Arctic Skua

Nice, David. The texture really only shows up in the near wing and the eyes in the larger version draw me in enough that it's not important. Great head turn.

Very unique pose. The larger image is very sharp and has tons of detail. Great wingspread, background and techs. I particularly like the angle and dof.

While I like the skua looking at you, I would also like to see a little more profile. But that's a very minor nit.

I love the flight posture of the skua David and I'm especially fond of the layered background. Sharpness, where it matters, looks pretty good to me. Another fine image from your Iceland trip.

Cool shot David, I like the eye contact here and the wing pose

David, this is one very cool flight shot. I really like the pse and the smaller version does not do it justice. The large version is WAY better and think this would make a great large print.

A dynamic action, the eyes have a sharp look towards you. Beatiful BG.
I agree with Ron about sharpness.

I can see why it's a favorite, David - pretty much a perfect pose of the bird. The straight on looking at you eye contact is particularly nice as well as the pleasing shapes of the wing positons. From strictly a compositional standpoint, my only suggestion is that, if it's there in the original frame, I would consider bringing back more lead-in space on the right and maybe an equal amount top and bottom to keep the same aspect ratio. Excellent work!

David

I can see why this would be a favorite, I absolutely adore the background layers & colors. I like the flight pose, the way the bird has it's head turned towards you and the soft, even lighting.

Wonderful as posted.

I would be thrilled to ave this in my files. I love the soft colors and the eye contact.

Thanks for the comments.
Bill suggested adding space to the right and top and bottom. That appeals to me, but I don't have additional image on the right or bottom. An in-flight shooting miracle occurred and the head of the bird is almost centered in the frame with no body parts missing.

We'd say Parasitic Jaeger up here, but a very nice shot; the head turn really makes the photo. The western birds are much grayer, not at all brown. Interesting color difference.

I'd be happy just to see one, let alone get a great shot like this. The large version is very impressive!!!

Excellent!

Jim wrote:
"The western birds are much grayer, not at all brown. Interesting color difference."
Jim: I saw and photographed both phases in Iceland. The color differences are dramatic.
Dave

Another great flight shot David - particular like the head turn

cheers
Rob

Boy would I be proud of this one. It's great especially that he listened to you asking to turn his head LOL. Seriously love the awesome bg too.

This works very well for me, the large version is stunning