Tree Swallows Mating

[mohibahmad]

I recently visited Northwestern Ohio for a few days for the Biggest Week in Birding. Apart from warblers, there are so many other great species to photograph in the area. This shot of tree swallows mating is from Ottawa NWR in the late evening light.

I used a Canon 7D and Canon 400mm 5.6L with a 1.4X teleconverter on a tripod for this image.

About 50% crop, sharpening, NR, and some masking edits in Lightroom.

Comments and critique welcome. I would have definitely preferred a different perch. I'm especially interested in knowing if others would have chose a faster shutter speed to freeze the motion. Also suggestions on the crop/PP.

Thanks for looking,
Mohib

[arash_hazeghi]

I like the action, wing blur is quite nice but both heads look soft as a result of motion blur so shutter speed needs to be faster. I wish the birds were not angled away from us.

[Alan Murphy]

Nice BG and exposure control. Wish you had taken a few steps to your right and a faster shutter for me too.

[mohibahmad]

Arash - Thanks so much for your comment. Points wells taken.
Alan - Your pictures are a treat to look at. I visit your site regularly to see how you've photographed different species. I really appreciate you commenting here.

Mohib