The Trumpet in the Orchestra of Evolution

[Bill Dix]

Sandhill Crane from Harns Marsh, SW Florida, in January. My first close encounter with these magnificent birds.

D7000, 500f4 + 1.4, ISO 640, 1/1000 @ f/7.1, +0.3EV, tripod

When we hear his call we hear no mere bird. We hear the trumpet in the orchestra of evolution. He is the symbol of our untamable past, of that incredible sweep of millennia which underlies and conditions the daily affairs of birds and men. Aldo Leopold

[Sachin Saraf]

Bill I really liked the calling pose..Image is sharp and you managed to avoid harsh shadows on bird nicely...I would add slight contrast and sharpness to the image as IQ looks excellent.

I could not stop my self so gave it a quick try by adding slight sharpening, contrast and curve adjustment.

[Bill Dix]

Thanks Sachin. The repost is a big improvement. As you noticed, the mid-afternoon light was less than friendly, but you take what you can get.

[Kaustubh Deshpande]

Bill, you clicked at the right time. Loved the walking&calling pose. well composed and exposed. liked this shot a lot.

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Bill, good timing to capture the open beak, and I do like the leaning pose. I really like your layered BG, and the colours, and if anything, I would add a touch to the bottom if you have.

[Robert Holguin]

Very nice shot. Love the pose, especially with the open beak. I like the bg and fg, and very nice detail.
Well done.

[Bill Dix]

Thank you all for the comments. Yes, Stuart, I wish I had a tad more at the bottom.