Incoming Spoonbill

[Mike Landwehr]

This image comes from aboard the Hooptie Deux with James two years ago. It was late afternoon, the sun had slipped down behind the mangroves, and our light was further limited by some clouds. I seldom pushed the ISO on my 1D Mark II N beyond 400, and rarely beyond 800, but there was no choice in this case but to go to 1600 or stop shooting. The image lacks some detail because of the NR, but I like the spoonbill's open bill and outstretched legs.

NR, expanded canvas to the left, removed OOF spoonbill in foreground, levels, s/h, curves, cropped, sized, sharpened, final round of NR!

Is the image a little dark on your monitor? Any C & C welcome.

1D Mark II N
500mm + 1.4x
ISO 1600
1/1000 @ f/5.6
Tripod, no flash

[Mikko Viljamaa]

Looks pretty darn good to me Mike. And with plenty of details too. Very nice work with high ISO...

Mikko

[Randy Stout]

Mike:

Good job under challenging conditions, with that camera.
It presents well at web size, well exposed, good pose, open beak.

I think it could go 1/4 to 1/3 brighter, but OK as is.

Handsome bird with nice markings.

Cheers

Randy

[Arthur Morris]

Love the pose and the soft light. Brightness looks fine here in Greece :)

[Matthew Studebaker]

I always love these landing spoonie shots because of the great colors and amazing poses - this one is no different. Well done!

[Alan Murphy]

Wouldn't change a thing. Great image.

[arash_hazeghi]

Excellent stretched landing pose and great exposure.