Great Cormorans at dusk

[Bruno Schroder]

Every year, I participate in the Belgian national and European counting of the Great Cormoran. It is done at dusk when the birds gather at the dormitory. I like the graphical lines of the cormorans and did try a few shots despite the lack of light. Everything handheld with the 500mm PF and at 16000ISO. I did a generic BW conversion. Comments, critiques, preferences and editing advices welcome.

Thanks.

D500 500/5.6 PF all, handheld at 16000ISO.

[pluton]

I like them all, but the second one best because of the bird's pose.  Lovely, heavy 'gray day' feeling, increased by the silhouette rendering of both the branches and the bird(s). Are these all close to full frame, or cropped?

[Bruno Schroder]

Thank you, Keith. I prefer the second one too. 1 and 2 are uncropped. 3 and 4 are slightly cropped to eliminate unwanted bits of branches on the external of the frame. The birds were closer but through branches. A good example of what can be done handheld with the new 500mm PF.

[Akira]

Your concept is fantastic, Bruno!  For me, it is hard to choose #1 or #2 as my favorite, and the other two are no inferior.

[Bruno Schroder]

Thank you, Akira

[FredCrowBear]

All are great - 1 and 2 are my favorites.  Very strong compositional elements, making maximum use of low light and high ISO.  Well seen and well executed. 

[Bruno Schroder]

Thank you, Fred.

[Jakov Minić]

Bruno, i concur with the 2nd image.
I see you are enjoying the 500PF

[Bruno Schroder]

I definitely enjoy it. My best lens purchase.