Really like this one Kurt. Lovely detail, colours, BG and the reflection is perfect. Been looking at the A1/200-600 combo myself. Would love to be able to photograph these birds...our Spoonbills here are all white, with black bills. TFS
Hi Kurt, I really like the framing of the subject, having the reflection and also the tip of the bill just in the water for me, just works. Being slightly angled to camera has also helped, but sadly overall, either the images was slightly under exposed or the PP is off and if you have used Lr and kept to the standard profile added Contrast & Clarity then LR has bitten back as it does. However, I'm guessing as you haven't added anything additional info in the intro.
The BKG currently is sooty, grainy and to me highlights the above comments, but the image shot at ISO 800 should be super clean, no need for any NR what so ever, pin sharp with awesome detail. The whole image needs opening up, get those super, vibrant colours to really ping and let the detail come out with and adding more USM too. 1/5000 seems a bit excessive, 1/3200 should be good, but as I said, at 800 the file should be outstanding and with a revisit and some simple changes unless under exposed you should have something really good to hang on a wall.
Just my take based on the above, but there is a limit to what you can do as a RP with 256 colours and second guessing in terms of light. If you want a bit more warm fine, easy, but at least you can see a lot more overall.
TFS
Steve
Post Production: It’s ALL about what you do with the tools and not, which brand of tool you use.
I first saw the noise as well, so Steve's repost really does improve things. Nice low angle and neat reflection. I love the waves reflecting back onto the spoonbill's body. Good light too!
Nice work Kurt....I really like the position of the bill as it hits the water....The reflection adds....Love the POV and the colours throughout....Steve's repost does give the image an extra boost....