on background, slight crop for comp.

Advice always appreciated.

Cheers

Randy

[Ofer Levy]

I like this!! My first reaction was it's a bit tight in the frame but then realized you won't be able to see the mayflys with the bird smaller in the frame.

[Chris Kotze]

Super angle, sharp and great details. Great title:), well captured

[christopher galeski]

very nice,plenty of detail,nice color in the water,and the mayfly make this shot magic.thanks.

[Michael Zajac]

I love the colors in this image.Good exposure and sharpness a little to tight in the frame for my taste.

[Alan Melle]

Great catch for a humorous image! The Damsel fly on it's tail makes the image.

[Jim Neiger]

Cool shot, Randy. I like the bg colors and pose. The Damsel Fly adds a lot of interest.

[Arthur Morris]

Killer sharpness and mayfly. EXP and flash are perfect. I am up in the air as to head angle' would it look a bit better with the head turned a fraction more towards us?

[denise ippolito]

Beautiful image Randy. Everything came together nicely for this one. The DF is a very nice bonus!!

[Arthur Morris]

Beautiful image Randy. Everything came together nicely for this one. The DF is a very nice bonus!!

I think that Denise may be correct: is that a damsel fly rather than a mayfly???

[Randy Stout]

Thanks everyone for the advice and comments.
Artie, it may well be a damsel fly. I think the head angle is effective in the context of loon looking at the damsel fly. Plus, I am not sure his neck will swivel anymore. :)

I have about two dozen images over a ten minute interval that show some of the encounters between these two. When I have time I will post another one.

Once again, thanks!

Randy

[Steve Maxson]

This is a beauty, Randy! Excellent light, sharpness and detail. For me, the head angle fits perfectly with your title - and, yes, the insect is unquestionably a damselfly. :) Very well done.

[Arthur Morris]

Thanks everyone for the advice and comments.
Artie, it may well be a damsel fly. I think the head angle is effective in the context of loon looking at the damsel fly. Plus, I am not sure his neck will swivel anymore. :)

I have about two dozen images over a ten minute interval that show some of the encounters between these two. When I have time I will post another one.

Once again, thanks!

Randy

Mayflies have a totally different shape. I was looking for the head to be turned not quite as much, perhaps one or two degrees less. Maybe. :)

[Stu Bowie]

Randy, I like the lookback pose, sharp with a good comp. The damselfly hitching at the back puts this over the top. I also like the texture of the water too.

[Nancy A Elwood]

Randy the interaction caught is really great!! Exposure and composition spot on with me.

[Nico Steenberg]

Great sharp detail, shooting angle and IQ. Like the eye contact and reflection. Subject is well exposed with good natural colours against a killer bg. Well done !

[Doug Brown]

Super image Randy! Gorgeous water, a nice pose, and of course that damsel fly.

[DustinFinn]

This is awesome - what great colors and excellent capture from end to end to grab the fly and the head all in sharp detail...