Skimmer skimming closeup

[Joerg Rockenberger]

Besides exposure these folks presented the challenge that they were either pretty far out or way too close. This image is slightly cropped for rotation. Photographed at the Upper Backbay in Newport Beach, CA. Thanks for looking. JR

Canon 40D, 400F5.6, 1/2000s, F7.1, ISO-400, Manual Exposure

[Kirk Benson]

Great capture John, well exposed, beautiful color and sharpness. I got a good image of one of these guys Sunday at Bolsa Chica, but not as close as yours with the 400. Very well done! I'll post mine in a couple of days after yours drops off the front page ;-)

[Jorge Escobedo]

Great shot. I like the sharpness and fantastic colors. Seems is watching you. Perhaps the bird is cut because was too close...

[Axel Hildebrandt]

I like the crop and behavior captured. Exposure looks good, too.

[Maxis Gamez]

Hi John,

Very nice. Excellent composition, eye contact and action. You have a winner here!

[Fabs Forns]

Sharp as tack and great separation of the eye from the mask, not easy to do on these birds.

[Doug Brown]

Stunning image John. Congrats!

[Joerg Rockenberger]

Thank you all for the kind feedback! Best, JR