NikonGear'23

Images => Nature, Flora, Fauna & Landscapes => Topic started by: Randy Stout on June 21, 2019, 20:56:26

Title: Loch Ness Loon
Post by: Randy Stout on June 21, 2019, 20:56:26

This common loon was imaged last week in northern Michigan.  He had a large sunfish that he had captured, and was trying to position it so that he could swallow it. This process went on for about ten minutes. He was eventually successful.

I thought he looked rather dragon like in this pose.

Nikon D4. 600VR. taken from my little boat.

Advice and comments always appreciated.

Cheers

Randy

Title: Re: Loch Ness Loon
Post by: Ann on June 21, 2019, 21:19:13

I always enjoy your wonderful photographs of these most elegant Loons!

Title: Re: Loch Ness Loon
Post by: Andrew on June 21, 2019, 21:49:33

So beautiful!

Title: Re: Loch Ness Loon
Post by: Fons Baerken on June 21, 2019, 22:28:04

Wonderful image.

Title: Re: Loch Ness Loon
Post by: Randy Stout on June 21, 2019, 23:03:41

Thanks everyone:

They are indeed elegant birds, with many interesting behaviors.

Cheers

Randy

Title: Re: Loch Ness Loon
Post by: bobfriedman on June 21, 2019, 23:32:14

nice shot with the tongue present and nice low angle.

Title: Re: Loch Ness Loon
Post by: Hugh_3170 on June 22, 2019, 05:43:13

Me too.  :)

Quote from: Ann on June 21, 2019, 21:19:13

I always enjoy your wonderful photographs of these most elegant Loons!

Title: Re: Loch Ness Loon
Post by: PeterN on June 22, 2019, 08:38:59

A beautiful capture of a beautiful pose (dragon-like indeed). Light in the eye and drops visible on the back. Wonderful.
A stupid question as a non-bird photographer. How did you manage to get the light in the eye?

Title: Re: Loch Ness Loon
Post by: Akira on June 22, 2019, 10:36:26

Randy, your very sparse posting proves your perseverance and high standard for the selection.  This is no exception.  Breathtaking.

Title: Re: Loch Ness Loon
Post by: Randy Stout on June 22, 2019, 12:09:52

Peter:

The catch light in the eye comes from the sun popping up over the trees.  I generally shoot with the sun to my back.  You sometimes will get a second catchlight from the sun reflecting off the water onto the eye as well.

If conditions are really dark, I will sometimes use fill flash at -2  or less, to give just a little pop to the eye and plumage.

Good question.

Randy

Title: Re: Loch Ness Loon
Post by: PeterN on June 22, 2019, 13:54:30

Quote from: Randy Stout on June 22, 2019, 12:09:52

Peter:

The catch light in the eye comes from the sun popping up over the trees.  I generally shoot with the sun to my back.  You sometimes will get a second catchlight from the sun reflecting off the water onto the eye as well.

If conditions are really dark, I will sometimes use fill flash at -2  or less, to give just a little pop to the eye and plumage.

Good question.

Randy

Thank you for clarifying!