Pied Billed Grebe in sweet Morning light

[Amol Khedgikar]

On my morning stroll on the weekend I saw this bird near the bank in
thick shadows away from the sweet morning light. I stalked closer and got into position and released my dog. he went and flushed this bird right next to me in the sunlight. It was startled and turned away just then the wind blew up the feathers. 7D got to work @ 8FPS . I got many keepers in that series. But I thought is one is a little different from the usual (Just because of the feathers in the air).

7D, 100-400, 1/640, 5.6, ISO 800, Cropped for comp.

C & C Welcome and appreciated as always.

[Dave Leroy]

I am not so sure about the dog. I know they are used for hunting but it seems a little rough around the edges for photography. You are right about the nice soft morning light. Composition looks good and just wish for a tiny bit more head turn.

[Amol Khedgikar]

Hi Dave,

Thanks for the input.I did get one with a better HAbut I posted this for the riffled feathers.

I understand your concern. But My dog is not a hunting dog. He comes with me on all my trips. this was a morning walk with the camera being a weekend. I used the word flush but he really just sniffs at the bank (we have a lot of Nutria). Its like a ritual (he had not seen the bird but the bird saw it and moved into the light). I knew the ritual and just thought of seeing if it worked for the shot. ( when I go back and read my description I can see now what impression it gives).

[gail bisson]

Very nice image. I really like the light and the lifted feather. Nice smooth water as well. Great low POV. I would do some noise reduction on the BG.
Gail

[Amol Khedgikar]

Thank you Gail

[Frank Schauf]

Nice deep shooting position and great eye contact.

[Amol Khedgikar]

Thank you Frank