A perched NOHA taken close to sunset on a moderately overcast day. The local grasslands where I photograph these birds doesn't have many spots for them to perch (besides the ground), so as a consequence, I only have a handful of perched images from my years photographing here, so I was pleased to get this.
I love this shot, Alex! I haven't seen many shots of a harrier perched on a tree, so it's quite refreshing. The background tones complement the bird very nicely. The perch itself is really sweet. I'm sure the RAW is sharp, but I'd sharpen the image a bit more for presentation. TFS and looking forward to more of these harriers
Thanks both, much appreciated. Aditya, funny you say that, the RAW looks good but I had the same thought when I posted this image. I added a bit more sharpening (amount = 120 vs 100), so could still go a bit more. I also cloned out a bit of whitewash which was bothering me upon a second look and toned down the closest leg. Thanks again,
I really like the small in frame composition, the soft but slightly varied background, light on bird and perch.
Do agree about toning down the leg. I was ok with the original sharpening , but it is a bit crisper on the repost.
The repost is better IMO. Very nice soft colouring with what I presume are early pinkish spring shoots on the Cypress[?]. Very artistic frame withe the Harrier still dominating .
Sweet light against the dark BG, and a lovely small-in-frame comp. Yes, the park managers, in their wisdom, cut down most of the perching spots a few years ago. Good your harrier was able to find this one.
Neat to see the harrier on this conifer. Like the framing and that killer background. You should have entered it for the theme. I have only ever seen them perched on the ground up here.
This is lovely.
The repost and the toned down leg address the only issue I had with the OP.
The light and gunmetal gray BG are beautiful.
I like your crop but could also see a version with 2-3 % less on LHS and top.
A beautiful frame. Well done!
Gail
Man, I really had to look for that white-wash! Not that I absolutely needed to see it. Good OP, and the repost takes it up a notch. As mentioned, pretty neat to a harrier perched on a tree like this.
Repost looks better for sure, and I think this is a really nice frame on the whole. The intense stare is great, and the background really makes the small subject pop. Well done!