From the Raptor shoot fundraiser this past weekend that our club (NWPLI) did for our local rehabbers. (Superbly organized by Joe S.) Great people, great birds. I thought that all the participants would come away with similar shots, but that was not really the case.
Sharp, well exposed, intense stare! I also like the direction of the stare. If you have more canvas, it might be interesting to try some cropping options. The left side seems a bit cramped, and I might consider a crop at the wing rood if you have it.
Certainly an intense stare Grace, and just love the sharp detail around the head and beak. Good show of the nostril, and would maybe add a bit of space on the right.
Nice portrait. Tight is fine for me on a head-and-shoulders style shot. Not sure about the ID though. It doesn't look right for a Rough-leg, but my limited experience with NA buteos precludes much else than a guess at Red-tailed.
Many thanks to everyone for looking and for your comments. I see where you think it is tight, but I printed this and with a complimentary mat I am satisfied with my comp. As these were captive birds wearing jesses, I spent my time with them making tight, detailed head shots , composing in camera, and choosing backgrounds that I thought matched them. Really not as easy as I had thought and I am looking forward to doing this again for chance at improvement. John, I'm not great on raptor id's either. I know for sure it was not a red-tailed and I think the rehabbers called it a rough legged. I will double check as I could be mistaken.