Hunting Barn Owl

[Richard Pittam]

A late evening Barn Owl quartering over grassy marsh, at a site in Norfolk, England.

1D mk3 + 600f4 IS + 1.4x tele (840mm)
Levels adjustment.
NR to background only, no effects used.
1/250 sec @ f6.3
ISO 800
Subject distance 57 metres.
Cropped to 60% of original.

Comment welcomed.

[Peter Farrell]

The Owls body looks pretty good and i like the BG a lot. There is a touch more wing blur than i would like.
There is a dark spot along the front edge of the rear wing that I would remove. I like your composition.
Peter

[Richard Pittam]

Crikey, how did I miss that black bit!
Thanks
Richard

[pat lillich]

wow - it looks jeweled. wonderful photo - love the composition and background and the beautifully in focus head and torso.

[Desmond Chan]

I don't mind the blur. Sharp where it counts and the background looks great !

[Julie Kenward]

I agree with Peter AND Desmond...I would normally like to see a little less wing blur but, at the same time, I think the sharpness is where it needs to be and the wings blend so beautifully with the BG that I also like it as presented. I also like the touch of darker blue at the top of the frame - it really pushes my eye back down to the bird.