I just got back from a week long marathon trip to some great Eastern US birding/photography locations. Weather wasn't the best (very cool) but I did manage quite a few improvement images.
This Horned Grebe was actively feeding at Huntington Beach State Park one evening. The light wasn't the best but I love the result. I am really starting to love the D700 and 500mm combination.
Thanks for viewing
That reflection is amazingly sharp. I really like the wet look and the soft light makes for a very smooth image. You get a sense of the cold whether you spoke of. Exposure looks spot on.
I love this one. The reflection is nice and a lower shooting angle may not have provided it. The sharp colorful eye is great. A couple of dust spots in BG. Nice work!:)